Kidney Diet Tips

Summer Cookout Recipes for a Kidney Diet

iStock_000016880339XSmallLabor DayThe end of summer is approaching, and August  and September weekends are best times to stay out of the kitchen and plan a few last summer cookouts. One great way to stick to your kidney diet and still enjoy a backyard cookout is to host it at your house. While some cookout side dishes can be pitfalls for the dialysis diet, if you serve a variety of healthy foods that you can enjoy, as well as take your phosphorus binders, you can have a great time eating and mingling with friends and family. You’ll find a delicious array of kidney-friendly grill recipes on DaVita.com. From burgers and seafood to chicken and beef, there are a number of creative recipes using all sorts of flavorings to perk up your party. For side dishes, check out appetizers and snacks and no cook recipe selections. If you can’t imagine a cookout without potato salad, you can try the kidney diet recipe for Picnic Potato Salad, a lower potassium potato version of this popular recipe.

Let your guests know what dishes you’ll be serving and invite them to bring other items. For close family and friends, if you’re comfortable doing so, tell them you’ll be serving kidney diet approved foods and if they would like to support your menu, let them know they can find kidney-friendly recipes at DaVita.com.  Think about including a summer cookout celebration for the upcoming Labor Day. Check out last year’s Labor Day Kidney Diet Tips for Kidney Patients to Stay on Track.

Additional Kidney Diet Resources

Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:

DaVita Food Analyzer

DaVita Dining Out Guides

Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks

DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes

Diet and Nutrition Articles                                                      

Diet and Nutrition Videos

Kidney Smart® Virtual Classes

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES

Sara is a renal dietitian with over 30 years experience working with people with diabetes and kidney disease. She is co-author of the popular kidney cookbook "Cooking for David: A Culinary Dialysis Cookbook". Sara is the Manager of Kidney Care Nutrition for DaVita. She analyzes recipes and creates content, resources and tools for the kidney community. In her spare time Sara loves to spend time with her young grandson, including fun times together in her kitchen.