Dining Out With CKD: fast foods that are okay for kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects the proper functioning of your kidneys. When you have CKD, your kidneys are not able to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood as effectively as they should. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in your body and a host of health problems. Let’s take a look at fast foods that are ok for kidney disease.

Nutrition is one way to help manage the build up of toxins in the body which lead to disease progression. One challenge you may face with CKD is dining out. Eating out can be tricky when you have CKD, but with the right strategies and guidelines, you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your health.

What To Consider When Dining Out Or Eating Fast Foods For Kidney Disease

Dining out with CKD can be challenging, but it is possible with the right strategies and guidelines. By planning ahead, communicating with your server, monitoring your portions, and making healthy food choices, you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your health. Remember to stay hydrated and monitor your blood pressure, and enjoy your dining experience. Here are some guidelines for eating out with CKD.

Plan Ahead

Before you go out to eat, research the restaurant’s menu and nutritional information. Choose the right restaurant: Look for restaurants that offer healthy options such as fresh salads, grilled chicken or fish, and steamed vegetables. Avoid restaurants that are known for high-sodium, high-fat, and processed foods often these are fast foods or buffet restaurants that are not able to customize foods. Choose fresh foods instead of processed foods; these foods will be lower in phosphorus and sodium. Look for ingredients that you may need to limit if you are on potassium restriction. Check the nutrition information for sodium and aim for around 700 mg for your meal.

Talk To Your Server

Let your server know about your dietary restrictions and ask for recommendations for low-sodium or heart healthy options.  Heart healthy options on the menu are often kidney friendly because they are lower in salt. But most restaurants are willing to accommodate special requests, so don’t be afraid to speak up.

Portion Control

Be mindful of portion sizes. Restaurants often serve larger portions than what you would eat at home, which can lead to overeating and consuming too much sodium or protein. Consider sharing a meal with a friend or taking leftovers home.

Be On The Lookout For Salt

Foods that are high in sodium can cause fluid retention, which can be harmful to your kidneys. Avoid processed foods, fast food, and high-sodium condiments such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and salad dressings.

Here Are Some Fast Foods For Kidney Disease?

Here are some of my favourite meals fast food and kidney disease.

Subway:

• 6 Inch tuna or veggie patty sub on Italian

• Choose these sauces: mayo, sweet onion, chipotle southwest, garlic aoli, house sandwich sauce, smokey honey mustard as all others are high sodium
• Choose these cheese: cheddar, Swiss as all others are higher sodium
• Limit these toppings: avocado, pickles, olives

Chipotle:

• Burrito Bowl with cilantro-lime brown rice, black or pinto beans, sour cream (light), tomatillo-green chilli salsa, and  as many vegetables as possible

Freshii

• Salads like Metaboost, Fiesta, Market or Kale Caesar or Umami

Tim Hortons:

• Bagel: Plain or Cinnamon Raisin
• Breakfast: English Muffin with Egg and Cheese, Homestyle Biscuit Sandwich Simply Sausage (no hash brown), English Muffin Sandwich Simply Harvest (no hash brown), Yogurt Parfait,
• Lunch: Garden Minestrone or Broccoli Soup (regular), Caprese Sandwich, Classic Chicken Wrap

Looking To Feel More Confident In Your Kidney Nutrition?

If you’re looking to feel empowered and supported with your nutrition needs, working with a dietitian can help you gain confidence and understand your kidney-friendly diet to meet your nutrition needs. A Mediterranean Diet is one way to help preserve your kidney function. And this diet is reviewed in my group program The Kidney Connection to help you preserve your kidney function. If you’re looking for support with your nutrition and CKD, the doors are open and your spot is saved. 

Want to learn more about Emily? Learn more here.