Living with Kidney Disease: Dining at Mexican Restaurants

Mexican cuisine, with its bold flavours and diverse ingredients, can present both challenges and opportunities for those managing kidney disease. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for enjoying Mexican food while keeping kidney health in mind while living with chronic kidney disease.

Understanding Your Dietary Needs Living With Kidney Disease

Before diving into the world of Mexican cuisine, it’s crucial to understand your own dietary restrictions associated with kidney disease. For example are you focusing on reducing sodium and protein? Or perhaps potassium and phosphorus may also be considerations for you. This helps to identify key items to consider on the menu.

Navigating The Menu

When dining at a Mexican restaurant, take the time to carefully review the menu and identify dishes that align with your dietary needs. Look for options that are lower in sodium, such as grilled meats and vegetables, and avoid dishes that are heavily seasoned or prepared with sauces high in sodium.

Opt for dishes that are served with fresh salsa or pico de gallo, as these condiments are typically low in sodium and can add flavour without adding extra salt. Look for lower sodium side dish alternatives like steamed vegetables or a side salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Customize Your Order

Don’t be afraid to ask your server for modifications to accommodate your dietary restrictions. Most restaurants are willing to accommodate special requests, such as steaming vegetables instead of sautéing them or serving sauces on the side. Requesting your meal to be prepared without added salt can also help reduce your sodium intake.

When ordering protein, opt for grilled or baked options over fried or breaded varieties, as they tend to be lower in sodium and phosphorus. Additionally, consider portion sizes and aim to have a balanced meal that includes lean protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates from whole grains or vegetables.

Foods to Choose at Mexican Restaurants Living With Kidney Disease

Here are some of my favourite tips and tricks when eating at Mexican restaurants.

Foods to choose:

• Order a la carte or selected entrees so that you can focus on a balanced plate (e.g. aim to include vegetables, carbohydrates and plant-based proteins)
• Tacos made with homemade taco shells will be lower in sodium and phosphorus

Foods to be aware of:

• Put down the chips and salsa that might be at the table when you first sit down. Save the sodium and potassium for your meal.
• Skip the queso, choose guacamole instead
• If needed, look for lower potassium swaps if needed like lettuce instead of spinach, reduce the amount of tomatoes

At Chipotle here is my favourite kidney-friendly choice: cilantro-lime brown rice, black or pinto beans, sour cream (light), Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa, Fresh Tomato Salsa (light), as many vegetables as possible! Check out the nutrition calculator to calculate your choices.

Living with Chronic Kidney Disease

Eating out at a Mexican restaurant can be a flavourful and enjoyable experience, even for individuals managing kidney disease. By understanding your dietary restrictions, navigating the menu thoughtfully, and customizing your order, you can savour the vibrant flavours of Mexican cuisine while prioritizing your kidney health. With these tips in mind, you can confidently embark on your culinary adventures while maintaining optimal kidney function for living with chronic kidney disease. For more tips and tricks on eating out, check out the Kidney Nutrition Fast Track.