With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s a time to gather with family, share meals, and enjoy togetherness. Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the festivities or your favorite traditions. With a few adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving that’s both satisfying and kidney-friendly. Let’s take a look at some kidney-friendly thanksgiving recipes.
Things to consider with kidney-friendly thanksgiving recipes
Holiday meals are often full of rich, salty, and high-potassium foods that may not be ideal for kidney health. But planning ahead for kidney-friendly Thanksgiving recipes can help you stay on track:
- Watch sodium levels: Traditional dishes like stuffing, gravy, and casseroles may be high in sodium. Fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, or salt-free seasoning blends can be used to enhance flavor without the extra salt.
- Control potassium and phosphorus: Sweet potatoes, nuts, chocolate, and dairy-rich dishes can be high in phosphorus or potassium. Lower-potassium vegetables and low dairy, or dairy free options may be a better choice for you.
- Mind your portions: Be sure to eat slowly, enjoy a bit of everything you can safely have, and listen to your body.
- Plan ahead: Offer to bring a dish you know you can enjoy! This ensures there’s at least one option on the table that fits your needs.
Foods to add to your kidney-friendly Thanksgiving recipes
Incorporating fresh produce doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, adding colorful fruits and vegetables can brighten the table and your plate. Here are a few ways to incorporate more into your holiday meal:
- Roasted vegetables: Roast carrots, green beans, cauliflower, and/ or zucchini with olive oil, rosemary, and thyme for the perfect kidney-friendly Thanksgiving recipe for a low-potassium side. For more inseason vegetable ideas check this resource out.
- Cranberry-apple relish: A fresh cranberry relish with apples and a splash of orange juice offers a sweet, tangy twist that’s lower in sodium than traditional gravies.
- Fruit salad: Combine apples, grapes, blueberries, and pears with a drizzle of honey and cinnamon.
- Stuffed bell peppers: Use a rice or quinoa filling with chopped vegetables and herbs for a satisfying and festive side dish.
You don’t have to give up your favourite family recipes, just modify them to be kidney-friendly by reducing salt, swapping high-potassium ingredients, or using fresh herbs and low-sodium alternatives. For example:
Herb-Roasted Turkey
- Reduce the amount of salt used in your favorite turkey recipe by relying on aromatics and spices! For example olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest and black pepper. Roast until golden and juicy.
Mashed Cauliflower
- A lower-potassium alternative to mashed potatoes. Blend cooked cauliflower with a splash of milk or milk alternative and a bit of olive oil for a creamy, flavorful dish. Optionally, top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan
Lower-Sodium Stuffing
- Use unsalted broth and cubed white bread or cornbread, with your vegetables of choice. Up the flavour with fresh herbs and bake until golden.
Dessert
The dessert table can be tricky with CKD, many holiday treats include nuts, chocolate, or dairy, which can be high in phosphorus. But you don’t need to skip dessert entirely. Try this blueberry peach crumble.
Planning a kidney-friendly Thanksgiving recipe
Thanksgiving is about more than just the food, it’s about celebrating what we have. With a little creativity and planning, you can sit at the table with confidence, enjoy a delicious plate, and feel good about nourishing your body.
Whether you’re cooking at home or joining loved ones, you deserve to enjoy a holiday meal that supports your health. Happy Thanksgiving!
This article was written by Rachel Lo, Nutrition Student Volunteer.
This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.