Here in the US, we are about to enjoy our annual Thanksgiving celebrations. A big part of this holiday is the food. We often think about binging on this meal but it is not a good idea for those of us with kidney disease. Here's a few suggestions especially for those who have some of the same issues I do.
Salt can be problematic for many with kidney disease. I do not have snacks in the house like pretzels and chips. I do not cook with salt or very little when needed for the chemical reaction. I never use salt substitutes. Instead I use a lot of herbs which I grow myself. My local grocery store also carries fresh herbs which I use if I do not have them. I also use a lot of garlic and onions for flavor.
Since sugar is a problem for me and my husband, I have been experimenting with alternative sweeteners. But you have to be careful because they have a lot of additives which are not good for the kidney. goop.com/wellness/health/th... I have been using just straight stevia which is from a plant. I actually grow my own. There are some products out there (Truiva) which say they are stevia but it is not the main ingredient. I like "Sweet Leaf" which has inulin in it which is a good additive. I make my apple pie with some stevia and Sweet Leaf in it. I do not like a real sweet pie and this adds just enough to cut the tartness of the apples.I also have been trying Agave. allaboutagave.com/ There are some concerns about this product which is a syrup like honey but with a lower glycemic level. I have only used it in small doses so far. I made my cranberry relish with this and some stevia. We will see how it turns out.
I am leaching my squash and double boiling my white potatoes. I would normally not even eat potatoes but my family wants them. So I will compromise. I used to LOVE my mash potatoes. I usually add sour creme and lots of butter. This year, I am going to add some "Laughing Cow" creme cheese for flavor and thickening. Very low in calorie as one wedge is only 30 calories. But... I will still add butter so its a wash. I only cook with real butter, never, ever margarine.
Turkey is high in purine. For me, uric acid is an issue so I have to watch foods with purine. Cauliflower is also high in purine but I do eat that. Turkey (173g) has 35 grams of protein ( also something I restrict) 457 of potassium, and 306 of phosphorous. These are things I monitor closely. I keep my potassium under 2000 daily. nutritiondata.self.com/fact...
This one meal pushes the limits on all the things I monitor and restrict. There is a possible 3000 calories in one sitting and then add another 1000 to 1500 for nibbles, snacks and of course the famous midnight turkey sandwich. caloriecontrol.org/stuff-th...
But it is a celebration. I am not saying by any means to not enjoy ourselves. I am going to truly enjoy this meal that I have been working on for over a week. But I am also grateful for the knowledge of what I am eating and will take that into consideration.
So tomorrow, when I finally finish making the gravy and sit down with my family, I will give thanks for the opportunity to still be able to cook, which I love, and to see the joy on my family's faces as we over indulge a bit.
To this Community: Thank you all for your sage (pun intended) advice, and I am grateful for your friendship and being fellow travelers in this journey.
Jane
Have you checked out the DaVita Holiday Feast Downloadable Cookbook?
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