Veggie Burger Question

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi everybody! Before I ask my question, I just want to thank KidneyCoach once again, for sparking my interest in researching some things online, which then led me to look into a few issues that I’ve been dealing with recently regarding fluid retention. It seems I need to readjust my diet once again, as I believe my issue may be being caused by too much protein consumption (and quite possibly, too much exercise). My question is, can anyone here offer any suggestions regarding brands of veggie burgers that are also low in sodium? I need to steer away from the eggs, chicken and pork that I’ve been enjoying lately, and focus more on veggies only for awhile, yet I know that pre-made foods may contain high sodium levels which I also need to steer clear of. (Oh goody!) Lol! 🙄 Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! 😊👍

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

I would suggest you find some good recipes to make your own. That way you know what is in the burgers. Here is a link on the best and worst veggie burgers on the market eatthis.com/veggie-burgers/

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Thanks for the link to best Veggie Burgers. I do like the Portabella Mushroom Burger.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Wow. I checked out that link and you’re absolutely right! I think I’m going to look up some veggie burger recipes and try to make my own. I think the lowest amount of sodium I saw there was 170 mg, but the problem I noticed was also the carb content (I’m diabetic, so I need to watch out for that as well). Thank you so much Melissa! I appreciate it! I’ll let you guys know how great my burgers turn out! (Yeah, right. Lol!) 😊👍

[BabbetteFrank in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

I absolutely love the Beyond Meat burgers or ground "meat." Even my non-vegan (and non kidney-patient) husband loves the products. But it is, indeed a processed product so I limit it to once a month or so. Mostly I make everything from scratch. There are plenty of recipe books directed at CKD that I've found helpful.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to BabbetteFrank]

Hi Babette! Thank you for your reply! I’ve looked online for some low or no sodium veggie burger recipes, and so far, the ones I’ve found that might come close to accommodating all of my health issues, are the ones that use black beans and panko bread crumbs. I am going to look up the Beyond Meat brand though. If it can impress a non-vegan person, it should be good enough for me! Lol! Thanks again. 😊👍

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to BabbetteFrank]

Hello again Babbette. I just want to apologize to you for my initial post. My phone keyboard sometimes has a mind of its own, and it seems to have stubbornly misspelled your name. I didn’t notice it until I hit the reply button. I’m sorry about that. 🙄

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Good points. I am pre-diabetic and suppose to watch carbs. But is difficult on my prescribed CKD diet.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to orangecity41]

Believe me, I understand! Lol! Between my diabetes, gout and CKD, there’s almost nothing left to consume, except maybe air and water! Lol! Gee, I wonder if cardboard is high in carbs? Lol! 😊👍

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

I am taking gout med for high uremia and is working. Just something else to watch. I am CKD 3, but am 78 years old.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Be sure and share your recipes.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Will do, definitely! But only if they turn out wonderful. If not, I won’t waste your time. Lol! 😃👍

[jmkb]

Hey there! We make this burger at home and don't miss the salt at all which is rare :). You need a can of kidney beans, a can of chickpeas, some chopped jalepenos depending on how spicy you like your burgers, 2T of gluten free flour, one chopped red onion and, if you want, a can of corn. Add pepper and maybe garlic, form into patties, and you can air fry or bake. I put a little olive oil on both sides and bake for 20-30 minutes at 350°F/200°C, flipping after half the time is up. Hope you enjoy!

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to jmkb]

Hi jmkb! Wow. Gotta tell you, it sounds like it would taste awesome! I think I’m going to try that recipe first. Thank you. I’ll let you know how it comes out. 😊👍

[jmkb in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Looking forward to what you have to say! I forgot to tell you to mash the beans with your hands. There should be a few chunks, but you need a mass to form the patties

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to jmkb]

Will do. Thanks! Also just want to ask, can any bean be used in this recipe? I don’t have any kidney beans yet, but I do have some dry navy beans in my pantry. Do you think that would work for now until I have a shop done, or should I just wait for the kidney beans? I do prefer kidney beans, actually, but I’m a little eager to try this out. Can you tell? Lol! 😃😊👍

[jmkb in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

I have used other beans as well. The patties should be moist, but not too wet. You may have to alter the amount of flour you add. Also, let sit for a minute or two after baking so they set

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to jmkb]

Those are useful tips! Thank you. I’ll let you know! 😊👍

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I only know that many items that say low sodium substitute it with potassium chloride which can be even more dangerous. For instance Campbell's healthy choice soups and frozen meals like Healthy Request. I may have mixed those up. Blessings

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to KidneyCoach]

Yes. I have also found the same. I used to use those low-sodium items at one time, but then I wound up feeling sick all the time, and I researched it online (I think it was DaVita), and they even state not to use those foods as they are not in fact, kidney-friendly. Boy, they weren’t kidding! 😊👍

[ravm]

Is there any links to recipes on here for home made burgers?

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to ravm]

I just searched “low sodium veggie burger recipes) on Google, and a few suggestions came up. They sounded okay, but I’m still going to try the recipe that jmkb listed above. That sounds good. I’m actually excited about this. 😊👍

[itzmich]

Yes do make your own. I do a big batch then freeze individually. Davita has some great recipes. Also the Beyond meat is super processed and I'm pretty sure ckd patients should not be eating. Good luck experiment you'll find one you like that's good for you.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to itzmich]

Yes. I’m going to search DaVita for sure. They always have awesome recipes. But it is a shame that a brand like Beyond Meat couldn’t have something more kidney-friendly available. I hear their stuff is pretty good tasting. Ah, well. 😊👍

[Hidden in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Do search out Davita: From what I find out, and I could be wrong, is that Davita is a HUGE chain of dialysis clinics. If you are not on dialysis, they are not making any money. Maybe they are just trying to present a "friendly" front? Follow the money.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Hidden]

Yes. Sadly, I’ve heard similar such things about DaVita. I used to recommend them to newcomers to this forum, but I don’t anymore. Now, I just suggest that they go to the Google search engine to check for kidney patient websites. I thank you though, very much, for the warning. It’s certainly good to know! 😊👍

[ThisAdventure]

Hi, try looking for recipes that use finely chopped mushrooms if you’re looking for a meaty flavour (I pulse the mushrooms in a food processor but you can do it by hand too) - you can flavour them with spices like smoked paprika for a meatier flavour. I haven’t tried to make a burger patty yet, but i made a mexican style ‘mince’ for nachos and you can really get great flavour and texture. Next on my list is to try a thai style mushroom larb.

Also, try find the spice Sumac - it has a naturally salty lemony taste, and totally kidney friendly - best if it’s fresher, from a good spice place.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to ThisAdventure]

Wow. That sounds great. And I appreciate the advice on the Sumac. I’ve never even heard of that as a spice. So it tastes like salt but has no sodium? Awesome! I’m going to look for that! Thanks again! 😊👍

[ThisAdventure in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to say it tastes like salt - but it’s similar (I only discovered it after 8 years of no salt so I was surprised by how it reminded me of the taste), but also very lemony - great on avocado! The best thing about this whole kidney journey for me has been exploring new tastes so embrace it - don’t look for what you miss, look for what you’ve never tried

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to ThisAdventure]

You’re absolutely right. That is a very positive and optimistic way to view this, and that is exactly what I now find myself doing. That’s a wonderful thought. Thank you so much! Sometimes, I do need a reminder like this. I appreciate it. Stay well and God bless. 😊👍

[Palominox]

I manage it by eating regular veggie burgers- I buy frozen in bulk, it’s much less expensive- and doing lower sodium with the rest of my diet that day. Every person is different but low sodium animal protein is so much harder on my kidneys than even processes plant based meat alternatives- that I will just enjoy my Boca Original vegan turk’y burger, my Beyond or my impossible- those satisfy my hamburger craving the way a bean or other veggie burger will. I just use a -points system and have very low sodium fres food- fruits, non-pre-seasoned frozen veggie mix, salads... the rest of the day, to keep my daily lower sodium level in range.

Not the answer you asked for specifically- but hopefully that helps.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Palominox]

That is helpful. Thank you so much for that. 😊👍

[Hidden]

I like the one at Red Robin. It seems to be consistent.

[Kbristow]

I learn a lot about the science behind food from Nutrition Action newsletters. Go on to their website at NutritionAction.com and do a search for "veggie burger" and you'll learn more about sodium levels and other information.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Kbristow]

Hey! That’s awesome! Thank you for that djlew67! Appreciate it very much. I tend to have fluid retention issues a lot, so that’s something I could really use. Cheers! 😊👍

[horsie63]

Try Forks over Knives...they have a 5 ingredient veggie burger. forksoverknives.com/recipes...