Stray from diet

[Golf-dean]

Do any of you stray from the “strict” diet? If so, in what way. Also, any suggestions for when you dine out?

Thanks.

[Hidden]

I don't. It would be too difficult for my kidneys. I can't control the process in their kitchen and taking a. chance isn't worth it for me.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Agreed!

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I very seldom get away from my CKD diet. If I do get too much phosphorus, potassium, or sodium in a meal, I make adjustments for other meals. I use diet planning and tracking. I agree with Mr Kidney, it is not worth the risk getting off the diet.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to orangecity41]

Agreed!

[PattyM_NKF Moderator]

Eating at home gives the most control, but there are some situations where eating out is if not necessary, then part of family or friend traditions, special occasions or even work related events. I hope there are replies from folks who have managed these, and in the meantime you can check out these resources: kidney.org/sites/default/fi...

kidney.org/atoz/content/pla...

kidney.org/atoz/content/din...

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to PattyM_NKF]

Patty,

Thanks so much for posting this great information, especially the first site listed: Eating Out With Confidence. I have read it and recommend it.

Very informative and thought provoking.

Members, take a look.

B..

[Hawaiilover in reply to PattyM_NKF]

This was/is very helpful! Thank you for sharing. I'm stage 4 and my Dr has not been pushing any real diet restrictions on me, but I've been investigating on my own. I will surely be talking more with him about diet & see what he says about seeing a dietician. I need to find a balance as my numbers have been declining.

[Dixidude39 in reply to Hawaiilover]

Having seen her interviewed in episodes 68, 69 and 70 of DadviceTV.com, I have signed up for a 3 month virtual consultation with Jen Hernandez, RD, a certified renal dietitian. Started Wednesday with a 30-minute initial visit. I filled out a raft of forms on line, and this coming Wednesday, we'll meet on line for 90 minutes. I will report on how satisfied I was on this site in 3 months. It is NOT inexpensive!

[cafelover in reply to Dixidude39]

I have been watching Dad vice TV and I need a renal dietician too as I was just diagnosed please let me know what you think about her because I would like to go to her too

[Golf-dean in reply to cafelover]

What stage are you. I too was just diagnosed with stage 3a

[cafelover in reply to Golf-dean]

Stage 3 also!

[cafelover in reply to Golf-dean]

Have you got a good renal dietitian?

[Golf-dean in reply to cafelover]

Not yet.

[Dixidude39 in reply to cafelover]

I've made a 3-month commitment, so only time will tell whether or not I made a good investment in my health. There are no credentialed renal dietitians where I live (Richmond, VA [-- or Central Virginia for that matter). Good or bad, I'll post the outcome.

[Golf-dean in reply to Dixidude39]

Are you using the one from Hawaii?

[Dixidude39 in reply to Golf-dean]

Yes, Jen Hernandez.

[Golf-dean in reply to Dixidude39]

Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Dixidude39]

You might go the eatright.org site I found out about in a webinar a couple of weeks ago. When the site opens look on the home page in the upper right for a FIND AN EXPERT key and then enter your zip code. Hopefully, you'll see some RDs in your area.

[Golf-dean in reply to Hidden]

Thanks.

[KidneyMo]

I made the mistake once of eating a big bag of potato chips early on in my diagnosis. I wasn't aware that my body had trouble with that much potassium and actually had to get admitted to the hospital. Luckily I was fine and was strict with diet since then. But if you do plan on eating out, maybe something like a grilled chicken salad . It can be hard but you just got to be vigilant

[lowraind in reply to KidneyMo]

Breakfast is usually an easier eating out option. You have more control over what you order. Otherwise, grilled chicken salad does it (though people think this is wierd at a steak place).

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to KidneyMo]

I agree.

It is all in the choices that you make and asking the staff to prepare your food with no salt and other adaptations.

Family member is allergic to seafood. She is not embarrassed to check with the wait staff if her chicken etc. is grilled anywhere or on the grill with fish.

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

I do venture off the diet at times, however, at stage 3 the only restriction I have actually been given is low sodium. The other diet choices I have made have been on my own through education and research. I do of course tell my doctor of the diet I am following, if they even ask, which he doesn't as long as numbers are stable or improved. However, with all that said, if you have been given restrictions then you should make every attempt to follow them. Eating out, and family gatherings are the most difficult. I will give just one example. It is National Nurse's Week here in the USA. The facility I work at has gone to great lengths to make us feel special. Yet, none of these treats, and meals, are anywhere appropriate for me. I am always gracious and say thank you, but most of what they give is unacceptable for me to eat. I inadvertently made my DON feel bad by saying oh my kids will love that candy. She did at least ask what I could eat, and the next gift I received was much more appropriate. I have a feeling she asked some of my coworkers what I eat, or things I like, because there was suspiciously stuff I really like in there.

My family truly loves to eat out. It is a time for us to be together as a family, with all of them growing up and moving on with their lives. Plus, my son is getting married in July. I am already wondering what will be served. I can talk to the mother of the bride, and hopefully we can work out something that I can eat. I get tired of eating salad. With all of that said, when I do eat out, I only eat half of the food they bring me and bring the rest home. I also ask for no added salt. usually it is still pretty salty, so I drink a lot of water before and after. I also am not spontaneous about eating out. I have to have it planned, so I can be sure and restrict my diet the rest of the day to make up for what I may eat when out. Remember protein serving is the size of a deck of cards, or the palm of your hand. Avoid heavy cheese dishes, and choose a pasta dish with veggies over a high protein option. I hope that all helps.

[Golf-dean in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Appreciate your input and experience. I’m brand new at this. I’ve been told to follow the DASH diet for now. They are running more tests next week. My eGFR is 47. Next test is to collect urine for 24 hours. Again, thanks for taking time to respond.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

I also bring food home if get the regular menu items. I sometimes ask about children's menu if allowed for an adult. Many restaurants allow it.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to orangecity41]

Never thought of that. That is a great idea if restaurants allow it.

[Julesboz]

I think it very much depends on what stage you are at with CKD, what advice you’ve been given and what your blood levels are. If you’re at stage 3a for example, then having a generally kidney friendly diet (no fizzy drinks, avoid processed food, low salt, reduced meat and dairy, lots of veg, water etc) then the odd slip up or treat is unlikely to have a huge effect. However if you’re at stage 5 and have been given a strict diet by a medical professional then I’d suggest it’s much much more important to be strict.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to Julesboz]

I forgot about the soda. No dark colas for me.

[renegade70 in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

I drink plain seltzer water not club soda ( contains sodium). Doctor said this is fine and for me its less boring. You have to watch it though ,very gaseous .

[Marvin8]

I had a full Big Mac meal five nights ago, including root beer. An explosion of flavor. Guilt? Yes. But, it was the first time in at least 8 months. Will I go from 3A to dialysis tomorrow? No. My only food instructions from my nephrologist were to keep the sodium and potassium to less than 2000mg a day. And my phosphorus is always at the bottom of the range. The most important thing for me to remember to do is to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water a day.

[apopnj01 in reply to Marvin8]

yes i agree - Thank the GOOD LORD my numbers are all healthy

[Hidden]

As I set my own diet it is difficult to stray with the ability to add, just one more thing to the diet list.

But the reality is I have a vested interest in adhering to a strict CKD, Diatetic and IBS diet. If I don't do that why would I need a diet, surely anything would go.

Not been out to eat in years, the risk of being feed a nasty is too real.

Can't say I miss restaurants or fast foods. Well to be honest, yes, I do miss them, but I try not to think about them. Besides I'm enjoying the real taste of food that has neither salt, sugar or spices.

Chocolate is more likely to trip me up than eating out. A chocoholic that can't eat chocolate!

The choice is ours, how important is our diet to our continual fight for survival. That is the question I ask myself with every temptation that comes my way.