Cheese

[Jenjudyst]

Does anybody have a good substitute for cheese? I have polycystic kidneys and have changed my diet drastically but I still miss cheese my cheese. Hard to decide what to eat for lunch. I have tried the Davita recipes, some good, some not.

[Hidden]

If okayed by your RD and nephrologist, some cheeses with a lower phosphorus and sodium content can be used. When I want to use some cheese I stick with brie, sharp cheddar and cream cheese. Not frequently and not a lot of it. As far as the DaVita recipes go, don't take them at face value. I use those recipes as a guide. I substitute vegetables I don't like for ones I do like. I don't use any added salt, choosing instead to use herbs and spices for flavor and seasoning. If possible, I substitute the cheese they suggest for one lower in sodium and phosphorus. In the beginning I really missed eating pizza. Someone here in the community recommended a pureed red pepper instead of tomato sauce and it worked real well for me. It's not something I eat frequently but it does make for a nice change every now than then. I've included some information for you from Davita on the specific cheeses you might want to consider. Best of luck.

blogs.davita.com/kidney-die...

[Jenjudyst in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Mr. Kidney, this helps. Just really miss a good grilled cheese once in a while. I did cheat with 1 slice of provolone in a sandwich, not often.

[Helloyall in reply to Jenjudyst]

One slice once in a while wont hurt. When stage 5 temporarily sietician oked one ounce one a week

[Jenjudyst in reply to Helloyall]

Thank you

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I agree with Mr Ks post. I too am selective on cheese so can work it into my diet. There is also vegan cheese, and is lower in protein. Check with your dietitian or Doctor who gave you the diet, as the diets may differ.

[Jenjudyst in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks for your advice. I rarely eat cheese but really miss it. I will read the nutritional values on different cheeses at the store.

[Jayhawker]

I’ve been using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It doesn’t have the same texture but I do like the flavor. Plus it’s a good source of non meat based protein.

[Jenjudyst]

Thank you, never thought about the yeast.

[RhenDutchess123]

My Nephologist told me to be very careful eating Cheese...but if I really desired some...to eat a Tums first...You might ask your Nephologist about recommending that for you...If you dont have much problem with Calcium levels

[Jenjudyst]

Thanks, will do.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Just remember moderation, not elimination.

[Jenjudyst in reply to KidneyCoach]

Amen!! I think I have done too much elimination, finding it difficult to be satisfied after a meal.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to KidneyCoach]

I agree on moderation and not total elimination. I track my diet so can do the moderation.

[GAL14]

My nephrologist recommended fat free cheese (at Walmart) but I have IgA nephropathy which might make a difference

[Gemcar13]

I have been using plant Base non-dairy cheese , which works for me...Ok it’s just a suggestion, do some research as everything don’t work for everyone..good luck. Gemcar13

[Jenjudyst]

Thank you, do you have a name of the plant based cheese, I would like to try it.