Hello warriors,
I am 18-month post kidney transplant. I am 28. I am just started woking a month ago. I have been told by My transplant doct to always eat fresh hot food. But since I am working away from home I wont be able to manage arrage fresh hot food. I was thinking about taking a tiffin box with me for lunch. Is it a good idea to have homecooked tifin food after 4hr.?
any suggetion how everyone is managing lunch at work?
Hi pateldev,
As a transplant recipient, I need to avoid any foods that is risky of causing food-borne illness. That includes food that's been sitting out at lukewarm temperatures as well as raw meats such as sushi and undercooked eggs. But fresh salads and other "cold" foods such as sandwiches are fine as long as the ingredients are fresh, and meals are prepared in a responsible way (clean hands, surfaces, etc.) which it should anyway but it's more imperative for you. Basically you just want to avoid those temperatures where food can go bad more quickly.
Are you able to bring cold foods packed in ice packs, then heated up at work in a microwave? Is there a refrigerator at work? I personally would never bring leftover foods in a tiffin that's left at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours. If there's no way of reheating, then confirm with your transplant provider that cold food is fine for you.
I've been transplanted four years and I've never had a problem with bringing or taking out salads and sandwiches at work. But I had a fridge and microwave.
Best wishes to you. I hope you get the answers you need.
Hi Pateldev, not sure while the hot fresh food for lunch while you are working..maybe your Dr is concerned you might buy/bring microwavable lunches to work. Those are not good for anyone when you look at the sodium and fat per serving, as well as preservatives. I would see if someone in their office can clarify the statement, my team had included a nutritionist just for that purpose. As mentioned cold packed lunches should be ok just keep an eye on the sodium if you are using deli meats.
Congratulations on returning to work, but dont forget to include a couple of fruit servings, and to stay hydrated.
As long as you don't have a long commute, food in a tiffin would work if you could refrigerate the food when you get to work and then reheat it at lunch. What you don't want is hot food sitting out for hours as bacteria can then grow very quickly and the food could make you ill. That is the same reason why we transplant recipients are advised not to eat from buffets.
Thanks for your question as I am learning also.
Does anyone know of smoked salmon is safe to eat? I love my lox begal sandwich!
Hi, smoked salmon does come with risks if you don’t know how it has been handled and stored. I was told I could eat it if i purchased it in a sealed pack from a reputable source where cold chains are properly managed, ensured it was kept cold between the store and the fridge, and then ate it within 24 hours of opening the pack, and did not leave it out at room temperature. So if you are looking to buy a takeaway bagel or get it at a restaurant, i personally wouldn’t risk that as you have no guarantee that it is safe. Check with your own dietitian or transplant team though. Or look into plant-based alternatives? I have gone plant based and am thinking about trying the plant based option - carrot lox! If it’s the taste and texture you’re after, then maybe see if that hits the spot instead, without the risk.
thank you
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