Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating for Patients on Dialysis

By Margaret, DaVita dietitian in El Paso, Texas

We’re all familiar with the busy schedule of the holiday season. We rush through shopping, decorating and holiday parties. On top of all that, there is an extra challenge: continuing healthy, safe eating habits during the holidays.

Is there a key to being successful in following a kidney-friendly diet during this hectic time?  Here are a few ideas:

Ask for help

Friends and family can be our biggest help in following dietary guidelines. Don’t be shy about letting them know what types of foods you can and cannot eat. You can even offer to bring a dish or appetizer you know you’ll be able to eat to a party.

Try to plan ahead

If you know a shopping trip will last beyond mealtime, take a portable meal with you. If you’re attending a party in the evening, eat smaller meals earlier so you can have a little extra at the party. If possible, ask ahead of time which foods will be served at the party. That way, you can have a picture in mind of which foods you can eat.

Set new goals each day

It is easy to get caught up in the season and think: “Oh well, there’s no way I cay stay on my diet this month.” Thinking this way can lead to a whole month of eating foods that may harm your health. Instead, take one day at a time. If you eat too much on one occasion, remember to ‘get back on track’ the next day. Before you know it, you’ll have come through the holiday season with a pretty good and safe eating record.

Try this Party Snack Mix recipe when you go to your next holiday party—or take it along as a snack for a shopping trip.

Party Snack Mix

Recipe taken from Living Well on Dialysis, National Kidney Foundation.

– Reprinted with permission by DaVita Inc.

– Source from www.DaVita.com