Fork & Filter: A Day in Dialysis Eating

By TinaMarie Cerreta

Counting cups and fl.oz. while on dialysis:

Hey Folks!

Hope your day's going great! 😁 This post is a day in the life of my food journal. It's scandalous...😅 NOT!! I'm taking one of my normal food journal days and putting it out there. (I feel so exposed! 😂)


It's not pretty; it doesn't have lattes and avocado toast. It's just me trying to work out all the limitations that are the "Dialysis Shuffle". It's a bit tricky, but what my wonderful Renal Dietitian always tells me is "portion control" and "everything in moderation". I can hear her voice clearly in my head!!😆

Here's the "menu du jour":

BREAKFAST:

Single serve cup of plain Skyr(is a thick, creamy Icelandic dairy product that has been a dietary staple in Iceland for nearly 1,000 years. While it is eaten and used exactly like yogurt, it is technically classified as a fresh, sour milk cheese.)(counts as 5oz fluid)

With 1/2c fresh blueberries (count as 2oz fluid)

And 1/4c burls barley granola (has 35% less phosphorus than regular

granola)

6 fresh strawberries and 8 fresh blackberries (counts as 4oz fluid) 

Other options are:

1 cup cereal(like rice krispies, corn flakes and corn chex and if you're careful, Cheerios-but take a binder) i eat it with 1/4c coconut milk(soy or almond milk). I usually add 1/4c fresh blueberries. (counts as 6oz fluid)

1 single serve cup of plain oatmeal(I buy Nature's Promise Organic plain oatmeal. I add 3/4c water and 1/4c fresh blueberries (counts as 8oz fluid)

Here is where I remember to take my phosphorus binder!!

Dunkin' Donuts medium roast (2 pods) coffee (counts as 12oz of fluid) (after creamer added)

With 2oz(already counted) Nutpod half and half (half coconut milk, half almond milk, unsweetened)

2 egg whites omelet with about 1/2c total of sautéed red bell pepper, (green)onions, twice rinsed mushrooms(or fresh), garlic and spray the pan with(I use the brand, "Chosen") avocado oil spray.

(Yes, its a lot for one meal, but remember I'm in the chair for 3.5 hours and then it takes them about 2o minutes to close me up. Then, travel time. So, by the time I get home, I'm hungry.)


2 PLANNED SNACKS AT DIALYSIS:

Sliced apples-2oz pkg(counts as 2oz fluid)

10 green grapes ( counts as 2 oz fluid)

Here's where I remember to take my phosphorous binder!!!

NO EXTRA FLUIDS (except a swallow with my meds)


LUNCH: 

**On dialysis days lunch and dinner is a crap shoot. Most of the time I need to stick with bland foods like plain oatmeal with a handful of blueberries or 2 fried/scrambled eggs. Things with any big flavors make me nauseas. 

1/2 peanut butter(chunky) sandwich. (I prefer Pepperidge Farm sourdough white bread-1 slice)

Here's where I remember to take my phosphorus binder!!!

NO EXTRA FLUIDS

**On non-dialysis days my appetite, most of the time is better.

Salad Composition and Personal Preference:

• A small salad(1c lettuce, 2 grape tomatoes, 1/4 avocado[*check with your dietician], 1 tsp shredded cheddar or p/skim mozzarella, 3 slices of mini seedless cucumbers, 2 sliced radishes, small s/s bag of plain croutons and ~1/8c light red wine vinegar and oil dressing.)I eyeball it, so it could be more or less. I know its not great, but that's my guilty pleasure.(I count this as 2 oz)

• Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Unwrapped Burrito Bowl (Its one of the better choices)(I don't count any fluids)

The exact nutritional values can vary slightly between different production batches and specific variations (e.g., the vegan/gluten-free recipe vs. standard). [1, 2, 3]
The typical nutrient breakdown per 9 oz meal includes:
Potassium: ~320 mg - 400 mg
Sodium: ~440 mg - 550 mg
Phosphorus: Not listed / usually undisclosed on the manufacturer label
Protein: 8 to 9 g
Calories: 270 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

• 1/2 tuna fish sandwich, I prefer the solid white albacore(canned, but watch the sodium.Sometimes I rinse it once or twice before adding 1-2 tbsp mayo. I, personally think the sodium free or low are too bland and i have to use Mrs. Dash for flavoring. You can add celery or scallions if you want more flavor.(I don't count any fluid)

Here's where I remember to take my phosphorous binder!!!


PLANNED SNACK(exactly like dessert):

1/2 Luigi's lemon italian ice( if you're diabetic, watch your sugars)(I count this as 3 Oz fluid)

3 Vienna Fingers cookies

5 Archway ginger snap cookies(take phosphorus binder)

1oz bag of Skinny Pop original

6 Haribo gummy frogs(my favorite!!!)

(***If I've watched my potassium, phosphorus and sodium for the day)

1oz bag of original Doritos***

1oz bag of original Cheez-its***

(*These are the variety of choices I give myself. But understand its not one of each. Its pick one for the night.)

Here's where I remember to take my phosphorous binder!!!

DINNER:

Chicken Tikka Masala(1c prepared at home!! That's about 3-4oz of cooked chicken, 1/4c frozen petite baby peas, 1/2c simmer sauce-I use Patak brand)(I count this as 2 Oz fluid)

Homemade Egg Drop Soup (thewoksoflife.com)I use less cornstarch than the local restaurants.(I don't count any fluid)

Egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw (Chicken egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix)(I count 2oz fluid)

Turkey chili(homemade); 1 lb 93% ground turkey, 1 can(rinsed twice) red kidney beans, 1 can (Mutti brand its lower in calcium chloride)petite diced tomatoes, and the seasonings in your spice cabinet(Black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and small amount of salt. no set amount just to taste. Some seasonings have added salt and other ingredients so check labels.)(I count 2 oz fluid)

Here's where I remember to take my phosphorus binder!!!


DESSERT(similar to planned snacks):(and yes, I do have it often!)

1/2 Luigi's lemon italian ice. If you're diabetic, watch your sugars. (I count this as ~3oz fluid)

3 Vienna Fingers cookies

5 Archway ginger snap cookies(take phosphorus binder)

1oz bag of Skinny Pop original

6 Haribo gummy frogs(my favorite!!!)

(***If I've watched my potassium, phosphorus and sodium for the day)

1oz bag of original Doritos***

1oz bag of original Cheez-its***

(*These are the variety of choices I give myself. But understand its not one of each. Its pick one for the night.)

Here's where I remember to take my phosphorous binder!!!



So, that's what my typical food day looks like with options. I have many more recipes that I've tweaked to fit my restrictions. There are plenty of other choices out there for a renal diet, a hemodialysis diet, a peritoneal diet, or any other food-restrictive diets. You just have to do your research and find what substitutions can be made for you. 

Don't rely solely on "Google"; ask your clinic dietitian or a specialized, trained professional in your area of limitations. You're worth the effort, and I believe you can make the change. If you use the resources out there that are geared for you, you can't go wrong.

I've swapped out olive oil for avocado oil spray in my cooking, and I make my own spice mixes whenever I can. Just remember, ground turkey isn't always healthier than ground beef; it's all about the additives and fat.

I try to find better options for foods I should avoid. For example, I'll have creamed cauliflower with extra seasoning instead of mashed potatoes. It's not identical, but it's a good stand-in. Since I need to cut back on bacon, I'll occasionally add a teaspoon of real bacon bits to my omelet or salad.

To make a healthy choice, first read the label. Check for hidden or high phosphorus, potassium, or sodium. Some brands have higher levels than others. Ask your dietitian for substitution suggestions. She's your best resource and will give you real answers, not potentially incorrect AI-generated ones.

Hope you are working towards a wonderful weekend !

Tina

Here are some useful, reputable resources:

Managing a dialysis diet requires balancing complex nutrient restrictions. The most reliable resources for food and ingredient substitutions are those backed by renal dietitians and major kidney health organizations. Here are the top reputable resources categorized by media format: [1]
🌐 Websites & Digital Tools:
  • American Kidney Fund - Kidney Kitchen: This comprehensive nutrition hub features over 700 kidney-friendly recipes vetted by renal dietitians. It includes search filters for specific nutrient profiles (e.g., low potassium or phosphorus) and helpful substitution ideas. [1, 2]
  • DaVita Food Analyzer: An invaluable digital tool that lets you search specific foods or name brands to check their exact protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus content. [1, 2]
  • National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Nutrition Hub: Provides educational brochures, tips for dining out, and detailed guides for both hemodialysis and peritoneal diets. [1, 2]
  • USDA FoodData Central: A government food database that allows you to independently research the exact mineral and nutrient breakdowns of specific ingredients so you can make informed substitutions. [1]
🎧 Audio & Podcasts:
  • National Kidney Foundation Podcasts: NKF offers regular audio episodes discussing dialysis life, including specific dietary management, coping with restrictions, and comfort food modifications. [1, 2, 3]
  • Let's Talk About Kidneys: Produced by Dallas Nephrology Associates, this regular podcast features nephrologists and renal dietitians addressing the complexities of the kidney diet and healthy eating practices. [1]
  • Kidney Health Connections - Interwell Health: Features episodes with board-certified specialists in renal nutrition discussing dietary interventions, cooking swaps, and improving quality of life. [1]
📖 Print Resources
Note: Because dialysis dietary needs (such as fluid restrictions and potassium levels) vary greatly from patient to patient, it is highly recommended to use these materials in tandem with your personal dialysis care team, which can connect you with a dedicated renal dietitian. [1, 2]

Here is my quote for you:

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." – Christopher Reeve


Thank you for reading my posts.

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