Dining out when you’re undergoing dialysis can be challenging due to the dietary restrictions that come with that treatment and level of kidney function. With careful planning and informed choices, however, you can enjoy eating out without further compromising your health. Here are some basic strategies to help you dine out with confidence while on dialysis.*

Plan Ahead for a Successful Dining Experience

One of the most important steps to take before dining out is to plan ahead. Adhering to your dietary restrictions before and after your meal can make a big difference. This includes following a stricter diet with lower salt, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake in the days leading up to and after your outing.

• Restaurant selection. Choose restaurants that offer freshly cooked meals and can prepare food without added salt.
• Diet preparation. Stick to an extra low salt, potassium, and phosphorus diet, along with reduced fluid intake, to balance out any indulgences during your meal.

Call ahead to ask about menu options and request meals to be prepared with your specific dietary needs in mind.

Prioritize High Protein Foods

Protein is essential for dialysis patients in order to maintain muscle mass, fight infections, and maintain cells and tissues. Both animal and plant-based proteins are beneficial if you select the right types.  

• Lean proteins. Opt for lean cuts of meat such as skinless chicken or turkey breasts, pork chops, or beef tenderloin.
• Egg options. Consider ordering meals that include eggs or egg substitutes.
• Plant-based choices. Incorporate plant-based proteins like soy products and fresh non-dairy substitutes.

Speak with your server about the preparation methods of your chosen meal, to ensure that the protein sources are cooked without added salt or unhealthy ingredients.

If you’re on dialysis, you may need more protein than you did before, so ask your dietitian in advance about appropriate portion sizes.

Manage Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Fluid Intake

Keeping an eye on sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake is a critical part of dining out when you have CKD, especially when you’re on dialysis. These nutrients can impact your health significantly, so it’s important to make informed choices.

Sodium

• Reduce salt. Request meals without added salt and avoid traditionally salty foods like soy sauce and fries.
• Fresh foods. Choose freshly prepared items to avoid the hidden sodium in processed foods.

Potassium

• Limit potassium-rich foods. Avoid high-potassium foods like tomato sauces, tropical fruits, and potatoes.
• Alternative sauces. Opt for sauces like garlic and olive oil instead of tomato-based ones.

Phosphorus

• Skip cheese. Avoid dishes with cheese, and take your phosphorus binders with meals.
• Cooked foods. Freshly cooked meals are often lower in phosphorus.

Fluid Intake

• Monitor liquids. Consider your daily fluid intake and choose beverages like cranberry, apple, or grape juice, while remembering that soups, ice cream, and gelatin also count as fluids.

Consult with your dialysis dietitian for personalized advice, especially if you’re unsure about specific foods.

Seek Expert Advice

Every dialysis patient has unique nutritional needs. Consult your dialysis dietitian before dining out to ensure you’re making the best choices for your health. They can provide tailored advice and help you navigate menus with assurance. 

By planning ahead, focusing on high-protein options, and carefully managing your nutrient intake, you can enjoy dining out while maintaining your well-being.

*National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.) Dining Out With Confidence – On Dialysis. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/dining-out-confidence-dialysis 

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