By Barbara Zebrowski, MS, RD, CSR, LDN

Every year when November rolls around, my friends and I have the same conversation. “The holidays are here. What are you doing this year to survive?”
What are the first thoughts that come to your mind when you hear, “the holidays are here?” Do you immediately think of meals with family, friends and colleagues? Are you excited, or do you think, how am I going to enjoy or even get through this season with all the diet restrictions I have to follow?

Most people with kidney disease need to modify their intake of particular nutrients including sodium, potassium, protein, phosphorus and fluid. People who are on dialysis should be meeting with a dietitian at their dialysis facility on a regular basis. You can ask your dietitian to spend some extra time with you to prepare for the holidays.

No two people are the same, so it is important to work closely with your dietitian to learn the foods that are better choices for you and those that may cause harm to you. Ask for kidney friendly cookbooks and recipes, as well as shopping tips, to keep your meals pleasant and interesting. And talk to your dietitian about your favorite foods so you can learn ways to fit them in to your meal plans.

Here are some tips for you to enjoy holiday parties – and the food that comes with them.

Holiday Eating Tips for People on Kidney-Friendly Diets
Before the party:
• Make family and friends aware of your diet so they are able to serve foods that are healthy for you.
• Have a snack before the party so you are not starving when you arrive.
At the party:
• Limit temptation - move away from the buffet table.
• Sauces and gravies are usually salty and full of fat. Limit the amount you have by putting them “on the side.”
• Take your phosphate binding medication as ordered by your doctor.
• At a buffet or cocktail party, keep a plate with a napkin on it in one hand, and a cup in the other. This can dissuade others from urging you to eat and drink more once you have had enough.
When planning your own party:
• Leave out salty ingredients.
• Add salt-free seasonings and herbs for more flavor.
• Have a variety of foods available to meet your dietary needs, along with those of your guests.

Spending time with family and friends is what makes the holidays important and memorable. Food choices are also important, but they don’t have to make you miserable. Use the tips above to follow the meal plan you and your dietitian have made. Then, enjoy!

Barbara Zebrowski, MS, RD, CSR, LDN, is Corporate Dietitian for Fresenius Medical Care North America. Ms. Zebrowski is a Registered Dietitian and a Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition. She has 22 years of experience working with patients who have kidney failure!

This article originally appeared in the Special Bonus Issue of the November 2008 issue of aakpRENALIFE which included aakpDelicious!

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