By Barbara Zebrowski, MS, RD, CSR, LDN

Appetizer
Vegetable Cheese Spread
This recipe is made with ingredients that are low in fat, salt, potassium and phosphorus. Bits of vegetables increase the fiber content and add some festive color.

• 6 oz. low fat (Neufchatel) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup low fat/light mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh red pepper or roasted red pepper in the jar

May be spread on:
Low-fat, low-salt crackers, such as Ritz, Triscuits, Wheat Thins (look for low-salt, low-fat versions) OR raw vegetables

Nutrient analysis for 1 tbsp. of spread:
23 calories, 1.5 g fat, <1 g carbohydrate, 50 mg sodium, 24 mg potassium, 11 g phosphorus (this does not include nutrition content of cracker or raw vegetables)


Main course
Chicken Smothered in Vegetables

Get a bonus vegetable serving in your main course with this recipe. Using skinless chicken decreases the fat content in your final product. Serve with brown rice and a tossed salad, and you will have a low-fat, high-fiber meal.

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups sliced onion
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 3 whole tomatoes chopped or one 14.5 oz. can chopped tomatoes, no salt added

Cooking Directioins:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a shallow pan with non-stick cooking spray, coat well. Cut each chicken breast into four pieces. Coat chicken by shaking in a plastic bag with breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning and pepper. Place chicken in baking pan and grind additional pepper over it. In a large skillet, saute garlic and onion until soft. Stir in green pepper and mushrooms and cook for one minute. Add tomatoes. Pour vegetables over chicken and bake for 45 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
Serves 8.

Nutrient analysis for 1 serving (equivalent of 1 chicken breast or 4 pieces with 1/2 cup vegetables): 246 calories, 8.5 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 281 mg sodium, 575 mg potassium, 288 g phosphorus

Dessert
Mandarin Orange Delight
This is a low-calorie dessert that has a bonus serving of fruit. Ingredients that are low in sugar, fat, potassium and phosphorus make it a healthy choice for nearly anyone on a special diet.

• 1 pound low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 box sugar-free orange Jello
• 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
• 8 oz. sour cream
• 1 small container cool whip
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows

Makes about 8 (1 cup) servings
Combine Jell-O (dry mix) and cottage cheese, mix well. Add mandarin oranges and pineapple. Fold in sour cream and cool whip. Add marshmallows. Chill and serve.

Nutrient analysis for 1 cup: 199 calories, 8 g fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 220 mg sodium, 144 mg potassium, 153 g phosphorus

*Maintain the “portion size” to keep within the allowed potassium content for the meals.

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 March 2009 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine.

Back