Bag Lunch Ideas For Patients Recommended To Follow Renal Diets
Published on in Nephrology News
Published on in Nephrology News
Now that school is back in session, it is very important to continue to eat renal-friendly foods when away from home. Packing a bag lunch and snack will help take away the pressure of having to choose the right foods at lunch time. Planning your lunch ahead of time will allow you to be in control of all of your diet restrictions.
School cafeteria foods are generally loaded with sodium and phosphorus. Even some foods that you may think are “safe” often contain hidden sources of sodium, phosphorus and potassium. If a bag lunch isn’t an option, and you must buy a school lunch, stick with what foods you know are safe. Remember the freshest and least processed items are best for the renal diet.
Be open with the school lunch director, and let him or her know about your dietary restrictions. They should be able to help you identify what foods are lowest in sodium and phosphorus. They may even be able to make you special lunch orders using lower sodium and phosphorus substitutes.
On dialysis days, try bringing your bag lunch with you, and eat it before or after your dialysis session. By bringing your own lunch on treatment days, you will be less tempted to skip lunch or buy lunch in the cafeteria, or even worse, fast food!
And don’t forget, no matter what you choose to eat for lunch, always remember to take your phosphorus binders! Here are quick tips for packing a lunch:
Here are a few tips for putting together a super sack lunch:
Sandwiches:
Drinks:
Fruits:
Sweets: