By: Lía Perfecto, LND, Renal Dietitian at Atlantis Healthcare Group
The long-awaited Christmas holidays have arrived, and culturally, we celebrate all our holidays with food, something that characterizes and distinguishes us as Puerto Ricans.
This is why, to enjoy our holidays, we must consider our renal diet and adapt it to our needs without affecting our treatment for chronic kidney disease. Within the renal diet, we monitor minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. In addition, we monitor fluid intake and maintain a protein-adequate diet based on each person’s individual needs.
Our renal plate, which we use as a guide to maintain an adequate diet that meets the needs of our patients, consists of: half of the plate should be protein, ¼ part for starchy foods and the other part (¼) for vegetables.
Our Christmas diet includes foods high in potassium and phosphorus, such as rice with pigeon peas, pickled bananas, masa or cassava pastries, unsweetened potato salad, blood sausage, coconut milk, sweet rice pudding made with coconut milk, liquor, nougat, grains, or vegetables, among others. The question is: what should we do to enjoy the holidays without feeling like we’re not participating? Well, it’s easy:
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The chronic kidney disease diet is one that, despite its restrictions, allows us to make modifications for the benefit of patients, especially during the Christmas season, which we culturally celebrate with food.
It’s important to follow the recommendations made by your renal nutritionist/dietician, as each person’s eating plan is individual, so recommendations may vary. However, it’s important to remember that we can celebrate mindfully. May this season be one filled with blessings and, above all, good health.
