The RenalTracker Team
April 3, 2019

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. It has been written and vetted by RenalTracker's team of kidney experts and researchers. The same team was awarded the KidneyX Prize organized by the American Society of Nephrology and HHS for pre-dialysis solution in Washington DC in 2019.   

If you want to join our exclusive coaching on how to avoid dialysis, book a call to see if you qualify.

A lot of the common food options can add considerable amounts to your weight. Add to that the fact that you’re also suffering from CKD, and the excess amounts of sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus (SPPP) will most likely exacerbate your condition.

Thankfully, there are a lot of kidney-safe foods out there that also don’t add much to your weight. Here are 7 of them below:

Quinoa

One of the most famous "superfoods" in the market today, quinoa is a favorite among rice lovers because of their similar qualities. Quinoa also has less fat than the usual grain-based food, which is a great plus to people who aim to lose weight.

Quinoa contains about 12 grams of fiber per serving, which is great in keeping your digestive system cleaner and healthier. It also easily satisfies hunger, and leaves your stomach full for longer periods.

Sidenote: it's apparently a favorite of the ancient Incas, eating it right before going into battle. Energy boost, anyone?

Celery

Comprised 75% of water and 25% fiber and other roughage, celery is a great food item for people who want to eat without the worry of gaining weight.

It's considered as "one of the hardiest vegetables around" and is often called the “negative-calorie” food. That's because your body might burn more calories digesting it, and not the usual way around. 

Celery is also nutritious, containing vitamins A, C, and K, which are good for your eyes, immune system, and blood, among others.

Popcorn

Popcorn is almost synonymous to junk food. However, this often famous snack for moviegoers is actually helpful to your digestive system.

You see, popcorn has a lot more fiber than most foods. It also has that unique combination of being light but easily filling because of its volume.

A little renal diet friendly advice: air pop it. Don't go for the commercially-prepared kind. And don't add salt and butter when preparing it; keep it as bare and fresh as possible.

Soy foods

Soy foods are a common alternative for people who have lactose-intolerance, and with good reason. With proper portioning, soy foods can give the right amount of protein that a CKD patient like you would need.

Being one of the few plant-based protein sources with virtually all of the amino acids that the body needs, soy is definitely a great source of protein. Edamame, a famous method of preparing soybeans, can give you about 8 grams of protein and 95 calories per portion.

Research has also proved that soy foods can reduce your appetite while inversely increasing satiety and improving your mental ability.

Salmon

Fish-based foods are often full of healthy fats, like Omega-3 fatty acids, and one of the best examples of this is salmon. A serving of salmon steak can easily fill your stomach without the worry of gaining more weight.

Another renal diet friendly advice: use wild-caught salmon. It's a bit more expensive than the farmed ones, but you can be guaranteed that it'll be more nutritious and healthier.

Oh, and also, don't go for the canned ones - the preservatives in them will worsen your kidney condition.

Broccoli

Yes. The bane of your childhood (for most people). But remember when your parents told you to eat your broccoli for a healthy body? Apparently, they weren't lying.

This high-fiber, low-calorie vegetable should be your new best friend in the kitchen. It's nutritious, filling, and kidney-friendly.

And did you know: it's also filled with antioxidants and has cancer-fighting properties? Talk about a super veggie. 

Chicken

Ah, chicken. A great source of protein, chicken is one of leanest meats for your renal diet needs.

It's easy and quick to cook, and can be served in a variety of different forms. The protein within it keeps you full longer than usual and is a great help on your digestive system.

It is also an energy booster, which is another great thing about it. Pair it with quinoa, rice, or any renal diet vegetable for breakfast for that early morning recharge.


It's important, as a CKD patient, to be aware of kidney-friendly foods, not just because of weight gain, but also to slow down your kidney's worsening condition. Your CKD is not taking a break, so you shouldn't, too. 

Still, like what you've learned here, there are ways to enjoy food without endangering your kidney functions!

Sources:

14 Surprising Foods You Can Eat A Lot Of Without Gaining Weight - Natural Living Ideas:

https://www.naturallivingideas.com/foods-without-gaining-weight/


>