Portion Control, You Can Do It!

Portion Control, You Can Do It!

American Association of Kidney Patients
By Heather Fisher, MS, RD, LD

So, your doctor has diagnosed you with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is frightening. Due to advances in healthcare, however, you don’t have to fear the future. It is important to give yourself some time to accept this diagnosis and evaluate how you need to take care of yourself. There are many important questions to ask your healthcare provider. One very important question to ask is: “What do I need to limit or avoid in my diet?” Adequate nutrition is essential in preventing further damage to your kidneys.

Depending on the stage of your kidney disease, you may be instructed to limit foods high in protein, phosphorus, potassium or sodium and limit your fluid intake. It is important to get specific guidance from your doctor or a dietician regarding the following:

1. What foods have a high content of the above components?

2. How much of these foods can I safely eat? It is important to get specific information about your nutritional needs. The information can help prevent you from eating too little or eating too much.

Here are some general suggestions on how to make good food choices.

Eat regularly – The body needs food for energy every two to four hours. You may need three meals and one to two snacks per day. If you wait more than four hours between meals, you may experience a low-blood-sugar reaction, characterized by symptoms such as cravings for sweets, shaking, irritability, dizziness and headaches.

Choose nutritious options – When you eat, aim for a balance of all nutrients at each meal such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy and healthy fats. All food groups have elements that are dangerous to eat in excess. Don’t overdo-it with your portions, especially with those that are particularly high in potassium. Some potassium rich foods include tomatoes, potatoes (white and sweet), dark greens, orange juice, bananas and melons. Also, avoid foods high in phosphorus such as dark sodas, processed cheese, chocolate and milk. Consider the following suggestion for filling your plate with adequate portions: half of your plate should include non-starchy vegetables (these are all vegetables except corn, white and sweet potatoes, acorn and butternut squash). One quarter of the plate should include a piece of meat about the size of a deck of cards. The other quarter of the plate should be a starchy vegetable or grain option.

Avoid eating to the point of feeling ‘stuffed’ – It takes twenty minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it is full. So, the best way to prevent overeating is to eat slowly! Here’s a tip on how to eat slower: chew and swallow the food in your mouth before you pick up another fork-full of food. Pay attention to how your body feels and stop eating when you get full, not stuffed.

Are you hungry or emotional? – Food is often used to soothe emotions. For instance, some people eat when they get angry, sad, frustrated, overwhelmed or bored. Make sure you are truly hungry versus emotional or it is likely you will eat too much, which is dangerous for a person with kidney disease. Seek out support of family, friends and/ or a mental health professional to help you through negative emotions instead of turning to food. Practicing yoga, meditation or deep breathing can help you manage your feelings.

Don’t go completely ‘fat free’ with your food choices – Fat is essential for good health and for satisfaction with each meal. Excluding all fat can lead to deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Additionally, too little fat in the diet may cause you to want to eat all the time because you will not be truly satisfied. Aim for three, no more than five, tablespoons of healthy fats per day. Healthy fats include: olive, canola or sunflower oil; avocado; no trans fat margarine; nuts and nut butters (careful, these are high in potassium). Choose reduced fat or light options versus 100 percent fat free.

Get enough, but not too much, fluid – Ask your doctor if you need to restrict you fluid intake. If so, the following suggestions may help you control your thirst: choose sugar-free gums and hard candies; choose whole fruits or carrots, bell peppers and/or celery sticks dipped in a yummy salad dressing.

Stay active – Get up and GO as long as you have enough energy and your doctor says it is okay. Go for a walk, hike, jog or dance. Do virtually anything you like to do. Pace yourself by starting out slowly and gradually increase your time as able. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Staying physically active will help you feel good, prevent weight gain and manage your emotions. These are just a few of the many things you need to consider when determining your nutritional intake. Remember, you are not alone. The best suggestion is to seek support of family and friends if you feel low and ask your healthcare provider questions about medications, nutrition or other concerns as needed.
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Heather Fisher, MS, RD, LD, is an experienced dietitian in the areas of renal nutrition, eating disorders and weight management. She provides individual nutrition counseling at Florida State University Thagard Student Health Center and at her private practice, Nutrition Education & Consulting Services.

http://www.aakp.org/aakp-library/Poriton-Control--You-Can-Do-It-/