Thanksgiving - Indulging Can Be Hazardous
EasyLink Access #: 309
By Lori Hartwell, RSN President
Thanksgiving is almost here. We will gather with family and friends and share a tasty meal. For most people, it is a happy occasion. However, some people dread the festive feast. Many people who live with chronic kidney disease have dietary restrictions that don’t coincide with the culinary delights of the holiday season. The dialysis diet can be difficult to adhere to during the holidays, so it is important to make sure your holiday meal is healthy. And remember many family members may be dealing with their own dietary restrictions.
For example: experts advise diabetics to watch their sugar, people who have high blood pressure to limit their sodium and heart disease patients to be mindful of their cholesterol intake.
Hosts can take the following steps to assure their guests are eating what is proper for them.
~Ask their guests if they have any specific dietary limitations.
~Display the ingredients of the meal on a printed menu.
~Check out the Internet - there is a surplus of recipes to meet specific dietary guidelines.
~Organize a “Potluck Thanksgiving” and ask everyone to bring a side dish that is conscious of the dietary restrictions.
Guests can take the following steps to help assure they are eating the proper foods.
* Talk to the hosts to let them know of specific dietary needs. Provide tasty “renal friendly” recipes upon request.
* Offer to bring a side dish and dessert that meets within your dietary restrictions.
* Don’t feel embarrassed or shy to ask for what you need to stay healthy.
Thanksgiving is about being grateful for the many blessing we have in life. Family and friends who learn about our dietary limitations make us feel loved and cared about. Enjoy!
Here's a recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner at
http://www.kidneytimes.com/recipe.php?id=5040
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