Satellite Wellbound

Enjoying a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season

By Maria Tointon, RD, CSR

Satellite WellBound Santa Cruz and Satellite Healthcare Watsonville

The days have been getting shorter and the weather is cooler. The holiday season is upon us! What a great time of year to celebrate with family and friends. Many holiday celebrations revolve around food which can be a challenge for a dialysis patient. Over-indulging or making the wrong food choices can easily cause fluid overload and dangerously high potassium levels. Making smart food choices, planning ahead, and watching your portions will help you enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.

	CHOOSE THIS	INSTEAD OF THIS
MAIN DISHES	Fresh roasted turkey Roast beef Prime rib Chicken Fish Fresh roasted pork	Self-basted turkey Smoked ham Bacon Sausage
SALADS/FRUIT	Mixed green salad Cranberry sauce Jello Pasta salad Coleslaw	Fruit salad Dried fruit Oranges Nuts Bananas
SIDE DISHES	Homemade stuffing Green beans Mixed veggies Cauliflower Carrots Cabbage Rice Noodles Homemade gravy	Stuffing/dressing in a box Sweet potatoes Baked potatoes Yams Baked beans Canned gravy Macaroni and cheese
DESSERTS	Angelfood/white cake Pies (apple, berry, cherry, blueberry, lemon meringue) Sugar cookies Whipped topping	Pumpkin Sweet potato Pecan or mincemeat pie Gingerbread Macaroons Fruit cake Ice cream Chocolate cake
BEVERAGES	Lemonade Apple juice Cranberry juice Clear soda Sparkling apple cider Coffee or tea Horchata	Egg nog Tomato/V-8 juice Orange juice Milk Chocolate milk