Baxter International Inc.

Surveying the Supermarket

For some people, grocery shopping can be a labor of love. For others, it's just a labor. One thing is true in either case; with so much information and so many products to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

A great way to start your shopping is to “know before you go.” Make a list of all the foods you can and should eat on your new dialysis diet. Be sure to write down any special information you want to check on product labels (e.g. sodium levels, potassium levels, sugars (carbohydrates), etc.) Meal planning is another great way to be budget savvy while avoiding foods you shouldn’t eat.

While shopping, stay away from processed foods and temptations like pizza or peanut butter that you might have indulged in before being diagnosed with kidney disease. Avoid the high-fat, salty snack aisle and stick to your pre-made list and buy as many fresh ingredients as possible in order to steer clear of the “don’t eat” foods. As a general rule, passing up pre-prepared foods is a good practice as most of them are high in sodium. However, there are some low-sodium items in the frozen area now that are delicious options for quick meals.

Here are some other great tasting items to pick up at your local supermarket that are ideal for the kidney-conscious diet:

Fresh Fruit - Apples, berries, grapes and pineapple

Veggies - Asparagus, carrots and cauliflower

Meat - Chicken breast, ground beef and white fish

Starches - Rice, frozen corn, and potatoes that have been peeled, diced and soaked in lots of water from two hours to overnight

Snacks - Fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, popcorn, shortbread cookies

Above all, it is of great importance to stay in close contact with your doctors, nutritionists and dietitians to make the right choices for your diet. In some cases, people have worked with their supermarket manager to create a kidney-friendly section. Remember, each person is different and has specific needs for their treatment. One last thought - don't categorize your new dietary needs as things you can't eat, but rather, think of them as an opportunity to discover wonderful new foods and recipes.