7-Day Meal Plan For Kidney Disease (CKD) With Snacks

Most people are born with two kidneys to filter waste from the body, but just like any other vital organ, the kidneys are susceptible to damage and disease.

Fortunately, many treatment options can help manage kidney disease, and positive nutrition changes can also help. 

In this article, you’ll learn more about the different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), why nutrition is essential, and you’ll receive a 7-day meal plan for CKD with snacks. 

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Kidney Disease Basics: Getting Started

According to the CDC, your kidneys are approximately the size of a computer mouse.

It takes approximately thirty minutes for all your blood to filter through your kidneys, and the cycle repeats constantly to remove toxins, waste, or excess fluids from circulation.

Metabolized byproducts will exit the body through urination. 

If chronic kidney disease occurs, the organs can not filter properly, and unwanted waste and fluid can build up in the body.

There are different stages of the severity of CKD (stage 1 is on the mild end, and stage 5 is considered the end stage), but it is a progressive condition.

Taking proactive steps to manage your kidney health immediately is vital for longevity and quality of life.

What to Eat with Kidney Disease

There are dietary recommendations you can follow if you are trying to improve your kidney health. These will vary depending on your CKD stage, and your dietitian can offer nutrition recommendations for you.

• Keep your animal protein intake moderate and choose more plant-based options. Eating large portions of animal protein (chicken, beef, pork, etc.) can make kidneys work harder and worsen kidney health outcomes in some people. Your nephrologist (kidney specialist) may or may not recommend a protein restriction. 

• Choose heart-healthy foods to ensure your blood vessels remain strong and free of blockages. 
• Eat foods that contain moderate to low phosphorus levels. CKD can lead to excess phosphorus in the blood, and keeping your dietary intake low can help manage your levels. Foods lower in phosphorus include fresh fruits and vegetables, corn and rice cereals, pasta, and rice. 

• Monitor your potassium intake. Like phosphorus, potassium can accumulate in your blood, impair cell signaling, and lead to cardiac distress. Foods lower in potassium include apples, peaches, green beans, carrots, and white rice. 

Meal Plan for Kidney Disease

Below is an example of a 7-day meal plan for mild CKD with snacks.

Your kidney function may change over time, and your dietitian can make recommendations to help keep your eating plan current to your needs. 

Day 1

• Breakfast - Oatmeal with cinnamon, milk, raspberries, and a tablespoon of sliced almonds.
• Lunch - Tortilla wrap with tinned salmon (rinse fish thoroughly and mix with fresh lemon juice, black pepper, fresh dill, and green onion.) 
• Dinner - BBQ shrimp served over rice and a side of frozen mixed vegetables. Dress with olive oil for additional healthy fats. 
• Snacks - Fresh vegetable sticks with hummus; Apple slices with plain peanut butter. 

Day 2

• Breakfast - Chia seed pudding made with almond or soy milk, berries, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.  
• Lunch - Egg salad sandwich with a fresh green salad on the side. Dress with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar mixture, and add fresh mint. 
• Dinner - Small portion of grilled steak served with white rice and baked vegetables (cauliflower, corn, carrots, and garlic.) 
• Snacks - Fresh vegetable sticks with hummus; 5 ounces of Greek yogurt with fresh berries and cinnamon.  

Day 3

• Breakfast - Oatmeal with milk, berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Add a boiled egg on the side for a rich protein. 
• Lunch - Leftover steak served in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and one tablespoon of shredded cheese. Serve with fresh honeydew melon on the side. 
• Dinner - Kidney bean burgers served with a fresh green salad. Try to be conservative with burger condiments as they can be high in salt and potassium.
• Snacks - Fresh vegetable sticks with hummus; Fresh plums with a handful of cashews. 

Day 4

• Breakfast - Egg omelet with bell peppers, broccoli, one tablespoon of shredded mozzarella, and parsley. Serve with a slice of rye roast. 
• Lunch -  Chickpea soup with celery, red cabbage, carrot, onion, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and rosemary. 
• Dinner -  Pasta with extra lean ground beef, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Garnish with fresh parsley. 
• Snacks - Fresh vegetable sticks with hummus; Clementines with a handful of cashews. 

Day 5

• Breakfast - Sourdough toast, ¼ avocado mashed. Lemon juice, boiled and sliced egg, fresh tomato, and basil leaves. 
• Lunch - Shredded hearty salad with kale, Brussels sprouts, almonds, raspberries, and chicken breast. Dress with fresh mint, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. 
• Dinner - Air-fryer salmon with a side of couscous. Serve with a fresh green salad, and make your dressing with olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, mustard, and fresh garlic. 
• Snacks - Fresh vegetable sticks with hummus; Apple slices with plain peanut butter. 

Day 6

• Breakfast - Egg omelet with asparagus, bell peppers, and parsley. Serve with a slice of rye roast. 
• Lunch - Tuna salad with celery, olive oil, and onions. Serve with a whole wheat English muffin. 
• Dinner - Lentil stew with carrots, shredded cabbage, onion, fresh dill, and a handful of cherry tomatoes. Serve over rice if desired. 
• Snacks - Grapes and walnuts; 5 ounce container of plain Greek yogurt with blueberries. 

Day 7

• Breakfast - Smoothie with kale, plain almond butter (no sugar or salt added), strawberries, and soy milk. 
• Lunch - Curried chicken lettuce wraps with fresh cilantro and lemon. Serve with a side of fruit. 
• Dinner - Stir-fried shrimp with carrots, peas, and cauliflower. Serve over white rice and dress with sesame oil, grated ginger and garlic, and chili. 
• Snacks - Fresh vegetable sticks with hummus; Fresh pear slices with plain peanut butter. 

Tips for Meal Preparation

Dedicating time to prep several dishes and snacks can be helpful for people who run out of time to cook after work.

To develop this habit, try to schedule your cooking sessions on the same day and time every week when you know the pace will be slower. 

Buying frozen and canned items can also decrease your cooking time because they often require less prep work than fresh options.

Ensure you read the labels and always review the ingredients; you will want to avoid products with added sodium.

If you have moderate to severe CKD, consider limiting your intake of foods containing additives composed of phosphorous compounds. 

Freezing meals, asking family and friends for help, and buying semi-prepared items (such as washed and cut vegetables) are all great ways to keep meal preparation simple while managing CKD. 

Takeaway

A balanced eating approach is essential for your overall health, and this 7-day meal plan can help you manage CKD.

Most people with CKD can enjoy moderate amounts of lean animal protein and should also include plant-based options.

Eating whole, unprocessed foods regularly, such as fruits and vegetables, is crucial, as they offer essential fiber and vitamins.

Some nutritious foods may contain high levels of potassium and phosphorus; your dietitian can help determine how much is safe to consume. 

Work with a Renal Dietitian 

Managing your kidney health can be overwhelming, especially if you have other health conditions to keep track of, such as diabetes.

Working with a kidney disease registered dietitian can simplify your diet and make it easy to include foods you enjoy, and support your health.

‍Systematic reviews have shown that people who make nutrition changes under the guidance of a dietitian can have better outcomes.