A Guide to Making Renal Friendly Smoothies

In this post, Renal Dietician Emily Campbell explains how people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can  keep a kidney friendly pantry.

Smoothies can be a delicious and quite nutritious addition to your diet.  They make a satisfying breakfast or lunch, a refreshing snack, and are quick to prepare and portable, making those on the go type days less hectic.  To help make sure your smoothie is also good for you,  I have made this guide to renal friendly smoothies.

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Pros

• A great source of fiber in your diet.  Remember you are not juicing your fruits, so you are retaining all of the fiber in the fruit. Unlike juicing, where you lose the fiber to the process. 
• Fiber in your diet can help to keep you full, help control your blood sugar levels, and help to reduce cholesterol.  
• Smoothies can add vitamins and minerals to your daily diet.
• Can provide a balanced meal, or snack, if you also include protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your smoothie.  
• Convenience: they are quick to prepare, keep well in the refrigerator for a short period of time, and can be partially made ahead of time if you pre portion your vegetables and fruit. Keep these in zip lock bags in your freezer, and when ready to make you just need to add liquid and protein for an easy meal time.

Cons

• Too much of a good thing, may be bad for you. Although a smoothie may be full of good nutrients, these can add up very quickly. 
• Still hungry or hungry soon after your smoothie.  This is because the smoothie is liquid.  You should aim for balance with protein and carbohydrates and a healthy fat this will help from becoming hungry again too quickly   

What makes a smoothie as nutritious as it is delicious?  Follow these simple steps.

1. Your base - 1 cup of water, milk, non dairy beverage (without phosphorus additives). 
2. Fruit - up to ½ of a cup. Choose low potassium fruit if needed.  
3. Veggies - add veggies such as kale, spinach, cauliflower, and carrots in a ½ cup serving.  Choose low potassium if needed. Vegetables help add fiber to your smoothie. 
4. Protein - 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, nuts or seeds.  Protein also will help to keep you feeling full.  Do not add protein powder, you want to limit protein if you have kidney disease.  
5. Extra flavor - such as cinnamon, ginger, pick your favorite! 
6. Extra fiber - if a fiber boost is needed things such as chia seeds, sunflower seeds can be added. 

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All that's needed now is your blender! Happy smoothie making.  

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Credit

This blog was based on a post written by Emily Campbell and published here with her permission. The original post can be found here.

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Related Articles

Protein and the Renal Hemodialysis Diet

Phosphorus and the Renal Hemodialysis Diet

Potassium and the Renal Hemodialysis Diet

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About Emily Campbell

Emily Campbell is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition who lives in Toronto, ON. Over the years, she has experience working with individuals with a variety of kidney conditions to help them improve their eating; and preserve their kidney function through her career in hospitals as well as her private practice Kidney Nutrition. Not only does she have experience as a renal dietitian with patients, but she also has family members living with kidney disease so she understand the stress and complexities mealtime and celebrations can present. She has been practicing as a renal dietitian for over six years and am also is a two-time cookbook author of The Complete Renal Diet Cookbook and Renal Diet Cookbook for Caregivers.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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