Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Diet: What can I eat?

@hatetocook hi Susan, reading your post, it appears you are off to a good start, trying to incorporate as much of what you like into your diet…PB is my am go to….hummus is great plant protein and comes in a variety of flavors, a good veggie dip…. I do use 2% Greek yogurt as a dip for apple slices….couscous with veggies of your choice is another delicious option… some things must be done in greater moderation…i view all this as a good challenge… I believe you will find your way successfully, no question—and wish you a happy and healthy life. PS pianist, harpsichordist, founder of an orchestra and a touring chamber group—now an editor and arranger.

@nycmusic @hatetocook The both of you have spurred several members to take a good look at what they are eating, I bet! That's a great thing. Sometimes we forget the small things we can do to make a difference. We don't need to go to extremes or "whole hog" as the old saying goes. Yep, just dated myself!

Hummus and apple slices is a good snack, or pair it with a couple of celery sticks. When I was working, that was my usual breakfast, if I didn't have oatmeal. Careful of the dairy and calcium; most renal diets advise only a quarter to half cup per day maximum.

There is a simple protein shake to make, using greek yogurt, almond milk, pea protein powder, and fruit. Blend together and it will help you stay full. I like to make homemade applesauce so that really is good in the shake. Also, I will cook enough chicken to have some available to snack on during the day.
Ginger

@nycmusic I'm so sorry about your colon cancer. Hope you're cancer-free now! Thanks for explaining the process to me. It's very helpful. When I was diagnosed in 2023, I still was exhausted from taking care of my late husband for the last five years of his life. I recently realized, that all I wanted at the time was "freedom and no responsibility--even for myself," although I did purposely lose 30 pounds in nine months, and deal with three kidney stone laser lithotripsy procedures.

Unfortunately, I still didn't do the research I should have, until after my recent hospitalization. And, the combination of recovery (I lost 10 pounds in the hospital and didn't eat at all) and fear was paralyzing.

While I thought a lot about my life, and how I want to live it, I didn't take action until just a few weeks ago. First, I fired a nephrologist I only saw once because I need doctors who will work with me, and are prepared for appointments. He said he'd read all my tests (it wasn't true), and he had no plan or goals for me. He didn't discuss any of the specific tests you mentioned, when I asked you what you and your doctor do. He truly just wasted my time, and then told that he'd see me in three months. I'm replacing my PCP next, for a similar reason.

I'm very clear about the kind of doctors I want on my wellness team, and for the time being, my cardiologist is taking the leading role. Since my meeting with the nephrologist he recommended isn't until Dec 10, I decided finding the right diet is critical.

So, I truly am ready "to undergo trial and error, as I continue doing my research." Even the nutritionist--who has a great reputation, and works with my cardiologist and the nephrologist I'll be seeing--wasn't as organized as I hoped she'd be." I realize that each patient is different, but I expected more of an outline on how to proceed...with sources, rather than a list of foods--not segmented into the five meals a day she recommended--and some recipes.

The next day I realized that if I have to market for, and then prepare five meals a day, and since I'm a lousy cook, and don't enjoy it, that's all I'll be doing all day long. If you have any advice on that, I'd truly appreciate it!

Thanks,
Susan
P.S. What does "nycmusic" mean? I meant to ask before.

@hatetocook While you are working of finding a path forward that works for you I would suggest you start today with drinking more water. Not tea, not coffee, not carbonated beverages, not fruit juice, not alcohol, just water. Keeping yourself hydrated is very important to kidney health. You can judge you hydration level by noticing your bowel movements. If you are the least bit constipated and have to extend an extra push then you need more water.
Next is to eliminate all processed foods. About the only processed food I eat are chips and I purchase organic. No snack bars for sure and most frozen prepared foods. Next would be to reduce daily salt intake. Frozen foods are super high in sodium. So are fast foods high in sodium plus most fast foods would qualify as processed.
Just to accomplish these seeming simple thigs will take awhile. That time will give you a chance to plan your overall approach.

@hatetocook While you are working of finding a path forward that works for you I would suggest you start today with drinking more water. Not tea, not coffee, not carbonated beverages, not fruit juice, not alcohol, just water. Keeping yourself hydrated is very important to kidney health. You can judge you hydration level by noticing your bowel movements. If you are the least bit constipated and have to extend an extra push then you need more water.
Next is to eliminate all processed foods. About the only processed food I eat are chips and I purchase organic. No snack bars for sure and most frozen prepared foods. Next would be to reduce daily salt intake. Frozen foods are super high in sodium. So are fast foods high in sodium plus most fast foods would qualify as processed.
Just to accomplish these seeming simple thigs will take awhile. That time will give you a chance to plan your overall approach.