By Anja Webster, RD
Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash
The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and, of course, delicious food. From the comforting scent of roasted dishes to the sweetness of family traditions, this season is full of culinary memories that bring us together. Sometimes, navigating holiday meals can feel restrictive or stressful when you are living with kidney disease. The good news? You don’t have to miss out on your favorite flavours or the freedom to enjoy festive foods.
Whether you’re planning a big family feast or attending a cozy potluck, these tips will help you embrace the holiday spirit with confidence—and a plate full of kidney-friendly goodness!
- Enjoy your comfort foods as they are during the holidays. Ask yourself: “Is this my favourite dish that I think about all year long?” If so, take the opportunity to enjoy the dish as it was intended – to remember grandma’s cooking, or bring up happy childhood memories. Enjoy your comfort foods along with other nutritious foods on your balanced food plate
- Consider making some nutritious swaps. Ask yourself: “Do I love this dish but feel I would be ok if it didn’t taste just how I remember it?” – Here are some tips to help you get started in adapting your recipes:
- Ham, “pre-seasoned” turkey or “self-basting turkey”: Instead, choose to roast a fresh or frozen turkey, a fresh roast beef or lamb, and add your own flavours, salt-free spice blends, and homemade stock.
- Traditional trail mix/mixed nut bowl: Choose unsalted nuts with dry cereal and unsalted popcorn (limit salted nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate).
- Charcuterie board: add fresh cut-up vegetables and fruit along with a yogurt or bean dip to your board, choose low-sodium cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or cream cheese, use unsalted or low-sodium crackers, rice crisps, or melba toast.
- Mashed potatoes: make mashed potatoes with double-boiled potatoes, or consider mixing mashed cauliflower into your mashed potatoes to lower potassium and carbohydrates
- Potato latkes: double-boil potatoes, or consider trying these zucchini fritters
- Cocktails: Use sparkling water infused with rosemary, mint, orange slices or cranberries to add a festive flair. Limit alcohol, where possible.
- Minced meat or pumpkin pies: Choose apple or pear crisp, homemade pies made with fresh fruit, consider an oat flour crust for added fibre.
- Cookies or desserts: instead of store-bought sweets, try some of these simple homemade options: molasses ginger cookies, carrot walnut cookies, or almond meringue cookies
- Consistent habits are important:
- Have a balanced snack before heading out. Snacks that include a serving of carbohydrate and protein help to keep you from arriving overly hungry, making it easier to make mindful choices
- Maintain your hydration status with water or low sugar mocktails like this cranberry mint mocktail.
- When filling your plate, start with non-starchy vegetables and load up the rest with your favourite dishes.
- Fit in a few minutes of exercise every day: if sticking to your regular exercise routine is tricky during the busy season, fit in movements where you can. Take a short walk and look at festive lights, have a holiday sing and dance along before or after your meals or take stretch breaks during the credits of your favourite show or movie.
As always, if you are concerned about your eating or your nutrition, please reach out to your clinic dietitian who can help you navigate eating anytime of the year.