Make a List. Check it Twice.

When you’re picking up food for kidney-friendly meals, it’s always good to make a shopping list. Grocery lists help you cut down on impulse foods you should probably take a pass on, as well as help keep your food bill in line. It’s also smart to shop after you’ve eaten. When hunger is a factor in your shopping decisions, kidney-friendly meal plans can go out the window.

7 ways to shop for a dialysis diet

Adapt favorite recipes so that you can eat foods you like—you can reduce or cut salt from most recipes.
Cook ahead for the week and put meal-sized portions in the freezer.
Read food labels carefully—some convenience foods may fit into your meal plans.
Mix and match from the kidney-friendly food lists you get from your renal dietitian.
Keep a list of dialysis-friendly meal ideas to eat in a hurry (like omelets).
Keep plain rice and pasta on hand for a tasty starchy addition to any meal plan.
Store a variety of herbs, salt-free seasoning mixes and salt-free spices like lemon zest, paprika, curry powder, cumin and chili powder in your pantry.