Low-Protein Recipes

Protein needs change throughout the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD):

If you recently learned that you have kidney disease, your doctor may have told you to start following a low-protein diet. You may be wondering how you will be able to adjust this new diet to your usual cooking or meal planning habits. Here are some tips.

Protein is needed for growth, upkeep and repair of all parts of your body. Protein comes from the food you eat. When your body digests it, a waste product called urea is produced. If the kidneys are not working well, urea can build up in the bloodstream and may cause loss of appetite and fatigue. Eating a low-protein diet will reduce the workload on the kidneys so that the remaining healthy part of the kidney does not have to work so hard. There are two main sources of protein:

Plant protein such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes (beans, peas, lentils).

• A diet with more fruits and vegetables and less or no animal protein may lower acid in the body to promote kidney health.
• You will need to eat a variety of plant protein every day as part of a balanced diet to get the complete protein you need.

Animal protein such as fish, poultry, eggs, meat, and dairy products.

• A diet high in animal proteins like red meat and low in fruits and vegetables increases acid in the body. Acid buildup in the blood due to kidney disease is called metabolic acidosis.
• You may need to limit dairy products because they are high in phosphorus and they may cause your blood phosphorus level to be too high.

You can "extend" protein in recipes so that a small amount seems more satisfying.

Sandwiches

• Use thinly sliced meats - it looks like more.
• Fill out sandwiches with lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, chopped celery, apple, parsley or water chestnuts.

Soups

• Use lower protein foods such as milk substitutes for cream soups, or rice or pasta to make soups more filling without using too much protein.

Main Dishes

• Think of vegetables and grains as the "main dish" and meat as the "side dish" or complement to your meal.
• Try kebabs, using small pieces of meat and more vegetables.
• Make fried rice with vegetables and less meat or shrimp.
• Toss together a chef's salad using crisp vegetables and small strips of meat and egg.
• When making casseroles, decrease the amount of meat; increase the starch, pasta or rice and use low sodium soups when the recipe calls for soup.
• Add low-protein pastas and breads to keep protein within limits.
• Use stronger-tasting cheeses such as sharp cheddar, parmesan or romano - you'll need much less to get the same amount of flavor.

When you lower the amount of protein in your diet, you may also find the calories are lower. It is especially important to get enough calories to maintain a healthy weight at this time. In order to make up those extra calories, try some of these suggestions:

• Increase heart-healthy fats: polyunsaturated vegetable oils (made with corn, cottonseed, safflower, soybean or sunflower oils), olive oil, mayonnaise-type salad dressings.
• Use candy and sweeteners: hard candy, gum drops, jelly beans, marshmallows, honey, jam and jelly, and sugar (if you are diabetic, consult your dietitian).
• Use canned or frozen fruits in heavy syrup.

Here are some examples of how you can take a typical recipe and modify it to lower the protein content:

Adapted from a recipe developed by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study - University of Iowa Center.
 

If you would like more information, please contact us.

Acknowledgement: Reviewed by the Council on Renal Nutrition (04/27/21)
More information on the National Kidney Diet: Dish Up a Kidney-Friendly Meal can be found here.

© 2015 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.