Eating out guidelines for dialysis patients

Abstract

INTODAY’S world, eating out has become an essential and important component of lifestyle for many people. Dining out is not only a way of getting nourishment but is also a form of entertainment. The restaurant industry has experienced a solid sales growth over the years and has offered more choices, options, and menu items than ever before. As a renal dietitian, I frequently encounter the question, “Can I still go out to eat since I am on dialysis?” Absolutely! Patients need to be provided with information to help them enjoy dining out while still adhering to their renal diet. Our dialysis center is located in Plano, Texas —a fast growing suburban city north of Dallas. Many of our patients live in the area and eat out frequently. This group of patients and/or their spouses often works, leaving little time to prepare balanced meals. In addition, families with children or retired individuals who rely on restaurants as a source of daily meals frequently tend to eat out. Some patients may just want to treat themselves to a fast food or restaurant meal to socialize with family or friends. For people who experience poor appetite and a diminished interest in food, dining out may improve their intake because of an enticing restaurant atmosphere or menu variety. Whatever the reason for eating out, restaurant foods tend to be problematic for renal patients. Many of the foods contain large amounts of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. It is challenging to adhere to a renal diet when dining out but it can be fit into an individualized diet plan if patients know what to select. The following handouts were developed as an educational tool to help patients choose wisely when dining out. Because there are various types of restaurants available, patients may be in the mood for something with an ethnic twist. The comparison between good and poor choices will assist patients in making wise, sensible selections and will minimize the sodium, phosphorus, and potassium intake. The sample menus provide a fun and memorable way to reinforce better choices. I hope you find this tool helpful to encourage positive eating habits in your patients. Submitted by *Connie Chan, MS, RD, LD, Fresenius Medical Care, Collin County Dialysis Center, Plano, TX. This Patient Information Form may be photocopied for the purpose of distribution to patients only, but not for any other purposes, such as copying for general distribution, for advertising or promotional purposes, for creating new collective works, or for resale. Professional review and adaptation before patient use is encouraged. © 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc. 1051-2276/02/1204-0009$35.00/0 doi:10.1053/jren.2002.35538