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Renal Resource Centre 37 Darling Point Poad, Darling Point, NSW 2027 AUSTRALIA Telephone: 61 2 9362 3995 9362 3121 Facsimile: 61 2 9362 4354 Freecall: 1800 257 189 Click here for our location map |
Introduction
Hotel and Counter Meals
Café Style Dining
Asian Cuisine
Indian Cuisine
Mexican Cuisine
Barbecues
Nibbles and Finger Food
Salads
Take-away Foods
Drinks
Dining out is a lot of fun even if you are on a special diet.
If the diet is well understood, it is possible to choose from most menus or buffet tables. This booklet is designed to give general guidelines about food choices when eating out on a low potassium diet.
The general principles of the diet still apply. Your diet should be:- 1. Low in potassium 2. Low in salt
It is rarely necessary to contact a restaurant or hotel beforehand to order special foods. (However, if eating at a friend’s home, you could make contact beforehand to avoid any difficulties).
General guidelines that always apply
Beware of temptation!
> When eating out, beware of the temptation to eat more than usual, especially at smorgasbords and “all-you-can-eat” venues. > To prevent over-eating, avoid choosing multiple courses. Choose either an entrée or a main course for the main meal of the day.
Soups – avoid!
> Soups are generally high in potassium and salt and should be avoided.
Drinks
> If on a fluid restriction, take extra care to allow for drinks when eating out.
Meat serves
> Keep to the usual serve size. Often, meat serves are excessive and contribute large amounts of potassium and phosphate.
Salads and vegetables> Keep to the usual serve size and choose the types of salads and vegetables normally allowed.
Note: Some of the recommended choices may not be suitable if you also require a low phosphate diet. Your dietitian can advise on appropriate individual choices.
Foods offered as hotel and counter meals may incorporate many different cuisines. Therefore, many main course meals may be covered in other sections of this book.
Main Meals
Suitable dishes include:
Side Dishes
Cafe style dining offers a huge selection of foods including pasta dishes, pizza, stir fries, grills as well as foccacias and baguettes. Some prepared dishes can be high in salt, particularly seasoned dishes or those served with a sauce.
The following recommendations will help guide you with your meal selection.
Foccacias, Rolls & Baguettes
Light Meals
Pasta
Main Meals
Pizza
Half a medium pizza with a tomato base represents a main meal. Choose from the following toppings:
Desserts & Cakes
Asian cuisine such as Chinese, Thai, Malay, Japanese and Vietnamese usually consists of meat, chicken, fish or seafood along with a selection of vegetables. Steaming, deep-frying and stir-fry are common cooking methods and the vegetables are usually lightly cooked to retain their texture.
Nuts and green leafy vegetables such as Bok Choy, Chinese spinach and Chinese cabbage should be avoided.
Many dishes are high in salt because of the addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) or sauces such as soy, fish, oyster, black bean and hoi sin. Watch fluid intake, as salty foods will increase thirst.
Rice and noodles are served as accompaniments to most dishes.
Steamed rice or plain noodles are lower fat choices than the fried varieties
Take care not to over eat at banquets!
Entrées
Rice and Noodle Dishes
Main Meals
Desserts
Barbecues are an Aussie tradition, especially during the summer months.
Choose suitable cuts of lean meat, chicken, fish or seafood. If desired, marinade prior to cooking to improve flavour and tenderise. Suitable marinade ingredients include wine, lemon juice, oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, soy sauce, herbs and spices.
Salads are a nice accompaniment to barbecues. Choose suitable salads from those suggested in the salad section.
Crusty white bread, garlic bread or herb bread will complete the meal.
Main Meals
Condiments
Salads are a healthy accompaniment to any meal. They should be served on a bread and butter plate.
Choose salads with oil, vinegar or mayonnaise based dressings.
Add flavour with garlic, chilli, mustard, onion, pepper or herbs such as chives, parsley, coriander, mint. White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can also provide an interesting flavour.
Suitable salad dressings include French dressing, Italian dressing, coleslaw dressing, mayonnaise and sour cream.
Egg, cheese, tuna and Caesar salads are high in protein. They are suitable if eaten as a meal, but should be limited if consumed as an accompaniment to other protein sources such as meat, chicken or fish.
Tabouli, three bean mix, avocado and salads containing nuts, such as Waldorf salad, are high in potassium and should be avoided.
Suitable Salads / Vegetables
Many take-away foods are high in salt and fat. Limit to no more than once a week or try to choose healthy options such as sandwiches and rolls more often.
Keep the protein serve (meat, tuna, chicken, egg and cheese) to the usual serve size.
Suitable Choices
Avoid the following as they are high in potassium:
Best Choices
Occasional Choices
Alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic drinks do contain a small amount of potassium therefore treat yourself only for that special occasion. Always check with your doctor before consuming any alcohol.
Avoid the following:
Acknowledgements
The following renal dietitians contributed to the development of this resource:
Anthony Meade BSc MND APD
Amanda Wray BSc(hons) MND APD
Emma Putrus BHSc MND APD
Emma-Louise Smith BSc BND APD
Sue Ranner BSc DipNutD APD
Shontelle Cabot BHSc BND
RENAL RESOURCE CENTRE
37 Darling Point Road, Darling Point NSW 2027
Telephone: (02) 9362 3995 or (02) 9362 3121
Facsimile: (02) 9362 4354
Toll Free: 1800 257 189
Web: www.renalresource.com
Renal Resource Centre