IN TODAY'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.
Your renal guide to eating out
Most restaurant foods contain high amount of salt. This can make you more thirsty than usual and cause you to drink more fluid. Ask for foods to be prepared without salt. Even some fast food places will accommodate special request. The following suggestions will help you to make wise selections to keep occasional dining out safe and enjoyable.
Restaurant Type
Good Choice
Poor Choice
Fast Food
Small plain sandwich (hamburger, grilled chicken, roast beef or turkey) with mayonnaise, lettuce, onion and one or two slice tomato; unsalted onion rings; small sized non-cola soda; coleslaw; small tossed salad
Sandwich with cheese or bacon; hotdogs; French fries; pickles; olives; chips; milkshakes; colas
Mexican
Taco with unsalted meat and lettuce; beef or chicken fajitas with sour cream and lettuce; tortillas; burrito without beans; small amount of tomato
Refried beans; guacamole (avocado); cheese toppings, beans; salted chips; large amount of tomato on any dish
Italian
Pasta with white sauce, olive oil and garlic or pesto; fettuccine alfredo; pasta primavera; plain Italian bread; unsalted garlic bread; one or two slice of medium sized pizza with chicken, hamburger, green pepper or onion, or pineapple; small garden salad with oil and vinegar dressing
Tomato sauce dishes with sausage, olives, proscuitto or extra cheese; clam sauce; anything parmigiana; pizza with sausage, pepperoni, olives, anchovies or extra cheese
Asian
Chicken, beef or pork dish with broccoli, carrots, bean sprouts, snow peas, eggplant, green pepper, green onion, pineapples, tofu or water chestnuts; steamed rice; one egg roll
Soups; fried rice; dish with peanuts, cashews or almonds; MSG; extra soy sauce; fish sauce
American
Steaks; grilled or broiled chicken, fish, pork chops, burger or seafood; roast; plain rice; pasta; noodles; green bean; cabbage; asparagus; carrots; zucchini squash; cauliflower; French bread; dinner roll; plain breadsticks
Soups; casseroles or mixed dishes with cheese; heavily breaded or battered items; ham; corned beef; sausage; spinach; potatoes; baked beans; sauerkraut
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.
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