Snack Attack! But I Am On Dialysis...

Patients with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis need extra protein and energy to stay healthy. Snacks are an important part of getting what you need each day. Smart snacking will add protein, energy and fiber to your diet to improve overall health and well-being.

3 Tips for Smart Snacking

1. Steer clear of added sugar and sodium. Snacks with added sugar and high in sodium will do more harm than good. They are “empty” calories that may increase your blood pressure and blood glucose/insulin levels. Examples are chips, crackers, donuts, packaged cookies, pastries, etc.
2. Eat protein with each snack. Including a high quality protein source at snacks will increase your total protein intake for the day and help you feel full so you will not crave sweets. It will also improve your blood protein level or albumin, which helps prevent and fight infections.
3. Do not forget the fruits and vegetables. Plant foods are lacking in most people’s diets, and increasing them will improve your gut health as well as provide micronutrients to decrease inflammation.

Here are 10 snack ideas for people on dialysis:

1. Apple with peanut butter
2. Cottage cheese with fruit
3. Celery with peanut butter
4. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
5. Carrot sticks with Greek Yogurt Vegetable Dip (see recipe below)
6. A handful of unsalted nuts with a fresh pear
7. Mixed fresh berries with Greek yogurt
8. Popcorn with salt free seasoning and a protein shake
9. A protein bar and a cup of grapes
10. Unsalted tortilla chips with salsa verde and homemade bean dip (see recipe below)

Yogurt Feta Vegetable Dip

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

½ c fat free Greek yogurt

½ c light sour cream

¼ c reduced fat feta cheese

1 tbsp fresh parsley

1 tbsp fresh dill

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

Place all ingredients in food processer or blender and process until smooth.

Serve with crunchy vegetables sticks like carrots, celery, cucumbers and bell peppers.

Spicy Black Bean Dip

Ingredients

1 ½ c black beans, canned with no salt added

¼ c fat free Greek yogurt

1 oz lime juice (juice of 1 lime)

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp oregano

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp cayenne

2 tsp olive oil

¼ c fresh cilantro leaves

¼ c chopped onion

Directions

Place all ingredients in the food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

Top with a little salsa, fat free yogurt and more fresh cilantro.

Enjoy cold or hot with chips or vegetable sticks…or in a taco!