Eating well with kidney disease can feel challenging when you’re living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including rare types like complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN).

The best diet for you depends on the type of kidney disease you have, any other health conditions, and the treatments you’re receiving. The first step is to work with your nephrologist (kidney specialist) and a registered dietitian. From there, your care team can help tailor a plan that’s right for you.

Kidney Disease Diet Recommendations

Your kidneys remove waste from your body and keep the right balance of minerals and salts in your blood. The kidneys also help keep your blood “clean” by filtering out waste. If you’re living with kidney disease, you can help protect your kidneys from further damage by limiting certain nutrients, such as:

• Sodium (salt)
• Potassium (in foods such as beans, leafy greens, avocados, bananas, and potatoes)
• Phosphorus (in foods such as most dairy products, dark colas, and chocolate)

You may also need to adjust the amount of protein you eat.

What does this mean for your everyday food choices? One helpful step is to limit fast food and processed foods, which often have hidden amounts of sodium, phosphorus, and other ingredients that may not be kidney-friendly.

However, making nutritious, kidney-friendly choices isn’t necessarily easy. Some foods that are usually considered healthy may not be right for people with kidney disease. When meal planning, it helps to think about:

• How often you like to eat
• Whether you snack between meals
• What types of foods you enjoy or dislike
• Whether you follow any cultural or religious food practices
• What your food budget allows
• Whether you can choose what and when you eat
• Whether you prepare meals yourself or rely on ready-made options
• Whether you have access to grocery stores with fresh food
• Whether you can shop for yourself or need assistance

These details can make meal planning feel more complicated. A registered dietitian can take some of the guesswork out of this. They can help by creating a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. They’ll also work with you over time to adjust the plan as needed, so it feels doable and supports your health.

Meal Ideas for Kidney Disease

Below are some kidney-friendly ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Feel free to enjoy these options whenever they fit into your day. Make sure to talk with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to make sure these recipes match your needs, especially when it comes to protein, potassium, and phosphorus.

Breakfast

Here are a few breakfast ideas that are suitable for people living with kidney disease.

1. Black Bean Omelet in a Mug

This easy omelet recipe from the American Association of Kidney Patients uses egg whites, black beans, and red bell peppers. Turmeric, salsa, green onions, and cilantro provide a savory meal without the need for salt.

2. Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Recommended by Mayo Clinic, these moist muffins pack plenty of pumpkin spice flavor, and an entire batch contains just a quarter teaspoon of salt. Nonfat Greek yogurt lends richness. If your phosphorus levels are high, check with your dietitian about how many muffins you can enjoy in a day.

3. Cinnamon Rolls

A healthy diet for kidney disease can still include sweet treats. These cinnamon rolls are made with lower-fat ingredients than traditional recipes contain, making them a better fit for many people living with kidney disease.

Lunch

Lunch doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated when you’re living with kidney disease.

1. Baked Sweet Potato With Bean Chili

Pile hearty, low-sodium bean chili on a baked sweet potato for a simple midday meal. Herbs and spices, rather than salt, provide the flavor. If you prepare the chili and potatoes ahead of time, lunch comes together fast whenever you’re ready for it.

Here are the U.S. standard and metric units for some of the ingredients in this recipe from Kidney Care UK, so you can measure easily, no matter what system you use.

• One can (about 400 grams) of black beans
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) tomato puree
• ¼ cup (30 grams) frozen corn
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) sour cream

2. Fast and Fruity Chicken Salad

This chicken salad has a touch of sweetness from fruit and is low in potassium, salt, phosphorus, and cholesterol. You can prepare this recipe in just a few minutes and enjoy it alone, on a bed of lettuce, or spread on low-sodium crackers or bread.

3. Bake-Ahead Pasta

You don’t have to skip pasta when eating for kidney health. This make-ahead recipe is low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium, and you can make extra to store for several meals. Use whatever pasta you have on hand — no need for a special grocery run.

Note these amounts for some of the ingredients:

• 1½ cups (150 grams) cooked pasta
• ¼ cup (40 grams) spinach
• One can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• 1 tablespoon (10 grams) butter
• 4 tablespoons (20 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Dinner

Here are a few simple and satisfying ideas to help you make dinner work for your kidney health.

1. Mango and More Pizza

Mango Salsa Pizza offers fresh flavor and a gourmet feel without a lot of effort. If the recipe’s whole-wheat crust doesn’t work for your kidney diet, you can substitute a white flour crust.

2. Thai Stir-Fry

This plant-based Thai stir-fry is low in salt, protein, phosphorus, potassium, and fat. It’s a little more involved than some other recipes but makes a healthy alternative to takeout. Note these amounts for some of the ingredients:

• About a third of a 14-ounce package of firm tofu (around 5 ounces)
• 2/3 cup (120 grams) cooked rice
• 8 ounces (240 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 cup (80 grams) cabbage
• 1 cup (150 grams) bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) peanuts

Double the recipe for a family meal or to have extra for leftovers.

3. French Lentil Salad

This flavorful, kidney-friendly green-lentil salad is a great option for a light dinner. This recipe might not appeal to kids, but it’s a good choice for a casual dinner party or make-ahead meal.

Snacks

Looking for something healthy to munch on between meals? Here are a few ideas to keep you satisfied.

1. Baked Apples With Topping

Baked apples with a sweet, crumbly topping similar to streusel are a great way to add more fruit to your day. This version can satisfy a sweet tooth and fits within many diets for people with kidney disease.

2. Nutty Chocolate Shortbread

This easy shortbread recipe offers a rich, chocolatey treat. It’s perfect for parties or holiday meals, giving you a kidney-friendly option to enjoy while celebrating with others. To make these cookies, use:

• ⅓ cup (50 grams) ground almonds or almond meal
• 1 cup (140 grams) flour
• ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
• 8.5 tablespoons (125 grams) butter (just over a stick)
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) hazelnuts
• 1.8 ounces (50 grams) chocolate

3. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Pair this flavorful hummus, which skips the added salt but keeps the taste, with fresh-cut vegetables or low-sodium crackers. It’s a great item to take to a party to ensure having kidney-friendly fare.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, the social network for people with kidney disease and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with kidney disease.

Have you changed your diet because of kidney disease? What are your favorite kidney-friendly recipes? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.