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Post by elaine on Dec 30, 2017 1:56:10 GMT
I think trying to make meals that meet all the requirements will be tough. I would look at maybe 2 entrees per dinner - 1 that is gluten-free and 1 that is low potassium. There is plenty of gluten-free pasta these days. In fact, almost anything can be had gluten-free these days - I just had to make a gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner, and was amazed at how varied the products are. Yes but many of the GF pastas ( or at least the good ones ) are made with either beans or potatoes I’m real familiar with the GF side of it but the other is foreign to me but she did say beans so that was a clue as to how hard it would be as so much GF ‘substitutes’ are bean based or at least chick pea based So the 2 issues are slightly contrary Most of the gluten-free pasta I have used is made with corn. Anyhow, I do think that trying to find single entrees that meet all the dietary requirements/limitations and taste good may be more challenging than making two entrees per dinner. How about eggs? Can a crustless quiche meet the requirements? Or egg salad? If you bring an IP, there are some great recipes out there. I have one for Balsamic Cranberry Chicken. I also modified a recipe for Pork Goulash with sauerkraut for the IP. The sauce is sour cream based with caraway seeds. I serve it on egg noodles, although the gluten-free could eat it on rice. |
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Post by mcscrapper on Dec 30, 2017 2:18:25 GMT
The IP may have to find some room in the car.
I'd make up some Mexican street tacos....shredded chicken, a jar of green tomatillos, green chilies, pack of taco seasoning, can or two of Mexican style Rotel. Serve on taco shells or make on tostada shells with shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, black beans, mexican rice, etc. Whatever sounds good to your family.
I've also made taco soup and just left the beans out of a few portions and then made the rest with the beans. I use ranch beans in mind and poured some of the juices from that can into both pots to give it more flavor.
You could also do corn chowder with chicken in it. You might even be able to find a soup mix with all of the seasonings in the pack so all you have to do is add some chicken, broth and cream whatever you want on the side.
What about a pot roast? The non-potato eater can just skip them.
Spaghetti squash bowls.... bake up your squash and then shred. Make up some spaghetti sauce with some ricotta cheese and spinach and add it to the shreds and serve a salad with it.
If it is cold outside, you could easily store all the squash outside so they don't take up too much space. You might even be able to back them ahead of time and put the shreds in a ziplock bag or something.
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mlana
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Post by mlana on Dec 30, 2017 3:13:48 GMT
My DH has CKD and will most likely start dialysis by this summer. His potassium (P) and phosphate (Ph) were just inside the acceptable level this time, after having been a bit over in his previous tests. I’ve been learning how to lower the amounts of both while not necessarily cutting something out completely. We did cut beans out completely - they are just too high to even mess with.
It is really important to read labels when you have problems with P and Ph to read the ingredients, not just look at the levels. Manufacturers are not required to list P/Ph content. Look for P/Ph as part of an ingredient, such as phosphoric acid. Be aware that baking powder is basically Ph and cream of tartar is P; self-rising flour contains baking powder, so any bread (biscuit, pancake,cake) contains baking powder is very high in P. Yeast breads do not usually contain either.
Dark sodas have a tremendous amount of Ph in them. HUGE! Light sodas, like Sprite and 7Up, have almost none. Water flavorings tend to have a lot of Ph also. DH was convinced that he was being good by adding just a few drops of flavor to his water, but his levels went up after he started this and dropped significantly after he stopped, so I’m pretty sure that even a few drops of the concentrated flavorings are way too much. Avoid adding lemon to drinks and water as well.
Whole grains, brown rice, seeds have too much of P (I think) to be messed with. I think flax and chia seeds are the exceptions. Nuts are also usually off the table. Dairy is really high in Ph. Cream cheese has the lowest amount, but you have to use it very sparingly. Hard cheeses also have less than soft cheeses, but, again, use sparingly.
Preserved foods - canned, frozen, cut in store - usually have Ph added to keep them fresh. Fresh apples and strawberries are ok, citrus fruit isn’t. If you make something that calls for diced tomatoes, discard the juice and give the tomatoes a quick rinse. Avoid tomato paste. Fresh red bell pepper is good for kidneys, so we add it to everything.
Meat is high in Ph, but you can substantially reduce it by soaking the meat in water for an hour or so. I usually change the water a couple times at least. Chicken is lowest, beef is highest. Check chicken packages to see if a brine has been added and, if so what it contains. Avoid rotisserie chicken, especially Costco’s.
I buy Zaycon chicken and cook it in batches after soaking. I usually cook some in various sauces, like frontera or Herves, then shred it. When I make something for DH, I drain the chicken thoroughly and add it sparingly.
DH loves pasta and meatballs, but he has had to choose between marinara or meatballs. He always chooses marinara and I sprinkle the lightest dusting of thin shredded Parmesan on top. If he wants a meatball sub, he gets a yeast bun with 2 small meatballs, 1 tbs marinara, and a dusting of Parmesan. He’s been without so long, he can taste every shred of Parmesan and says it’s divine.
Chicken Enchilada soup is a favorite. Homemade chicken or vegetable broth, onions, peppers, chilis, diced tomatoes with juice drained and tomatoes rinsed, cumin, chili powder. Maybe some fresh off the cob corn, if I can find fresh corn. I add the shredded chicken I cooked separately to his bowl, rather than to the soup. I also put white rice in the bowl before adding the soup. A sprinkle of Parmesan and he’s set. If he wants it creamy, add up to a tablespoon of cream cheese to his portion and stir until melted.
Jambalya w red bell pepper and a very small portion of Aidell’s Chicken Andouille. I give him maybe half a sausage and an ounce or so of shredded chicken in his portion. I also make gumbo w a measured amount of the same sausage and shredded chicken.
Chicken and dumplings in a very small potion due to diabetes as well as CKD
Tacos w shredded chicken and charred bell pepper and onions. Look for tortillas w/no baking powder.
Butter chicken - I use Bal’s No Butter Butter Chicken recipe from Food Network. Lots of flavor w/ very little Ph.
Breakfast - English muffins have the least amount of Ph of any standard breakfast sandwich bread. Ann egg white or very thin patty of chicken sausage are good. You can add a slice of roasted red bell, too, to fill it out. I make sourdough pancakes that use the acidity of the sourdough started and the base of baking SODA to give them lightness and lift. DH loves them with a bit of agave and strawberries. Cool whip, not the diet version, is nondairy and pretty much P/Ph free. DH always feels like he got away with something when I put a dab on his pancakes. French toast, made with white bread, coconut milk and egg whites is also low in P/Ph. You can use any yeast bread that doesn’t use a lot of milk or butter.
If potatoes are his downfall, cut them small and soak them for an hour. Put them in water and bring them to a boil, then drain them and start over with fresh water. Supposedly this cuts down the Ph tremendously.
Davila is a great website for recipes and meal plans. I find that I can do a better job of helping DH stay on track if I make our meals..modular maybe? I make the base, like the Chicken Enchilada soup, without the ingredients that cause him the most harm. If I’m going to add any of them, I add a measured amount to his individual bowl just before serving. I also find he feels better about his food if he can SEE the familiar items on top, rather than trying to find pieces of them mixed into the dish.
Marcy
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Belle on Dec 30, 2017 3:35:01 GMT
Pizza with cauliflower crust from TJ’s.
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Post by Zee on Dec 30, 2017 3:43:24 GMT
My DH has CKD and will most likely start dialysis by this summer. His potassium (P) and phosphate (Ph) were just inside the acceptable level this time, after having been a bit over in his previous tests. I’ve been learning how to lower the amounts of both while not necessarily cutting something out completely. We did cut beans out completely - they are just too high to even mess with. It is really important to read labels when you have problems with P and Ph to read the ingredients, not just look at the levels. Manufacturers are not required to list P/Ph content. Look for P/Ph as part of an ingredient, such as phosphoric acid. Be aware that baking powder is basically Ph and cream of tartar is P; self-rising flour contains baking powder, so any bread (biscuit, pancake,cake) contains baking powder is very high in P. Yeast breads do not usually contain either. Dark sodas have a tremendous amount of Ph in them. HUGE! Light sodas, like Sprite and 7Up, have almost none. Water flavorings tend to have a lot of Ph also. DH was convinced that he was being good by adding just a few drops of flavor to his water, but his levels went up after he started this and dropped significantly after he stopped, so I’m pretty sure that even a few drops of the concentrated flavorings are way too much. Avoid adding lemon to drinks and water as well. Whole grains, brown rice, seeds have too much of P (I think) to be messed with. I think flax and chia seeds are the exceptions. Nuts are also usually off the table. Dairy is really high in Ph. Cream cheese has the lowest amount, but you have to use it very sparingly. Hard cheeses also have less than soft cheeses, but, again, use sparingly. Preserved foods - canned, frozen, cut in store - usually have Ph added to keep them fresh. Fresh apples and strawberries are ok, citrus fruit isn’t. If you make something that calls for diced tomatoes, discard the juice and give the tomatoes a quick rinse. Avoid tomato paste. Fresh red bell pepper is good for kidneys, so we add it to everything. Meat is high in Ph, but you can substantially reduce it by soaking the meat in water for an hour or so. I usually change the water a couple times at least. Chicken is lowest, beef is highest. Check chicken packages to see if a brine has been added and, if so what it contains. Avoid rotisserie chicken, especially Costco’s. I buy Zaycon chicken and cook it in batches after soaking. I usually cook some in various sauces, like frontera or Herves, then shred it. When I make something for DH, I drain the chicken thoroughly and add it sparingly. DH loves pasta and meatballs, but he has had to choose between marinara or meatballs. He always chooses marinara and I sprinkle the lightest dusting of thin shredded Parmesan on top. If he wants a meatball sub, he gets a yeast bun with 2 small meatballs, 1 tbs marinara, and a dusting of Parmesan. He’s been without so long, he can taste every shred of Parmesan and says it’s divine. Chicken Enchilada soup is a favorite. Homemade chicken or vegetable broth, onions, peppers, chilis, diced tomatoes with juice drained and tomatoes rinsed, cumin, chili powder. Maybe some fresh off the cob corn, if I can find fresh corn. I add the shredded chicken I cooked separately to his bowl, rather than to the soup. I also put white rice in the bowl before adding the soup. A sprinkle of Parmesan and he’s set. If he wants it creamy, add up to a tablespoon of cream cheese to his portion and stir until melted. Jambalya w red bell pepper and a very small portion of Aidell’s Chicken Andouille. I give him maybe half a sausage and an ounce or so of shredded chicken in his portion. I also make gumbo w a measured amount of the same sausage and shredded chicken. Chicken and dumplings in a very small potion due to diabetes as well as CKD Tacos w shredded chicken and charred bell pepper and onions. Look for tortillas w/no baking powder. Butter chicken - I use Bal’s No Butter Butter Chicken recipe from Food Network. Lots of flavor w/ very little Ph. Breakfast - English muffins have the least amount of Ph of any standard breakfast sandwich bread. Ann egg white or very thin patty of chicken sausage are good. You can add a slice of roasted red bell, too, to fill it out. I make sourdough pancakes that use the acidity of the sourdough started and the base of baking SODA to give them lightness and lift. DH loves them with a bit of agave and strawberries. Cool whip, not the diet version, is nondairy and pretty much P/Ph free. DH always feels like he got away with something when I put a dab on his pancakes. French toast, made with white bread, coconut milk and egg whites is also low in P/Ph. You can use any yeast bread that doesn’t use a lot of milk or butter. If potatoes are his downfall, cut them small and soak them for an hour. Put them in water and bring them to a boil, then drain them and start over with fresh water. Supposedly this cuts down the Ph tremendously. Davila is a great website for recipes and meal plans. I find that I can do a better job of helping DH stay on track if I make our meals..modular maybe? I make the base, like the Chicken Enchilada soup, without the ingredients that cause him the most harm. If I’m going to add any of them, I add a measured amount to his individual bowl just before serving. I also find he feels better about his food if he can SEE the familiar items on top, rather than trying to find pieces of them mixed into the dish. Marcy Not to be an asshole, but phosphorus is P and potassium is K. Ph is pH (acid or alkaline). But this is a great post! I only had to mention it in case someone is googling p/ph instead of K, P, or the pH balance. I'm sorry for what your DH is going through.  |
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Post by katlaw on Dec 30, 2017 3:52:55 GMT
I did not read all of the replies so sorry if this has been mentioned.
For spices I bring a disposable set of salt and pepper shakers.
I pick my favourite recipes that I use for freezer meals. I put the spices in a large Ziploc bag. I then label the bag with what to add,for example it might say add 2 lbs of chicken thighs and a can of diced tomatoes.
I will make up however many meals I need to cook. They take up little room and I don't have to take a bunch of spices.
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Post by Legacy Girl on Dec 30, 2017 4:19:37 GMT
Inside out stuffed pepper casserole is one of our faves. Might work well for you.
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Post by jemmls4 on Dec 30, 2017 4:27:26 GMT
I think some have missed the no gluten and potassium requirements ruling out breads, pasta, tortillas and potatoes as good options. There’s a ton of GF pastas out there. i would be curious to know if the GF is because of celiac/intolerance or not. If there’s no real health issue because of the gluten I would say brother with potassium issues needs to be catered to first. However, if the GF free people really have complications then it is going to be more difficult to find something for all. i would also elicit the others thoughts on foods. What do they fix for themselves? Perhaps each group needs to come up with several ideas and you can pick a few for all. the stuffed peppers made me remember the philly cheeses take srtuffed peppers we made. Green pepper per person (cut a hole or slit in bottom), line with provolone, add deli roast beef, onions, and more cheese. Then pope them in the oven for a bit to warm through and get the cheese all melty. |
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Dec 30, 2017 15:10:31 GMT
Chicken soup with rice
Nachos with taco meat or veggie
Rice noodles with soy sauce and ground meat
In my instant pot I make any soup - reduce the liquid and all soups will cook up thick - I make cauliflower or broccoli. I use an apple instead of potato. It makes the soup thick and starchy without potatoes.
Broocolli rice and chicken. Fried rice with egg and diced veg.
Cheese and chicken quesadillas on corn tortilla.
Burgers
Sweet and sour meatballs
Have you ever made the imitation PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps. So good and so easy. I serve them with sesame rice noodles.
I would cook ahead and freeze and drive up and refreeze. I hate cooking a ton on vacation.
ETA - I would do salad a lot too. Greek salad is my go to in winter. I chop up coloured peppers and cucs and onions ahead of time. When I’m ready I add grape tomatoes, oregano, lemon juice and olive oil.
When I travel to a kitchen I always take oregano, cumin, and hot pepper flakes with me. I buy olive oil and use lemons instead of vinegar for dressings. I find buying a grainy mustard goes a long way in seasoning.
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Post by llinin on Dec 30, 2017 16:03:39 GMT
I would probably eat out for dinners. Breakfasts and lunches would be easier for me to cater to the dietary needs. Eggs are low potassium. Sandwiches with gf and regular bread, soups, nothing too elaborate and all easily customized by the person eating it. I would pick up my brother his favorite low potassium treats for those meals. GF family could pack or buy their favorite treats as well.
Your trip sounds like fun!
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:46:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2017 16:42:58 GMT
You need to find room for the instant pot in the car. Chili Pulled pork Beef stew. Etc.... Cindy Can’t have beans or potatoes... chili and stew were always our go-to’s.... I have made a beef stew with butternut squash. Can he have squash? Here are my ideas: Chicken tortilla soup Turkey sausage cookie sheet bake Honey mustard chicken with steamed green beans and steamed rice Shredded bbq chicken pineapple sandwiches with sides Lemon honey chicken stir fry over fried rice |
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:46:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2017 16:44:56 GMT
When I do the sandwiches dd who has celiacs has her chicken alone or in a lettuce wrap
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freebird
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Post by freebird on Dec 30, 2017 18:33:46 GMT
this sounds like the vacation from hell. I vote that everyone eat out and be done with it.
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Dec 30, 2017 18:38:36 GMT
this sounds like the vacation from hell. I vote that everyone eat out and be done with it. Ya know what.... I am taking a vacation with my brother who has stage 4, terminal cancer. I am going to cherish every minute, even if it’s a hassle. I know you were just trying to be pithy, but you hurt my feelings. You should really think more before you post. (It’s not the first time you’ve been COMPLETELY bitchy to me.) |
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PLurker
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Post by PLurker on Dec 30, 2017 18:44:16 GMT
link Dialysis diets allow potatoes if you leech them first or after cooking. Watch portions. (control) and orange juice. (high potassium) Don't do that. Ask me how I know. 
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Post by Sparki on Dec 30, 2017 18:46:04 GMT
Depends on when you're coming to NM - but right now it's not cold at all. It's in the 50's during the day. No jacket needed. At night, it's pretty chilly, though. I'm in Santa Fe.
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Post by christine58 on Dec 30, 2017 18:46:42 GMT
this sounds like the vacation from hell. I vote that everyone eat out and be done with it. Ya know what.... I am taking a vacation with my brother who has stage 4, terminal cancer. I am going to cherish every minute, even if it’s a hassle. I know you were just trying to be pithy, but you hurt my feelings. You should really think more before you post. (It’s not the first time you’ve been COMPLETELY bitchy to me.) Go and have a great time. You'll find food that will work..besides..being with your family is the best part right?? |
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Dec 30, 2017 18:57:04 GMT
Thank-you everyone for your thoughtful replies. We’ve got it all worked out and it’s going to be tasty and easy. We’ll be there 8 nights. We’re cooking 4 and eating out 4. We’re making pork carnitas tacos, loaded cheesy cauliflower soup, beef stew with carrots, cauliflower and peas, and Migas. This diet is new for my brother, and more importantly, for my SIL who is an INCREDIBLE caretaker (and does all the cooking). The ideas and advice were very helpful.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2017 19:00:00 GMT
Lentil Stew
Cabbage Soup
Turkey Vegetable-Rice Soup
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freebird
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Post by freebird on Dec 30, 2017 19:20:59 GMT
this sounds like the vacation from hell. I vote that everyone eat out and be done with it. Ya know what.... I am taking a vacation with my brother who has stage 4, terminal cancer. I am going to cherish every minute, even if it’s a hassle. I know you were just trying to be pithy, but you hurt my feelings. You should really think more before you post. (It’s not the first time you’ve been COMPLETELY bitchy to me.) My apologies for hurting your feelings. I would rather spend my time with my brother than to cook. Then someone else can clean up! My opinion about that doesn't change. Either way, I hope you have a good trip and enjoy your time together. |
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Post by craftedbys on Dec 30, 2017 19:55:46 GMT
I would be riding with an IP or crockpot in my lap if I had to, LOL. Seriously, my standard answer is Burning Feather's Italian beef. It is so versatile. It's great as a sandwich or over pasta or potatos, with red sauce or without. I'm beginning to think that making BF's Italian Beef ought to be a requirement for your Pea-card.  |
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mlana
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Post by mlana on Dec 30, 2017 21:37:35 GMT
Not to be an asshole, but phosphorus is P and potassium is K. Ph is pH (acid or alkaline). But this is a great post! I only had to mention it in case someone is googling p/ph instead of K, P, or the pH balance. I'm sorry for what your DH is going through. Not an asshole! I chose not to use the atomic symbols and to use the first letters simply because i feared mixing someone up by using K for potassium. Low VitD is a problem in kidney patients and anyone researching kidney trouble is likely to run into recommendations to take Vitamin K to increase absorption of VitD. I found this confusing, since to me K=potassium, but VitK is NOT potassium. LOL I was hoping to head off this mix up for anyone reading my post. You are absolutely right about the atomic symbols and Ph representing the acid/base levels. Thank you for your sympathy; it is appreciated. marcy |
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Post by Zee on Dec 30, 2017 21:54:48 GMT
Not to be an asshole, but phosphorus is P and potassium is K. Ph is pH (acid or alkaline). But this is a great post! I only had to mention it in case someone is googling p/ph instead of K, P, or the pH balance. I'm sorry for what your DH is going through. Not an asshole! I chose not to use the atomic symbols and to use the first letters simply because i feared mixing someone up by using K for potassium. Low VitD is a problem in kidney patients and anyone researching kidney trouble is likely to run into recommendations to take Vitamin K to increase absorption of VitD. I found this confusing, since to me K=potassium, but VitK is NOT potassium. LOL I was hoping to head off this mix up for anyone reading my post. You are absolutely right about the atomic symbols and Ph representing the acid/base levels. Thank you for your sympathy; it is appreciated. marcy Ah, I see--my apologies, thanks for not being offended! |
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moodyblue
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Post by moodyblue on Dec 30, 2017 22:04:23 GMT
Ya know what.... I am taking a vacation with my brother who has stage 4, terminal cancer. I am going to cherish every minute, even if it’s a hassle. I know you were just trying to be pithy, but you hurt my feelings. You should really think more before you post. (It’s not the first time you’ve been COMPLETELY bitchy to me.) My apologies for hurting your feelings. I would rather spend my time with my brother than to cook. Then someone else can clean up! My opinion about that doesn't change. Either way, I hope you have a good trip and enjoy your time together. The problem with eating out a lot is that most places don't have food that is good for a kidney disease patient. Most prepared foods have way too much sodium, and the potassium and phosphorus are also issues. Many restaurants advertise gluten free options on their menus, but the things that kidney patients have to limit or stay away from (beans, nuts, whole grains, brown rice, chocolate) are exactly the things that many people opt for in an effort to choose healthier foods. And the diet changes depending on whether you are on dialysis - my brother had to be low protein before dialysis, and high protein since then. It's not an easy way to eat, and restaurant meals aren't geared to kidney-disease friendly guidelines. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Dec 30, 2017 22:21:30 GMT
My apologies for hurting your feelings. I would rather spend my time with my brother than to cook. Then someone else can clean up! My opinion about that doesn't change. Either way, I hope you have a good trip and enjoy your time together. . Most prepared foods have way too much sodium, and the potassium and phosphorus are also issues. Many restaurants advertise gluten free options on their menus, but the things that kidney patients have to limit or stay away from (beans, nuts, whole grains, brown rice, chocolate) are exactly the things that many people opt for in an effort to choose healthier foods. And the diet changes depending on whether you are on dialysis - my brother had to be low protein before dialysis, and high protein since then. It's not an easy way to eat, and restaurant meals aren't geared to kidney-disease friendly guidelines. i definitely agree with this. I have issues with FODMAPs, especially dairy. Servers have NO idea how to deal with it. I once had a whole conversation with a server about cross contamination, crab legs that were steamed in a separate area, tortilla chips fried in a dedicated fryer (and not with chicken tenders made with buttermilk). She did great until she brought my meal out, including the drawn butter that she had added that spilled all over my plate. I had to send it all back, as she had no idea butter was dairy. Katybee, you are kind to do all of this for your brother. I wish him every success with your trip and his treatment. |
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hannahruth
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Post by hannahruth on Dec 31, 2017 10:23:40 GMT
It all sounds far too hard for me - I would suggest that they either bring the ingredients of something they can cook or make their own arrangements for meals!
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peaname
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Post by peaname on Dec 31, 2017 18:31:17 GMT
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