Kidney Friendly Smoothies

Smoothies are all the current rage -- you see them at the malls, your kids make them for breakfast, and the juice shops advertising them abound.

 

Supposedly full of good, healthy things, a smoothie can pack more calories, potassium, phosphorus and fluid in them than a milkshake, so they can be a little hard to swallow if you need to limit any of those things due to your kidney health.  

 

To help make your smoothie kidney friendly, try using lower potassium fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or fresh apple. Skip the banana typically added to smoothies, and use low potassium applesauce to thicken them instead, or decrease the banana to ½ a small one, which is plenty to sweeten your smoothie and add body, without adding too much potassium.

 

Protein powders are often added to smoothies – look for simple soy or whey protein powders, most found in a grocery store will do – just make sure it’s with the least amount of vitamins/minerals added. Some formulations, especially those that are used by body builders, can have extra vitamins, minerals and other additives that are not good for kidney patients. If you are not sure, ask your dietitian or your doctor.  Be careful, adding too much may make your drink taste gritty.

 

Another great protein idea found in most grocery stores are pasteurized liquid egg whites. You will usually find them in a carton in the refrigerated section near the eggs. Because they are pasteurized, you can mix them in your smoothie safely. Don’t use raw eggs.

 

Silken Tofu (soft) is often found in a container in the refrigerated section near the vegetables and is a great protein addition to your smoothie. Be careful as there are other textures of tofu that don’t blend as well as this.

 

To cut down on volume, try sharing your smoothie with a friend, or freeze half for a delicious high protein popsicle latter. Using an 8 oz glass will help you control fluid intake, too. 

Berry Smoothie