Maintain the CKD diet during the holidays is possible

The end of the year is getting closer and families gather around of the table to celebrate. But, what to do when we are in a special diet? 

Resisting traditional delicacies seems to be a task that requires a lot of willpower. With the help of nutritionist Lidia Maria Carreño López, here are some practical tips to survive this month of December without denying us the pleasure of sharing a good dinner but taking care of our health for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

• Normality is important. Share a Christmas dinner without a problem, but remember that for CKD patients, food must continue to be healthy and balanced.
   
• There are foods that must continue off our plate. Although we can have a tasty dinner, we should avoid foods high in sodium, added sugars, saturated fats, preservatives, nitrites, and flavour enhancers.
   
• Indulge in tasty and nutritious foods. It is important to include foods from all groups (fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients). Eat fruits and vegetables (taking care of those that can provide large amounts of potassium) and avoid processed and ultra-processed foods.
   
• Make a short list of what you should not eat, such as sausages (ham, sausages, longaniza, chorizo), canned foods, instant soups, sweets and sweets, and very elaborate pastry/pastry products (with large amounts of sugar, fat, and creams).
   
•  Pay attention to drinks. Avoid bottled liquids, such as sodas, malts, juices, energy drinks and flavoured waters, among others. Go for sugar-free, natural juices, for instance.
   
• Do not lose your mind if you ate something not recommended. Currently, it is common to have a gastronomic "sin." Resume your healthy diet as soon as possible and keep track of when and how many times you consumed that non-recommended food, reducing it to the maximum. This way you will have more control over your diet without feeling guilty.
   
• Say 'no' to excess. Enjoy the moment and the joy of the celebration without neglecting yourself. The consumption of alcohol as a social act is usually present, and therefore it is imperative to control the amount, portion size and frequency of consumption of this type of beverage, as well as to choose one that hopefully has a small contribution of sugars and minerals (for instance, whiskey). A glass of wine, one or two small drinks, would be within a control measure. Otherwise, "excess alcohol is harmful to health," and more so in CKD patients.
   
• Make your loved ones a support network. Explain with love and patience why you should follow certain nutritional recommendations and remind them to prioritize your health. Your loved ones will become your guardians and your holidays will surely remain an unforgettable date.