Eating out at cafes/restaurants
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Eating out at cafes/restaurants
Dining out is a lot of fun even if you are following a ‘kidney-friendly’ way of eating.
With a few basic principles, it is possible to choose from most menus or buffet tables.
This information is designed to help you make the best choices when eating out. It is suitable for anyone on dialysis or with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5.
Dining out and Eating on the go
Dining out is a lot of fun even if you are following a ‘kidney-friendly’ way of eating.
With a few basic principles, it is possible to choose from most menus or buffet tables. This information is designed to help you make the best choices when eating out. It is suitable for anyone on dialysis or with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5.
The general principles of a kidney-friendly diet still apply.
- Aim for two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day
- Eat the right amount of protein for your stage of kidney disease
- Hold the salt.
- Choose wholegrain, seeded, and high fibre version of bread, cereal, rice, and pasta
- Make water your drink of choice.
It is rarely necessary to contact a restaurant or hotel beforehand to order special foods. However, if eating at a friend’s home, you can chat beforehand about kidney-friendly options or offer to bring a dish. This will make it easier for your friend to plan an enjoyable meal for everyone.
General Dining out Tips
General dining out guidelines that apply for everyone
Note: Some of the recommended choices may not be suitable if you also require a low phosphate diet. Your dietitian can advise on appropriate individual choices.
When eating out, beware of the urge to eat more than usual, especially at buffets and “all-you-can-eat” venues.
- To prevent over-eating, avoid choosing multiple courses. Choose either an entrée or a main course for the main meal.
Soups are generally high in salt, potassium and fluid and should be avoided.
If on a fluid restriction, take extra care to allow for drinks when eating out.
Keep to a palm-sized serving or consider choosing a vegetarian option. Often, meat at restaurants are too large and provide large amounts of potassium and phosphate.
Keep to the usual serve size and try to fill half of your plate with vegetables if you are diabetic or watching your weight.
