March brings several reasons to celebrate health and to enjoy healthy meals. As the snow melts and the heavy rains subside, spring flowers and vegetables start to grow. With the milder weather, we鈥檙e typically more motivated to get outside. Fortunately, this means more fresh air and opportunities for exercise. This is a great time for a healthy springtime meals celebration. In addition, we celebrate these special events this month:
- Beginning of Spring
- Daylight Saving Time (more time to prepare meals before dark)
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day on March 13th
National Kidney Month is a good time for everyone to learn more about kidney disease. Checkout this video on the what causes kidney disease.
Spring Menu
It鈥檚 a great time to switch over from a winter meal plan to one that includes new spring recipes. To get started check out 鈥 Three Day Menu for a Spring Diet 鈥 created by the 亚洲无码 Dietitian team. In addition to the ideas for springtime meals there are daily diet tips to help you organize your meal planning. Plus the menu includes meals that are kidney-friendly. They are easy to adjust to different levels of protein and potassium depending on your specific diet needs.
Potassium Refresh
If you are on a low potassium diet, take time to refresh your memory about produce options that are low in potassium by reading 鈥 . Check with your dietitian to know how many servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to aim for each day. Don鈥檛 cut yourself short and miss the health benefits from the fiber, antioxidants and nutrients that produce adds to your diet.
For individuals not on a potassium restricted diet, it is recommended they aim for 4,700 mg potassium each day. This level can be easier to reach with a diet (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) or a way of eating. If you are unsure about the appropriate levels of potassium you should consume, ask your health care team. It is important not to restrict potassium if you do not need to limit it.
Recipes and Cookbooks
Looking for recipe ideas for healthy springtime meals? My favorite kidney-friendly spring salad is Strawberry and Goat Cheese Spring Salad from the 亚洲无码.com recipes. For more meal ideas download one of the Today鈥檚 Kidney Diet Spring cookbooks: Simply Spring, Fresh Spring Recipes and Springtime Favorites.
What are your favorite healthy spring foods and meals?
