Tips to Increase Your Protein Intake

When you begin dialysis it is important for you to eat more high protein foods. Eating more protein can help you feel healthier, heal more easily and fight infections

Protein foods include:

 ▪ Beef

 ▪ Eggs

 ▪ Chicken 

▪ Milk, yogurt and cheese*

 ▪ Pork ▪ Beans and nuts*

 ▪ Turkey

 ▪ Fish and seafood

 ▪ Soy Products*

 ▪ Lamb

 ▪ Game meats 

These foods may be high in potassium or phosphorous. Please ask your dietitian to help you include them in your diet. 

To increase your protein intake:

 1- Enjoy eggs or egg substitutes for breakfast as an excellent source of protein. Remember to limit egg yolks to no more than 2-3 per week if you have high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes. 

2- Try to eat a high protein food at each meal. 

3- Choose a high protein snack such as a sandwich made from the high protein foods listed above. 

4- Include up to 1 cup (8 ounces) of milk a day if your diet allows.

Sample menu:

 Breakfast:

 1 fried egg or ¼ cup egg substitute

1 small blueberry muffin

 4 ounces milk ½ medium grapefruit 6 ounces coffee

Lunch:

4 oz hamburger on bun

1 Tbsp. Mayonnaise Tomato & lettuce slice

1 cup carrots

1 medium peach

8 ounces lemon lime soda

 Snack:

 1 medium apple

Dinner:

4 oz pork chop

1 cup buttered noodles

1 cup applesauce ½ cup broccoli

8 ounces lemonade

Snack:

10 vanilla wafers

Your total protein intake should be _________ ounces per day. Please remember 3 ounces of cooked meat is the size of a deck of cards.