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5 of 11 · 3 min
Protein: a deck of cards, not a platter
You still eat chicken. You do not eat the whole bird.
You still need some
Protein repairs you. A kidney diet is not a no-meat diet. It is a right-size diet. A piece of chicken or fish about the size of a deck of cards — or the palm of your hand, no fingers — is a solid meal.
What piles up
A 16-ounce ribeye, a protein shake, a muffuletta, or three pieces of fried chicken is a lot of leftover for tired kidneys to clear. Egg whites and skinless chicken are easier than cheese-heavy casseroles and processed sausage.
If you are on dialysis
Stop here and use the clinic sheet. Dialysis often wants more protein, not less. This kitchen is written for someone who just found out their kidneys are tired — not for the dialysis plate.
Try this
- Tonight, cook the chicken recipe and stop at one serving. Leftovers become tomorrow’s wrap.
- Skip the shake aisle unless a dietitian named a brand.