with Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
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Sodium Goals
I asked people on my FB Group what goal they find the hardest to meet from the Kidney Stone Diet. As of now, the most common response seems to be salt. Because of this, I decided to write a few tips and tricks to help you reach your daily goal. Use salt…
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The Value of Being Flexible
This week, my Kidney Stone Prevention Course members and I talked a lot about flexibility. Let me explain. I am someone who craves a regimen. My schedule is packed, and having a regimen grounds me and helps me reach my weekly goals. But to be compliant with my health and wellness goals,…
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Change Takes Time
Today, I want to talk about the diet industry and how they have us believing that lifestyle changes are easy and should come quickly. I say the opposite. Lifestyle changes happen slowly and can be difficult. That being said, let me share this story with you.
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10 Ways to Avoid Overeating at Night
This week I have had several patient calls related to overeating at night. Eating too many calories at night is something I repeatedly hear about. Nothing new here, but let me address it. First, when people tell me they overeat at night, I can always tell they feel ashamed. Although…
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A Kidney Stone Diet-Friendly Shopping List for Trader Joe’s
A common question in my Facebook group is, “What do you guys buy at Trader Joe’s?” I thought I’d put together some standard goodies to look for next time you find yourself at the nearest TJ’s. I recognize not all of you have a Trader Joe’s, but you might still find some of…
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The #1 Thing that Derails Your Diet.
January is the month when many of us choose to “start our plan.” We will “eat perfectly” and “work out every day.” While I love the enthusiasm, I want you to proceed with caution. When we use an all-or-nothing approach to diet and lifestyle, changes generally fail.
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Using Lemons to Prevent Kidney Stones
I wrote this post because I get some form of this question every single day. “Jill, I have been drinking lemon water, but I’m still making stones. Why is this happening?” First off, those of you who have been with me a while will know what my first question will…
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A new shortlist of grab-and-go snacks
Today I want to make snacking easier with some new “grab-and-go” snacks and recipes that any kidney stone patient can safely throw in their backpack or purse on the way out the door?
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The 8 Most Common Errors to Avoid as a Kidney Stone Former
Hi! It’s a beautiful fall day here in Chicago—sunny with a high of 70°. We have two days a year like this, so I site here in good spirits as I write this. In this article, I want to talk about some of the most common errors I see kidney stone patients…
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Treating Yourself on the Weekend
Today, I want to talk about that tendency many of us have to eat well during the week and “treat ourselves” over the weekend.
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13 Things To Do At Your First Kidney Stone Appointment
Hi! When I was going through my cancer journey, there were so many times I left my doctor’s office baffled. I was sick and scared, and even though I’m a nurse with 21 years of kidney stone prevention under my belt, I knew nothing about cancer. I often found myself…
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Oxalate Content of Plant-Based Milk
This is a quick but essential update on milk. Plant-based milk, that is. A new study takes a look at the oxalate content in various brands of milk—you can see the results in the pretty little graph that we created below.
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Is All Sugar Bad or Only Added Sugar?
Despite the cold temps we’re experiencing in the midwest, summer will be here any minute. And that means different fruits and veggies will be in season. You may think I need to get a life, but I am very excited about this upcoming event! Many of us have a sweet…
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Your High-Fiber, Low-Oxalate Grocery List.
Here’s a fun little fact. The average American only gets around 15 grams of fiber per day though we’re supposed to get between 21-38 grams per day (21-25 grams for women and 30-38 grams per day for men). You might ask yourself, “What the heck does this have to do with…
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The Most Critical Question to Ask Your Doctor
What are the most important discussion points to have with your doctor when you are newly diagnosed with a kidney stone? Let’s get right to it! Give your doctor a complete history of your kidney stone(s). Alert your doc if there is a family history of kidney stones or bone…
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What We Believe, We Become
I am a firm believer in “what you believe is what you become,” even if you don’t wholeheartedly believe what you’re telling yourself in the moment. Let me explain. On most days—even before the pandemic—I have been known to wear gym clothes. People ask me why? The answer is I…
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8 Principal Reasons Why Patients Make New Stones
After 24 years in the stone prevention sector, I feel blessed and grateful that I continue to have a gratifying career. As a nurse, it is one of my greatest passions to help patients understand that diet and lifestyle choices make a difference in maintaining a healthy body and mind.…
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16 Non-Dairy Calcium Sources for Kidney Stone Formers
In all my years of talking with patients and students about kidney stone prevention, not one of them has said to me, “Oh Jill, don’t worry. I get plenty of calcium each day.” Most adults don’t get anywhere near the amount of calcium they need. The National Osteoporosis Foundation “recommends…
“The Kidney Stone Diet is far more than just a diet; this plan is life-altering!”
“The group calls will transform you physically and emotionally. Once you start this journey, your health naturally improves. I have lost a total of 40 pounds and have consistently kept it off. The group calls are such support; this is more like family than a zoom meeting to stay accountable. Jill is far more than a nurse; she is a life coach. Her platform is invaluable.”
Kim J. | Kidney Stone Prevention Course
“The best decision I’ve made has been to join this group.”
“I have been working on weight loss for many years. This group has kept me on track and has helped my continued success with my weight loss.”
Kate L. | Group Calls with Jill
“I have been following the Meal Plan for about 6 weeks and I feel amazing.”
“Eating healthy has also encouraged me to go to bed earlier, so I am also getting more sleep. Because of that, I have been able to get up before work and exercise! So yes, the positive effects are spilling over into all areas of a healthy lifestyle.”
Jerry T. | Meal Plan Subscriber
“I have been a part of the group calls with Jill for the last 14 months, and they are essential to being so successful with the Kidney Stone Diet Prevention Plan.”
Sarah B. | Group Calls with Jill
“These calls are the gold of this program!!”
“I can’t say enough about how Jill knows just the right questions to ask us or how she prods us to think about what is going on in our lives.”
Monica K. | Group Calls with Jill
“I took the course with Jill, and my second 24 hour urine was MUCH better than the first.”
“She gives very practical information, and it WORKS. I was totally overwhelmed at first. I got very poor diet information from my doctors. Jill made it easy for me to understand, and I took it one day at a time. I still watch her videos when I need a tune-up. Jill is the best, and she really cares about all of us. Take the course—it will help you!!!”
Mark J. | Kidney Stone Prevention Course