with Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
Here is a lunch option that is quick and easy for diabetic and keto diet peeps. You can do whatever lunch meat you like with any cheese you like. You’ll note that this is a higher sodium option. You will not be perfect each day with your sodium goals, don’t let that deter you from …
This dish is a higher oxalate but very low sodium and low added sugar. Just like everything in life, you can’t always meet all your goals perfectly. But, remember, unless your doc has told you otherwise, you get up to 100 mg of oxalate per day. This dish certainly doesn’t break your bank, and you …
Everyone needs to have a burger here and there. This one is a 4ounce turkey burger, but you can have whatever meat you like. Vegan and vegetarians watch out for all the extra sodium in the meat-free versions. They are extremely processed, but of course, you can have them—just make sure to account for the …
I know many of you will say, “Oh my, she has finally gone off the deep end. Sweet potatoes AND sunflower seeds in the same dish?” Why yes, guess what, you can have it. Notice the oxalate level in one bowl is around 23mg. This is why I scream about portion all the time. You …
I love chicken soup. It is the ultimate low cal, comfort food. I also love that I can find pre-cut soup veggies at Trader Joe’s and a rotisserie chicken at the market, which is a huge time saver. I used the lowest sodium stock I could find at 35 mg/cup. The rotisserie chicken I picked …
I am writing this during the pandemic and have found that I have too many bananas in my house that need to be dealt with right now. I also had a sugar tooth, so I thought I’d whip up some no-added-sugar cookies. Think banana bread but in cookie form! As you can imagine, I do …
I must admit, I have never been a fan of pancakes in the morning. They are highly caloric and might as well be cake. I know. I’m a party pooper. But, I know my patients like to eat them, so I made a healthier recipe to make us happy. There is no added sugar, and …
Who doesn’t love grilled cheese? I must admit, I don’t usually eat grilled cheese, but I had a taste for one. Since we’re always trying to get enough daily calcium, I thought this would be a gooey and delicious way to do it. I used riced cauliflower instead of bread to make the sandwich, and …
We’re always looking for healthy “grab-and-go” snack options—something we can throw in our purse or backpack in case we get stuck somewhere and need a little somethin’ somethin’! Well, these granola bars fit the bill because they’re lower sodium with no added sugar and they contain lots of healthy lower oxalate seeds that will add …
It was a rainy, cold, deep fall day when I made this wrap—it totally hit the spot. I liked it because it came to me out of nowhere. I simply had some portabello mushrooms in my fridge and it was a do or throw out situation. Next thing you know I made this delicious, savory, …
I know. You are looking at this and thinking, “this is NOT a pizza, Jill.” Well, fair enough, but it is a tasty way to get your calcium needs met. My patients come to me thinking they need to focus on oxalate, but truly, one of the more challenging elements of the Kidney Stone Diet …
I made this kidney stone-safe granola after hearing from so many patients who miss having it for long walks, quick snacks, or throwing in a bag for those times when we need a little something during the day. Unfortunately, most granolas are made with high oxalate nuts (like almonds) and are, therefore, a no-go for …
Fall always has me excited to reach for cozy sweaters and hot bowls of chili. So, I made a delicious kidney stone-safe version for us all to try! Note that I took out the traditional black beans and replaced them with green beans. Remember folks, this is a portion game, and although green beans have …
I have not eaten alfredo sauce in decades. As a kid, I absolutely loved it. Who doesn’t? It’s rich, creamy goodness! Unfortunately, that goodness comes with a whole bunch of calories, so I’ve avoided it like the plague for most of my life. Lately, though, I’ve been craving it. So I made a healthier version. …
This simple, tasty salad is another quick way to get your calcium while keeping oxalate intake low. I swapped out the traditional tomatoes used in Caprese salads for sweeter, lower-oxalate strawberries, and, for a little tang, we finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic dressing. Mozzarella is a good lower sodium, higher calcium cheese …
For those of you living the low carb lifestyle, this avocado chicken salad is super easy to make, very satisfying, high in fiber, and a great lower-oxalate recipe. The chicken is a portion of a one pound chicken breast that I sautéed in a pan. I use the remaining chicken throughout the week in different …
Here we have high calcium, lower oxalate breakfast option. You can have this any time, but I like getting some of my calcium needs met at the start of the day. The avocado is a wonderful source of healthy fat and fiber, which helps sustain you throughout the morning. You will note that I did …
Start your day with some fiber and calcium! Overnights oats can be made in a matter of minutes the night or day before and is a great grab-and-go breakfast. One of the many reasons I like it is you can tailor it to your taste. I love this one for fall and throughout the holiday …
Use this smoothie as your template and as a way to get added calcium into your diet. If you are a diabetic or are on a low carb diet, you may not want to use bananas as your fruit. Remember, your lifestyle, your choice. Use any other low oxalate fruit(s) you like. I choose bananas …
These are really known as “Jeannette’s muffins” as it’s my dear friend, Jeannette, who first shared them with me. The recipe has been modified to lower sugar, oxalate, and sodium to make them Kidney Stone Diet-Approved. Remember, make these to accommodate your taste. I like cranberries, but you may not, so use any low oxalate …