A 7-Day Meal Plan for Kidney Disease

A practical, renal-friendly week of meals designed around the principles in The Dialysis Survival Code — low in sodium, mindful of potassium and phosphorus, and built from everyday ingredients. Includes a printable grocery list at the bottom.

By Dr. Roubache Zakarya · Nephromelon

How to use this plan

Confirm your individual sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid targets with your nephrologist or renal dietitian — needs vary by CKD stage and whether you are on dialysis.
Cook from scratch where possible. The biggest sodium savings come from skipping bouillon cubes, deli meats, canned soups, and pre-seasoned mixes.
Watch portion sizes for protein, dairy, and high-phosphorus foods. Bigger isn't better on a renal diet.
Drink to your fluid allowance — including soups, ice, and the liquid in fruit.

Day 1 — Monday

Breakfast: Rolled oats cooked in unsweetened almond milk, topped with blueberries and a drizzle of honey.
Lunch: Grilled chicken breast over arugula with cucumber, red bell pepper, and olive oil–lemon dressing.
Dinner: Baked white fish with herbs, steamed white rice, and sautéed green beans.
Snack: A small apple with 1 tbsp unsalted almond butter.

Day 2 — Tuesday

Breakfast: Egg-white omelet with red bell pepper and fresh basil; one slice of sourdough toast.
Lunch: Turkey and cucumber wrap on a low-sodium tortilla with arugula and a swipe of cream cheese.
Dinner: Lemon-herb chicken thighs, pearl couscous, and roasted zucchini.
Snack: Half a cup of fresh pineapple chunks.

Day 3 — Wednesday

Breakfast: Cream of wheat with cinnamon, sliced strawberries, and a splash of rice milk.
Lunch: Tuna salad (made with mayo, celery, and lemon) on white bread with lettuce.
Dinner: Pork tenderloin medallions with white rice and steamed cabbage.
Snack: Unsalted pretzels with a small handful of red grapes.

Day 4 — Thursday

Breakfast: Plain low-fat Greek yogurt (small portion) with raspberries and a few unsalted walnuts.
Lunch: Chicken-and-rice soup made with low-sodium broth, carrots, and parsley.
Dinner: Shrimp stir-fry with bell peppers and onions over white rice, seasoned with garlic and ginger.
Snack: Rice cake with 1 tsp jam.

Day 5 — Friday

Breakfast: Two scrambled eggs with chives; one slice of toasted sourdough with unsalted butter.
Lunch: Pasta salad with grilled chicken, cucumber, red pepper, and a light olive-oil vinaigrette.
Dinner: Baked cod with a lemon-dill crust, mashed cauliflower, and roasted carrots.
Snack: Half a cup of fresh cherries.

Day 6 — Saturday

Breakfast: Pancakes (made from scratch, low-sodium baking powder) with fresh blueberries.
Lunch: Egg-salad sandwich on white bread with butter lettuce and cucumber slices.
Dinner: Roast chicken with rosemary, white rice pilaf, and steamed yellow squash.
Snack: A small pear.

Day 7 — Sunday

Breakfast: Cinnamon-apple oatmeal made with water, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Lunch: Grilled chicken Caesar-style salad (no anchovy, light dressing) with homemade croutons.
Dinner: Beef-and-vegetable stir-fry (small portion of lean beef, bell peppers, onion) over white rice.
Snack: Unsalted popcorn.

Renal-friendly grocery list

One week of staples. Adjust quantities to your household and your renal targets.

Proteins

Skinless chicken breast and thighs
White fish (cod, tilapia, haddock)
Shrimp
Lean pork tenderloin
Lean beef (small portions)
Eggs and egg whites
Canned low-sodium tuna

Grains & starches

White rice
Pearl couscous
Rolled oats
Cream of wheat
White sourdough bread
Low-sodium tortillas
Unsalted pretzels, rice cakes, plain popcorn

Kidney-friendly produce

Apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, red grapes, pineapple
Cucumber, red bell pepper, arugula, lettuce, cabbage, green beans, zucchini, yellow squash
Cauliflower, carrots (in moderation), onion, garlic, fresh herbs (basil, dill, rosemary, parsley, chives)

Dairy & alternatives

Unsweetened almond or rice milk
Small portion plain low-fat Greek yogurt
Unsalted butter, cream cheese (small amounts)

Pantry

Olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Low-sodium baking powder
Honey, maple syrup, jam (small amounts)
Unsalted almond butter, unsalted walnuts (small portions)
Spices without added salt (no 'seasoning salt' or bouillon cubes)

Want the full guide?

The Dialysis Survival Code is a 50-page evidence-based handbook covering dry weight, fluid control, smart food choices, and "the forbidden table" — the foods to limit or avoid on dialysis. Instant PDF download for $9.99.

Get the guide →