Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Makes a Snack “Smart” for IgAN?
- Timing and Purpose of Snacks
- 10 Kidney-Friendly Snack Ideas
- Tips for Building Your Own Snack Routine
- Conclusion
Introduction
Having a snack when you have IgA Nephropathy can feel overwhelming because often times snacks are loaded with salt, sugar, and empty calories. Snacks instead should be a way to support your energy, refuel your body mid-day or after a workout, and prevent overeating. In this article, we will review what makes a “smart” snack, when to snack, and types of snacks to support your kidneys and overall health.
What Makes a Snack “Smart” for IgAN?
A “smart” snack is one that leaves us satisfied and energized. For IgAN this also means you need to balance your kidney needs as well.
Smart snacks should be:
- Low sodium
- A source of healthy fat and/or protein
- Balanced with fiber
- Potassium and phosphorus additive-free
Whole foods such as apples, grapes, unsalted nuts, or trail mix make great snacks. Minimally processed bars or yogurt, paired with a vegetable or fruit, can also be great examples of a “smart snack.”
Timing and Purpose of Snacks
When snacking, it is best to be intentional. Healthy snacks can be poor choices when eaten out of boredom or habit, like eating while watching tv. Instead, snacking on something in the mid-morning or afternoon (paired with water) can boost energy and prevent overeating at the next meal. For individuals with blood sugar issues, snacks can be a great way to help stabilize their blood sugar levels. Snacks eaten before or after workouts can also help to replenish energy and promote healing.
10 Kidney-Friendly Snack Ideas
Here’s a curated list of 10 snacks that align with IgAN-friendly nutrition principles:
- Apple with peanut butter
- Hummus and snap peas
- Unsalted nuts and grapes
- Low-sodium rice crackers with chickpea or tuna salad
- Low-sodium popcorn and cucumbers
- Guacamole with unsalted tortilla chips
- Peanut butter rice cake topped with strawberry slices
- Low sugar granola bar with blueberries
- Carrots and low-sodium dressing
- Low-sodium cheese stick with a pear
Tips for Building Your Own Snack Routine
Snacking smart does take a bit of planning. Having only “smart” snack options available in your home is the best way to easily make healthy choices. This method makes less healthy options less available and less likely to be eaten.
Also consider the following ideas when making “smart” snacks an easy choice:
- Prep snacks in advance to avoid impulse choices.
- Use small containers or snack bags to control portion sizes.
- Rotate snacks to keep variety and prevent taste fatigue.
- Don’t forget to read labels for sodium, phosphorus additives, and potassium.
Conclusion
“Smart” snacking is a great way to maintain a healthy balance in your diet and support your kidneys in managing IgA Nephropathy. Snacks should be tasty, enjoyable, and healthy. Listening to our bodies for hunger cues can help us make better choices and prevent overeating at the next meal. For more tips like these, check out the IgAN Nutrition page or download the IgAN app for more healthy recipes.
