Chef Duane Sunwold was told by his medical team when he was first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), “get rid of the saltshaker.” Did you know that sodium (salt) is “hidden” in many foods, particularly processed foods? In this video, Chef Duane Sunwold shares some tips on how to reduce salt in your diet. He gives the example of how much sodium there is in a typical lunch consisting of a turkey sandwich with cheese and a bag of potato chips. Chef Duane suggests some great ways to add flavor to foods without adding salt. He suggests using salt-free herb blends and spices which can be found in most grocery stores and online.

When you think of chocolate pudding, does your mouth water? Did you ever think you could indulge in chocolate pudding served in a martini glass without feeling slightly guilty, especially when you are trying so hard to eat healthy? Well, there’s good news. In this video, Chef Duane Sunwold demonstrates how to make a delicious and kidney-healthy chocolate pudding with a plant-based protein, Chia seeds. Following a plant-based kidney health diet doesn’t have to be boring or bland.

In this video, Chef Duane Sunwold demonstrates how to prepare a delicious kidney healthy white bean dip. In addition, he shares some tips on cooking dried beans to reduce starch and the stomach “gassiness” that people often experience after eating beans. Chef Duane suggests adding a low-sodium ranch flavor spice and a splash of vinegar with some a plant-based milk. Mix thoroughly in a food processor and serve with fresh vegetables or whole grain snacks.

While this Strawberry-Kiwi Salsa can be served on the side with a healthy snack, Chef Duane Sunwold highly recommends serving this tasty recipe with the Bulgur Wheat/Chickpea burger on a whole wheat bun. The Kiwi fruit is not only tasty, but it also provides a good source of fiber and is colorful especially when mixed with the chopped strawberries. It’s easy to make the perfect blend of sweetness, tartness and spice to complement the veggie burger.

Plant-based diets are not only healthy for people who have kidney disease, plant-based diets can be tasty, satisfying and healthy. Healthy meals can be very easy to make, and the good news is, eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. In this video, Chef Duane Sunwold combines bulgur wheat and chic peas to create a solid fiber base, that can be seasoned just the way you like it. There are many salt-free spices and herbs available in grocery stores and online. The real treat comes when you serve the patty on a whole wheat bun with another one of Chef Duane’s tasty kidney healthy recipes, Strawberry Kiwi Salsa.

In this short video, Chef Duane Sunwold shares his delicious Lemon Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding recipe complete with step-by-step instructions. Chia seeds and plant-based milk products provide an excellent source of protein. Watch him make this quick, tasty, kidney-healthy dessert or snack. Following a plant-based diet doesn’t mean your meals need to be boring. You can make this simple dessert or snack in less than an hour.