Food has a remarkable ability to bring us together. It’s at the center of celebrations, family gatherings, and quiet moments of connection. This week’s Friday Foodie Find is about more than just a delicious dish; it’s about using food as a catalyst for meaningful conversations, especially when it comes to health.
We’re thrilled to share this vibrant and kidney-friendly recipe for Quinoa Fonio Crusted Salmon with Sautéed Collard Greens from NephU. This meal is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a wonderful way to nourish your body. But it’s also an opportunity to nourish your relationships.
Use dinner time to connect, to listen, and to learn. Talking about health can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it’s crucial. By sharing stories and information, you can empower each other to make informed decisions about your health.
Quinoa Fonio Crusted Salmon with Sautéed Collard Greens (Recipe from NephU)
A Note on Kidney Health from Balboa Nephrology Registered Dietitian and Health Educator, Min Krishnamurthy:
To protect kidney health, it is important to aim for balanced, colorful meals that first and foremost consist of a half plate of non-starchy veggies, then one quarter protein and one quarter nutrient-rich carbohydrates. The extra fiber, provided by the veggies, makes it easier to decrease the protein and carb portions, which we must do in order to prevent the extra burden on the kidneys. Choosing proteins which are high in omega 3s, such as salmon, or sprinkling on omega 3s through nuts and seeds also helps us achieve the proper plate proportions for kidney protection.
You can “kidney-healthify” any recipe! For example, you can take a recipe like this, which is perfect in that it’s low in sodium and saturated fats and high in lean protein and omega 3s, and easily add more colorful veggies by creating a medley of collard greens sautéed with tri-colored bell peppers. Or you could start with a light and fresh spinach salad tossed with tri-colored bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion and celery and topped with pumpkin seeds. Better yet, you can do both! 😋
We hope this week’s Friday Foodie Find inspires you to create a delicious meal and a meaningful connection!
