Real Tools for Real Change

Real Tools for Real Change

Here are interesting and useful resources to increase your knowledge about healthy foods and exercise. 

Guidance on Healthy Foods

Guidelines for Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease: 2020 Update

The National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) gives science-based recommendations on nutrition for people with kidney disease. It includes information for all patients--from those who are just diagnosed to patients who have received a kidney transplant. 

What is in the Foods You Eat Search Tool

Enter a food in the search box to see a detailed listing of all the nutrients it contains. This comprehensive resource is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Research Service. 

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020 - 2025

The most recent edition of dietary guidelines explains how to eat a healthy diet. It includes recommendations for infants, toddlers, children, teens, adults, pregnant and nursing mothers, and older adults. 

MyPlate Plan

Create a free personalized food plan based on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level. Learn what and how much to eat within your calorie allowance. Set your food group targets. 

Food Labeling and Nutrition

The US Food and Drug Administration explains what to look for when reading Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods. They also provide nutrition education resources and materials. 

A Plant-Based Diet

Eating whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables is a dietary pattern that can help keep kidneys healthy. 

DASH Diet

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Studies show that the DASH diet helps decrease blood pressure. It also helps reduce the risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and kidney stone formation. 

Exercise Resources

Move Your Way. What’s your move?

This factsheet from the CDC explains the health benefits of moving and has suggestions for types of exercise. 

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition

These science-based guidelines provide guidance on amounts and types of physical activity. The focus is to how improve health and reduce risk of chronic disease by regular exercise. 

Fitness Apps

My Fitness Pal

This resource is both an app and a website. You can keep a food diary and log your exercise. My Fitness Pal links with other health tracking apps, such as Fitbit. 

Sparkpeople

This resource is both an app and a website. You can keep a food diary and log your exercise. You can join online community groups for advice and motivation. Sparkpeople also had a database of user recipes. 

Other pages you may be interested in!

a woman who exercises

Be on the move

healthy food

Self-care for kidney health

Reduce your risk of getting CKD or keep it from getting worse. Here is what you need to know about nutrition and exercise to practise self-care for kidney health.