How to eat more protein

Information for kidney patients

This leaflet will tell you how to eat enough protein to keep you well or to help you recover from illness. You may need extra protein now because:

• Your body is losing protein through dialysis.
• Your body is losing more protein than usual. This happens during infections, especially peritonitis.
• Your appetite is small, and you are not eating enough protein.

Why are protein foods important?

We need protein in every part of our body. It is essential:

• For strong muscles.
• To fight off infections and help recovery.
• For healthy skin and blood.

What if I usually limit phosphate, potassium, and salt? 

You may not need to limit foods that are high in phosphate, potassium, or salt now.  Your dietitian will give you more guidance.  If you take phosphate binder tablets you should continue to take these as usual.   

Which foods are high in protein?

Meat, chicken, and fish:

• Fresh, unprocessed meat, chicken, and fish are lowest in salt and phosphate.

Dairy:

• Milk.
• Yoghurt – look for higher protein options with more than 7g of protein per 100g such as Skyr or Liberté.
• Cheese.
• Milk puddings such as rice, semolina and tapioca puddings, and custard.

Vegetarian options:

• Eggs.
• Beans, lentils (including dahl) and chickpeas (including hummus).
• Soya milk.
• Tofu and tempeh.
• Quorn.
• Nuts.
• Seitan.

How can I eat enough protein?

Protein cannot be stored by the body, so you need high protein foods 2-3 times a day. As a guide aim for the following portions and serving sizes: 

• Cooked meat or chicken about the size of half of your hand (90g). 
• Cooked fish about the size of your hand (140g).
• 2-3 eggs (120g-180g).
• Cheese about the size of your index and middle fingers (50g).
• About 4 tablespoons of beans or lentils (100-140g).
• About 3 tablespoons of nuts (50g).

If you have peritonitis, you will need to eat more protein than usual. Try to have 2-3 high protein snacks in addition to high protein meals. High protein snacks can also be helpful if you have a poor appetite and are eating smaller meals than usual. There are some ideas for meals on pages 6, 7, and 8.

Fatty and sugary foods

You should also try to eat more high fat and high sugar foods. This will help your body use the protein you eat. 

Swap low or reduced fat and sugar foods for full fat and full sugar options. For example, swapping semi-skimmed milk for full fat milk. 

If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose levels more often at this time. You may also ask your diabetes team for advice. When you have recovered you should return to your usual healthy way of eating. 

What meals, snacks, and drinks are high in protein? 

Here are some ideas for high protein meals, snacks, and drinks:

High protein meals

High protein snacks

High protein drinks

Food labels

If you are buying a convenience meal, sandwich, or snack, it can be helpful to look at food labels to see how much protein is has. A main meal should have at least 20g protein, ideally more. 

Here is an example of a food label showing protein content: 

How can I eat enough protein if I have a small appetite?

Try to eat small portions, but more often. Have 2-3 high protein snacks or high protein drinks in between your meals every day.  

For more information ask for a copy of our leaflet ‘Diet for a poor appetite.’

Try protein boosters to fortify your meals. The quantities of protein boosters given below are for 1 portion. You may be able to add more than 1 booster per portion. 

Protein booster portions

Tips

• Aim to have high protein foods such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, or tofu at every meal.
• Eat the high protein part of your meal first.
• Have a generous portion of starchy food such as pasta, egg noodles, or quinoa to add more protein to your meal.
• Try to have milky desserts such as yoghurt, rice pudding, or soya dessert after or between your meals.
• Have high protein snacks between meals such as cheese and biscuits or falafel and hummus.
• If you are buying ready meals check the label and aim for at least 20g of protein for a meal.
• Have milk or soya drinks such as milkshakes or hot chocolate instead of tea, water, and squash.
• Keep drinks separate from meals.

Do I need supplement drinks prescribed? 

• If you are unable to eat enough protein, your dietitian may recommend nutritional supplements. These are available as milkshake style drinks, fruit juice style drinks, small ‘shot’ style drinks, desserts, or powders. Samples can be provided by your dietitian or they can be prescribed short-term by your GP. 
• For more information ask of our leaflet/page with tips for taking nutritional supplements. 

How much protein do I need?

Different people need different amounts of protein. 
These foods all supply 1 protein portion. Most people having dialysis treatment need 6-8 protein portions per day. Some people find it helpful to plan their protein portions across the day. Your dietitian can tell you how many protein portions you need to eat each day, and can help you plan meals: 

• 25g (1oz) cooked red meat, chicken or turkey.
• 40g (1½oz) cooked or tinned fish.
• 25g (1oz) cheese.
• 200ml (⅓ pint) milk.
• 125g / 1 small pot yoghurt or small portion custard or rice pudding.
• 1 egg.
• 100g (4oz) hummus.
• 50g (2oz) Quorn.
• 40g (1½oz) cooked tofu.
• 110g (4oz) cooked pulses such as lentils, dahl or baked beans.

How can I eat more sustainably?

Many people want to eat food that is more environmentally friendly. Below are some ideas you could consider. 

• Try buying plant food sources such as beans, lentils, soya mince, Quorn, tofu, or nuts.
• When buying fish look for the Marine Stewardship Council or Aquaculture Stewardship Council symbols:

• Try calcium fortified plant milk such as soya or oat instead of cow’s milk.
• Opt for wholemeal breads and wholegrain versions of pasta and cereals.
• Choose local and seasonal produce.
• Try to limit fruit and veg that have been flown from abroad. 
• Avoid chopped, ready prepared and packaged fresh fruit, veg and salads if you can.
• Reduce food waste, especially of fresh fruit and veg, by choosing tinned and frozen alongside seasonal fresh produce.

Useful webpages for further information

Contact your dietitian if you need further help. 

© North Bristol NHS Trust.  This edition published May 2024. Review due May 2027. NBT003617.