Kidney Nutrition Nuggets

Summer Van Arsdale, RD, CSR, CCTD, LD, FNKF
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Kidney Nutrition Nuggets is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical tips on kidney health and nutrition. Hosted by Summer Van Arsdale, a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience, this show breaks down complex kidney topics into easy-to-digest insights that empower you to take control of your health. No matter where you are at in your kidney health journey, here you'll find science-backed information, myth-busting facts, and real-life inspiration in every episode.

  1. 10/21/2025

    Ep 16 - The Truth About Weight Loss and Kidney Health

    In this episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, Summer shares her conversation from the Kidney Confidence Today Summit — one that quickly became a fan favorite among participants. Joined by fellow renal dietitian Michelle McMurtry, she dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in kidney care: weight loss. If you’ve ever been told to “just lose weight” for your kidney health, without any guidance on how, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you’ve been missing. 🎧 Tune in to learn: Why weight loss messages in CKD can be misleading — and even harmful The difference between intentional and restrictive weight loss How to focus on kidney-protective nutrition instead of diet culture 👉 Ready to learn more? Join Summer’s free masterclass: “Weight Loss for CKD: 5 Mistakes You’re Making and How to Fix Them” by clicking HERE!

    47 min

  2. 07/29/2025

    Ep. 15 - The (Bad?) Banana

    Is the banana really that bad? You’ve probably heard that it’s full of sugar, spikes blood sugar, or should be avoided if you have CKD or diabetes. In this short and sweet episode, I’m busting the most ridiculous myths about bananas and explaining why this fruit deserves a place on your plate.    In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why bananas have been unfairly labeled as “bad” ✅ The truth about sugar and blood sugar spikes ✅ How bananas fit into a kidney-friendly or diabetes-friendly eating pattern ✅ One key mindset shift to ditch food fear and reclaim confidence in your choices   🔗 Resources & Links: Instagram: @kidney_nutrition_coach Website: www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com Free Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Proteins for CKD

    20 min

  3. 07/01/2025

    Ep. 14 - Intuitive Eating Meets CKD Nutrition

    In this episode, we dive into the concept of intuitive eating and how it can work alongside the dietary needs of chronic kidney disease (CKD). If you've ever found yourself stuck in an "all or nothing" mindset when it comes to your eating patterns, this episode is for you. Managing CKD often comes with numerous food recommendations, which can lead to feelings of guilt, stress, and frustration. However, intuitive eating offers a way to break free from the cycle of perfectionism and allows you to honor your body’s cues while still making mindful food choices. My guest, Amanda Hayes, MS, RD, is an expert in helping people with CKD develop a healthy, balanced relationship with food. In this episode, Amanda explains how to integrate the principles of intuitive eating with the realities of CKD management. She shares practical tips for navigating food choices with a more flexible, compassionate approach. Key Takeaways: How the "all or nothing" mindset can lead to guilt and frustration when managing CKD diet restrictions The principles of intuitive eating and how they can support a healthy relationship with food Practical strategies for balancing kidney-friendly nutrition with listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues Why it’s important to shift away from restrictive thinking and embrace a more sustainable, enjoyable approach to eating How to find peace with food while managing chronic kidney disease Stay Connected: Visit www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com for more information on kidney-friendly nutrition and resources to support your health journey.Grab my freebie, The Ultimate Guide to Plant-based Proteins for CKD, to get started on your journey to better kidney health.

    41 min

  4. 06/24/2025

    Ep. 13 - Your CKD Travel Nutrition Blueprint

    Traveling with chronic kidney disease can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, I break down how to feel confident and prepared whether you’re headed out for a long road trip or a relaxing vacation. You’ll learn how to plan ahead for both travel days (those long, hectic hours on the go) and vacation days (where routine is more flexible). From smart snack ideas to medication reminders, hydration tips to mindset shifts—this episode will help you protect your kidney health while still enjoying your time away. Because yes, it is possible to take a break without setting your progress back. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The difference between planning for travel days vs vacation days   CKD-friendly snacks to pack for road trips & airports   Tips to prevent constipation during travel   Medication reminders and what to bring in your carry-on   How to keep a flexible, empowered mindset when things don’t go as planned Resources & Links: Kidney-Friendly Freezer Guide: remember to stock up your freezer with low-sodium, kidney-friendly meals to set you up for mealtime ease when returning from your vacation!

    44 min

  5. 06/17/2025

    Ep. 12 - Fire Up that Grill! Kidney-Friendly Summertime Cooking

    Summer is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! But living with chronic kidney disease might have you thinking, "What can I grill?'"  In this episode, I'm turning up the heat on smart grilling strategies so you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals while staying on track with your kidney health goals.  🎧 Tune in and learn how to: ✔️ Build satisfying summer meals without relying on processed meats ✔️ Use spices, herbs, and acid-based marinades to enhance flavor ✔️ Add variety and color to your plate with seasonal produce ✔️ Make summer eating feel simple, delicious, and aligned with your goals Resources Mentioned: Free Ultimate Guide to Plant-based Protein for CKD – Exactly what you need to start your journey with implementing a plant-based diet to preserve kidney health!

    27 min

  6. 06/10/2025

    Episode 11: Is Primal Hunger Sabotaging Your Progress?

    Have you ever found yourself starving by the end of the day, only to raid the kitchen and eat whatever’s fast, then feel frustrated that your day’s progress “went out the window”? You're not alone. In this episode, Summer breaks down the concept of primal hunger: what it is, why it’s not your fault, and how it might be quietly sabotaging your nutrition progress. You’ll learn:     What primal hunger is and how it shows up in daily life     The biological reasons your body shifts into survival mode when you skip meals or under-eat     Why willpower isn’t the solution (and never was)     How honoring your hunger can help you stay more consistent with kidney-friendly nutrition Simple tips for planning ahead, building balanced meals, and preventing that “I need food NOW” moment Mentioned in this episode: The Kidney-Friendly Freezer Playbook Stock your freezer with ready-to-go, low-sodium meals that make eating well on a kidney diet fast, easy, and satisfying. Grab your copy for just $17: Grab your Playbook here!

    29 min

  7. 06/03/2025

    Episode 10: How to Navigate CKD & Kidney Stones (with guest Melanie Betz, MS, RD)

    In today’s episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, I’m joined by renal dietitian and kidney stone nutrition expert Melanie Betz, MS, RD, CSR, FAND, FNKF. Together, we’re exploring the connection between chronic kidney disease and kidney stones and how nutrition can play a powerful role in supporting both.   In this conversation, Melanie and I walk through the overlap between CKD and stone prevention, how to get the right testing, and realistic strategies to support both conditions through diet. Episode Resources: Melanie Betz, MS, RD: www.thekidneydietitian.org Melanie's tips for getting a 24 hour urine test ordered: https://thekidneydietitian.kit.com/24hourtest   Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your dietitian or healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or treatment plan.

    44 min

  8. 05/27/2025

    Episode 9: My 5-Step Meal Planning Framework

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Summer Van Arsdale, registered dietitian and founder of The Kidney Nutrition Coach, invites you into the heart of her 5-step framework for planning balanced, satisfying meals with CKD in mind. As spring blooms in Ohio, Summer reflects on seasonal transitions and how they mirror the shifts we can make in our own nutrition routines. If you've ever felt stuck staring at your fridge, unsure of what to cook, or frustrated by bland “renal diet” recipes, this episode is your solution. Summer shares common challenges her clients face, from eating out too often and food waste to fear-driven food choices, and how intentional meal planning can turn confusion into confidence. She introduces a flexible system that supports your kidney health and your lifestyle. You’ll walk away with a simple, repeatable process that transforms the way you plan your meals and a powerful tool that can make it even easier. In This Episode, You'll Learn:      Why generic renal diet plans don’t work—and what to do instead        The 4 most common struggles clients face with meal planning        How to shift from reactive eating to intentional choices that support kidney health        Summer’s 5-Step CKD Meal Planning Framework, including: 1. Know Your Numbers, 2. Balance Your Nutrition Budget, 3. Plan Your Week, 4. Shop & Prep, 5. Reflect and Refine      How Summer’s client turned weekly meal planning into an easy, family-friendly routine using ChatGPT        Why motivation isn’t the key to success—but intention is Resources: ChatGPT for CKD: A Smarter Way to Meal Plan – Masterclass: A self-paced 60-minute workshop designed to help you plan meals with less stress and more success. Includes lifetime access, a 25-page guide, and templates to create your own personalized AI-assisted plan. Just $35! If you’re ready to turn your meal planning struggles into a confident weekly routine—without sacrificing flavor or spending hours doing it—this masterclass is for you. Tap here to register now → www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com And give yourself the gift of balanced meals that actually work for your kidneys and your life.

    51 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Kidney Nutrition Nuggets is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical tips on kidney health and nutrition. Hosted by Summer Van Arsdale, a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience, this show breaks down complex kidney topics into easy-to-digest insights that empower you to take control of your health. No matter where you are at in your kidney health journey, here you'll find science-backed information, myth-busting facts, and real-life inspiration in every episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Summer Van Arsdale, RD, CSR, CCTD, LD, FNKF
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Kidney Nutrition Nuggets