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!

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

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:

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

     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

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.

May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, and this episode is all about understanding how medications like ACEs and ARBs can support both blood pressure control and promote kidney health.

Join host Summer Van Arsdale, RD, CSR, as she sits down with special guest Katie Myers, PharmD, to explore how these medications work, why they’re often used in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and how to confidently manage them as part of your overall care plan.

Together, they discuss:

This episode is here to remind you that lifestyle and medication can work together to support your health and that taking medication isn’t a sign of failure but is just another way to support and manage CKD.

This weeks actionable goal: Create a list of your medications along with the dose and frequency. Carry this list in your wallet and take with you to your healthcare visits. Make sure you know what each medication is and why you take it. This is another important step in advocating for yourself and your care.

💡 Resources for today's episode:

www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com – Where you will find free guides, resources, links for my meal planning masterclass and 1:1 counseling sessions.

Instagram: @kidney_nutrition_coach

Free Step-by-step Guide to Measuring Your Blood Pressure: https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/offers/BehYYZjn

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your medication, diet, or health routine. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent medical or pharmaceutical advice specific to your condition.

In this second part of our blood pressure management series, we dive into the essential minerals and nutrients, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber, and their vital roles in supporting healthy blood pressure.

You’ll learn how each of these elements contributes to heart and vessel health, helping to maintain a balanced and steady blood pressure. If you're looking to improve your blood pressure through diet, this episode is packed with practical tips and key information.

Managing blood pressure is crucial for overall heart health and kidney function, especially for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A diet rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber can be a powerful tool in reducing high blood pressure and preventing related health complications, but knowing how much of these nutrients to consume with CKD are based on individual needs. 

Resources for Episode:

Free Step-by-step Guide to Measuring Your Blood Pressure: https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/offers/BehYYZjn

National Kidney Foundation - Blood Pressure & Kidney Health: Learn more about how high blood pressure impacts your kidneys and what you can do to manage it. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/what-high-blood-pressure

DASH Diet Overview: Information about the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and how it can help manage blood pressure. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan

Kidney Nutrition 101: My upcoming self-paced online course offering a comprehensive guide to managing CKD through my signature kidney nutrition framework, including managing blood pressure with diet. https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/kidney-nutrition-101

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication regimen. Blood pressure management is highly individual, and your healthcare provider can help you set specific goals and develop a plan that works best for you.