Low-sodium...and I mean low...dining

[PSMC]

My family is traveling as part of a large group, all of whom have a kidney condition that requires an extremely low-sodium diet (many consuming only around 500mg per day as compared to the typically recommended 1200-1500mg). I had a fair bit of success last time just bringing our own food, but my son's diet has expanded a little and we've found restaurants here that serve things he can eat...crêpes, for example, and fresh cut fries with no salt.

I am hoping that some of you very well-versed Disney folk might be able to point me in the direction of things like this at any of the parks (but especially Animal Kingdom).

 

[MissouriJen]

My daughter is on a similar diet for her nephrotic syndrome. I would contact the Special Diet department, they will be able to help you.

 

[PSMC]

Thank you
I've been in contact with Special Diets several times, but I find them hesitant to make recommendations. Their default response is "low sodium can be dealt with at the table", which is not always the case - we had great success at BOG, Crystal Palace and 'Ohana, but not so much at Yak & Yeti, T-Rex, Rose & Crown, Coral Reef.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

This is a tough one. We have friends that rent DVC and use a villa to prepare meals. It's the only certain way to avoid a misunderstanding when eating at TS. Our friends have shellfish allergies.

 

[rwdavis2]

It probably depends on if the ingredients are made fresh, on site, or prepackaged and delivered. For example, I would assume almost all salald dressings are not made on site and have salt. Same with most sauces. Almost any chain restaurant is going with prepackaged stuff: T-Rex, Rainforest, etc.

 

[CynBeth]

My Mom can only have 600 mg of sodium a day and ate very well a few years ago. We ate at all TS both sit down and buffet. For breakfast they would make eggs with no sodium cooking spray and potatoes. For lunches she would have salad and dinners would alternate between steak or fish and a potato with steamed veggies. She sometimes had fruit with breakfast or as a dessert with dinner. Not sure if you can still do it but she brought snacks from home of the crackers and granola bar that she would bring to the parks each day. She also drinks a lot of water.

 

[nlm74]

My mom is on a low sodium diet as well and she ate a bunch of salad, grilled chicken and fish. Believe it or not she had more success at the buffet restaurants because of the salad bar and variety of side dishes and so we rarely had a sit down. When we did have a sit down she would ask for low or no salt and the cooks didn't seem to comprehend "low sodium"; her sit down meals RARELY tasted low salt. I've sort of adapted her diet and am now sensitive to salty foods and it's crazy how much sodium Disney lays on their food.

 

[CynBeth]

My mom is on a low sodium diet as well and she ate a bunch of salad, grilled chicken and fish. Believe it or not she had more success at the buffet restaurants because of the salad bar and variety of side dishes and so we rarely had a sit down. When we did have a sit down she would ask for low or no salt and the cooks didn't seem to comprehend "low sodium"; her sit down meals RARELY tasted low salt. I've sort of adapted her diet and am now sensitive to salty foods and it's crazy how much sodium Disney lays on their food.

I am sorry for your bad experience. They did great with my Mom. She would know if there was too much salt as her legs and arms swell and turn red which they did not. Where did you eat that you had an issue?

 

[RustManFan]

We watch our sodium, carbs and fat but if we had to be very strict about it we would stay at the FW cabins and prepare at least our breakfast and dinner ourselves...

Too much sodium is hardly unique to Disney parks. We read all labels and some things (hear me Kraft?) are ridiculous

 

[nlm74]

Where did you eat that you had an issue?

BOG for dinner, and Boma & Tusker House Breakfast were a tricky one's too. And no need to apologize. We're used to this whenever we do take out or eat out. It by no means dampens our day!

We read all labels and some things (hear me Kraft?) are ridiculous

Breads are the silent sodium killers too!

 

[CynBeth]

BOG for dinner, and Boma & Tusker House Breakfast were a tricky one's too. And no need to apologize. We're used to this whenever we do take out or eat out. It by no means dampens our day!



Breads are the silent sodium killers too!

She allows herself a slice a day. It is amazing that some fruits and veggies she has to stay away from as well due to the sodium. We ate at BOG and a dinner at Boma a few years ago and it was fine. We are doing those again in November so I hope they are still ok. We are trying TH for a breakfast then. I know what you mean, no matter the vacation Mom manages and we always have a great time.