Chronic kidney disease stage 3A

I have a genetic kidney disease and did the dialysis thing when I was younger. Just celebrated half a lifetime with my kidney transplant this week. What's been easiest for me is to cook things I like a la carte. Pick a meat, 2 lower potassium veggies you love, and and a safe starch like rice or a roll. Watch your portions when it comes to meat and dairy. Those are your phosphorus bombs, as well as soft drinks. When choosing a sauce or seasoning, look for <250mg of sodium or whatever guideline your renal dietitian gives you. If they haven't referred you to a dietitian, fight for at least a few visits. It's a bit of a labyrinth to navigate.

For snacks, I did vitamin enriched candy because it's hard to get a lot of vitamin C with a potassium restriction. You can also play with making your own sauces with jams and preserves and different vinegars. Always check labels for hidden sodium, though. Fancy vinegar sometimes like to trick you.

I'm very sorry, but potatoes will be difficult without additional "leeching" to remove excess potassium, and chocolate will try to kill you.

Editing to add that many people happily live in stage 3 for their entire lives without progressing any further. Wishing you the best outcome!