Helen from Colorado Menu

Visitors from all over the world come to Colorado to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, western culture and a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether you are interested in an active vacation or simply driving and enjoying the incredible scenery the state has to offer, a trip to Colorado will be an experience not soon forgotten. And remember your camera, because no matter where you are in Colorado, it’s always picture perfect.

Colorado is a popular travel destination with access to many dialysis centers so it’s easy for those on dialysis to visit Colorado. You can talk to your social worker to help plan your dialysis while traveling or use the “Find a dialysis center” tool on this website. Create your own adventure or choose some of the experiences mentioned here for a memorable trip.

Most people start their Colorado vacation on the “front range”—cities lined up against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains— Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Interstate 25 runs north and south connecting all these cities. If you arrive in Denver spend a few days enjoying “Lodo” (lower downtown), the 16th Street Mall and the many fine restaurants in that area. After walking along the confluence of Cherry Creek and the Platte River, stop for a Brewery Burger at one of the breweries in the area. You can make Brewery Burgers at home using our recipe. Our version of this burger has even more protein than most as it uses egg to bind the meat. When you try it at home you’ll be surprised at the plumpness of the meat patty.

A stroll around Larimer Square looking for treasures in the interesting shops will work up an appetite for an afternoon snack such as Quick Pineapple-Raspberry Sorbet. Commercial sorbets are a good choice for dessert as they are low in phosphorus, but be wary of the fluid and potassium they contain. Choose low-potassium flavors such as lemon, pineapple, blueberry or raspberry.

Driving south of Denver towards Colorado Springs you will see Pikes Peak standing above all the other mountains. The United States Air Force Academy is to the west just before you get to Colorado Springs. It’s worth stopping to see the gorgeous chapel. As you enter through the gate you may get a salute from the guards. Follow the signs to the Visitor’s Center and keep an eye out for jets and airplanes in the sky and displayed near the road.

A few miles from the Academy down I-25 you will see signs for Garden of the Gods. This is a must-see natural red rock park where Native Americans met for ceremonies. As you are entering the park, look at the top of the rocks to see if you can find the Kissing Camels. After such a busy day, a dinner of Chuck Wagon Barbecue at the Flying W Ranch (located on Flying W Ranch Road in Colorado Springs, call (719) 598-0405) will satisfy your hunger. Once you return home, try our Easy Baby Back Ribs and Cilantro Coleslaw recipes to remind you of your Colorado Springs adventure.

As you head south again on I-25 you will pass Cheyenne Mountain, the home of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). NORAD is where everything orbiting in outer space is tracked. Then, you will need to decide whether you want to go further south to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument or head southwest to Canon City, Salida and Buena Vista in the Arkansas Valley. If fishing, panning for gold, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking or long stretches of beautiful scenery for biking or driving are what you seek, the Arkansas Valley should be your destination.

Keep an eye out for a campsite next to the Arkansas River and “drop a line”. You will likely catch a trout you can eat for dinner. Build a campfire and try our recipe for Campfire Trout. Cooking in an aluminum foil pouch makes for very easy clean-up.

Head north from Buena Vista and turn west at Independence Pass. The road is narrow, steep, and winding but it will be a lovely drive you will not forget. Even if it is August, you will need a jacket at the top of the pass. There will likely be patches of snow nearby for kids and kids-at-heart to make snowballs.

Aspen will greet you at the end of this road so get your credit card out! Once you have strolled around the town drive out to Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed mountain scenes in the world. A hike at this altitude can be a serious workout so come prepared with Honey-Maple Trail Mix to provide the extra energy you may need.

Say goodbye to Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley and take the road towards Glenwood Springs. Look for fresh produce kiosks on the way and pick up some Colorado grown produce such as Palisade Peaches, Olathe Corn and blood plums. Stop for a swim in Glenwood Springs at the huge hot sulfur springs pool. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, cool off in the summer and get some fun exercise.

Heading back to Denver on I-70 from Glenwood Springs will take you through the Vail Valley and Summit County. A stop in Vail, Frisco, Silverthorne or Dillon is always an enjoyable experience. If you decide to stop at the Silverthorne Outlet Stores, even those who don’t like to shop will be happy because there’s good fishing on the Blue River while the shoppers shop. The Blue River is a Blue Metal catch-and-release stream so there won’t be any fish traveling back to Denver with you.

A scenic drive east over the Continental Divide on I-70 leads you back to Denver. Or, maybe you want to head north to Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park or Fort Collins. Whichever direction you choose, you can’t go wrong in Colorado.

Try some of Helen’s Colorado favorites at your house. Her recipes for Brewery Burgers, Quick Fruit Sorbet, Easy Baby Back Ribs, Cilantro Coleslaw, Campfire Trout and Honey-Maple Trail Mix will give you a taste of Colorado.

Colorado Menu for a Dialysis Diet

Breakfast

  • Denver Omelet
  • 2 slices toasted white bread
  • 2 teaspoons tub margarine
  • 1 teaspoon all-fruit spread
  • 1/2 cup sliced Palisade peaches
  • 1 cup coffee or tea
  • 1 tablespoon nondairy creamer

Lunch

  • Brewery Burger
  • Lettuce, 1 teaspoon mustard and1 tablespoon low-sodium catsup
  • 1 ounce Unsalted pretzels or low-salt tortilla chips (10 chips)
  • 1/2 cup carrots or 1/2 cup celery sticks
  • 1 fresh apple, medium size
  • 1 cup Lemonade

Dinner

  • Easy Baby Back Ribs
  • 1 small ear Olathe corn-on-the-cob
  • 1 teaspoon tub margarine
  • Cilantro Coleslaw 2/3 cup
  • Angel-food cake with 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup raspberry iced tea and sweetener

Snack

Colorado Menu Nutrient Analysis

Breakfast

Calories: 495
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrate: 50 g
Fat: 23 g
Cholesterol: 233 mg
Sodium: 719 mg
Potassium: 632 mg
Phosphorus: 306 mg
Calcium: 207 mg
Fiber: 3.5 g
Fluid: 1 cup + 1 tbsp

Lunch

Calories: 624
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrate: 94 g
Fat: 16 g
Cholesterol: 106 mg
Sodium: 519 mg
Potassium: 771 mg
Phosphorus: 350 mg
Calcium: 150 mg
Fiber: 6.8 g
Fluid: 1 cup

Dinner

Calories: 737
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrate: 60 g
Fat: 41 g
Cholesterol: 134 mg
Sodium: 647 mg
Potassium: 866 mg
Phosphorus: 311 mg
Calcium: 132 mg
Fiber: 7.4 g
Fluid: 1 cup

Snacks

Calories: 176
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrate: 31 g
Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 3 mg
Sodium: 103 mg
Potassium: 183 mg
Phosphorus: 26 mg
Calcium: 9 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Fluid: 1 cup

Day Total

Calories: 2032
Protein: 82 g
Carbohydrate: 235 g
Fat: 102 g
Cholesterol: 481 mg
Sodium: 1988 mg
Potassium: 2452 mg
Phosphorus: 992 mg
Calcium: 498 mg
Fiber: 20.7 g
Fluid: 4 cups + 1 tbsp

The above contains average nutrient values for menu portions. Your actual intake may vary based on portions and brand differences.

Your individual nutrient needs may be higher or lower than this sample menu. Always consult your dietitian and refer to your individualized meal plan to determine the amounts to eat.

Recipes