Latin American Cuisine
Many Latin American foods can be high in potassium. But there are lots of great foods you can still enjoy, including grilled seafood and meat, empanadas and certain fruit-based desserts.
Healthier Choices
Grilled, steamed or poached seafood
Roasted or grilled steak, pork or chicken
Brown or white rice
Vegetable and grain-based entrées
Paella made with seafood or chicken
Ceviche — fish that is “cooked” by acids of lime or lemon juice marinade (Check with your doctor or dietitian before consuming raw fish)
Mango, corn or cucumber salsas
Chimichurri sauce
Empanadas with meat, chicken, seafood or vegetable filling
Fresh fruit desserts - With fruits that are included in your meal plan
Choose Sparingly
Organ meats (heart, kidney, liver, sweetbreads, tripe and brains) are high in phosphorus, saturated fat and cholesterol
Legume dishes such as lentils, black beans and pigeon peas are high in potassium and phosphorus
Soups can be very high in sodium; black bean soup is high in potassium and phosphorus
Tomato and black bean salsa
Fried high-potassium vegetables such as plantains, tostones and yucca
Cheese bread
Flan, alfajores, suspiro, tres leches, milhojas, arroz con leche and brigadeiro
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