Welcome back to Wayne’s PKD journey inside the RISE Nutrition for PKD program. If you missed last week’s blog, don’t skip his Orientation reflections here for a powerful look at how the program starts—with small changes, support, and practical tools for success.
This week, Wayne shares his Module 1 experience as he begins applying the core philosophy of RISE: a personalized and balanced approach to ketosis for PKD. After trying several extremes—vegan, keto, carnivore—Wayne offers a raw and honest look at what it’s like to finally land on a strategy that prioritizes progress without perfection.
If you’ve ever felt caught between conflicting PKD diet advice, Wayne’s insights this week might help you breathe easier.
From Vegan to Carnivore to This: Wayne’s Module 1 Reflections
Q: What’s your first impression of the RISE approach?
After swinging between veganism (left me feeling weak and nutrient-deficient) and carnivore (cholesterol through the roof + eGFR tanking), this balanced approach feels like a breath of fresh air for me. The emphasis on “moderate protein, mainly from plant foods” gives me hope I can get adequate nutrition without destroying my kidneys or cholesterol levels.
Q: What was surprising or challenging this week?
I’m relieved they’re not pushing another extreme—the mindfulness component shows they understand the psychological damage from yo-yo dieting. What’s challenging is trusting that healthy fats won’t spike my cholesterol like all that meat did.
Q: What was the biggest difference so far compared to other approaches you have tried before?
This is the first approach that acknowledges my kidney function explicitly. Unlike veganism (which left me protein-deficient) or carnivore (which probably accelerated my kidney decline), this seems designed around preserving what kidney function I have left while still being therapeutic.
Q: What food changes have you started making already?
I’m adding back nuts, seeds, and avocados—foods I avoided on carnivore but couldn’t get enough of on vegan. Already swapped to cauliflower rice and downloaded Cronometer. I’m especially excited about the balanced approach after feeling malnourished on plants alone and watching my labs crash on all meat.
📷 Meal snapshot: cauliflower rice, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, cilantro, olive oil, thyme, garlic.
Ready to find your own balanced approach to managing PKD?
The RISE Nutrition for PKD program is built to support people like you—motivated, proactive, and ready for a clear path forward. With expert guidance, real-world tools, and a flexible structure that respects your life, RISE helps you take meaningful steps toward better kidney health.
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Learn more or enroll today at 👉 RISEPKD.org
“I’m excited about the balanced approach after feeling malnourished on plants alone and watching my labs crash on all meat.” -Wayne