You've got questions?
Check here to see if we've already answered it!
Program Details
RenAlign is a comprehensive nutrition coaching program designed specifically for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Through live education, personalized coaching from renal dietitians, meal planning, and ongoing accountability, you'll learn how to make sustainable nutrition changes that support your kidney health and fit your lifestyle.
RenAlign is designed for adults with chronic kidney disease stages 1-5 who are ready to take an active role in supporting their kidney health through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. The program provides individualized guidance from a renal dietitian to help you better understand what to eat, build confidence in your food choices, and develop sustainable habits that support your overall kidney health.
While RenAlign does not guarantee improvements in eGFR or other kidney-related laboratory values, nor can it guarantee the prevention or delay of dialysis, some participants experience improvements in symptoms, health markers, and kidney-related laboratory values. Individual results vary based on many factors, including kidney function, medical history, medications, and consistency with the program.
Your renal dietitian will review your health history, laboratory values, medications, and individual needs to help determine whether RenAlign is an appropriate fit. If, after your initial dietitian visit, a more intensive or individualized approach is recommended, we will discuss appropriate one-on-one nutrition care options to help ensure you receive the level of support best suited to your needs.
RenAlign is designed for individuals who are ready to take an active role in managing their kidney health through nutrition and lifestyle changes. The participants who get the most out of the program are committed to learning, implementing new habits, and working closely with their renal dietitian.
We understand that life happens—whether it's vacations, work travel, family events, or unexpected challenges—and having that ongoing dietitian support is exactly what helps you stay on track and navigate those moments successfully. Having travel plans or a busy schedule does not disqualify you from joining; we'll work with you to make the program fit your real life.
Why RenAlign may not be the best fit:
- You are currently receiving dialysis or require specialized renal nutrition care that is beyond the scope of this program.
- You are looking for a quick fix rather than making gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes.
- You are not ready to make changes to your eating habits or actively participate in the program.
- You are unable to commit the time needed to attend classes or review class recordings, if unable to attend, complete food tracking, and work toward your weekly goals.
- You do not have reliable internet access or are uncomfortable using basic technology. Because RenAlign is a fully virtual program, participants should have access to a reliable internet connection and feel comfortable using email, Zoom, and our secure online learning platform, or otherwise seek support from family or caregivers, to access classes, resources, and communicate with their dietitian.
- You require a higher level of individualized medical nutrition therapy than can be provided through a group coaching program. For example, if you have complex medical needs, are experiencing significant weight loss or malnutrition, have rapidly changing lab values or medications, or need intensive one-on-one nutrition support, we may recommend a more individualized approach to ensure you receive the level of care that's right for you.
If you're unsure whether RenAlign is the right fit, we encourage you to schedule a Discovery Call. We'll discuss your health history, goals, and questions to help determine whether RenAlign, or another Kidney Nutrition Institute service, is the best option for your needs.
RenAlign combines evidence-based nutrition education with personalized support from expert renal dietitians. Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all meal plan, we tailor recommendations to your kidney function, laboratory values, medical history, medications, lifestyle, and personal goals. Every participant is paired with their own renal dietitian who helps build a plan that fits real life—not just on paper. Together, you'll identify past challenges, develop strategies for future success, and have someone you can turn to when questions inevitably come up on a random Tuesday.
What truly sets RenAlign apart is the ongoing feedback and support. There are countless places to find information about chronic kidney disease—Facebook groups, blogs, online videos, Reddit discussions, and even traditional nutrition appointments. Information is important, but it only gets you started.
Feedback is what creates lasting change.
Having an experienced renal dietitian review your progress, answer your questions, celebrate what's working, and help troubleshoot challenges along the way builds confidence and removes the guesswork. Instead of wondering if you're making the right choices, you'll have expert guidance every step of the way—so you're never navigating your kidney journey alone.
Most traditional nutrition appointments last 30–60 minutes and provide limited follow-up. RenAlign provides ongoing education, accountability, personalized feedback, and support over 10 weeks and in-between appointments, helping you build lasting habits rather than simply receiving information.
RenAlign is a comprehensive nutrition coaching program that provides the education, tools, and personalized support you need to confidently manage your kidney health. Your enrollment includes:
- Live Orientation Session: Kick off your journey with a live virtual orientation where you'll meet your renal dietitians, become familiar with the program, learn how to access and use the tools, while preparing for a successful start.
- 3-Week Preparation Phase: Before the core curriculum begins, you'll have three weeks to ease into the program at a comfortable pace. During this time, you'll prepare your kitchen, explore recipes, complete introductory activities, meet one-on-one with your renal dietitian, review your current supplements and discuss any that may be beneficial, and develop a personalized nutrition plan tailored to your health goals, lifestyle, and medical needs. This preparation phase is designed to help you build a strong foundation and gradually implement key nutrition habits before the weekly curriculum begins.
- 10 Weekly Live Community Classes: Participate in 10 live, interactive classes led by our renal nutrition dietitians. Each session builds on the previous week's lessons, provides practical strategies you can implement immediately, and gives you the opportunity to ask questions and learn alongside others on a similar journey. All classes are recorded if you're unable to attend live.
- Three One-on-One Dietitian Consultations: Personalized appointments to review your health history, develop an individualized nutrition plan, answer questions, monitor your progress throughout the program, and make changes as needed.
- Weekly Food Log Reviews: Receive individualized feedback from your renal dietitian to help you identify opportunities for improvement, reinforce healthy habits, and stay accountable.
- Premium Cronometer Gold Membership: Track your nutrition with one of the most comprehensive nutrition analysis tools available, with guidance from your dietitian to help interpret your results.
- Meal Plans, Recipes, and Grocery Shopping Guides: Practical resources designed to simplify meal planning, reduce decision fatigue, and make kidney-friendly eating realistic for everyday life.
- 8 Bonus Educational Modules: Enjoy access to eight self-paced bonus modules covering additional topics related to chronic kidney disease, nutrition, lifestyle, and long-term success. Watch them whenever it fits your schedule and revisit them anytime as a valuable resource.
- Lab Review and Interpretation: Learn how to understand your kidney-related laboratory values and how nutrition choices may influence your overall health.
- Private Online Community: Connect with other participants to share ideas, recipes, encouragement, and support throughout your journey.
- Secure Messaging with Your Dietitian: Ask questions and receive guidance between appointments through our secure online platform.
- Lifetime Access to Program Recordings and Resources: Continue learning long after the program ends with ongoing access to class recordings, bonus modules, recipes, handouts, and educational materials.
RenAlign is a structured 13-week guided program designed to help you build sustainable nutrition habits for long-term kidney health.
The program includes:
- 1 Live Orientation Session where you meet your care team, learn how the program works, and get set up for success
- 3-week Preparation Phase where you ease into the program by setting up your kitchen, exploring recipes, meet with your personal dietitian and begin exploring your tools.
- 10-week Live Community Curriculum featuring weekly, live, interactive classes led by a renal dietitian
Each phase is intentionally designed to help you build confidence gradually so changes feel realistic, sustainable, and achievable rather than overwhelming.
At the conclusion of the 13-week program, you will continue to have ongoing access to all class recordings and program materials. This allows you to revisit lessons anytime, reinforce key concepts, and continue applying what you've learned long after the live program has ended.
Each week you'll:
- Attend a live class (or watch the recording)
- Complete your food log for 3-5 days per week
- Receive personalized feedback from your dietitian based on your food logs
- Work toward one or two nutrition goals
- Have opportunities to ask questions and connect with the community
Most participants spend approximately 7–10 hours per week attending classes, reviewing educational materials, planning meals, tracking food, and implementing what they're learning. The greatest time investment is during the first few weeks as you establish new routines; over time, these habits become more natural and require less effort.
No problem! Every class is recorded, so you can watch it at a time that works best for you. You will have lifetime access to all class recordings and materials.
Nutrition
RenAlign is based on a PLADO approach, which stands for Plant-Dominant Low-Protein Diet.
In simple terms, this means:
- Plants are the foundation of your meals
- Protein is personalized, not eliminated (for most people this includes a combination of plant and animal proteins)
- Whole foods come first
- Processed foods are minimized
This approach is designed to support kidney health while still being flexible, realistic, and sustainable for everyday life. Your renal dietitian will personalize recommendations based on your kidney function, lab values, medical history, and individual goals so the plan works for you. This is not a one-size-fits-all template.
No. RenAlign is not a vegetarian or vegan program.
We use a PLADO-based approach (Plant-Dominant Low-Protein Diet), which emphasizes plant foods as the foundation of your meals while still allowing flexibility with animal proteins based on your individual needs and preferences.
In more scientific terms, PLADO is generally characterized by:
- A moderate, individualized protein intake based on kidney function, lab values, and health status
- A majority of protein coming from plant-based sources, while still including animal proteins when appropriate
- A high-fiber, whole-food eating pattern that supports gut and metabolic health
- A focus on lower sodium intake to support blood pressure and kidney health
- Ensuring adequate calorie intake to maintain muscle mass and overall nutrition status
This is not a restrictive or elimination-based diet. Instead, it is a flexible framework that prioritizes kidney protection while still supporting enjoyment, variety, and long-term sustainability.
Your renal dietitian will personalize all recommendations so they fit your labs, lifestyle, and goals—there is no one-size-fits-all meal plan.
Yes. You'll receive 6 weeks of meal plans, 80+ recipes, and practical resources to make grocery shopping and meal preparation easier.
Absolutely. Most RenAlign meals are family-friendly and can easily be adapted to meet the needs of other household members.
Yes. We teach practical strategies for dining out, traveling, holidays, and social events so you can enjoy life while supporting your kidney health.
No. We emphasize realistic meal planning, utilizing leftovers, simple recipes, and convenient options that fit busy schedules.
Medical Questions
No. While nutrition can play an important role in supporting kidney health, RenAlign is not a cure for chronic kidney disease. Our goal is to help you make evidence-based lifestyle changes that may support kidney function, improve overall health, and enhance your quality of life.
Yes. RenAlign is designed to complement, not replace, your medical care. We encourage all participants to continue regular follow-up with their healthcare team.
Yes. Your renal dietitian will review your relevant laboratory results at the beginning of the program to help develop your personalized nutrition recommendations. Your labs will be reviewed again at the end of the program to evaluate your progress, discuss changes, and guide your long-term nutrition plan. Throughout the program, your dietitian will help you understand what your laboratory values mean and how your nutrition choices relate to your kidney health.
We strongly encourage discussing any significant nutrition changes with your nephrologist or healthcare provider before beginning the program.
Supplements
No. Supplements are not required to participate in RenAlign.
We take a food-first approach, meaning we prioritize meeting your nutrition needs through whole foods whenever possible.
If we identify gaps in nutrition intake, or if there is a specific clinical reason where a supplement may be helpful, we may then recommend targeted supplementation to support your individual needs. Supplements are used thoughtfully and intentionally, not as a replacement for a well-balanced eating pattern.
If appropriate, your dietitian may recommend supplements that support your individual nutrition goals. Recommendations are always personalized.
Cost & Payment
The total cost of the RenAlign program is $1,500.
To make the program more accessible, we offer flexible payment options:
- Option 1: $300 deposit, followed by 6 monthly payments of $200
- Option 2: $300 deposit, followed by 3 monthly payments of $400
- Option 3: Pay in full at $1,500
A $300 deposit is required to reserve your spot in the program.
Currently, RenAlign is not covered by insurance. However, many participants use HSA or FSA funds to pay for the program.
Depending on your needs, additional expenses may include:
- Groceries
- Supplements, if recommended
- Blood pressure monitor
- Food scale, measuring cups/spoons, or other kitchen measuring devices
Technology
You'll need:
- Internet access
- Computer, tablet, or smartphone (camera capabilities encouraged, but not required)
Email address - Zoom access
- Optional-Printer
Results
Every participant's journey is unique, and results vary depending on your kidney disease, stage of CKD, medical history, medications, and consistency with implementing the program.
While no program can guarantee specific laboratory results, our goal is to help you build sustainable nutrition and lifestyle habits that support your kidney health over the long term. Many participants experience improvements in one or more areas, including:
- Increased confidence with food choices
- Better understanding of kidney nutrition
- Improved meal planning and meal preparation skills
- Healthier blood pressure habits
- Weight improvements (when appropriate)
- More energy and improved overall well-being
- Feeling more in control of their kidney health
- Improvements in laboratory values and other markers of kidney health, when appropriate
Your renal dietitian will help you look beyond a single lab value and understand the bigger picture of your kidney health, recognizing progress across multiple clinical markers, symptoms, and lifestyle changes that all contribute to long-term success.
After the Program
After you complete RenAlign, you will continue to have access to all of your program materials, including class recordings, educational resources, bonus modules, recipes, and tools. This allows you to revisit the content anytime you need a refresher or continued guidance.
In addition, we offer a variety of optional ongoing support opportunities to help you stay connected and supported long-term. These include:
- Additional one-on-one dietitian sessions for continued personalized guidance
- Continued access to Cronometer Gold for nutrition tracking and monitoring
- Access to our CKD community and support hub for ongoing connection, encouragement, and shared learning
- Additional educational resources, updates, and future program offerings
These ongoing support options are completely voluntary, allowing you to choose the level of continued guidance that best fits your needs over time.
Our goal is for you to feel confident and supported long after the structured program ends, whether that’s independently or with continued support from our team.
Discovery Call
During your Discovery Call, you'll meet with a member of our team to discuss kidney concerns, nutrition goals, and whether RenAlign is the right fit for you. It's also an opportunity to ask questions and learn exactly what to expect before enrolling.