Kidney Diet Tips

Tips for a Healthy Happy Labor Day

Labor Day, also known as the “workingman’s holiday,” is a U.S. holiday that honors American workers.1 For many Americans, the first Monday in September is filled with picnics and barbeques. Also, it marks the end of summer, a new school year, and new beginnings. The long weekend is perfect for enjoying time outdoors, traveling, or relaxing.

Kick off the fall season by staying active this Labor Day

Physical activity has been shown to decrease risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.2 Staying physically active can also potentially boost your mood, keep your bones and muscles strong, improve balance, and may help you live longer! Find activity that you enjoy such as a walk outside or swimming in a local lake or pool.

Keep cool in the shade

If you plan to be outside for an extended amount of time, bring an umbrella or find a shady spot to relax. For anyone who needs to limit fluid intake, staying out of the hot sun can help you manage thirst. Fans and spray bottles can also be beneficial, as well as snacking on frozen fruit or sipping on one of these refreshing smoothies. You can also try a Top 10 Low-Sodium, Thirst-Quenching Food for the Kidney Diet. For more tips on staying cool this summer read 10 Tips to Help Control Fluid and Thirst.

Put a kidney-friendly twist on your favorite picnic foods

Low sodium healthy meals do not translate to tasteless and boring. Try any of these DaVita.com picnic recipes to spice up your picnic without extra salt. Excess salt increases thirst and fluid retention. Help manage fluid and keep your heart healthy by following a low sodium diet. Try one of these homemade marinades or this salt-free seasoning dip.

Summer Recipes

Finish off the summer with a seasonal summer recipe from this year’s Summer Farmer’s Market Cookbook.

Here are some additional recipes to try this labor Day:

Ambrosia

Ambrosia (En Español)

Honey Maple Trail Mix

Quick ‘n’ Easy Cheese Dip

Click here for additional kidney diet tools and resources from DaVita.

Resources

  1. History.com Staff. Labor Day 2018. History.com. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day. Accessed July 19, 2018.
  2. Physical Activity and Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Page last updated February 13, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm, Accessed July 19, 2018.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

Krista Blackwell, RD, LDN, CNSC

Krista Blackwell, RD, LDN, CNSC

Krista believes eating well is an essential component of living a long, healthy and happy life. She has been with DaVita for over one year and has been working as a clinical dietitian in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area for almost four years. Krista is a certified nutrition support clinician and is taking classes for a master’s of science in applied nutrition. She enjoys being part of a strong team of renal medical experts at DaVita. In her free time Krista loves traveling, cooking, reading and staying active.