From morning commutes to evening engagements, modern families are incredibly busy, which can make dietary restrictions – like eating a low-oxalate diet – a bit more challenging. Luckily, small changes in your routine and a bit of planning can help you be more mindful of living your low-oxalate diet while on the go. Learn how to plan for your low-oxalate living at work, on vacation, and evenings out.

At Work

If you’ve ever realized half the work day has passed before your first cup of coffee is gone, you know that work can easily derail low-oxalate living. Working through lunch and failing to stop regularly to stretch may help you get your work done, but it can diminish your kidney-friendly lifestyle.

Make the most of your workday with these tips:

• Take regular breaks to stand up and stretch.
• Walk outside during your lunch break for fresh air and Vitamin D.
• Invest in a standing desk to help your posture and maintain heart health.
• Pack low-oxalate foods, like fruit, rice cakes or graham crackers, to avoid snacking on oxalate-packed foods.

On Vacation

Preparing for and enjoying a vacation with dietary restrictions is no easy task. Not only are you out of your regular routine, but you also may not have your regular low-oxalate resources at your fingertips! Although it takes some planning, low-oxalate living on vacation is manageable when you consider these aspects of your lifestyle and diet:

• Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re spending time outdoors in the heat.
• Maintain regular sleeping patterns, or as close to them as possible, to ensure you get enough sleep.
• Download an exercise app and keep your workouts going on the road.

Evenings Out

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, enjoying appetizers with friends, or spending a romantic dinner with a loved one, eating out can make eating a low-oxalate living and kidney-friendly eating challenging. One big way to help make eating out more enjoyable is to know what foods are on a low-oxalate diet and which foods you should avoid.

Once you’re familiar with your low-oxalate choices, use these ideas to relish your meal even more:

• Choose restaurants that offer hearty portions of low-oxalate foods (in other words, skip the salad bar!)
• Choose wine, which is made from low-oxalate fruit, over beer if you’re indulging in an alcoholic beverage – and make sure to only drink in moderation.

Your on-the-go low-oxalate lifestyle will be much easier when you follow these simple rules. Your kidneys will thank you!