Dining Out

January 19, 2012

How To Sex-Up That Salad

As you may have noticed, this month we have been tackling the most difficult challenge for low-sodium eaters: Lunch. And as you may have already experienced in your own low-sodium adventures, finding something to eat during this middle meal of the day often leads to one thing: Salt-free, dressing-less salads. Which, in my opinion, are like the carnations of the food world. Technically a part of the edible kingdom, but pretty much the last item on an actual menu that you’d want to order. (Sorry, but it’s true). Turns out, undressed salads aren’t all that sexy. And while you can [...]

January 13, 2012

Low-So January Week 2: Chelsea Dines Out

Doesn’t that dish look succulent? Rich with colors and juices and, hey, even a side of gravy? This is a meal worth talking about long after the food is gone. And that gravy boat has been emptied. (Straw please?) And believe it or not, this beautiful plate is completely salt-free and low-sodium. Yeah, I kid you not. Thanks to Chris Consentino at Incanto restaurant, I’ve been eating this good at his table for almost four years. The king of salty pig parts himself has happily (and successfully) prepared intricate low-sodium meals for me anytime I show up on his door step. [...]

January 12, 2012

Low-Sodium Microwaveable Lunch Challenge, #2

It’s chilly. Which means it is time to make chili. And while I am quite devoted to my black and red beans, I thought these blustery days deserved something a little lighter. A little whiter. So I traded the darker hues for some creamy Cannellini (or butter beans). But just because the beans are pale doesn’t mean the dish has to be colorless. So I added yellow corn, green jalapenos, red onion, red tomato, yellow and purple potatoes, and some matchstick zucchini and orange carrots. All of this could easily go in a pot, with a little water, to steam [...]

January 10, 2012

Low-Sodium Microwaveable Lunch Challenge

Wouldn’t it be extraordinary to simply unpack a pre-made meal from its cardboard box. Rip off the plastic. Throw it in the microwave. And have your lunch ready and hot in minutes? That would be nice. But on a low-sodium diet, these “open and heat” dishes are filled with sodium (not to mention other non-food unmentionables). So to stick to the diet, one must either (a) quit your job and work and cook from home or (b) bring leftovers with you for your noon-time chow fest. I’ve tried both. And while working from home definitely lets me (over)feed myself great [...]

December 27, 2011

Back in the Kitchn – Health for the Holidays

As the holidays wind down and new year’s resolutions begin to percolate, let me give you one last how-to list for expertly navigating a special diet during special occasions. TheKitchn.com was kind enough to let me guest post my advice again on their site. And whether this article relates to your needs (or perhaps can be enlightening to a few hosts and hostesses in your life), feel free to forward on. That way, you can have healthy treats wherever you eat. Hope your holidays continue to be full of cheer. Chow on.

November 15, 2011

Turkey Talk: Low-Sodium Thanksgiving Tips

Thank goodness for Thanksgiving. Seriously, the best holiday ever. One that is completely centered around gorging yourself silly. Oh, and spending awesome quality time with family and friends too. And parades. Lots of parades. I generally like to spend my Thanksgivings in the comfort of my own home, in the comfort of my pajamas. But often, I’m invited warmly into the homes of others, to share in giving thanks. And eating from their buffet spread. In real people clothes. As someone with very special dietary needs, though, I understand that the idea of eating at someone else’s table can make [...]

October 31, 2011

Salt-Free Fries To-Go

Pardon my grease, but I just couldn’t wait to share this with you. I’m shocked it has taken me so long to post on this as I’ve already exposed my obsession with french fries (only to be rivaled by fried chicken). But today’s the day. I give you In N’ Out fries. No salt. Yes. It is true. Believe your eyes. Because I’ve been eating these oil fried sticks of joy since I was diagnosed with kidney failure. And yes, I know oiled fried sticks of joy are not the healthiest food one should be eating. Especially when said person [...]

October 25, 2011

Low-Sodium Dining Card

Around these parts, when you ask, you shall receive. So behold. The laminated low-sodium dining card. It’s pretty small, a 5 by 5-inch square. Which is, of course, laminated thanks to my laminating-loving mother. It fits effortlessly into my purse or work bag. And is so greatly appreciated by kitchens across America and abroad. I have it translated in Italian, Thai, French, and Spanish for effortless travel eating. While it clearly states the things I cannot eat–emphasizing often overlooked sodium offenders like the dreaded salt-water boil–it also importantly outlines all the ingredients the kitchen can use. This is how I [...]

October 20, 2011

Getting Salted

I am so happy that so many of you have been venturing out to restaurants for low-sodium meals. High five. Up high. Down low. Low -so. But salt happens. You call the restaurant ahead of time. You send in a list of the things you can and cannot eat. You even bring a laminated version with you. You order something simple, like a salad. Or maybe even something extraordinary, like fried asparagus. You hear from the waiter that the kitchen has everything under control. You eagerly hold your fork and knife, awaiting your low-sodium meal. The plate arrives. You [...]

September 14, 2011

Front Porch Fried Chicken

I had to take a break from the doughnut pan for a quick second, because last week I was served a bucket of salt-free fried chicken. I have a serious love for fried chicken. I think we’ve talked about it before, but in case I wasn’t clear, let me just reiterate the depth of my affection for this Southern comfort food: there are few things I love more than fried chicken. And this is not an exaggeration. If I could only take one thing with me to a deserted island, it would be fried chicken. If I could only wear [...]

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