Tips & Tricks

September 12, 2012

Joy Bauer and Low-Sodium Lo Mein

When it comes to healthy eating, do you know who’s the boss? Joy Bauer. This little package of high energy and healthy eating advice knows the ins and outs of the foods we love to eat. And in her new series, “What the Heck,” made in partnership with Everyday Health, she’s exposing the good, the bad, and the better choices. From fro yo to hot dogs. While her videos are not salt-intake specific, you’ll be surprised how often sodium makes an appearance. And how much of it ends up in processed foods. Plus, it never hurts to brush up on other [...]

August 3, 2012

Eggs & Experts

Don’t laugh. But I don’t know how to boil eggs. I mean, I can boil eggs. But I forget how to do it every time I make them. Do you boil the water first? Or do you start with the egg in cold water? How do you know when they’re actually done? Do you add vinegar? Or is that just silly? And how in egg’s name do you peel them without losing a whole bunch of the egg white? If you struggle with hard-boiled eggs as I do, the good news is that there are plenty of people out there [...]

May 22, 2012

Low-Sodium Travel Tips, Remix

You might have noticed that I was missing in action last week. Apologies if you got worried. I was just on a whirlwind tour of Washington DC, NYC, and New Jersey for some fun projects that I’ll happily reveal in a little while. While I was whirling through the east, though, I realized that it was time for an upgrade of my traveling advice. It’s not that the old tips and tricks don’t work. They’re great. And feel free to brush up on them here. But I’m writing this travel remix today because every time I leave home, I learn more. [...]

May 1, 2012

Low-Sodium Commandments

This is no ordinary guacamole. I know it looks like it. Creamy. Green. Ready for a salt-free chip or a spoon. But no. This is no ordinary guac. It has toasted coriander seeds and some fresh cilantro. There’s even diced jalapenos, which got into my eye and yes, stung quite a bit. But none of these ingredients are ground shaking. The real star is in there, though. Hiding, smushed, camouflaged, and bursting with surprising low-sodium flavor. Can you see it? It’s right there, between the avocado and the green onion. It’s the oven roasted zucchini. I know, I broke every [...]

April 19, 2012

Herb Ice Cubes

I often get asked the following three questions: 1) What is an easy way to make low-sodium broth? 2) What should I do with all my extra, fresh herbs? 3) Where did you get those killer shoes? (ok, I am lying about number three) But as for the first two questions, these seem to be salt-free, low-sodium challenges that perk the most anxiety, curiosity, and confusion for people. So let’s solve both issues with one ice cube tray. And then let’s go shopping for some cool new kicks. It’s true that store bought broths and bouillons are loaded with sodium [...]

March 6, 2012

Hello, Oven!

Sometimes you find spice in the most unexpected of places. Like just this morning, I found a little piece of red chili pepper flake in my tooth. (This is probably way too much information, but let’s continue). It was from breakfast: Rice crackers, a slather of Greek yogurt, no-salt added turkey meat, and yes, chili pepper flake on top. And I have to admit, I was pretty excited when that little burn suddenly burst in my mouth. Good morning is right! Red chili pepper flakes aside, the real point I want to make is that, when taking on low-sodium cooking, it [...]

March 1, 2012

Get Kidney Smart

It’s officially March. Which means it is Kidney Awareness month. Which means it is quiz time. (Don’t stress. I know you’ll kick butt). We talk a lot about low-sodium food. But let’s take, say thirty or so days, to explore kidney-friendly ingredients. And let’s begin with this simple question… What is red and sweet and low in both potassium and sodium? If you said peppers (without noticing the picture at the top of this page), then you are totally correct. And a total kidney-smart rockstar. For many kidney patients, tomatoes–and all their accompanying sauces and such–are too high in potassium [...]

February 8, 2012

Answering CDC’s Sodium Call

Yesterday, the CDC (and NPR) released one of the most comprehensive reports on the origins of America’s high sodium intake. Turns out it can be boiled down to ten popular foods. What comes as a surprise to most is that sodium doesn’t just exist in that shaker. Or that bottle of soy sauce. Or on top of French fries. But that high sodium counts can be found in soups, cheeses, and pizza and even more surprisingly, in less obvious culprits like bread, milk, and that seemingly healthy whole wheat sandwich with oven-roasted deli meat. That “healthy choice” lunch alone, even [...]

February 1, 2012

February First and Final Farewell

As we say rabbit, rabbit for a new month, we are also (sadly) saying goodbye to our guest blogger Chelsea and her good gal pal, Meradith, who so bravely took on Low-So January even though neither had any good health reason to kick salt from the kitchen. If I used emoticons, I’d definitely put a frowny face right here. These two ladies took no short-cuts when it came to no-salt living. They braved meals out, meals with others, lunches in the office, and weekends far away from home. By watching them, it became very clear: with patience, practice, preparation, and [...]

January 26, 2012

Greatist Low-Sodium Advice

You know what I love? I love when I see non-sodium related blogs and websites talking about a low-sodium lifestyle. And a few weeks ago, the latest in online Health and Fitness – Greatist — offered 21 Lower-Sodium Solutions to help slash high-salt continent from one’s life. And for a bunch of food and fitness writers who do not have to keep the diet themselves (and admittedly love pretzels with mustard), they really hit the salt-shaker on the head. Some of my favorites? Eggs for baking soda This superfood an do more than round out a morning omelet. Depending on the recipe, one [...]

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