Tips & Tricks

December 6, 2013

Weekly Obsession 12.6.2013

Holy December. Have you guys started your holiday shopping yet? I totally most definitely have not. I haven’t even written down my  wishes for pretty plates and new measuring cups and a sous chef named Jacques. I have, however, been very busy eyeballing other people’s gorgeous holiday guides. Here. Here. And Here. Which made me think that it is time to make a little list of my own (or perhaps several) to help you get or gift all the goodies one needs for a great low-sodium diet this holiday season. To start, let’s talk about that beginner cook in your life. The one who […]

continue reading
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 […]

continue reading
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 […]

continue reading
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. […]

continue reading
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 […]

continue reading
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 […]

continue reading
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 […]

continue reading
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 […]

continue reading
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 […]

continue reading
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 […]

continue reading