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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 16, 2012

On Top of Low-Sodium Spaghetti Squash

I really love a deeply meaty pasta sauce. There is something about lusciously simmered tomatoes mixed with browned chunks of beef (or pork in this case) and a sprinkle of fresh herbs that is just irresistible. To the point that I would almost rather eat the entire pot of pasta sauce rather than deal with those pesky noodles getting in the way. Waiting for them to boil is just too much. A spoon will do. Thank you. But when you add the delicate strings of spaghetti squash, which turn and tumble around a fork just like spaghetti should, suddenly, the […]

February 14, 2012

Low-Sodium Spaghetti Squash Snapper

Officially obsessed. This bulbous vegetable holds so many surprises inside. And while I always mistakenly thought that it would (a) taste gross and (b) be difficult to cook, turns out that I was wrong on both accounts. I really love when I’m wrong. So let’s begin by talking about preparing spaghetti squash. All you need to do is stick it on a pan. Whole. No cutting necessary. Easy so far, right? Then, place that pan with the squash into the oven at 375 dgF. And let it soften until you can easily slice it in half with a knife (no […]

February 10, 2012

Low-Sodium Cauliflower Steaks

So let’s say you’re having a big group over for dinner and you plan on making this: But we’ll get back to the beef another time. Because, let’s say that you or one of your guests could not eat the meat you see above. What do you do? The answer is cauliflower steaks. Yes, a hearty main made from a small head of cauliflower that is chopped into thirds to create slabs of non-meat steakery. Trust me, vegetarians,vegans, and those watching their sodium and protein intake will appreciate the creativity. They will also appreciate the smokey seasoning that you rub […]

February 7, 2012

Low-Sodium Winter Comforts

Here are the things I learned this week: 1) Although I love being barefoot or in sandals, rain boots are definitely the right choice when it’s raining. 2) Madonna still totally rocks. Like, seriously. 3) Steaks can be made out of cauliflower (see: Thursday’s post). 4) Curling up on the couch with something warm (i.e. a blanket, freshly baked bread, breakfast for dinner, and soup) is the perfect way to ward off chilly weather. So below, find some of my favorite cozy, low-sodium recipes for when the temperature drops. Make one, two, or all three this week. And save your […]

February 2, 2012

Low-Sodium Super Bowl

I apologize for the brevity of this post. But as I run out the door, hair half-dried, sweater half-on, I wanted to make sure you were prepped and ready for the big game on Sunday. Of course, there are all my old super bowl favorites, which can be found here on this newish nifty site, Pinterest. But I also wanted to pass on a few tips for you to add a low-sodium, flavorful twist to other classic Super Bowl favorites. The first, hot wings. And not just any hot wings. Mandarin Orange Hot Wings. We’re talking sweet and spicy and […]

January 27, 2012

Lo-So January Week 4: Chelsea Salt-Free’s Her Very Own Recipe

The girl doesn’t need any introduction. So let’s just get to straight to words from Chelsea and week four of her heroic journey through the low-sodium world… Week Four has been marked by two milestones: entertaining Low-So style and branching out beyond Sodium Girl’s ravishing recipes to create my very own. Last weekend, I hosted a little fête for a friend’s birthday and really wanted to showcase some tasty low-so treats. Remember: I live below the Mason-Dixon Line. Three amigas of mine host an annual Bacon-Off (and, it’s incredible/one of my favorite days of the year). Sodium is alive, well, […]

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 […]

November 23, 2011

Honey Five Spice Candy Apples

Before I sign off for a few days of feasting, I wanted to leave you with a sweet thought. Honey. Chinese five spice. Mini apples. They are a perfect final bite for any holiday meal. Or if you wrap them up real nice in some parchment paper, you can give them away as party favors for everyone to take home. The recipe does require some caution (hot caramel) and a candy thermometer. But other than those two warnings, it is extremely simple. And the results are extremely worth it. The original hails from natural cooking guru, Heidi Swanson, and her […]

November 9, 2011

Jess Do It

As if one marathon wasn’t enough, my wonderful dream friend, Natty, decided to put on her running sneaks and tackle that 26.ridiculous mile New York course again this year. All in the name of Lupus research. All so that someday, people like me won’t have to feel tired, run-down, or kidney-less because of this chronic disease. While Natty ferry’d over to the starting line, the rest of us bundled up and leisurely walked across the Island, bundled up of course, to await her passing. And as we slowly strutted our way uptown, I reflected on this wonderful dream friend of […]

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