Tips & Tricks

January 12, 2017

2017 Low-So Reboot

Happy 2017 dearest internet friends! With the new year, I’m entering my 34th year of life and my 13th year living with lupus and kidney disease. And while the past 365 days have had their ups and downs. And downs. And more downs. They also brought a renewed faith in food and its power to heal. See: 34 years old with the same stage 4 kidneys. Still kicking! As you may remember, last year, I welcomed January with a big anti-inflammation overhaul of my diet — no wheat or gluten, no eggs, no dairy, no sugar, no soy, no nightshade vegetables, NO […]

August 4, 2016

Low-So Pizza Party

These days, most people have some sort of dietary requirement. Maybe it’s an allergy or an intolerance. A new food fad or a simple dislike. But the point is, when hosting a dinner party, you will most likely not be the only one with a special food request. And the list of ingredients you cannot use may runneth long. But here’s the thing: You can’t ignore these needs (because you would never want anyone to ignore yours). And you also cannot break your back (or the bank), making separate dishes for Tina, Ivan, Susan, and Uncle Frank’s new girlfriend that he never told you was […]

April 1, 2016

Top Low-So Ingredient Swaps

Happy April Fools Day, World! A time to practice extreme silliness and joy, and plan a prank or two. And, in my opinion, the perfect holiday to play a little (or a lot) with your food. Because really, everyday on a low-so diet (or any diet) is a “fool” day, in which one uses creativity and fun to trick those eyeballs and those tastebuds. And trust me, if I can make vegan, low-so, and gluten-free Twinkies a reality, seriously, anything is possible. So to inspire your own edible tom-foolery — today and everyday — check out some of my favorite ingredients swaps that expertly mimic favorite foods […]

March 25, 2016

3 Flexible Easter Feasts!

Whether or not you plan to celebrate Easter, it is a perfect time to start perfecting your brunch game. Because it is SPRING! And spring means warmer(ish) weather. And a great excuse to start gathering friends together — inside or outside — to enjoy an array of sweet and savory treats. And maybe a low-so good beet bloody Mary or two. But here’s the challenge: How do you feed a gaggle of guests all while tending to your low-so needs as well as the dietary needs of others (think: egg-free, gluten-free, Paleo, Whole30, vegetarian, etc). All while making something stunning. And not too time or budget consuming? The answer is the […]

December 11, 2015

Low-So Sweet Potato Fish Cakes

When my health takes a dip, the first thing I look to is the cabinet. But not the one you think. Not the one with pills and bandaids and hot water bottles. The cabinet I’m thinking of is full of spices and grains and all the things I can put on my plate and into my body. I’m talking about food. Because that’s my favorite kind of medicine. If you’re a regular reader, you may have noticed that I’ve been a bit more absent this year and that’s because, well, my body kind of had it with me. After almost 11 full years of post-Lupus-attack-survival […]

April 17, 2015

10 Ways to A Low-So Good Lunch

One of the biggest challenges for a low-so eaters happens everyday around noon (or 10:30 if you’re like me and you just can’t wait that long). I’m talking about lunch. If you hang out at home, near a kitchen, and a stocked pantry and spice drawer, well then, the only thing standing in your way of a filling afternoon snack is a little bit of time. But if you’re out and about or at work, eating good food suddenly poses a bit of a problem. Grab-and-go meals are a big part of our work culture, whether you actually take the […]

March 20, 2015

Salternatives and Mushroom Spice Streusel

Did you know that this week is actually, officially #saltawareness week? It is! And you’re already steps ahead with the amazing SALTERNATIVES we’ve been exploring that boost the natural flavor of your food and wow all your friends. At the same time. No shaker necessary. Before we get to a quick collage of our favorite salt-free salt swaps, lets also just take a moment to review the difference between salt and sodium. Because they are not the same thing. Table salt contains 40% sodium and 60% chloride. And while we generally think of the salt shaker as the only source of sodium, sodium also exists in most whole foods, from cantaloupe to eggs. […]

November 24, 2014

Roasted Lamb Thanksgiving Roundup

Alright friends. Get ready for a roundup of Thanksgiving dishes that is going to be bigger than last year’s 26-pound turkey. Hint: anytime you see anything bolded in orange, that is a link to a recipe or tips. So click away for total Thanksgiving domination. But before we jump into the lentil gravy boat (see how I did that?) and talk stuffing, sides, and other non-traditional dishes, let me say this about this year’s low-sodium holiday feast: break tradition. I give you permission. It’s the easiest way to free yourself from the salty brines and canned soups, and create a whole new […]

January 9, 2014

Travel Tips: Pack to Snack

True, the holidays are over. But that doesn’t mean your travels are. And whether it is a much needed destination vacation, a visit to family, or a last minute flight for work, every trip requires preparation. And for those with special diets, the packing list has a few extra items to tend to. Mainly, food. But dietary limitations don’t have to take the spontaneity or flavor out of your adventures. Nor do they have to add stress to well-deserved R and R. With a little extra effort, anyone with any dietary needs can stay full no matter where the journey […]

December 11, 2013

Travel Tips: Holiday Edition

For a long time, I thought a special diet and medical needs meant staying at home. Travelling felt like too difficult of a task to attempt. And hotel rooms, unfamiliar cities, and museum-filled itineraries felt more like frightening obstacles than alluring opportunities. I wondered, without my kitchen, could I ever keep up my diet? Without my gym, could I keep my body moving? And without my safe place (i.e. my home), could I explore the great world outside my door, enjoy every minute of it, and return home just as healthy if not healthier than before? The good news is, […]

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