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 for the kidney-friendly food list. But that doesn’t mean those on a low-sodium and low-potassium diet can’t enjoy pasta, meatloaf, or french fries drenched in a creamy red sauce.

You just have to be creative and kidney-friendly educated to fin of a satisfying solution.

Like this tomato-free red sauce (also known as red pepper ketchup):

And don’t discount all the other wonderful things peppers can do. Like make the perfect vehicle for a meaty appetizer (if you can handle a little protein).

Or stand alone and be eaten on their very own…with a little help from sesame oil and garlic.

Or even star as the base of a very silky, very flavorful, very creamy Green Pepper Posole Soup. Which we will get to next week.

When you start focusing on what you CAN eat versus what you CANNOT, the possibilities and recipes and meals are endless. (You’re welcome heart and kidneys. And sorry in advance, waistline).

And for those of you eager to see what kidney-friendly foods await your and your belly, there are plenty of resources right at your fingertips to help you discover everything you CAN enjoy.

Like DaVita Dialysis and their amazing website.

Full of tools and information, the team at DaVita is here to help you live. Like, really live. Like, really live really well.

They don’t just want you to trudge through a bland diet or stressful doctors appointments. They want you to do it all with ease and gusto. And red pepper sauce.

So this month, join DaVita and me as we explore the world of kidney-friendly and patient-pleasing diets. Find us on FACEBOOK or chatting away on TWITTER. And if you chime in on the conversation, be sure to use the hashtag: #kidneysmart so all your fellow renal buddies can read what brilliant things you have to say.

And to kick off Kidney Awareness Month, check out one of my favorite DaVita articles on 15 Kidney-Healthy Foods to get your palate and your kitchen buzzing. And get ready to turn STRAWBERRIES

and CABBAGE

and CAULIFLOWER

into unforgettable meals.

Chow on. And get #KidneySmart!

 

 

Ginger Pelz March 1, 2012 at 10:45 am

Jess – Man, you make peppers look good. Not that I’m not already a HUGE fan of them, but I’m dying to try the recipe for red pepper ketchup. In fact, while I don’t “need” to be on a low-sodium diet, you completely inspire me to push myself in this direction. I’ll be surely testing some of these recipes on my boy in the near future – and he’s a tough critic!

Full disclaimer: I work for DaVita (as Jess certainly knows). We are so thrilled to be partnering with you this month on such an important mission. You are a smart, smart lady who walks the talk and should be a role model for anyone on a special diet.

Wishing you all the best – cheers!

Laura March 3, 2012 at 3:32 am

Okay I’m totally having the peppers tonight with some sardines (happen to have some defrosting in my fridge right now). Having starting my salt free lifestyle only this week I’m apprehensive about salt free fish but I’m going to give it another go after I read the whole of this blog to get some much needed salt free inspiration. Thank you.

Cupcake March 3, 2012 at 7:24 am

Amazing!!! And delicious sounding. You are my rockstar, SG!

Stephanie Medina March 5, 2012 at 9:12 am

I am Davita’s Home Modalities Educator here in Eastbay California. I am a huge advocate of low sodium diets ever since the age of 6, when my siblings did not know any better, and made me and my 4 year old friend eat tablespoons of salt until he eventually had to be taken to the emergency room. Since that day the mere thought of overused salt makes my stomach turn with intense dislike. I NEVER add salt to ANYTHING I eat, and after educating my boyfriend of the risks of a high sodium diet he too has conformed to not being an “adder.”
Your story is amazing, and I am happy I have received the oppurtunity to read it, and share it with others. I enjoy your sodiumgirl.com recipes and will definitely use them to my advantage.
Thank you for sharing your experience.

Jennifer Harris March 7, 2012 at 11:17 am

I too work for DaVita, I am a renal dietitian. I just was introduced to your website, and after 5 minutes, I cannot wait to read more! You are an inspiration and know that your wisdom and recipes will be shared to all of my patients. Thank you for making such a positive difference in so many lives!

jessg23 March 7, 2012 at 5:52 pm

I’m so honored by your words. Thank you, Jennifer!

gary horan November 10, 2016 at 7:54 am

I would like recipes for sauces. I am on dyalisis.

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