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March 13, 2012

Low-Sodium Nuggets for Nick Cannon

In case you missed it, there was big news in the lupus and kidney world last week. Nick Cannon, star of such films as Drumline (which I’ve watched three times in one night — thank you TBS), the host of America’s Got Talent, and hubby to Mariah Carey announced that his recent kidney troubles are due to a form of lupus that attacks the kidneys, called lupus nephritis. Sound familiar? What’s thrilling for the lupus and kidney disease communities is that Nick is so open about his diagnosis, helping raise major awareness about both conditions. But what is equally exciting […]

March 8, 2012

Low-Sodium Corn Poblano Posole

When thinking about making posole, two things may seem to pose a challenge: time and the hominy. Now the whole “time” thing really isn’t much of an issue. While this recipe may seem complicated, it really just involves sticking things (peppers, chicken, soup) in pots and pans and letting them heat and cook. There’s no risotto-like ball-and-chain action here. Once you plop those ingredients in your cooking decive, you can seriously let them do their thing. On their own. While you do yours. So as for time? We’ve got that one covered. But hominy. That’s a challenge of a different […]

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 23, 2012

2012 Love Your Heart Recipe Rally

Let’s begin with the facts and the numbers, because that’s a very good place to start: The recommended daily sodium intake for a healthy American is 2,300mg, which equals 1 teaspoon of salt The recommended daily sodium intake for over 50% of adults (due to health problems, age, and other needs) is 1,500mg, which equals just over 1/2 teaspoon of salt Nine out of 10 Americans (that’s 90%) eat more than the recommended daily intake of sodium, averaging over 3,300mg (and if you really consider the soy-sauced sushi, chorizo burrito, and milk swamped cereal…that number clilmbs even higher) More than 800,000 […]

February 23, 2012

Hearts for Hearts

Turns out, taking care of your teeth is mighty important. I was reminded of this during my hour and a half dentist appointment this morning. (Don’t worry–I get to keep all of my teeth. And they even told me I am a super brusher. Not gonna lie. I may have blushed a little. And I’m considering putting it on my resume) But there is another part of your body that needs love. Maybe even more so than your teeth. And that’s your heart. This rubber band knows what I’m talking about. Even if you don’t have any health problems, […]

February 21, 2012

Salt-Free, Hand-Mixed Worcestershire

Here’s a fun fact: Majoratively. It’s not a real word. I know, I just found that out too. And I’ve been using it for a long time. A very long time. And you know what? I have no intent of stopping. Because there are a lot of weird words already out there that have been deemed “usable” and “real” and “in the dictionary.” February? Raspberry? Library? Are you serious, Webster? So, yeah. I’m keeping majoratively and I’ll use it whenever I want. And as for things like worcestershire, which I can hardly spell let alone say, I’m going to stick […]

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 […]

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