I have now learned that while watching one's sodium intact you can become sodium deficient?? One would think with all the natural sodium in food that would be enough. It's the balance of not too much yet being sure to add enough.
Who would have known that monitoring sodium intake could become even more complicated...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand. Randy Pausch
A fabulous restaurant we like is Asti Trattoria located in the eclectic Hyde Park. When my husband's daughter came for a visit from Pennsylvania during her birthday, he took her there for a special dinner just the two of them. Making reservations through www.OpenTable.com was super convenient. When they sent request for feedback, they had a fabulous evening so I was happy to oblige. I included my request for nutritional information and with the lack of response I'm not receiving, honestly I didn't expect a response. Well -- I was pleasantly surprised and THRILLED with this information!!!!!
Greta,
I'm so pleased that your husband and daughter enjoyed dinner here on Friday. It's rewarding to hear that we helped make a dinner between loved-ones special.
Thank you for letting us know.
In regards to the dietary restrictions, since we make almost everything from fresh ingredients, we can surely accommodate any low sodium diet if you let your waiter know.
We looking forward to serving you and your husband sometime soon.
With Regards,
John Hallam
General Manager of Asti Trattoria.
...So the lesson I continue to learn... Anything is possible if only you believe...
Greta,
I'm so pleased that your husband and daughter enjoyed dinner here on Friday. It's rewarding to hear that we helped make a dinner between loved-ones special.
Thank you for letting us know.
In regards to the dietary restrictions, since we make almost everything from fresh ingredients, we can surely accommodate any low sodium diet if you let your waiter know.
We looking forward to serving you and your husband sometime soon.
With Regards,
John Hallam
General Manager of Asti Trattoria.
...So the lesson I continue to learn... Anything is possible if only you believe...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Be thankful for your small victories; they may be all that you have. Claire Gutmann
While I'm only a fish-eater, my husband is a meat/fish-eater. With his appetite being extremely low, I wanted us both to go grocery shopping in hopes that he'd see something enticing. Most of the time I grocery shop solo and zip past any deli meat counter. During today's trip however, that was one of his stops AND it turned out to be totally encouraging!!!
Boar's Head has this Nutritional Information guide that is totally fabulous. It includes the nutritional facts on their meats, cheeses and even condiments!! They have a page listing their American Heart Association approved products that offer low sodium, cholesterol and fat. At the HEB at William Cannon & Brodie, they are in a plastic stand on the top of the case for Boar's Head products.
...seemingly small things like this are high-jumps over the HUGE hurdles we've experienced traveling this path of living without sodium...
Boar's Head has this Nutritional Information guide that is totally fabulous. It includes the nutritional facts on their meats, cheeses and even condiments!! They have a page listing their American Heart Association approved products that offer low sodium, cholesterol and fat. At the HEB at William Cannon & Brodie, they are in a plastic stand on the top of the case for Boar's Head products.
...seemingly small things like this are high-jumps over the HUGE hurdles we've experienced traveling this path of living without sodium...
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. Chinese Proverb
It's now the law. New York restaurants with 15+ locations across the country now have to post calories. Seattle is next then San Francisco. KVUE.com has a great clip on this article and long term health, it comes down to one thing: Simply think about the food you eat.
Austin nutritionist Deirdre Earls was quoted: “I don’t think calories alone is enough,” she said. “I like the idea of them providing more information and providing calories. However, what I really think would be a public service is in addition to providing calorie information, you also let people know there are genetically modified ingredients. You also take out the trans fats that are directly connected to heart disease, diabetes, obesity." In addition, amazingly fantastic news is from the founder of Zen Japanese Food, Adam Weisberg: “We got all of our recipes tested from an outside company to prove which meals were ‘Heart Smart’ approved, and that was based on sodium, cholesterol, saturated fats, fats, calorie counts,” he said.
Austin nutritionist Deirdre Earls was quoted: “I don’t think calories alone is enough,” she said. “I like the idea of them providing more information and providing calories. However, what I really think would be a public service is in addition to providing calorie information, you also let people know there are genetically modified ingredients. You also take out the trans fats that are directly connected to heart disease, diabetes, obesity." In addition, amazingly fantastic news is from the founder of Zen Japanese Food, Adam Weisberg: “We got all of our recipes tested from an outside company to prove which meals were ‘Heart Smart’ approved, and that was based on sodium, cholesterol, saturated fats, fats, calorie counts,” he said.
This news has given me renewed energy and hope.
There are local restaurants that do care about
the health of their customers.
I was so wrong as I thought Zen was simply fast food.
I'm excited to know about them and will be going there soon!!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The universe will reward you for taking risks on its behalf. Shakti Gawain
With nutritional information easily available from chain restaurants, how can people still eat there - specifically, how can parents in good conscience take their children there? I found where some of them took top honors: Sodium insight from iVillage:
The Saltiest Dish in America
Romano' Macaroni Grill's Chicken Portobello: 7,300 mg sodium
Saltiest "Healthy" Food is Chili's Guiltless Grill Chicken Platter:
2,780 mg sodium
Saltiest Beef Entrée, Bob Evans Steak Tips and Noodles:
4,131 mg sodium
Sadly, also loaded with sodium from the kids menus:
Chili's Little Chicken Crispers: 1,300 mg sodium.
Fazoli's Spaghetti with meat sauce: 1,020 mg of sodium
Captain D's Kids Fish dinner: 2,100mg sodium
From Today's Show on-line: The 20 saltiest foods in America
The Saltiest Dish in America
Romano' Macaroni Grill's Chicken Portobello: 7,300 mg sodium
Saltiest "Healthy" Food is Chili's Guiltless Grill Chicken Platter:
2,780 mg sodium
Saltiest Beef Entrée, Bob Evans Steak Tips and Noodles:
4,131 mg sodium
Sadly, also loaded with sodium from the kids menus:
Chili's Little Chicken Crispers: 1,300 mg sodium.
Fazoli's Spaghetti with meat sauce: 1,020 mg of sodium
Captain D's Kids Fish dinner: 2,100mg sodium
From Today's Show on-line: The 20 saltiest foods in America
Sunday, July 13, 2008
It is not length of life, but depth of life. Emerson
A photo I took of this amazing cactus that lived in our backyard out in Wimberley. It produced these soft delicate coral buds that bloomed into bright yellow flowers, right next to a zillion sharp pointed thorns... totally explains what this chapter of life feels like for me.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve.... J. K. Rowlings
My theory has always been if you have the courage (or guts) to ask, the worst thing that can happen is that the answer will be no. However, the answer just may be yes. Or I've also realized it could be silence with no answer at all.
I would just like to know that my request has been heard. I've received a total of 3 responses from my numerous requests for nutritional information. I do realize Austin is a big city and our local eating venues must receive lots of emails each and every day... I'm trying to be patient I really am.
To eliminate the chain fast food and restaurants, for my husband and I, no problem as it was really a no brainer. It is easy especially when you live in a city like Austin. I mean seriously, with all of the delicious local venues for every type of cuisine imaginable... plus the farmers markets... Sun Harvest, Central Market and of course Whole Foods... healthy food for a healthy lifestyle is easily accessible and affordable.
One of the best ever places to experience is Sunset Valley Farmers Market between Brodie and West Gate just South of 290. Along with having tasty vegs & fruits, they offer some great looking plants from It's About Thyme. My favorite booth is M Squared Jewelry... gorgeous unique jewelry designed and created by Mae-Mae Stiles. Open each & every Saturday, rain or shine, all year round, 9AM until 1PM... check it out, it will definitely kick-start your weekend in a good way.
I would just like to know that my request has been heard. I've received a total of 3 responses from my numerous requests for nutritional information. I do realize Austin is a big city and our local eating venues must receive lots of emails each and every day... I'm trying to be patient I really am.
To eliminate the chain fast food and restaurants, for my husband and I, no problem as it was really a no brainer. It is easy especially when you live in a city like Austin. I mean seriously, with all of the delicious local venues for every type of cuisine imaginable... plus the farmers markets... Sun Harvest, Central Market and of course Whole Foods... healthy food for a healthy lifestyle is easily accessible and affordable.
One of the best ever places to experience is Sunset Valley Farmers Market between Brodie and West Gate just South of 290. Along with having tasty vegs & fruits, they offer some great looking plants from It's About Thyme. My favorite booth is M Squared Jewelry... gorgeous unique jewelry designed and created by Mae-Mae Stiles. Open each & every Saturday, rain or shine, all year round, 9AM until 1PM... check it out, it will definitely kick-start your weekend in a good way.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. Mother Teresa
I just can't seem to get something out of my thoughts... I'd had such great hopes in finding a spokesperson to advocate for nutritional information at local restaurants... in previous posts, I mentioned that I reached out to "Dear Dale" among others to encourage local restaurants to provide nutritional information. While he didn't respond to mine, he did respond to D.C. even though he didn't answer his question, only told him what to do which I'm sure D.C. knew already. What I read saddened me, not just for D.C. but for everyone who is genuinely concerned about nutrition....
Dear Dale, I read your column regularly, and I thought you might be able to assist me in locating restaurants with low-sodium items on their menus on a permanent basis. My wife had a minor stroke in February, and has had to lower her sodium intake drastically. I went online and found a great many choices. Although these recipes are easy for me to prepare, I would like to offer her a treat of having a restaurant meal for our anniversary in July, but one which is truly low-sodium. Appreciate any information you can provide.
Thank you.
D.C.
D.C., That's actually easier than you might think. Virtually any fine-dining restaurant in Central Texas will be happy to accommodate your needs if you call in advance, talk to the chef and explain your dietary restrictions. The problem is that many items — such as salad dressings, sauces and mashed potatoes — are made in advance and are salted. By talking to the chef ahead of time, you often can have a portion put aside before it's seasoned. Also, any chef should be able to handle a low-sodium request if you simply walk into a restaurant unannounced. However, that might limit your choices to items such as grilled meats or fish — minus the sauces — with fresh vegetables for a side. That actually sounds like a pretty good meal to me.
D.C. was asking for restaurants that offered low-sodium items on a permanent basis. Instead of addressing this situation, Dale responds how easy it is, yet is it really?? Call in advance, explain your restrictions... or limit your choices to grilled or fresh items.... While absolutely, I agree with Dale that "grilled and fresh" is a pretty good meal yet why should D.C. have to take on this responsibility?
Honestly, I have always considered myself a conscientious eater. I have been literally blown away with what I've learned. Congestive heart failure with my husband, a stroke with D.C.'s wife... we shouldn't wait until it's a life-threatening situation to be concerned with what is in our food.
Dear Dale, I read your column regularly, and I thought you might be able to assist me in locating restaurants with low-sodium items on their menus on a permanent basis. My wife had a minor stroke in February, and has had to lower her sodium intake drastically. I went online and found a great many choices. Although these recipes are easy for me to prepare, I would like to offer her a treat of having a restaurant meal for our anniversary in July, but one which is truly low-sodium. Appreciate any information you can provide.
Thank you.
D.C.
D.C., That's actually easier than you might think. Virtually any fine-dining restaurant in Central Texas will be happy to accommodate your needs if you call in advance, talk to the chef and explain your dietary restrictions. The problem is that many items — such as salad dressings, sauces and mashed potatoes — are made in advance and are salted. By talking to the chef ahead of time, you often can have a portion put aside before it's seasoned. Also, any chef should be able to handle a low-sodium request if you simply walk into a restaurant unannounced. However, that might limit your choices to items such as grilled meats or fish — minus the sauces — with fresh vegetables for a side. That actually sounds like a pretty good meal to me.
D.C. was asking for restaurants that offered low-sodium items on a permanent basis. Instead of addressing this situation, Dale responds how easy it is, yet is it really?? Call in advance, explain your restrictions... or limit your choices to grilled or fresh items.... While absolutely, I agree with Dale that "grilled and fresh" is a pretty good meal yet why should D.C. have to take on this responsibility?
Honestly, I have always considered myself a conscientious eater. I have been literally blown away with what I've learned. Congestive heart failure with my husband, a stroke with D.C.'s wife... we shouldn't wait until it's a life-threatening situation to be concerned with what is in our food.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance. Oprah.
The 4th of July weekend... a holiday where we gather with friends & family. The downside is that more than not, people tend to overeat. This morning I've read blogs and chat-boards of people confessing their food intake and now jumping back on that exercise treadmill. I know that many items were on the menu at our house that are typically never there. Even though we don't even have salt in our house, many of the foods naturally contain sodium. Amazing. Ridiculous. Unnecessary. There's no way to totally escape sodium.
In researching the past 7 months, I've found some great internet resources I want to share. They are enlightening on just how healthy (or unhealthy) the food you are eating (or feeding to your children & family) truly is...
For a list of individual items in a spreadsheet format:
http://www.megaheart.com/sodium_veggies.html
For the sodium in a smaller food chart:
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5a.html
If you are more inclined to support chain restaurants/fast-food, this is a resource for those items:
http://www.calorie-count.com/
In researching the past 7 months, I've found some great internet resources I want to share. They are enlightening on just how healthy (or unhealthy) the food you are eating (or feeding to your children & family) truly is...
For a list of individual items in a spreadsheet format:
http://www.megaheart.com/sodium_veggies.html
For the sodium in a smaller food chart:
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5a.html
If you are more inclined to support chain restaurants/fast-food, this is a resource for those items:
http://www.calorie-count.com/
Friday, June 13, 2008
Paralize resistance with persistence. Woody Hayes
So I woke up this morning re-energized to send emails to more of our favorite restaurants...
Galaxy Cafe
Chuy's
Guero's
There just simply has to be a way to increase awareness of what's in the food we're putting into our body. As my husband has always said, "Quality over Quantity" which I believe applies to food in a huge way.
I truly believe that one of the biggest mistakes made in any eating establishment is that disgusting "all you can eat" buffet. This simply encourages people (it starts with the parents and then is learned by their children) to over-eat whether they are still hungry or not. The mentality of "getting their money's worth" is literally killing them.
I mean really, what happened to parent's responsibility to their children?? Why would any parent want to intentionally hurt their children?? Have they forgot their responsibility as a role model???? This is what they are doing when they teach them this type of eating habit at a young age. First off, it's bad for the child's health, they become overweight which could lead to their developing health issues (plus what it's doing to their heart). Next, this can lead to their not being able to play any type of sports which I'm sure we all know, this often leads to being teased by other kids using names tha reference their size. This behavior by parents could set their children up to struggle with bad eating habits.
Unnecessary. Totally avoidable. Parents could be SO failing their children... they are their 1st true role model and mentor. So very very sad... our future leaders of this world need our guidance...
Galaxy Cafe
Chuy's
Guero's
There just simply has to be a way to increase awareness of what's in the food we're putting into our body. As my husband has always said, "Quality over Quantity" which I believe applies to food in a huge way.
I truly believe that one of the biggest mistakes made in any eating establishment is that disgusting "all you can eat" buffet. This simply encourages people (it starts with the parents and then is learned by their children) to over-eat whether they are still hungry or not. The mentality of "getting their money's worth" is literally killing them.
I mean really, what happened to parent's responsibility to their children?? Why would any parent want to intentionally hurt their children?? Have they forgot their responsibility as a role model???? This is what they are doing when they teach them this type of eating habit at a young age. First off, it's bad for the child's health, they become overweight which could lead to their developing health issues (plus what it's doing to their heart). Next, this can lead to their not being able to play any type of sports which I'm sure we all know, this often leads to being teased by other kids using names tha reference their size. This behavior by parents could set their children up to struggle with bad eating habits.
Unnecessary. Totally avoidable. Parents could be SO failing their children... they are their 1st true role model and mentor. So very very sad... our future leaders of this world need our guidance...
Saturday, June 7, 2008
It is health that is real wealth & not pieces of gold & silver. Gandhi
Things look so different now, stopping by Arby's for a Jamocha Shake never made me "think" before. Now, it's like how many "points" which translated means how much "sodium" which is our focus. So is it worth it... obviously my husband thought it was as he stopped by there on the way home today. So how much... Arby's, like most fast food chain places (I can't even call them restaurants as their food is ANYTHING but nutritious) has a Nutrition Calculator on-line. They break it down like this: Vanilla Shake Mix / 350 mg sodium & Jamocha Syrup / 43 mg sodium which is 393 mg sodium total. The total daily amount for my husband is 2,000 mg... so you do the math on if this was a good choice, or not...
Sometimes it comes down to enjoying the things in life that make you happy, the small things that just make you smile. Then you just balance out the rest and continue moving forward.
Sometimes it comes down to enjoying the things in life that make you happy, the small things that just make you smile. Then you just balance out the rest and continue moving forward.
Monday, June 2, 2008
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. Thomas Jefferson
Confidence is slowly slipping away...
Are any of the local restaurants I've contacted going to respond concerning my request for Nutritional Information?
I still refuse to support chain restaurants. There are times when it's not my voice that makes the decision on dining locations... but everyone knows I support eating local.
A friend who knows my frustration encourages me to be more involved and talk to more people to set wheels in motion.
I know I should... and maybe I will... after I figure out a way to make more hours in the day...
Are any of the local restaurants I've contacted going to respond concerning my request for Nutritional Information?
I still refuse to support chain restaurants. There are times when it's not my voice that makes the decision on dining locations... but everyone knows I support eating local.
A friend who knows my frustration encourages me to be more involved and talk to more people to set wheels in motion.
I know I should... and maybe I will... after I figure out a way to make more hours in the day...
Monday, May 26, 2008
Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may happen. Keep in the sunlight. Ben Franklin
Counting sodium has created homework. Accepting invitations to parties ranks up there with going out to eat. Challenging yet slowly becoming more and more manageable with this great site I found during one night during my late night research: http://www.calorie-count.com/ There's no way some fast food joints would stay in business if people knew how unhealthy that cheap food really is. Why would anyone knowingly subject children to health issues when they grow up? Isn't this part of the "parent responsibility"?
For example... yesterday we went to Lisa Kay & Paul's 1st Annual "Soda-Pop” party & BBQ (really hot dogs and veggie dogs) with everyone bringing sides and desserts. Hot dogs haven't been on the menu at our house for quite some time.
They are however one of my husband's favorites... hot dogs with pickle relish, mustard and onions and occasionally with chili. His defense was he always bought beef franks and wheat hot dog buns so they were somewhat healthy. No sale.
Knowing he really wanted to have a hot dog or two, with pickle relish which is loaded with sodium... and sides that were probably the same, this site accomplished really two things... he got to choose what he ate... I could guess-estimate what his sodium content was so I wouldn't stress. So in the end, both of us had a relaxing time.
For example... yesterday we went to Lisa Kay & Paul's 1st Annual "Soda-Pop” party & BBQ (really hot dogs and veggie dogs) with everyone bringing sides and desserts. Hot dogs haven't been on the menu at our house for quite some time.
They are however one of my husband's favorites... hot dogs with pickle relish, mustard and onions and occasionally with chili. His defense was he always bought beef franks and wheat hot dog buns so they were somewhat healthy. No sale.
Knowing he really wanted to have a hot dog or two, with pickle relish which is loaded with sodium... and sides that were probably the same, this site accomplished really two things... he got to choose what he ate... I could guess-estimate what his sodium content was so I wouldn't stress. So in the end, both of us had a relaxing time.
Lesson to take away: Keep in the sunlight.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Every human being is the author of his own health or disease. Buddha
I've never been a big fan of pancakes since most of them are made with just white flour. Except for, there was this breakfast diner in downtown Tulsa, Route 66, they had fantastic multi-grain pancakes that were fabulous! Since we've eliminated sodium from our kitchen, cooking has become more frequent. This morning I fixed buckwheat pancakes from one of the cookbooks my sister bought me and they were yummy! The recipe which serves 4. Sodium per serving: 71 mg
Buckwheat Pancakes...
1/2 cup of each: whole-wheat flour, unbleached all-purpose flour & buckwheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoon no-salt baking powder
1 egg (Eggbeaters)
3 tablespoons frozen Apple Juice Concentrate
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups skim milk
Sift dry ingredients. Combine remaining ingredients and stir into flour mixture.
Spray griddle with Pam. Cook over medium heat turning after bubbles appear on the surface.
Complete with no-salt butter with small amount of syrup.
ENJOY!!!
Buckwheat Pancakes...
1/2 cup of each: whole-wheat flour, unbleached all-purpose flour & buckwheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoon no-salt baking powder
1 egg (Eggbeaters)
3 tablespoons frozen Apple Juice Concentrate
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups skim milk
Sift dry ingredients. Combine remaining ingredients and stir into flour mixture.
Spray griddle with Pam. Cook over medium heat turning after bubbles appear on the surface.
Complete with no-salt butter with small amount of syrup.
ENJOY!!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
We must be willing to get rid of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. Joseph Campbell
Today was a turning point.
My husband had tests done that would determine if he would need to start the evaluation process for a heart transplant... he doesn't... for now...
We've both worried together and silently, constantly lost in thought.
I'm thankful that maybe, just maybe... our focus to monitor the sodium, fluid, exercise, anxiety paid off.
My husband had tests done that would determine if he would need to start the evaluation process for a heart transplant... he doesn't... for now...
We've both worried together and silently, constantly lost in thought.
I'm thankful that maybe, just maybe... our focus to monitor the sodium, fluid, exercise, anxiety paid off.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
SUCCESS!!
UPDATE from Austin very own Kerbey Lane Cafe....
How quick was this!! I was definitely excited to receive this fabulous reply from Katie Stark:
"Kerbey Lane Cafe is currently in the process of producing a reference guide for our guests that contains the nutritional info for all dishes. At this time, the information is contained in a data base that is not easily exported. We are in the process of reformatting this info for the ease of public distribution. I will be happy to put you on our mailing list and alert you when we have completed this project. In the meantime, if you had a particular dish or a few in mind that you are curious about, please let me know what they are and I'll be happy to check the data base and get the info to you."
I am SO impressed with this, I totally hope that other local Austin venues follow their lead!!
How quick was this!! I was definitely excited to receive this fabulous reply from Katie Stark:
"Kerbey Lane Cafe is currently in the process of producing a reference guide for our guests that contains the nutritional info for all dishes. At this time, the information is contained in a data base that is not easily exported. We are in the process of reformatting this info for the ease of public distribution. I will be happy to put you on our mailing list and alert you when we have completed this project. In the meantime, if you had a particular dish or a few in mind that you are curious about, please let me know what they are and I'll be happy to check the data base and get the info to you."
I am SO impressed with this, I totally hope that other local Austin venues follow their lead!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Not giving up on trying to eat local...
Tonight I decided to email Kerbey Lane requesting Nutritional Information... thinking positively...
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Hamburger buns
I would have never thought I could get excited over something like hamburger buns but believe me, with the amount of sodium found in almost any type of bread products - I am! I found this at Sun Harvest South...
Crumb-Castle Spelt Breads = the best part is their organic bakery products are made locally in Austin by Apple Annies
So, give their hamburger buns a try, they are not only delicious, their sodium content is AMAZINGLY low!!!
Crumb-Castle Spelt Breads = the best part is their organic bakery products are made locally in Austin by Apple Annies
So, give their hamburger buns a try, they are not only delicious, their sodium content is AMAZINGLY low!!!
Friday, April 18, 2008
New challenges & adventures
To make cornbread with regular baking powder was not a good choice as the sodium content for just 1 teaspoon was almost 500 mg. Looking locally proved unsuccessful but on-line I found this great product:
Hain Pure Foods Featherweight Baking Powder: Sodium Free/Gluten Free
So, using a crock pot we made pinto beans using HEB's stewed tomatoes/no sodium (which still has 70 mg sodium per can) along with several spices: cumin, garlic powder and pepper. Using the sodium free baking powder, a piece of cornbread ended up at like 19 mg per serving (sodium was from 1 cup milk/100 mg and egg beaters for 1 egg/115 mg).
Even through dinner was a great success, this makes me tired... I just never knew sodium was in SO many things...
Hain Pure Foods Featherweight Baking Powder: Sodium Free/Gluten Free
So, using a crock pot we made pinto beans using HEB's stewed tomatoes/no sodium (which still has 70 mg sodium per can) along with several spices: cumin, garlic powder and pepper. Using the sodium free baking powder, a piece of cornbread ended up at like 19 mg per serving (sodium was from 1 cup milk/100 mg and egg beaters for 1 egg/115 mg).
Even through dinner was a great success, this makes me tired... I just never knew sodium was in SO many things...
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The journey is the reward. Chinese Proverb
Eliminating salt has definitely transitioned us into a new lifestyle of not eating out and since cooking has not been anywhere on my daily list of activities for many years, my sister sent me the following cookbooks that now live on my counter:
The No-Salt Cookbook / David C. Anderson & Thomas D. Anderson
Low-Salt Cookbook / American Heart Association
The Everything Low-Salt Cookbook / Pamela Rice Hahn
Plus she came and stocked my kitchen with lots of spices which have never been staples in my house obviously.
A new adventure.
The No-Salt Cookbook / David C. Anderson & Thomas D. Anderson
Low-Salt Cookbook / American Heart Association
The Everything Low-Salt Cookbook / Pamela Rice Hahn
Plus she came and stocked my kitchen with lots of spices which have never been staples in my house obviously.
A new adventure.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. John Lennon.
Who would think there would be this big difference in sodium in basic things such as mustard and mayo? The low-fat mayo being like 3 times the amount of sodium than the original?? Amazing. I've also learned that there's a wide span for the amount of sodium in just basic frozen vegetables and also frozen seafood. The HEB brand is actually the lowest. So when you have the exact same vegetables in the bag, why would anyone choose the one with the most salt?
Now before anything makes it into the cart -- the label gets read and compared with similar products.
I wish it was only this easy in going out to eat at local restaurants. I've run into dead ends in my on-line search for nutritional information. Plus I've not received any response my initial emails and admit I'm really disappointed. I need to find time to reach out again to additional places such as Eastside Cafe and Mother's Cafe.
Life is so different now... to protect my husband's health it is a must that we think about sodium before eating anything.
Honestly, I miss being able to just go out to eat to wherever we felt like eating... I know he does too.
So, that said... I'm not giving up on raising awareness on the importance of having this extremely important information available. I mean really, everyone needs to be more aware of what's in the food they eat and feed to their children and families.
Now before anything makes it into the cart -- the label gets read and compared with similar products.
I wish it was only this easy in going out to eat at local restaurants. I've run into dead ends in my on-line search for nutritional information. Plus I've not received any response my initial emails and admit I'm really disappointed. I need to find time to reach out again to additional places such as Eastside Cafe and Mother's Cafe.
Life is so different now... to protect my husband's health it is a must that we think about sodium before eating anything.
Honestly, I miss being able to just go out to eat to wherever we felt like eating... I know he does too.
So, that said... I'm not giving up on raising awareness on the importance of having this extremely important information available. I mean really, everyone needs to be more aware of what's in the food they eat and feed to their children and families.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Buy local groceries: fresher & healthier
Even buying bread has taken a different slant as the sodium content varies tremendously. Multiply that times two for a sandwich and it can be 400-500 mg which translates to about 1/4 of my husband's daily limit of 2000 mg.
Shopping today at Sun Harvest I checked in with their bakery about their fresh bread. The Large Six Grain is only 105 mg per slice... much lower than every one of the commercial brands. So not only is the bakery bread healthier, it hasn't been on a truck for who knows how many hours/days before you ever buy it.
*** Just another reason to buy local ***
Shopping today at Sun Harvest I checked in with their bakery about their fresh bread. The Large Six Grain is only 105 mg per slice... much lower than every one of the commercial brands. So not only is the bakery bread healthier, it hasn't been on a truck for who knows how many hours/days before you ever buy it.
*** Just another reason to buy local ***
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Challenges to balance
So my husband eats all kinds of meat. I only eat fish. Shrimp and imitation crab, two of our favorite salad toppings, are unfortunately loaded with sodium especially the crab. My initial goal was to not have food in the house that is off-limits yet I'm wondering if that is really feasible... Tonight we fixed tacos, his with lean hamburger and mine with black beans. The main item missing, salsa as I've yet to find one that has even middle-of-the road level of sodium. Thank goodness I had a jar of chopped jalapenos to add to the black beans. They are also loaded with sodium yet since my husband doesn't like them it's OK. Honestly most high-sodium food I am not going to miss... I'll learn how to make salsa... yet shrimp, imitation crab, that's a different story... when it's items that he likes I just don't think I would enjoy eating them in front of him.
How to balance for both of us... I think the answer is to occasionally let him spend his points on whatever food he wants as long as he stays within the 2 grams/2000 milligrams limit per day... a new way of life for both of us...
How to balance for both of us... I think the answer is to occasionally let him spend his points on whatever food he wants as long as he stays within the 2 grams/2000 milligrams limit per day... a new way of life for both of us...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi
Living in a city filled with local restaurants. Fabulous. Perfect for me as I refuse to support chain restaurants. Except now, supporting local establishments is a challenge. Open heart surgery and congestive heart failure has changed our world... knowing the sodium content is critical for my husband's health. Knowing Nutritional Information is a must.
I thought we ate healthy as we haven't added salt to food for years. I never looked at labels. My mistake. Sodium is in everything... even when it makes absolutely no sense. Canned fruit, or actually pretty much anything in a can. Cough syrup. Milk. Juice. Yogurt. Cottage Cheese. Salsa. Cheese. Cocktail sauce. Frozen shrimp. Salad dressing. Baking powder. Cereal, even the heart healthy Cheerios. The list goes on and on, crazy. Three bags of groceries left my kitchen, items with sodium levels off the chart for my husband's health... what an eye opener.
My quest... to continue supporting local restaurants and to buy local. People concerned with their health, especially those with congestive heart failure, high cholesterol or high blood pressure need to know the Nutritional Information to protect their health. So after researching some websites, I emailed several of our favorite spots...
Thundercloud Subs... http://www.thundercloud.com/ They have a spectacular website that included Nutritional Information for their ENTIRE menu!
Z'Tejas... http://www.ztejas.com/ Deborah/Director of Marketing was wonderful sending me a link for information for some of their items http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/site/diners/findrestaurants/nutritional_info.php?id=ztejas-49793
PTerry's... http://www.pterrys.com/ Patrick responded that they are trying to compile that information
Austin Java... http://www.austinjava.com/ Still waiting for a response. While they indicate Heart Healthy on some menu items, what exactly that means.
Firebowl Cafe... http://www.firebowlcafe.com/ They've now included this new link on their website which I hope receives enough requests for them to move forward: NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: Fire Bowl Cafe does not currently have nutritional information available for our menu items. If you are interested in seeing nutritional information in the future, please let us know by emailing info@firebowlcafe.com.
Edible Austin... http://www.edibleaustin.com/ With their presence in the community I've reached out for their help.
Dale Rice / Dear Dale... Austin Statesman Restaurant Critic, I've asked for his help as well. His blog offers great insight:
http://www.austin360.com/food_drink/content/food_drink/index.html
So gone are the days of just eating whatever sounds appetizing... life without sodium removes quite a few options.
I thought we ate healthy as we haven't added salt to food for years. I never looked at labels. My mistake. Sodium is in everything... even when it makes absolutely no sense. Canned fruit, or actually pretty much anything in a can. Cough syrup. Milk. Juice. Yogurt. Cottage Cheese. Salsa. Cheese. Cocktail sauce. Frozen shrimp. Salad dressing. Baking powder. Cereal, even the heart healthy Cheerios. The list goes on and on, crazy. Three bags of groceries left my kitchen, items with sodium levels off the chart for my husband's health... what an eye opener.
My quest... to continue supporting local restaurants and to buy local. People concerned with their health, especially those with congestive heart failure, high cholesterol or high blood pressure need to know the Nutritional Information to protect their health. So after researching some websites, I emailed several of our favorite spots...
Thundercloud Subs... http://www.thundercloud.com/ They have a spectacular website that included Nutritional Information for their ENTIRE menu!
Z'Tejas... http://www.ztejas.com/ Deborah/Director of Marketing was wonderful sending me a link for information for some of their items http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/site/diners/findrestaurants/nutritional_info.php?id=ztejas-49793
PTerry's... http://www.pterrys.com/ Patrick responded that they are trying to compile that information
Austin Java... http://www.austinjava.com/ Still waiting for a response. While they indicate Heart Healthy on some menu items, what exactly that means.
Firebowl Cafe... http://www.firebowlcafe.com/ They've now included this new link on their website which I hope receives enough requests for them to move forward: NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: Fire Bowl Cafe does not currently have nutritional information available for our menu items. If you are interested in seeing nutritional information in the future, please let us know by emailing info@firebowlcafe.com.
Edible Austin... http://www.edibleaustin.com/ With their presence in the community I've reached out for their help.
Dale Rice / Dear Dale... Austin Statesman Restaurant Critic, I've asked for his help as well. His blog offers great insight:
http://www.austin360.com/food_drink/content/food_drink/index.html
So gone are the days of just eating whatever sounds appetizing... life without sodium removes quite a few options.
Monday, March 24, 2008
And so it begins...
So today is Easter... new beginnings, new life... my daughter has encouraged me to begin this blog... something tonight just told me it's time... I'll share my quest for life without sodium while trying to support local business in Austin Texas. To remove sodium from our world is a new challenge for me, and for my husband. More tomorrow, it's been a long day. Sweet dreams...
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