Today we started living differently.

[pattrose]

I printed up tons of information on the Chronic Kidney Disease and what you should eat and shouldn't eat. So tonight, I made our first dinner that was actually good for Shannon. It wasn't too bad. Needed salt, but she can't have salt, so we're going to learn to live without it. Rod and I could pay to follow this diet too.

I ordered two books off Amazon. One is 12 steps of living with Kidney Disease and the other is cooking for someone with kidney disease. So I'm anxious to see what they say. It'll be nice to have a cookbook where I won't have to look every single thing up that I'm making. :)

Shannon is continuing to be upbeat about it. Shocked at first, but doing better now. So, we're going to tackle this head on and give Shannon a fighting chance. Go us. LOL

Have a great rest of the week, everyone.

Hugs, Patt

Comments

[monkeyfun1.livejournal.com]

We haven't been able to use salt for years because my mom had strep that went to her kidneys. this is what we use instead of salt: http://www.mortonsalt.com/products/foodsalts/salt_sub.htm

it helps with things like eggs and potatoes when you think you need salt.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

We couldn't use this because of the ingredients. She can't have potassium products. But we did use Mrs. Dash's garlic and herb. Not too much, but some. It was good.

*Salt Substitute
A potassium chloride product* designed for persons on a doctor-recommended sodium restricted diet. Use for cooking and at-the-table seasoning.

*Remember to consult a physician before using any salt substitute.*

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Theresa, this is what we used tonight. This gives you an idea of what is in it.

Mrs. Dash® Garlic & Herb Seasoning BlendIngredients:
Garlic, onion, spices (black pepper, parsley, fennel, basil, bay, marjoram, oregano, savory, thyme, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, mustard, rosemary, celery seed), carrot, orange peel, spice extractives.

Cooking Tip:
Make tuna salad extra special by blending with mayonnaise and drained canned tuna and tablespoon of Mrs. Dash® Garlic & Herb.
View all tips

Great For:
• Chicken • Tuna • Garlic Bread • Pasta • Pork • Potatoes Size: 2.5 OZ (71g)Nutrition Facts
Serv. Size 1/4 tsp. (0.7g)
Servings: About 101

Amount/Serving%DV* Calories 0 Total Fat 0g0% Trans Fat 0g0% Sodium 0mg0% Potassium 10mg0% Total Carb. 0g0% Protein 0g
Not a significant source of calories from fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, sugars, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

*Percentage Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

[monkeyfun1.livejournal.com]

Ah, my mother is allowed to have potassium. I didn't know your lil' sweetie couldn't have that. Sorry. Yeah, there are lots of herbs that make things taste great. Especially fresh ones.
Good luck and hugs to you.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Thank you, T. :) We're learning to cook differently but it's tasting good so far. :)

[grey853.livejournal.com]

Good luck!!! It's so great that you're being supportive.

I've been on a salt restricted diet for about 7 years now for my heart and it's been hard, but I manage.

The biggest problem is if I go out to eat. Seems like everything has way too much salt in it.

After a while you'll hardly notice. I do miss my no salt microwave popcorn. I used to be able to get it at the grocery or health food stores, but no more. Now if I want popcorn, I have to use a hot air popper.

I know no salt is much better for people, but in the US, they don't make it easy.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Now I would think they would sell no salt popcorn all over the place. I can't believe you can't find it anymore. I went and looked one day when you had mentioned it and we were shocked to see it missing off our sleves too.

Hugs,Patt

[grey853.livejournal.com]

I know. I was very disappointed about it. I've asked several people at the stores and they just don't carry it anymore. It made me very sad. Hot air popcorn just isn't the same.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Have you tried Newman's Own low sodium popcorn? I jsut went to their site and they have that listed. It's got 100mg per serving. Is that still too high?

[grey853.livejournal.com]

That's pretty low, but it's expensive for popcorn and I don't want to order off the internet. I'm still vexed that in a city the size of Louisville I still can't find it.

PS

[grey853.livejournal.com]

The trick is to cook things fresh and to avoid processed foods. They are at least making more no salt canned vegetables now, but used to be it all had to be from fresh.

Re: PS

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Frozen is good too. But we do use fresh alot. Actually it's been sort of fun learning to cook differently. :)

Re: PS

[grey853.livejournal.com]

Frozen veggies are okay, but any kind of frozen meat or meal will have a ton of salt in it. I was super shocked when I read the labels on the Healthy Choice and other so-called healthy frozen dinners.

[scherwood]

Good luck! *hugs*
and I'm sure it will be fine once you've all settled down some. <3

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

I'm sure things will be just fine. :) Thank youu for your good wishes.

Hugs, Patt

[cbtreks.livejournal.com]

This must be so frustrating! It sounds like everyone's trying to take it all in stride, though. What other seasonings (if any) are limited or off limits? {{hugs}}

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

We're going to have to read labels. Anything high in sodium or potassium are bad for her. So we're just going to have to be careful and go from there.
Hugs, Patt