High Blood Pressure/Food ideas needed

[nicki dahling]

Ok, apparently I have hypertension. So I know I will need to be more active ( not just sitting at my desk scrapping ). But I could really use some food advice. Any recipes to share ( And keep in mind I don't eat seafood, so I need ideas to "spice" up turkey and chicken ). Also what do you suggest to snack on ? This is the hardest for me because I will be giving up my chips ( I don't have a sweet tooth ). I seem to stay hungry now ( although it could be in my mine, but applesauce and fruit are not cutting it ). I never realized how much sodium was in all the foods my family brings home. Today I plan to clean out the fridge. I expect it will be really empty after I am done.

Cyndi

 

[cobbler]

The biggest thing with hypertension is staying away from excess salt. My hubby has stage 1 hypertension and is on meds for it. And funny I am the other extreme, mine is so low sometimes I wonder how I am alive. One of those store machines once read 89/50. We use garlic POWDER, not salt - for seasonings and it is very good.

Have you checked out Baked Chips? I haven't looked at the sodium content lately but you might want to check it out.

Also exercise helps too. I wish I could get that through my hubbies head but he just isn't to that point lately but it can help lower blood pressure. I just wish he would do it to get off the darn meds.

Basically what we do here is we do not add any additional salt to food, either while cooking or after cooking it. We try (keyword there) to stay away from foods that are processed and packaged because they tend to contain more sodium then not. So cook fresh meats and veggies. I honestly can't remember about frozen veggies but I think they are better than canned. Don't add salt to your foods, want flavor sprinkle garlic powder on your chicken. Don't know much about red meat because chicken is a big staple in this house.

Hope that helps some.

 

[DVCconvert]

Also Mrs. Dash markets a pretty big line of no or low salt spices/rubs and marindates. I think they're good!

 

[nicki dahling]

Thanks. I have been told to try the turkey bacon and ground meat. But its always tasted blah to me. I will check into the seasonings you mentioned.

Cyndi

 

[pumba]

funny thing is we do not eat processed meats like hams and bologna and stuff like that.....Look at the ingredients on canned goods.......knock your socks off just looking. Same with those little meals in the deli with meat and cheese and crackers. HIGH HIGH.....stay away from canned and processed foods and also do not season when you are cooking......I use bay leafs and garlic and onion powder and I love green peppers and onions to cook with......that really makes foods taste good....salt covers it up

 

[nicki dahling]

I almost fell over when I read the back of my favorite potato chip bag. The next few months should be interesting. I refuse to cook different stuff for every member of my family , so the change will probably be good for them also. But I am not sure they will like it.

Cyndi

funny thing is we do not eat processed meats like hams and bologna and stuff like that.....Look at the ingredients on canned goods.......knock your socks off just looking. Same with those little meals in the deli with meat and cheese and crackers. HIGH HIGH.....stay away from canned and processed foods and also do not season when you are cooking......I use bay leafs and garlic and onion powder and I love green peppers and onions to cook with......that really makes foods taste good....salt covers it up

 

[nicurn]

hey cyndi, scott is the cook around here... anyhow he makes some great food with ground turkey, I'll have to find the recipes. but I will say that they taste good and even kate will eat the ground turkey without saying "gross, this tastes weird". I don't think we've had real hamburgers in a long time... also, have you tried epicurious.com for recipes? they are pretty cool. maggie

 

[nicki dahling]

Thanks Maggie. I guess the hard part for me will be to actually have to cook instead of popping stuff in the microwave. I did go get the dash seasoning and no salt tonight. Also picked up vegetables and fresh fruit. And the old fashioned popcorn ( no more microwave bags ). I am determined to be good, so wish me luck.

Cyndi

 

[sweet maxine]

Just remember to watch any packaged foods, as there's lots of hidden salt there too. You'd be surprised to read what's in baking mixes. I always think anything that comes packaged contains a good bit of sodium. Think along the lines of anything fresh, and that's a good start.

 

[jana]

You might also try the W.I.S.H board for advice. It's not just for people looking for weight loss it's also for people looking for healthier ways to live.