When the DIET rang the doorbell...

In case you're not familiar with me, my kidneys almost packed up last summer.  Since, I've been battling the after effects, getting back on meds for my other issues, and trying to learn about dietary needs, for yet another health issue...

So, on advice from online friends, my doctors, and online research, I've come to a few conclusions.  Now, I've been a salt-o-holic most of my life, but now, at 59 yrs old, I'm once again attempting to reduce my salt use.  At first I thought it would be a major effort, however even this evening, I ate an ear of corn with very little salt on it!  I was shocked!  "Normally," I would steam it in the micro with a light sprinkle, then as I ate it, I would add coarse salt (almost) with every bite.  This evening, I steamed with a light sprinkle, and at first, added at the table, but then found that I was enjoying without any additional salt.  I was stunned, but pleased!  Corn on the cob, and a perfectly good steak, are two things that I have found myself salting often, as I eat the meal.  I'm also cutting down on the amount of salt I use during cooking, so hopefully I'm improving there...

First on the list, as of a couple months ago, was caffeine...  I happen to love coffee and iced tea, but I was surprised when I gave up the tea, and switched to decaf, that I didn't experience  the headaches I was expecting.  Ok, so I usually have no more than two cups of coffee in after I arise, and the fact that I gave up iced tea almost a year ago, I presume all aided me in losing the caffeine.

I've also attempted to reduce my sugar intake, as I've been told that it can tax the kidney processes.  Sugar substitute in my morning decaf... how BORING is that? But, I've found that Splenda is a decent replacement, though I'm out of it right now... note to self...

And who knew that nuts, and dairy are hard on the kidneys?  I didn't!  However, for a week or two, after eating a handful of peanuts daily, only to begin having lower backaches - a sign of kidney issues.  I guess, no more nuts, and the dairy seems to be bad as calcium can build up in the kidneys... though my most recent bloodwork tells me my calcium level is about midway between hi/low... I have however tried to reduce my dairy intake...

What it all sums up to, is that making these changes may keep me off dialysis, which simply is not an option if I can make some simple changes to my eating habits instead - trust me, having only one dialysis treatment, I don't want to go back there again, if I can avoid it! 

So, one never knows just what sort of curve balls life will toss at us, and all one can do, is attempt to avoid these obstacles, especially if some simple changes in lifestyle can aid you.

My advice is, when you're faced with a curve ball, do your homework. 

I'm working on connecting with a nutritionist, as I am "chief cook and bottle washer" at this house.  Time to take control of myself!

Be well, and say hi if you stop in to read me!  Thanks,

Steve

Afghan Hound Party

I was reminded earlier today about a long forgotten socially important event we were invited to a few years ago...  Kenyon approached us, with an invite gently held in his strong mouth.  He was asked to join a party, bringing his humans, and a "dish to pass."

Of course, we couldn't refuse, after all, the hosts Bablu and Devon are our good friends, as is their human, Audie.  She had ordered people food, and most humans brought people food, but Kenyon thought it would be a good idea, being a "dog party," for us to bring dog treats.  As it happened, I had a recipe for dog bones, so to please Kenyon, I prepared a double batch, and off we went at the allotted time.

I was asked by one human what I had brought to the party, as she had been informed that I'm somewhat of a cook.  "Dog bones."  She seemed surprised...  I guess she had expected some fantastic people dish that I had whipped up.  Audie and I chuckled, as I explained that as it was a dog party, just why would I bring people food! 

I would have handed Bablu and Devon the cookies to distribute amongst their guests who were all romping around the back yard and socializing with their fellow canines, but I feared that they would just scarf them all down in a heartbeat, so I handed the baggies to Audie, and allowed her to distribute the treats.

A wonderful time was had by all, including those of us who are two legged!  The treats were a great success amongst the fur friends... 

Ready or Not

Late the other night - in fact it was after midnight, thus early in the morning... my laptop decided to download windows 10 for me.  Not knowing how to stop it, I decided to just let it go, cross my fingers, and hope for the best.  The process took a while, and I ended up quite late, as I'm doing tonight again, sorting out a few other things, learning, if you will...

The actual download went without a hitch (fortunately,) and past days have been interesting as learning how to do the things I "used" to do are at times a bit challenging.  For the most part, however,  I seem to be sorting things out rather easily.  Now you must understand, I'm not stupid when it comes to these infernal contraptions, but I've really never learned any more than I need to know, to accomplish the tasks I frequently do, though I consider myself "technologically challenged" in the long run.  Guessing that if I can figure this out on my own, most young children will simply ask, "what's the big deal?" 

So, as time progresses, I'm sure I'll learn more and more about the "wonders" of 10.  In fact I just thought of another thing to look into.  Overall, I'm liking what I'm seeing so far.  Should I wait for the "shoe to drop?"  Time alone will tell!

Be well!

Makeshift Meal

I've been meaning to stop by and say hi for a few days, just haven't taken the time to place fingers on keys...  I've been wanting to share a dinner dilemma I had a few nights ago...  Here is my tale of daring culinary escapades in the crazykitchen...

Mealtime was approaching, and as I'd been visiting with our friend Denise, I was running late.  Just what could I pull together in only an hour?  You must understand that for a 7pm mealtime, I often get started around 3-4pm, so you may see that I was distressed.  Flinging open the frige door to take a quick inventory, the idea began to culminate...

Due to my "kidney issues," I'm learning to limit salt use by using other seasonings to enhance flavor.  So, when I salted a pot of water to cook some noodles, I used about half of what I would have done...  I was recalling a dish I once had at a restaurant, a sort of crab alfredo dish, so I grated parmesan, minced a shallot, and I was off.  The noodles were cooked, drained, and set aside.  Butter and shallots into the warm pan for a couple of minutes, added flour for a minute or two, added heavy cream, the noodles, and imitation crab meat.  Simmered all of that until they sauce thickened, by which time the crab had warmed through.  A sprinkle of white pepper and a bit of garlic powder, and voila!  For a side, I heated some broccoli which I had par cooked fresh, sealed in a freezer bag.  A little salt, and butter, and dinner was served!

In all honesty, I did impress myself - this meal was as flavorful as the meal I remember from that restaurant way back when - I'm going back 10-15 years!  I must get this one down on paper and place it in the "keeper" file.  While I'm sure this recipe won't rate too well on the "cholesterol" scale, other than the cream, it seems (in my mind,) not overly unhealthy....

Now back to the kidney issues, I'm watching dairy, as I understand that calcium can monkey up the works, but last checked my calcium was about midway between high and low.  I'm no longer eating nuts, have given up caffeine, and I'm cutting down on sugar...  If you have any other insights or advice, feel free to help me here!  I still need to hook up with a nutritionist/dietician, but meanwhile, I'm doing what I can to help the cause...

Be well!

A Quote

I remained too much inside my head, and ended up losing my mind... (Edgar Allan Poe.)

Sounds like a great credo for a crazycook!  Be well!

Changing the Menu

Not only have I battled things like cholesterol and high blood pressure for years, but now I need to worry about what's good/bad for my kidneys, since last year's diagnosis of chronic stage 3 kidney failure...  It's been a bit of a struggle for more than 6 months, but now also Jason has been diagnosed with cholesterol, so the "game" is on, to drastically change our eating habits to improve overall health of the two of us.

Last visit to my nephrologist wrapped up with, "cut down on sodium" which was no big surprise, but damn...  I do like my salt.  So, during the following days, I began reducing salt, I've gone caffeine free, and have cut down on sugar... all in hopes that I may avoid a return to the hateful dialysis port.  I need to get off my rear and hook up with a nutritionist/dietician to hammer out some guidelines for me to follow.  If any of you have any insight, I'd appreciate the advice...

This all brings me to last night's dinner meal.  We aren't big eaters of fish, preferring MEAT, but I bit the bullet, and prepared a cold pasta salad comprising of imitation crab meat and side of garden salad.  I'm wishing that I'd had more "stuff" to add to the pasta, but despite the frige being rather empty, the meal was a hit.

So, the HEAT is on...  It hit 102F today, with 5% humidity.  I didn't venture out much as the ozone is being an issue this year, and with chronic bronchitis I'm guessing that I'd best not be out too much during these warnings, though we are (by my choice) using the "swamp cooler" rather than a/c, so I'm sure the ozone crap is being pumped directly into the house.  I'm in hog heaven with the heat... as I told my sis last month when she was here, "I don't warm up till it's 80F!"

Well, there you have a little more input as to just who I am...  Visit often, I'm sure I'll get around to cookin' stuff at some point, but it seems only appropriate right now to introduce myself to those who don't know me.

Be happy, be healthy, and "Change the Menu" as needed!

CRAZYCOOK is HERE!

Hi, I'm Steve, and opened this blog some time ago, but have been remiss in visiting very often.  Well folks, like it or not, I'm here, and I believe here to stay!

I've had a cooking blog on another site for many years, but they are now failing to provide services my paid membership has promised... thus I'm washing my hands of them, and will concentrate on my BlogSpot.com, "Life, Lemons, and Things."  Here, you will find stories of escapades in my "crazykitchen," babble about just about anything, and efforts to improve dietary needs due to health issues biting me in the butt. 

I tend to say what's on my mind at any given time thus not limiting myself to a specific topic, but I do my best not to be offensive to anyone, but there may be times some disagree... that's life and lemons, isn't it? 

So, if you're up to it, follow my path through life, and I look forward to making many relationships with folk here!  Be well, and I'm sure I'll be back soon...