The not so dashing DASH diet
family worries November 2nd, 2007Since my mother was diagnosed with hypertension, she was told to revise her diet extensively. That meant very low salt and fat and plenty of potassium.
Do you know how depressing can it be to be told like that? It’s like suddenly, you are not able to eat the things you normally do and every little milligram of salt can be a matter of life and death.
My husband and I combed the net and educated ourselves with my mother’s condition.
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a diet method that has been proved to lower and control blood pressure and reduce the risk of health complications. The diet consists of as little as 5 grams of salt for a day! Less salt in the diet means so many things to avoid, like biscuits, cheeses, pizza, even breads, french fries (oil and salt in it!), soy sauce, barbecue sauce, sausages, etc.
My mother has been cooking dishes that look normal but tastes really bland. It’s so sad to know her life will never be the same again.
Today I am thankful that I can eat almost anything my heart desires. Of course I have to watch out for the calories but basically, if I eat in moderation I can have the food I fancy. I will try to eat without my mother looking, though and watch my diet before it is too late.
I am also thankful that hypertension did not dissolve all my mother’s enthusiasm at life. She is trying to live normally and bravely facing with the reality one bland recipe at a time.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:51 am
It takes about 2 weeks to get used to a lower-salt diet. When we made the switch, I spent 2 weeks saying “this could really use a little salt”. After 2 weeks, I got used to it. Lower-salt food no longer tasted bland.
My rings fit better.
A high-salt chili (made with regular canned beans and canned tomatoes) now tastes too salty! If I eat that, I’ll spend all evening gulping down water, and my rings will get tight on my fingers.
I’m pretty happy with the DASH diet. It’s good for the entire family.