Fiḍal (Grace), 12 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 23, 2014 about 4:49 pm Pacific Standard Time
Eight days left in 2014. Eight days to review the years and set new goals for 2015. One of my goals for 2015 concerns the low phosphorus, low protein, and low potassium diet I am attempting to follow. I say attempting because sometimes I am successful and sometimes I fail following the diet. The problem I have is that I get some of my food from food banks, which means some of the items are high in either protein, potassium, or phosphorus. Unfortunately, most of the contents list protein and/or potassium, but not phosphorus. This means I have to look up the phosphorus content on the internet or take a wild guess and hope my guess comes close to being right.
I have three handouts my doctor gave me that list the protein, potassium, and phosphorous in fresh foods, but not in canned or prepared foods. Some of the canned foods list the potassium count, but not the phosphorus count. It is difficult to find the phosphorus count. I have almost cut beef out, I still eat a little beef when I fix some soups or stews, but not very much.
I have taken to making my own soups and stew, most of the time. Sometimes I get canned stew or canned beef with the food I pick up at the food banks. I usually use that when I fix soup because I can regulate my portions better. The coming year will be interesting when it comes to finding a way to stay on my diet, while getting enough to eat.
Showing posts with label potassium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label potassium. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Works for me Wednesday: A trip to the Farmer's Market
‘Idál (Justice), 17 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Wednesday, May 15, 2014 about 5:15 pm Pacific Daylight Time
This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the Farmer's Market to spend the $18.00 in coupons I had left. The Farmer's Market was in the parking lot of the place I picked up the commodities, so I had to make only one trip. I plan my trips to the grocery stores, library, and gas station so that I have to make only one or two trips in a day. I especially like going to stores that are in the same section of town because I use less gas.
I have not checked everything I received in the commodities, but I do know one of the bags contained a small jar of peanut butter. Now all I have to do, when I go to the grocery store tomorrow, is get some bread so that I can have a peanut butter sandwich. I also need to get some spices and maybe a jar of honey. I have to check to potassium content of honey before I purchase any. It is difficulty enough figuring out what items I can eat and if I have to cut the serving size to make sure the potassium content is on the low side.
Fortunately, I have access to the internet. I can search for the potassium content in foods. I also have two website on my favorites list that I can use to check the potassium content in my food. It takes a while to do this, but if I plan my menu two to four days ahead then I can keep my potassium intake low.This approach to my diet works for me most of the time.
This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the Farmer's Market to spend the $18.00 in coupons I had left. The Farmer's Market was in the parking lot of the place I picked up the commodities, so I had to make only one trip. I plan my trips to the grocery stores, library, and gas station so that I have to make only one or two trips in a day. I especially like going to stores that are in the same section of town because I use less gas.
I have not checked everything I received in the commodities, but I do know one of the bags contained a small jar of peanut butter. Now all I have to do, when I go to the grocery store tomorrow, is get some bread so that I can have a peanut butter sandwich. I also need to get some spices and maybe a jar of honey. I have to check to potassium content of honey before I purchase any. It is difficulty enough figuring out what items I can eat and if I have to cut the serving size to make sure the potassium content is on the low side.
Fortunately, I have access to the internet. I can search for the potassium content in foods. I also have two website on my favorites list that I can use to check the potassium content in my food. It takes a while to do this, but if I plan my menu two to four days ahead then I can keep my potassium intake low.This approach to my diet works for me most of the time.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Works for me Wednesday: How do I cool down on a hot Las Vegas Summer Day?
‘Idál (Justice), 3 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Wednesday, April 30, 2014 about 1:44 pm Pacific Daylight Time
How doe I cool down on a hot Las Vegas summer day? I put my canned fruit in the refrigerator to get cold before I open it for a noonday snack or desert. When I open the fruit it is cold, so I can eat it right way without having to put it in the freezer to cool down. If I want the desert frozen, then I open the can and put the fruit in a baggy or some other storage container to let it freeze.
In summer, the temperatures in Las Vegas rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. On those hot days, it is nice to have a cold fruit snack already waiting in the refrigerator or freezer to help cool me down. Since I am on a low potassium diet, I can no longer have ice cream to help me cool down, but I can still have some types of canned fruit as long as I watch the potassium content per serving.
How doe I cool down on a hot Las Vegas summer day? I put my canned fruit in the refrigerator to get cold before I open it for a noonday snack or desert. When I open the fruit it is cold, so I can eat it right way without having to put it in the freezer to cool down. If I want the desert frozen, then I open the can and put the fruit in a baggy or some other storage container to let it freeze.
In summer, the temperatures in Las Vegas rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. On those hot days, it is nice to have a cold fruit snack already waiting in the refrigerator or freezer to help cool me down. Since I am on a low potassium diet, I can no longer have ice cream to help me cool down, but I can still have some types of canned fruit as long as I watch the potassium content per serving.
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Midweek Reflections: Giving up Chocolate
‘Idál (Justice), 13 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Wednesday, April 2, 2014 about 6:59 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I have to give up chocolate! I purchase a milk chocolate Easter bunny on Monday, March 31, when I went to the store to pick up a prescription. I read the nutritional facts on the back of the box, since it did not give the potassium content I figured I did not have to worry about that issue. Today, I did an Internet search for the potassium content of chocolate.
I discovered that milk chocolate has 625 mg of potassium for one cup of chips. The chocolate bunny contains about 16 oz. of chocolate, which means the potassium in the bunny exceeds my low potassium diet. Dark chocolate has 158 mg and white chocolate 243.1 mg of potassium, this means I cannot eat chocolate Easter bunnies or any other type of chocolate candy. I have not checked the potassium content of hot coco mix, but I suspect the potassium content in that product excludes me from drinking hot chocolate or cafe mocha.
I think I will miss the cafe mocha the most, but I could be wrong. I might miss chocolate ice cream or chocolate candy more the cafe mocha. I will just have to see and write about what I miss most. I know one thing for certain, I will have to do an Internet search for potassium content in food and make a grocery list accordingly.
I have to give up chocolate! I purchase a milk chocolate Easter bunny on Monday, March 31, when I went to the store to pick up a prescription. I read the nutritional facts on the back of the box, since it did not give the potassium content I figured I did not have to worry about that issue. Today, I did an Internet search for the potassium content of chocolate.
I discovered that milk chocolate has 625 mg of potassium for one cup of chips. The chocolate bunny contains about 16 oz. of chocolate, which means the potassium in the bunny exceeds my low potassium diet. Dark chocolate has 158 mg and white chocolate 243.1 mg of potassium, this means I cannot eat chocolate Easter bunnies or any other type of chocolate candy. I have not checked the potassium content of hot coco mix, but I suspect the potassium content in that product excludes me from drinking hot chocolate or cafe mocha.
I think I will miss the cafe mocha the most, but I could be wrong. I might miss chocolate ice cream or chocolate candy more the cafe mocha. I will just have to see and write about what I miss most. I know one thing for certain, I will have to do an Internet search for potassium content in food and make a grocery list accordingly.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Thankful Thursday: January 30, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Thursday, January 30, 2014 about 11:02 am Pacific Standard Time
On this last Thankful Thursday in January 2014 I am grateful...
1. ...for the whole bean Kona coffee I purchase last year because I had enough left in the bag to make coffee after my I ran out of my regular preground coffee.
2. ...for the chilly January days because they makes me appreciate spring and summer temperatures.
3. ...for what little patience I have left anymore because it makes waiting more tolerable.
4. ...that I earned enough Gift Points to extend my writing.com premium membership another three months to June 30, 2014.
5. ...that I have enough money to purchase some cooking oil so that I can have fried eggs. I have to check the ingredients to find out the potassium content in the oil, but I can afford to purchase the oil.
6. ...that I have enough gas in my car to get me to the bank, the grocery store, and the gas station today.
7. ...that I am learning to deal with my hoarder tendencies and as well as learning to downsize.
8. ...that I feel better physically and emotionally today then I did earlier in January.
9. ...that I am able to afford the co-pays for my medication.
10. ...that I have a working Internet connection so that I can research the affect of my medication on my low potassium diet.
On this last Thankful Thursday in January 2014 I am grateful...
1. ...for the whole bean Kona coffee I purchase last year because I had enough left in the bag to make coffee after my I ran out of my regular preground coffee.
2. ...for the chilly January days because they makes me appreciate spring and summer temperatures.
3. ...for what little patience I have left anymore because it makes waiting more tolerable.
4. ...that I earned enough Gift Points to extend my writing.com premium membership another three months to June 30, 2014.
5. ...that I have enough money to purchase some cooking oil so that I can have fried eggs. I have to check the ingredients to find out the potassium content in the oil, but I can afford to purchase the oil.
6. ...that I have enough gas in my car to get me to the bank, the grocery store, and the gas station today.
7. ...that I am learning to deal with my hoarder tendencies and as well as learning to downsize.
8. ...that I feel better physically and emotionally today then I did earlier in January.
9. ...that I am able to afford the co-pays for my medication.
10. ...that I have a working Internet connection so that I can research the affect of my medication on my low potassium diet.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Monday Morning Epiphany: I Need to Purchase some 8 oz. coffee cups
Kamál (Perfection), 9 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Monday, January 27, 2014 about 7:45 am Pacific Standard Time
My kidney doctor has put me on a low potassium diet, so I have to cut down on the amount of coffee I drink. Brewed coffee, which has 128 milligrams (mg.) of potassium, is on the low potassium food list, but only in 8 oz. servings. This morning I realized that I don't have any 8 oz. coffee cup in my house. I know this because my coffeemaker makes 5 cups, but when I pour the coffee into any of my cups I get between 3 to 4 cups before the coffee carafe is empty.Since the coffeemaker will hold five 8 oz. servings this means all my cups are larger then 8 oz.
Following the low potassium diet is essential if I want to slow the progress of my kidney disease. Therefore, I have to purchase some 8 oz. coffee cups and get rid of the large cups and mugs I have now. I only need one or two cups because I normally use only two different cups when I drink coffee. I do have some glass cups in the cupboard that (I think) are 8 oz. I was going to leave them here when I moved, but I think I'll get them down and take them with me. At least, that way I will have the something I can drink coffee out of without worrying about the size of the cup.
If the glass cups are larger then I'll have to purchase an 8 oz. cup sometime in February, which will tighten my already tight budget. Maybe I can find some a cup or two at one of the second hand stores. I don't care if it goes with the mismatched set of dishes I'm taking with me. It's been so long since I ate out of a matching set of dishes that it doesn't matter as long as I'm not eating off of plastic or paper plates.
My kidney doctor has put me on a low potassium diet, so I have to cut down on the amount of coffee I drink. Brewed coffee, which has 128 milligrams (mg.) of potassium, is on the low potassium food list, but only in 8 oz. servings. This morning I realized that I don't have any 8 oz. coffee cup in my house. I know this because my coffeemaker makes 5 cups, but when I pour the coffee into any of my cups I get between 3 to 4 cups before the coffee carafe is empty.Since the coffeemaker will hold five 8 oz. servings this means all my cups are larger then 8 oz.
Following the low potassium diet is essential if I want to slow the progress of my kidney disease. Therefore, I have to purchase some 8 oz. coffee cups and get rid of the large cups and mugs I have now. I only need one or two cups because I normally use only two different cups when I drink coffee. I do have some glass cups in the cupboard that (I think) are 8 oz. I was going to leave them here when I moved, but I think I'll get them down and take them with me. At least, that way I will have the something I can drink coffee out of without worrying about the size of the cup.
If the glass cups are larger then I'll have to purchase an 8 oz. cup sometime in February, which will tighten my already tight budget. Maybe I can find some a cup or two at one of the second hand stores. I don't care if it goes with the mismatched set of dishes I'm taking with me. It's been so long since I ate out of a matching set of dishes that it doesn't matter as long as I'm not eating off of plastic or paper plates.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Thankful Thursday: January 23, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Thursday, January 23, 2014 about 7:30 am Pacific Standard Time
This morning I am thankful...
1. ...for the organic salad I purchased at Smith's Food and Drug store yesterday. I can have a green salad this afternoon with my grilled cheese sandwich.
2. ...for hot coffee to sip while I am typing this entry because each sip of that hot ambrosia gives me a chance to contemplate my next gratitude statement.
3. ...that there is blue sky peeking between the scattered clouds that are floating in the sky above Las Vegas.
4. ...that yesterday, I received a list of foods low in potassium from the kidney specialist I saw on Monday. I can now get my new diet started with any further delay.
5. ...that coffee is one of the beverages low on potassium because I do not have to give it up or be overly careful about drinking it.
6. ...for the beautiful sunshine that is casting shadows across my front yard and onto the roof of the garage. I will miss that sight when I move into my new apartment.
7. ...that I rolled the trashcan to curb on Tuesday night instead of waiting until Wednesday morning because otherwise I would not have enough room for the trash I am taking out today.
8. ...that cranberry juice cocktail is on the low potassium list because that is one of my favorite none caffeine liquid refreshments.
9. ...that I was able to get my car tag yesterday at the Las Vegas Department of Motor Vehicles on East Sahara Ave.
10. ...for the slight breeze blowing though the neighbor's olive tree because the limbs appear to be waving at me.
This morning I am thankful...
1. ...for the organic salad I purchased at Smith's Food and Drug store yesterday. I can have a green salad this afternoon with my grilled cheese sandwich.
2. ...for hot coffee to sip while I am typing this entry because each sip of that hot ambrosia gives me a chance to contemplate my next gratitude statement.
3. ...that there is blue sky peeking between the scattered clouds that are floating in the sky above Las Vegas.
4. ...that yesterday, I received a list of foods low in potassium from the kidney specialist I saw on Monday. I can now get my new diet started with any further delay.
5. ...that coffee is one of the beverages low on potassium because I do not have to give it up or be overly careful about drinking it.
6. ...for the beautiful sunshine that is casting shadows across my front yard and onto the roof of the garage. I will miss that sight when I move into my new apartment.
7. ...that I rolled the trashcan to curb on Tuesday night instead of waiting until Wednesday morning because otherwise I would not have enough room for the trash I am taking out today.
8. ...that cranberry juice cocktail is on the low potassium list because that is one of my favorite none caffeine liquid refreshments.
9. ...that I was able to get my car tag yesterday at the Las Vegas Department of Motor Vehicles on East Sahara Ave.
10. ...for the slight breeze blowing though the neighbor's olive tree because the limbs appear to be waving at me.
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