South Beach Blues

[muckefuck]

Following monshu's recent checkup (wow, I didn't know human blood pressure readings went up that high!), we have become the latest bears to adopt the South Beach diet--or we will, starting next week; I think this is going to be Binge Week until we get rid of all the nasty things lurking in his larder. He was telling me that I don't have to eat as many twigs and nettles as he does, but frankly I need the external pressure to change my diet.

I think the biggest bummer will be cutting down on the East Asian food, with its high sodium and hidden sugars. Any suggestions for tasty, heart-healthy substitutes will be much appreciated!

Comments

High blood pressure

[innerdoggie.livejournal.com]

My condolences to Monshu about having to deal with high blood pressure. You might want to check out the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet guidelines, since they are specifically aimed at reducing high blood pressure. Here's a PDF file:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf

My suggestions: beans (with chili peppers, cumin, other spices), fruits and vegetables. Go to the farmer's markets and see pretty colors and fun veggies! Whole grains -- whole wheat bread (not the phoney stuff with the molasses in it to make it brown), bulgur, brown rice, oatmeal.

Watch out for the sodium in canned food. There are salt-free options.

Let us know the parameters, and we'll fix you up a meal!