DASH …It’s Trending!

February 9, 2024February 9, 202410 Comments

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension

The DASH diet was developed in 1997, and emphasizes eating more fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fish, poultry, nuts and legumes, while limiting salt, saturated fat, sweets, and red or processed meats.dash mydash.diet
https//mydash.diet

Diastolic blood pressure is the measurement of blood pressure as the heart relaxes. 120/80 is NORMAL, The diastolic number is related to when the heart beat is at rest. There is also a link between increases in diastolic blood pressure and cognitive decline. High diastolic numbers is a sign that your blood vessels have become less elastic, hardened, and scarred. Those words themselves is scary. Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), defined as high diastolic blood pressure reads above 80. The first time I read my BP was 140/101 a few days ago was scary. I had never seen such a high “lower” number; the diastolic number. I received a link from a friend to DASH regarding diets to lower BP was so appreciated.

Treatment for diastolic hypertension

Same as systoloc BP diet – healthy heart diet
lower weight
exercise
quit smoking – eliminate tobacco (nicotine)
reduce alcohol consumption
eat healthy – FRESH fruit, vegetables and low fat foods

RECIPE: Avocado Tomato Feta Salad

developed by Emily Richards PH Ec.

Enjoy as a side dish or add some canned tuna or salmon,grilled chicken or steak for a light lunch. Feta is a very low fat cheese.

This salad takes 10minutes to put together. No tomatoes, use red peppers. Add celery, cabbage, etc.

Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) is the silent killer. It does not visibly show symptoms.

DASH DIET can be purchased for 38/month for a custom eating plan. You can follow a 28 day challenge [for fun] or make your own plan. Blank templates online. There are many roads to Rome!

True Story

> by Mary Tupper 💖 My diastolic pressure did creep up as my cholesterol count grew through weight gain as I sat in front of the computer, making other people’s lives better. I was addicted to sugar and had my gallbladder removed as my prize. I have changed my eating habits although I have a weakness for ice cream (100% creamy), chocolate (now eat 70% cocoa), and homemade air fryer “fries” (good compromise). I swim every day now and feel better. I do belong to a fasting group (3 years now) that I combine with DASH. Learning about health through the wonders of the internet and apps – counting my steps as I walk (if I have my phone with me), Apple watches, and so much more. I will get there with help from my friends. I lost another 7 lbs. It wasn’t easy. My next goal is a 10 lb loss. Let me tell you, it took 2 years to lose 18 lbs. The weight was up and down like a yo-yo. But my food choices did change. My body needed to catch up. I am embracing good food choices more and more. If I’m hungry, I may have a pickle. So sour, you are cured of eating 2 chocolate chip cookies. (I always have 2 cookies). I equally like pickles. So, I am not suffering. When asked for advice, I say, “we are all like snowflakes”. We have different likes, different genes. My hypertension may be hereditary. However, my mom (High BP) liked the same foods she grew up with, as her mother (enlarged heart -death) did. Heredity is also in food choices. I am at a point where I have to focus better. Focus on my life. My friends remind me constantly. I am getting the message. When people around you care, it makes it easier. But, it is up to you to listen and hear them. Hear all the good advice that is hitting you like an avalanche. Take care of yourself. Don’t wait another minute. Your life counts. I’m sharing my story with you because I care …about you! My prayers go out to you as encouragement.💖

Pizza with Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes

August 11, 2020August 11, 202013 Comments

THIN CRUST SPINACH & SUN DRIED TOMATOES PIZZA has become a staple in our home. Guilt-free pizza with only 1 g of carbs per slice. Lots of protein and full of flavor!

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INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoon Olive Oil
2 large clove of Garlic (Minced)
1 Prepared Thin Pizza Crust (12 Inch )
5 ounces of Spinach (Fresh and organic)
1/4 cup of Sun Dried Tomatoes (Re-hydrated ), cut in thin strips
4 ounces crumbled Feta Cheese
Ground Black Pepper (To Taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oven to 450 degrees and place pizza pan pan or stone in the oven to heat. Use the middle rack. Steam sun dried tomatoes to hydrate. They should be ready after you have built the rest of the pizza.
Heat Oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook on low for 1 minute (do not brown)
Add spinach and season with pepper. Cover and cook stirring once – just until spinach is wilted.
Top pizza crust with spinach and pan juices. Sprinkle on sun dried tomatoes and cheese
Make a circle from your parchment and place the pizza and parchment on your hot pizza pan or pizza stone. Bake in preheated oven ( 450 Degrees oven ) for 8-10 minutes

SUN DRIED TOMATOES
Trending sun dried tomatoes! How do I sun dry my own tomatoes – in the oven? please click here. My home made sun dried tomatoes not only have a dollar savings but it does not include any preservatives and is only handled by myself. Note: You do not need to add herbs when drying your tomatoes.

This is part of our theme on PLANT BASED DIETS. Lots of flavour and healthy goodness. I hope you enjoy our pizza.
BON APPETITE!
Some kids don’t like garlic. This can be omitted as you know.

A Refreshing Watermelon Salad

May 18, 201618 Comments

How about a refreshing and flavourful salad? This unusual combination is a real winner!
A ‘ONE HIT WONDER’ at my last dinner for 16 people. The colourful, delicious salad is an enjoyable departure from your regular dinner servings. Make this salad for your family and friends and watch the smiles appear.

With these refreshing, succulent flavours you have just entered ‘FLAVOUR TOWN’.

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INGREDIENTS
1 red onion
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 kilograms watermelon
1 bunch fresh mint, basil or cilantro (chopped)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
100 grams pitted sun dried or Kalamata olives
250 grams feta cheese

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut the red onion into fine slices. Place the onions in the lime juice. This will soften the sharp flavour of the onions. The lime juice will turn a light pink colour.
2. While that is marinating, cut the watermelon into cubes or balls using a melon baller. This looks so appetizing.
3. Cut the feta into bite sized pieces.
4. Assemble the watermelon, herbs, and olives in a salad bowl.
5. Add the olive oil and black pepper to the onions and lime juice. Stir this to combine.
6. Add to the watermelon mix and gently toss.
7. Scatter the feta over the salad. Add these at the end to maintain the white colour.

Serves 8

DID YOU KNOW? Watermelons are mostly water — about 92 percent — but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids.
Watermelon is also a good source of pantothenic acid, copper, biotin, potassium and magnesium.
Cancer: As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C as well as other antioxidants, watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake has been linked with a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies.
VARIATIONS: Garnish with balls of honeydew melon for an even brighter colour! Peppery arugula greens contrast well with the sweet watermelon. A good addition to this salad.