Things have changed

It is hard not to notice how much things have changed around here since C.'s heart attack.  The salt that used to sit on the counter in a large jar is no longer there.  She used to throw a bit of that into every dish she made for herself.  I have not salted anything in decades on purpose.  We would have discussions over how much salt was already in food and that having extra was harmful.  At any rate, the salt has been put away in a cupboard. Mrs. Dash in different forms now is the seasoning of choice.  Sodium content on everything is monitored closely which means less processed food. 

The regular pasta has been replaced with whole wheat pasta.  All the bread is also grain and not white.  The cereal is full of fiber.  Some of it tastes like wood, but we eat it and smile at each other knowing how crappy the heart smart woody cereal tastes. Yet, it is good for us.  Lots of things are crappy that are good for us.  We know that the Food Network isn't for those who care about heart health.

Sugar is minimal and mostly substitutes are used like Splenda.  There are no more cakes being made.  Instead, there is jello and all different kinds of fruit.  The brownies and other cookies that C. would make for meetings are on hold.

Eggs are no longer used but egg white is now the choice.  All the meats are turkey or chicken with lots more fish added to the diet.  Any meat product is low sodium now.  Red meat isn't to be found in the freezer or the refrigerator which is fine with me.  I had given that up a long time ago.

We are mindful of everything that we eat.  And eating out at restaurants hasn't happened in a while.  We used to love Chinese food but that isn't happening lately unless we make it ourselves.  It feels as if food is the enemy now.  The pleasure that we used to have in cooking and eating out has diminished.  It's okay as we will likely have a more balanced approach once C. goes to cardiac rehab.  We will learn more about what heart healthy foods are good to eat and what absolutely needs to be avoided.

I am still longing for a large piece of pizza which I will have to grab on the sly.  Somehow the idea of it is better than the thought of actually eating it.  I seem to have visions of plaque buildup from the cheese as it sticks to my arteries.  For now,  I will think about Laughing Cow Light cheese and be satisfied with some of that spread on a piece of flat bread.  My how things have changed.