Yes, We're Open

 Consider it a grand reopening . The Pantry is open again and with it some new insights. It was a strange ride to say the least.

Bad enough you have to go through one of the worst surgeries( I feel), then there's the first few days of wondering and worrying what to eat. Luckily orzo cooks up well in veggie broth and it's also very safe on the newly reconstructed bile ducts. (the ducts are cut after the gall bladder is removed, and I 'm guessing from my cuts, through my tummy or navel). Heavy foods are literally off the tables. They can irritate the liver which produces bile. This means that the bile is dumped into the upper intestine. A lot of bile is like a laxative.It  can create diarrhea and gas. Luckily those without a gallbladder can take Imodium to prevent both as they navigate this new world. Ginger ale is the recommended drink and it was a big help during those days as was fruit and herbal teas. You're not supposed to have any colas once the gall bladder is out but I have had several diet Pepsis and"m fine. I've also graduated to orzo and Melt butter and I'm quickly introducing favorites like my air fryer portobellos and tomato salad into my diet.

It feels good to cook again and cook my favorites. The portobellos have always been one of my most loved dishes and it was wonderful to eat one again. I have to admit I was a little leery about the tomato salad but that too was perfectly digested. I am  looking forward to making my spinach and mushroom sauce tomorrow with pasta.I'm also looking forward to Beyond Beef hamburgers and anything from Gardein.I've already eaten two of the their soups, Italian Wedding and Beef and Vegetables. So far so good. It would be nice to try their turkey and gravy along with stuffing. I have read on  line that I shouldn't be eating heavy meals, and I wonder if this one , turkey and stuffing would be considered such. There's also this ban so to speak against spicy foods . What will happen the next time I eat Indian or Mexican, two cuisines that I love?Their dishes are easy to replicate at home and I can easily make favorites like curry with a teaspoon less garam masala and burritos without the chili powder. What I will miss are the French fries, but again, maybe my system may tolerate them.

This is a strange new world>However it will soon be familiar , filled with the foods and flavors that I love. Things will be different but they will also be the same too.

Another Round Of The Gallbladder Diet

The last few days have not been the best. Thanks to stress and a rich holiday diet, the old gb kicked ad created problems from intense pain  to sorry - vomiting. If you're new to gallbladder problems, don't despair - and don't be pushed into THE operation. A good diet will save you -literally,

One of the foodstuffs that did me in was butter, namely my favorite the Irish Kerrygold. A few days ago, on Tuesday, I wrote all about icings and cakes. Not anymore. Butter is off the table as is any product made with it, including homemade frosting. I have to return to I Can't Believe It's Not Butter which can be used a great butter substitute. Yet this I will use sparingly, namely on baked potatoes.Luckily I was not one for milk or cheese but I do have to cut out those subs such as soy milk and tofu.Almond milk is fine.Baked goods, whether home baked or store bought are on the taboo list.The good part of this is I will be eating more fruit such as tangerines and oranges along with strawberries and apples.These are not only better for me but they're also much more refreshing than a snack of cookies or cupcakes.Fresh fruits work for drinking too. Colas and any carbonated drinks are definitely off the table as is any alcoholic beverages.  Bottled juices are very good too but choose ones that are lower in sugar. Coffee and hot cocoa are not to be consumed either. Herbal teas are your best bet.

The gallbladder diet allows me and anyone the chance to eat leaner meats. We can eat red meat such as flank steaks that don't have fat. Those lush marbled cuts are no more,but it's better for us. Another plus is that we can have turkey and chicken breasts minus the skins. There are some great recipes out there that accentuate the fowl's flavors.Try grilled turkey with herbs such as parsley and tarragon or grilled chicken with lemon, sea salt and pepper. If you want a sandwich then have it on any toasted whole wheat or dark bread such as pumpernickel. Nix the mayo, but try bruschetta on top of it or sliced tomatoes. Salmon is a must. It's not only perfect for soothing an irritated gallbladder it's full  of Omega 3.s It's also easy to cook and grill. Think of one grilled with herbs, lemon and garlic for a satisfying and healthy dinner. Sides are always important and a gallbladder diet demands them. Think fresh salads with simple vinaigrette of just olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Add some raw cherry tomatoes, along with broccoli  and cauliflowers florets. Walnuts are the only nut we can eat so think about adding a few freshly shelled ones to your salad. Steamed broccoli and baked potatoes also make good sides. Just keep embellishment simple,Just toss on some margarine and chives for both .


Going back on a gallbladder diet is always annoying at first. Yet a simple, paleo diet will be worth it,It means a healthy gallbladder and no surgery. There's nothing better than that.

A Super Bowl Party For Everyone

It's going to be Super Bowl Sunday in two days and by now every party thrower in the country should be well stocked.Or are they? Unfortunately there is no one guest's tastes fits all. There will be allergies and limitations to deal with , let alone likes and dislikes.

Dips are high on any Super Bowl Party list. There's nothing like a creamy, spicy guacamole to enjoy,but what about those guests who have gallbladder and pancreas issues? Avocados , as I sadly found out recently are on the do not eat list.What then? Hummus! Luckily most restricted diets endorse garbanzo beans , along with any other beans. If the taste is too intense, then mix a can of cannelini beans with chichis . Drain and puree the white beans first, then drain and puree the chickpeas. Mix together with a tablespoon or two of light olive oil. You can add the juice of half a lemon for freshness. This is a great , delicately flavored dips that's far from heavy . Serve with toasted pita wedges. Now what about the crunchies? Many have gluten allergies  and again, those with stomach problems , can feel discomfort with regular crackers. It's time then to try the glutin free . One brand, Crunchmaster has excellent ones that are not only free of gluten but also cholesterol and saturated fat free. I love these and they and the white bean hummus have replaced tortilla chips and guac for me. Salsa is another tasty party dish however it can be too spicy for some. Try a milder one with fresh tomatoes and just bell peppers. You can add chopped onion for more flavor but if it's too much then just add a dash of dried onions or onion powder. Have a dish of sliced jalapenos on the side for those who want to add heat to their individual scoops of dip.

Everyone loves wings - or do they? Many people are on diets that ban them. Try roasted ones that have been marinated in lemon or garlic. Grill roasted chicken is tastier anyway and has a nice crispy bite to them. Another point to consider is that some people cant have the skins because they're full of fat. Try grilled chicken or turkey breasts instead. You can serve them on home baked gluten free rolls with a smear of tarragon laced Nayonnaise This last is an egg free soy based condiment that can sub in for mayo. As for the rolls there are several recipes on line you can make If chili is your Super Bowl go to , then you can make several different kinds. Purists will go crazy for a four alarm beef one. However you may have fusspots who are not into having the roofs of their mouths seared or their diets ruined with beef. Try a turkey or chicken one with maybe half the heat. You can also sub in vegan beef crumbles too. Everyone loves a pepperoni laden pizza to much on during the plays. Yet eating it can cause your guests to reach for the Pepto Bismal. Go for the margherita style which has fresh tomatoes, a scant covering of mozzarella and a big  dose of basil. Also the old fashioned  cheeseless or Nonna pizzas are also very good. it's a thick crust topped with a good dose of onion laced tomatoes.  

A good Super Bowl party caters to  everyone. Make sure you;re ready to deal with likes, dislikes dietary restrictions and allergies. It may cost more and be more labor intensive but the end result - happy guests - is worth it.

Breaking Free Of Groundhog's Day Diet

How do you get a foodie to change her diet? Make her extraordinarily sick with gall for a week. Being ill and to be honest-  scared  last week.It's time for a change - not the constant Bill Murray "Groundhog's Day"  rote of bad foods.

There are a few meats and types of shellfish that sadly I will have to give up in order to have a healthier, sickness free life. As anyone who reads Foodie Pantry knows I love hot dogs, in particular, Target's. They are juicy and beefy, sheer heaven in a bite. They also are a memory now as are those butter and cheesy croque  Monsieurs that I enjoy frying up. Also on the extinction list Bahr's steamed lobster  which is a summer staple for me. Luckily I can tolerate clam (even though it's not bad foods for gallbladder disease) so I can still have Bahr's famed Manhattan style one. Yet my selection of protein will be deeply narrowed. There will be a lot more of grilled chicken breast which is fine by me Grilled chicken breast is wonderful, if done right and works well with any assortment of vegetables.I can also continue to enjoy my beloved turkey however I can only have the breast and none of that deliciously crispy skin. Gravy and bread are also out.The fat and gluten will kill me Any tofu product is encouraged and I have been using Morningstar Farms for years and am a big fan of their burgers and chik'n nuggets.

Dairy has to be rethought. I was never a big ice cream fan , favoring the more water based gelati instead.As with anything there is a craving. I used to head to Skinny Cow for their tasty cones with the surprise ,blob of chocolate at the bottom. Now I have to eat low fat yogurt , both the cup and the frozen kind. Greek yogurt has the least amount of fat, being made with ewe's milk (the same used for feta) . I found the sinfully tasty but low calorie Yasso yogurt pops. Their chocolate chip coffee ( I know I know I should not have opted for this since both on on the GD do not eat list) is creamy and flavorful. This is definitely going to be on my summer menu,and I'm looking forward to their vanilla and coconut flavors.Thankfully I can still have the Italian and shaved ice, so there's no giving up the Jersey shore's Lighthouse ices at Monmouth Beach, I do have to give up the creamy cappuccinos from Starbucks along with Dunkin Donuts frozen lattes. Both coffee and dairy are off the table but luckily I can still have Starbucks' chilled passionfruit tea.. Cookies are going to be few and far between as well but I returned  the milk and dairy free Barry's Bakery French puffs. These a crunchy multi layered baked puffs that have a lovely maple flavor. They're full of taste and crunch.

Slowly but surely I'm accepting this diet.I honestly don't miss the heavy, bad for me diet or the rut they created. I like rediscovering the healthier foods. They're a change from the usual fat , salt and sugar bombs.

Cleaning Out Your Dietary Closet

I recently went through a rough week of gall and stomach problems. The reason for these problems I had created such a toxic diet  for myself. It took a week of throwing out and skipping all that junky food. Mine was not a healthy diet to begin with, with a overload of salty , sweet and fried. it was time to clean out.

One of the biggest taboos for anyone with gall problems is caffeinated drinks.That meant nixing the Pepsi along with hot cocoa out of my life. Luckily I am a big BAI fan and it was easy to change over to this tasty but all natural juice (also luckily their newest flavor is Kula Watermelon, a lovely light flavor that reminds one of hot summer nights eating chilled slices of melon).Grape and apple juice are also gallbladder diet must haves.Again, I love grape juice so this was a big plus to switch over (another good thing about grape juice - it freezes well so I will be making ice pops this summer with it) The herbal tea switchover takes some getting used to - herbal blends sometimes have a medicinal taste and aftertaste to them. Chamomile is the best  and can be tempered with  a small drop of dark honey. The diet also requires subbing in honey and agave for sugar. Water is a definite must. It helps to flush everything from the liver to the gallbladder. I will have to give up the usual glass of tap to spring water, which is always a plus.

Fried food and snacks are big cholesterol causers, Cholesterol is the main ingredient in gall stones and sludge, a kind of slimy grit that can clog up gall ducts . Potato chips are definitely off the table as are French fries. Surprisingly there is a substitiute. Green beans. Steam them first and then chill with a simple vinaigrette dressing (olive oil and vinegar are allowed, in fact the last is encouraged).Eat them with your fingers and it has that fun finger food feel. You can also just steam and pat dry with a paper towel. They then can be dipped into a homemade vinaigrette for less mess..If you want you can add some fruit  such as blueberry or pomegranate to the vinegar for  a delicate sweet flavor. Kale, along with Brussels sprouts will be turned into tasty chips if I want a fun snack. Garbanzo beans are another can eat.I have already made hummus, a lighter version of what 's sold in the stores. This recipe I found a few years ago on the internet and it is easy to make.I'ts mixing pureed cannelini and white beans with a tablespoon or two of olive oil and the juice of half a fresh lemon.

This is only the beginning of the new diet. Tomorrow I'll be highlighting the new meal plan I'll be following. It's another step to acquiring good gut health.