Thursday, July 1, 2010

Day One

I hate to call it "retirement," because I'm simply too young. However, the opportunity presented itself, and I eagerly took the leap.

I've got a lot of work to do to get my health back in order. My first step in this was to make an appointment with a surgeon to remove my malfunctioning gall bladder. For that, I'll have to wait until the end of July. So in the meantime...

A special diet is in order. One that is very rich in iron to boost my severely low levels, and very low in fat to quiet my gall bladder. Now, I don't cook. It's not that I can't cook - I just didn't have the energy at the end of the work day. I still don't have the energy. After a morning walk in the park with my husband and dogs, I barely was able to eat lunch before falling asleep. I woke feeling even weaker, but determined to cook a dinner that might make tomorrow a better day. I'm so glad I did! I had found a recipe for Beet and Spinach Soup that I love and have to share!

1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 large carrot, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 celery ribs, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
6 cloves garlic, minced (I skipped this - I just don't like garlic)
1 large beet, shredded (about a cup)
4 cups fresh, chopped spinach or 1 cup frozen spinach
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon dried dill
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
salt and pepper
plain yogurt for garnish, option

In a large pot over medium heat, saute the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in 1 tablespoon of water. Cook until the onions and garlic are translucent. Add beet, spinach, broth, dill vinegar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer 10 - 14 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

I'll be sitting down to my harp later this evening. I'm looking forward to ending "Day One" with some gentle music before bedtime.

4 comments:

  1. I will have to try that soup sometime, it sounds yummy!

    I dealt with the pain of a bad gall bladder for over 20 years because I was afraid of the surgery. After three days of hospitalization from complications, I knew I didn't have a choice so three years ago it was removed. I feel so much better now, but the bad part is after 20 years, I can eat anything!!!! I needed to learn self control really fast :)

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  2. I spent a year with the progressively worse symptoms of the bad gall bladder. After surgery, I'm a new man. I also have to watch how much I eat :-) The only thing I can't do now is Indian spicy + creamy sauces. You'll get your life back!

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  3. Hope you're enjoying the "new" life and that you regain your good health so you can enjoy your music, your family, and your days.

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  4. Thanks for the reassurance. I'm going to see the surgeon on 7-26, and we'll see how long it will be before he can take this sick gall bladder out!

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