I want to be crystal clear – I’m not here to lecture or wag my finger at you. This is about my personal journey towards a healthier, low-sodium lifestyle. I’m sharing this primarily for myself, a kind of breadcrumb trail if you will, to ensure I’m making the choices that keep me striding down the path of health. And I’m not alone in this journey, I have a dear friend, Carly, who has been an irreplaceable support system in this endeavor. Carly and the rest of my friends have been rocks – supporting, encouraging, and joining me in this pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
So if any of this information strikes a chord, motivates, or even just tickles your fancy, then that’s a nice little bonus. But when the sun sets, this is about taking care of Charlie, the slightly grouchy, sarcastic but loveable guy who’s hell-bent on sticking around for many more morning walks in Newport Beach with his dogs, and countless memorable moments with his invaluable friends.
Latest rantings
More RantingsMy Rantings: A Salty Intro
Plant-Based? More Like Lab-Based!
Look, I'm an old-school guy. Give me a simple meal, no fuss, no frills, and for heaven's sake, no 15-syllable chemical compounds. Lately, there's all this buzz about 'plant-based' this and 'meatless' that. Good for [...]
The Dirty Secrets of Ultra-Processed Foods: A Case Study of Taco Bell
Let's cut the small talk. I want to dive straight into an unpleasant subject: ultra-processed foods. Some may know them as fast foods or junk foods, but I'll stick to the term ultra-processed because [...]
The Plant-Based Conundrum: An Old School Perspective
In a world that's rapidly going gaga over plant-based burgers, I often find myself bucking the trend. As an old timer, I'm not really sold on this plant-based hype. Call me stubborn, call me old-fashioned, [...]
Latest stories
Plant-Based? More Like Lab-Based!
Look, I'm an old-school guy. Give me a simple meal, no fuss, no frills, and for heaven's sake, no 15-syllable chemical compounds. Lately, there's all this buzz about 'plant-based' this and 'meatless' that. Good for [...]
The Dirty Secrets of Ultra-Processed Foods: A Case Study of Taco Bell
Let's cut the small talk. I want to dive straight into an unpleasant subject: ultra-processed foods. Some may know them as fast foods or junk foods, but I'll stick to the term ultra-processed because [...]
The Plant-Based Conundrum: An Old School Perspective
In a world that's rapidly going gaga over plant-based burgers, I often find myself bucking the trend. As an old timer, I'm not really sold on this plant-based hype. Call me stubborn, call me old-fashioned, [...]
Latest recipes
From Fruit Rolls to Fruity Fakes: The Downfall of ‘Natural’ Snacks
Back in the day, after hours splashing in the pool, there was nothing more satisfying than unrolling a strawberry fruit roll. The sweet tang of real, dehydrated fruit satisfying the post-swim hunger and cooling off [...]
Plant-Based Ice Cream: The Emperor’s New Dessert?
Ah, plant-based ice cream. If there were ever a more 21st-century invention to tickle my sarcastic taste buds, I'd like to see it. Remember when ice cream was simple? A few ingredients, a classic taste, [...]
Veggie Chips: The Ultimate Oxymoron in a Bag
Let's chat about one of the most baffling snacks that's infiltrated our pantry shelves: veggie chips. Or veggie straws. Or, as I like to call them, "Why on Earth did I just buy this?" chips. [...]
Keto Snacks: A Packaged Paradox or Processed Peril?
Alright folks, Charlie's back, and this time I’m tearing into the ketogenic diet. Now, don’t get me wrong – the basic principles of keto might have some merit. But these pre-packaged "keto-friendly" snacks? That’s another [...]
The Granola Bar Charade: Not All Bars are Created Equal
Listen up, folks. It’s Grumpy Charlie here, and I've got a bone to pick with the so-called “healthy” granola bars. I used to munch on these, thinking I was giving my body something beneficial. But [...]
Spice Things Up: Air-Fried Spicy Candied Walnuts, My New Afternoon Go-To
As the day wanes and your stomach starts that familiar rumble, signalling the time for an afternoon snack, don't reach for the same old, same old. This time, let's turn things up a notch with [...]