A recent study says that Americans have too much salt in their diets. For the average American, that means you should have the equivalent of a teaspoon a day. Those who are 50 or older, have high blood pressure, kidney disease or are African-American should have half a teaspoon. Here are 5 ways on how to cut back on the salt in your diet.
Diet soda has no calories. Great, but have you ever checked to see how much sodium a can of diet soda contains? Once you check and see it will make it easier for you to give up this unhealthy drink and reduce the amount of sodium in your daily diet.
Processed foods contain far too much salt. Look at the package and learn how to be more mindful of the processed foods that you consume. You are getting more salt and sodium than you need, often without even being aware of it.
When you eat out, a typical menu side dish such as french fries will be salted by the person who prepares it. To avoid extra salt in your diet, request that no salt be added during cooking. With many menu items, this is not always possible and learning about the hidden salt in foods is your way to avoid high-sodium foods.
Stop cooking with salt and hide away your salt shakers on the highest, most inconvenient place in your kitchen. Use more seasonings like herbs to flavor your foods and you will not miss the salt shaker.
When you are at the supermarket, read the cans of products like canned tomatoes, beans and vegetables. Compare to the low-sodium product. If you are using these in recipes, you will not even notice any taste difference. Another culprit of high sodium levels are cereals. Read the labels to make healthier choices.
You cannot always eat all unprocessed foods. When you do buy something, learn to read labels to avoid having too much salt and sodium in your diet.
Thanks for the list. H5
Awesome list!
Sad to say, I am addicted to salt. Thanks for these useful suggestions.
Great tips on cutting back on salt. Hi5.
Very good tips to cutting back on salt. Sodium should be taken seriously.
I'd planned to write this tomorrow. Oh well - you snooze you lose! Terrific reporting on new Govt guidelines. HI5
Great warning about "hidden" sources of salt!
We thought we were doing well by not salting foods at home, but you point up many other things to watch for. Dang! Diet soda? Is nothing sacred?!
Excellent advice.
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