5 Tips for Eating a Low-Salt Diet
Whether you have been instructed by your doctor to maintain a low-salt diet for health reasons or if you would like to take preventative measures against high blood pressure and other health problems, there are many daily tips that you can follow that will help you to achieve your goals.
- Decrease consumption of processed foods – These days, many people eat a great amount of processed foods that are high in salt. Including fast food, canned foods, frozen pizza, and a variety of other processed foods as a part of your daily diet is sure to increase your intake of salt. Focus on decreasing your dependence on processed foods as a sure way to reduce your sodium intake
- Consume low-sodium alternatives – Instead of purchasing canned vegetables, opt for fresh vegetables or plain frozen vegetables with no salty sauces added. Cook at home using fresh ingredients and make your own sauces. This way, you’ll have full control over how much salt you add to your meals
- Read labels – The more accustomed you are to reading labels and determining what foods to avoid based on sodium content, the less likely you will be to overdo it on your salt intake
- Season with spices – Many homes include a salt shaker on their dining room table. During meals, salt is added to food that has already been salted during the cooking process. This leads to excessive salt consumption. Instead of relying on salt to season your meals during the cooking process and during meals, equip your kitchen and dining room table with a variety of spices as a healthier way to give your food extra flavor
- Eat out less often – Restaurants, especially fast food establishments, tend to use excessive amounts of salt in their menu items. Take control of how much salt goes into your food by cooking at home more often. If you do go out to eat, don’t hesitate to ask for your meal to be made without salt. You can always add on a small amount of salt after your meal has been prepared.
If you have questions about a low-salt diet and healthy salt intake contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a dietitian and nutritionist.
To see our dietitian approved low-salt diet recipes click here.
