Is Your Diet Too High In Sodium?

It amazes me how much sodium is in some processed foods, even foods you wouldn’t think would have much sodium, like sweets. I’m a label reader, so I notice how much sodium is in some of the pre-packaged foods I put in my grocery cart. Many don’t make it in after I read the label.

Image via sxc.hu

If something says it’s 30, 40, or even up to 60% of your daily sodium intake that should raise some red flags. That’s a ton of sodium for one serving of one food. Especially if you are fighting high blood pressure, or heart disease. Sodium tends to make you hold water, so girls it’s definitely a good idea to avoid sodium during certain times of the month, if you know what I mean.

How can you avoid eating too much sodium?

• Read labels, even some items marked reduced sodium still contain more than their share of salt.
• Eat less pre-packaged, and fast/restaurant food, and cook more of your meals and snacks at home from scratch. Then you control the sodium. It doesn’t take much longer to cook some lean protein like fish, or chicken, and add a side salad or some steamed vegetables than it does to heat up a processed box or frozen meal.
• Use fresh or dried herbs and spices to add flavor to your meals instead of salting.

Just think of how many more nutrients you’ll get from the meal you create yourself, and how much less sodium. Just a little food for thought.

If you have any tricks you use to keep sodium out of your diet, I’d love to hear them, please feel free to share.