Have you cut back on your sodium intake? What tricks do you use in the kitchen to cut salt—but keep the flavor?

I've never been one to salt my food. I rarely use it when I cook. I like the natural taste of the food. I do have an occasional craving for salty foods--a handful of nuts does the trick

quote:

Originally posted by Carolyn:
Have you cut back on your sodium intake? What tricks do you use in the kitchen to cut salt—but keep the flavor?

i like to use freshly ground sea salt for my salt...a little goes a long way. We've been using Pacific sea salt for a while...mmmmmMh!

I use herbs a lot in meals to cut the amount of salt. There aren't many things to me that really need much salt in them. Well a few things like soup beans are enhanced by a little salt but not too much. We've cut back for years, since my husband's father started having heart problems shortly after we were married in the early 80's. Even most cookie and cake recipes that call for salt can usually have most of it droppped without harm to the recipe or the taste.

My mother is currently in the hospital with heart, kidney and liver problems. When she comes home she will be on a very low sodium diet. Because this is going to be a life change for her I am currently trying to learn everything I can about meal plans that are low in sodium.

Because of my husbands battle with high blood pressure, whenever I cook I do not add salt to foods. We use Mrs. Dash on grilled chicken or turkey and fresh herbs and spices in soups, stews and baked vegetables. You can steam vegetables without any seasoning at all and they taste great. I also buy low sodium or no sodium vegetable broths, beans and anything else I can that is canned or prepackaged. Salt from pre-packaged foods can add up very quickly. Most frozen vegetables are better for this than canned. You can check out my blog on Healthy Foods for more info. on healthy eating. Good Luck!

As I get older I realize that is important to start watching my sodium. One key is to make sure you can read labels and everywhere you go pick up the meun with the stats on it. Most resturants are required to have this information.