Low-Sodium Diet Plan
- Fresh fish, poultry and pork are usually low in sodium. In addition, you can eat egg whites and whole eggs, without any added salt. When preparing dinner, try using dried peas and low-sodium canned fish.
- Select low-fat milks, yogurt and ice milk. In addition, look for low-sodium cheese products, including low-sodium cream cheese. Regular versions of these products often contain extra sodium.
- Grains are an important part of your diet, but many of these products contain extra sodium. Choose rice and pasta, but don't be tempted to add salt while cooking. Also, look for low-sodium crackers, popcorn and chips for snack time.
- When shopping for vegetables, choose fresh and frozen products, which don't have added sodium. Cut your own potatoes into french fries instead of buying frozen versions. Also, reduced-sodium tomato sauces and fruit juices are a good choice.
- Fat in moderation isn't bad for the diet, but choosing the wrong kinds is. When using butter, choose the unsalted variety, and use sodium-free salad dressings. Also, look for low-sodium dessert products.
- When cutting back on sodium, it's important to avoid foods that contain a lot of it. Stay away from smoked or cured meats, bacon and sausages, The preservatives used in frozen meals are often packed with extra sodium.
Also, don't eat breads that contain salt, including croutons or salted crackers. In addition certain dairy products, such as buttermilk and cheese spreads, should be eaten sparingly. Foods that are canned usually contain more sodium than fresh or frozen versions.