How to reduce your sodium intake

Five simple actions for a healthier, lower sodium eating pattern:

Fill your plate (and stomach) with fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium and contain potassium which may help reduce blood pressure and risk for other medical conditions.

Select herbs, spices and fresh lemon or lime juice to season your foods. Choosing sodium free seasonings provides plenty of flavor without the negative effects of salt. Give yourself time to adjust to the new tastes.

Enjoy more home cooked meals. Restaurant meals tend to be very high in sodium. By doing more home food preparation you can significantly decrease your overall salt consumption.

Stop eating when you are satisfied. In the Japanese city of Okinawa they refer to this as “Hara hachi bu.”  This translates to “eat until you are 80 percent full.” By decreasing your overall portion of food consumed, you will decrease your salt intake. The people of Okinawa have the lowest rates of heart disease, cancer and stroke. And they have one of the largest centenarian populations!

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