 | Replace salt with herbs and spicesposted by Yael Resnick, Aishes ChayilSaturday, May 1st 2010 @ 11:55 PM |
Many people think that reducing sodium intake is important only for people with high blood pressure. But no one should be eating more than about a teaspoon of salt per day—and new guidelines may suggest keeping it to much less than that.
The "Dietary Guidelines for Americans," which are updated every five years, are currently in the process of being revised for 2010. The committee responsible for these guidelines is considering lowering the recommended maximum daily limit for sodium from 2300 to 1500 mg per day, based on advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (There are also new guidelines for sodium in processed foods.)
SIMPLE STEP
Choose one meal or dish you often serve your family that usually includes salt as an ingredient. Cook it without any salt and see how it tastes! If it "needs something," experiment with herbs or spices to find a flavor you and your kids love. (My personal favorite spice: curry—in just about everything!)
Try this experiment with other foods as you go through your week, and challenge yourself to leave the salt in the cabinet as often as possible. (And keep the salt shaker off the table, too.)
This site has more information about the current and proposed Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
