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NHLBIHIN

Tips To Eat Less Salt and Sodium

1. Read the food label to choose foods lower in sodium.

Illustration of vegetables in a bowl2. Eat fewer canned and processed foods that are high in sodium (e.g., bologna, crisp pork rinds, sausage, pepperoni, salami, hot dogs, regular canned and instant soups, cheese, and chips).

3. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead of salty snacks.

4. Eat fewer salted crackers and nuts. Try unsalted nuts and unsalted or low sodium crackers.

Illustration of a jar of oregano5. Eat fewer olives and pickles.

6. Use half the amount of salt you normally use when cooking, if any.

7. Season food with herbs and spices instead of salt.

8. Use less bouillon, adobo, capers, and soy sauce. If you use these condiments, do not add salt to your food.

Illustration of a bowl of fruit9. Use garlic powder and onion powder instead of garlic salt or onion salt.

10. Take the salt shaker off the table.

11. Eat fruits without adding salt.

12. When eating out, ask that salt not be added to your portion, especially with french fries. Tips To Eat Less Salt and Sodium

Archived page, reproduced from a 2005 copy. It is reference material, not current guidance.