Do you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or a concern about your weight? If so, your physician may have encouraged you to modify your diet to improve your cholesterol, blood pressure or weight.

It may seem overwhelming at times when you feel need to make a lot of changes in your eating plan to make a difference in your cholesterol, blood pressure or weight. The good news is you can make simple, small changes with both your food choices and how you prepare your foods in order to positively impact your health.

In the coming weeks, we will explore other simple steps you can take to cut back on fat and calories and ways to eat more high-fiber and whole-grain foods–all important steps toward a healthier diet. First, let’s look at 5 ways to lower your blood pressure and sodium intake because if you are concerned about your blood pressure, reducing sodium intake is important.

1. Season foods with black pepper, herbs and spices instead of salt. There are plenty of herbs and spices to add zest to your food–you will probably never miss the salt! Low- or No-Sodium salt substitutes are available, but check with your physician before using them if you have kidney problems.
2. Buy fresh, plain frozen or no-salt-added canned vegetables.
3. Use fresh poultry, fish, and meat instead of canned or processed meats. If you use prepackaged lunchmeat, be sure to purchase only low or no-sodium varieties. And beware: pre-seasoned items from your grocery store’s deli or meat counter may save you a minute in your kitchen, but could be loaded with sodium.
4. Cook pasta, rice, and hot cereal without salt. Flavored pasta, rice mixes and instant hot cereal usually have added salt. Preparing pasta with a squirt of lemon or lime and steam rice with no-sodium chicken broth can add great flavor so you aren’t tempted to add salt at the table…
5. Rinse canned foods, such as tuna and beans, before eating or adding to other foods to reduce the sodium content.

If someone else prepares your meals and snacks, as many of our home health specialists do, be sure to tell them if you are concerned about sodium intake so they can help avoided added salt in your diet.

For more information about obtaining help with meal preparation, go to our Contact page and let us know. As the expert providers of adult care services in Boca Raton, FL and the surrounding areas, we are happy to help!