Eat a natural diet

8 tips to lower your sodium intake

How much sodium are you consuming on a daily basis? If you're like the average Canadian it's probably twice as much as you need. Follow these tips to reduce your salt intake

By Yuki Hayashi

PreviousSlide 9 of 9

8. Eat a natural diet

“If the majority of your daily diet is fruit, vegetables and lean protein, a handful of salty crackers isn’t anything to worry about,” says Albert.  

The more you eat fresh, wholesome, minimally processed foods, the less you need to agonize over food labels. Start with easy, small changes:

• Swap one snack a day from readymade to rustic. Trade that coffeehouse muffin for a handful of plain roasted nuts and a pear, and you’ll reduce your sodium intake (and possibly trim your waistline while you’re at it).

• Trade salad dressing for plain olive oil and vinegar. Or a zesty wedge of lemon.

• Substitute sliced cucumber for high-sodium pickles, and trade homemade salsa for sodium-laden bottled versions.

Related:
• Are you consuming too much salt?
• Quiz: How much sodium is in your food?
• 3 reasons to eat less salt