Tasty and Practical Low Sodium Food Substitutes

Consistently eating healthy is hard, and anyone who has given it a serious effort can agree. Counting calories, fat content, and other nutrition facts can be daunting and exhausting. By casually eating better, you can start to feel the difference without the stress or worry. This list of low sodium substitutes will help get you on the way to a better you.

For many, including myself, going cold turkey on a health binge just doesn't work. Fast food, soft drinks, pizza, and snacks are just too hard to resist. Sure, you can decide not to buy those things at the grocery or the drive-thru this week, but it all just eventually creeps back into your life. By simply using the strategies of reducing or replacing a food item you eat regularly, you can start a path to healthier eating. And by doing so, you set your self up for earning those rewards of indulging on the "bad stuff" once and a while.

Here is a list of the top ten low sodium foods that I have found and use as reducers or replacements for higher sodium content foods. The higher content alternative is displayed in parenthesis for comparison, and prices and portions for these foods are comparable. I find that they hold a similar flavor to the original or have a tasty flavor of their own. It is important to note that the lower sodium foods may also have the benefit of lower calorie, sugar, and fat content as well.

The differences between the low and high sodium options below are the equivalent of over 1200mg; about half of the recommended daily allowance. Take into consideration that you may have more than a single serving in a day or a week. The numbers really add up.

1 can of Campbell's Healthy Request (New England Clam Chowder) - 410 mg (regular (890)

1 serving of UTZ No Salt added chips - 5mg (regular 95mg)

1 can of Coca-Cola Zero - 28mg (regular 34mg)

1 serving of Simply Jiff Creamy Peanut Butter - 65mg (regular 150)

1 bag Newman's Own Light Butter microwaveable popcorn - 170mg (regular 290mg and higher)

1 slice of Oscar Meyer Smoked Turkey lunchmeat - 250mg (regular 420mg and higher)

1 8oz serving of V8 Low Sodium vegetable juice - 140mg (regular 420mg)

1 serving of Ritz Hint of Salt crackers - 35mg (regular 135mg)

2 slices Wonder Light bread - 260mg (regular 300mg)

1 serving Newman's Own All-Natural Bandito Chunky Salsa Peach - 95mg (230mg)