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Ditch the Salt: 6 Dietitian-Approved low-Sodium Snacks for a Healthier You
We all no that too much sodium can be bad for our health, but cutting back doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Registered dietitians are sharing their favorite low-sodium snack options to help you stay on track without feeling deprived.Why Low Sodium Matters
Excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, ideally aiming for 1,500 milligrams for most adults.
Smart Snacking Strategies
Choosing low-sodium snacks is a simple yet powerful way to manage your intake. Here are six appetizing and nutritious options that dietitians love:
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Nature’s candy! Fruits and veggies are naturally low in sodium and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Think sliced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon, baby carrots with hummus, or a colorful fruit salad.
- Plain Yogurt with Berries: Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt and top it with fresh or frozen berries for a protein-packed snack that’s both satisfying and low in sodium.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: A classic snack that’s easy to prepare and portable. Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats.
- Air-Popped Popcorn: Skip the pre-packaged microwave popcorn loaded with sodium. Air-popping your own popcorn allows you to control the salt content and enjoy a light and crunchy snack.
- Unsalted Nuts and Seeds: A handful of unsalted nuts or seeds provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Choose options like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
- Edamame: These young soybeans are a delicious and nutritious snack. Steamed edamame pods are a great source of protein and fiber.
Read Labels Carefully
Remember, even seemingly healthy snacks can be high in sodium.Always read food labels carefully and choose options that are low in sodium.
Ditching the Salt: A Time.news Interview with a Registered Dietitian
Time.news Editor: We all know that too much sodium can be bad for our health, but many people struggle to cut down without feeling deprived. Can you give us some tips on how to snack smarter and keep sodium in check?
Registered Dietitian: Absolutely! Choosing low-sodium snacks is a simple yet powerful way to manage your intake. excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams per day.
Time.news Editor: That’s important details.But where do people start? What are some healthy and delicious low-sodium snack options?
Registered Dietitian: Think of nature’s candy! Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Think sliced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon,baby carrots with hummus,or a colorful fruit salad.
time.news editor: Those sound refreshing and easy to prepare. What other options would you recommend?
Registered Dietitian: Plain yogurt with berries is another winner. Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt and top it with fresh or frozen berries for a protein-packed snack that’s both satisfying and low in sodium. And don’t underestimate the classic hard-boiled eggs! They’re easy to prepare,portable,and a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Time.news Editor: Those are all great ideas. what about for those who crave something crunchy?
Registered Dietitian: Air-popped popcorn is a perfect choice! Skip the pre-packaged microwave popcorn loaded with sodium. by air-popping your own popcorn, you can control the salt content and enjoy a light and crunchy snack. For a more substantial crunch, unsalted nuts and seeds are a fantastic option. A handful of almonds, walnuts,pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Time.news editor: And what about plant-based protein sources?
Registered Dietitian: Edamame is a delicious and nutritious choice! Steamed edamame pods are a great source of protein and fiber.
Time.news Editor: This is very helpful! Do you have any final advice for our readers who are trying to reduce sodium in thier diets?
Registered Dietitian: Definitely! Always read food labels carefully. Be surprised by how much sodium can be hiding in seemingly healthy foods. Look for options that are labeled low-sodium or no-salt-added.
