Spice It Up

Pass the salt. Add a dash here, sprinkle a bit there. Just a pinch. The problem with these age old traditions, is the people of today are not the same as the people who created these habits. The salt and pepper shaker posted in the center of dining room tables, transported to restaurant tops and in arms reach of chefs everywhere has created new traditions of high blood pressure, dehydration, fatigue and hypertension.

Using salt to add flavor and preserve canned foods has cut the shelf life of us. Unless we all start to examine just how much sodium we are consuming on a daily basis, the unhealthy side effects of salt intake will continue to live up to its tradition- a heart attack waiting to happen. I firmly believe most Americans just do not know how much salt they really are consuming. Our taste buds have become immune to the excess taste of salt. The quickness of popping in a frozen dinner, eating out excessively, cutting down on preparation time for every meal and repeatedly placing orders through a speaker is normal. The economy does not help and neither does the reality television hype. Top Chef's do it, why shouldn't I?

Well here's something to taste. Excess salt consumption has been proved to be the cause of 92,000 deaths annually due to heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Ninety percent of adults develop high blood pressure which leads to a whole lot of problems. Toss in the lack of water intake, couch potato lifestyles and dependency upon Pepsi, no wonder the pharmaceutical industry is booming.

Think you're in good health. If you eat out daily, you are well over the recommended sodium allowance. Eighty percent of the daily maximum is consumed in one meal. This doesn't include beverages, snacks and the other two meals. It was a New Years resolution to stop eating out so much, lose weight, lead a healthier lifestyle, pack a lunch, stop drinking soda...this can all be acheived by keeping track of how much sodium you consume. It's not you you're worried about, well what about your children, your spouse, your family?

Manufacturers help create entire generations who crave salt. I even know people who add salt to their salad. By cutting back on salt, it can reverse the chances of you dropping dead before you get a chance to see your first grandchild or finish your bucket list. Research proves that blood pressure is down 60% in just six weeks of eliminating excess salt.

I started monitoring my daily salt intake 3 years ago. I practically can smell salt now. I don't crave it, I don't feel bloated and I drink water to hydrate. I don't know about you, but this is simply not good enough. My father, sister, loved ones all need to be brainwashed into believing that salt may be the death of them.

The Danger Zone

• Lunch Meat
• Baked Goods
• Breads, Crackers
  
• Canned Foods
• Salad Dressing
• Sauces
  
• Cheese
• Soda!!!Soda!!!

Easy Fixes

• Read Labels
• Ask Waiters for dressing and sauces to be on the side
• Choose grilled over breaded or fried
• Season with lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs
• Increase potassium
• Drink more water
  

These easy fixes can be done by anyone. Your waiter is not going to tell you no, their tip depends on it. Many packaged foods can be found in low, less or no sodium versions. Potassium is a natural substance that will only aid to your healthy lifestyle. Increased water consumption will help rid your body of toxins and excess pounds. Now who doesn't want that!