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A List of Tasty, Low Sodium Diet Foods

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Low sodium diet foods can include a wide range of tasty. The most common source of dietary sodium comes from added table salt, and FitDay can track sodium in your diet. Salt subsitutes often use potassium, so you should use them only if your doctor approves. Here are some low sodium diet foods.

1. Meat, Poultry and Fish

You can still eat four to six ounces of meat, poultry or fish each day, even if you're on a low sodium diet. Prepare your meats, fish and poultry without adding any table salt, or use a salt substitute if you can, and always avoid bacon. You can eat canned tuna and salmon if you rinse it first, or you can buy low sodium canned tuna or salmon. Eggs are also low in sodium.

2. Vegetables

You can eat as many vegetables as you want on a low sodium diet, as long as you don't add table salt. Fresh vegetables are always ideal, but you can eat low sodium or sodium free frozen vegetables as well. Salt free canned vegetables and vegetables juices are acceptable. You can significantly reduce the salt content of many canned vegetables simply by rinsing them after you take them out of the can, but you should avoid canned foods like olives, sauerkraut and pickles that are packaged in brine.

3. Fruits

Fruits are also naturally salt free. Fresh and frozen fruits and fruit salads make great snacks; even canned fruits are usually sodium free. Fruits and fruit juices are a great way to get your daily vitamins.

4. Dairy Products

Low salt cheeses can form a part of a low sodium diet. Milk, yogurt and ice cream are low in sodium. Half & half, whipped cream and sour cream can also form a part of a low sodium diet. Avoid buttermilk, malted milk, milk shakes and chocolate milk, and don't eat more than two cups of dairy products per day.

5. Condiments

Salt free condiments are available for those on low sodium diets, though salt free ketchup may taste very sweet due to the sugar that's used to make it. Use low salt salad dressings, and try lemon juice or pepper instead of mustards, gravies and sauces. Condiments alone can substantially increase the amount of sodium in your food. When going out, take along your own salt free substitutes and condiments.

Minimize butter, margarine, mayonnaise and salad dressing, or use unsalted butter and low sodium mayonnaise and salad dressing. Tabasco sauce, cream of tartar and nutritional yeast are all low sodium condiments.

6. Snacks and Desserts

When snacking on a low sodium diet, avoid foods with added salt. Eat salt free nuts and salt free popcorn. Fruits and vegetables are also good snacks, as are low sodium crackers and cookies.

For dessert, try gelatin or sherbet. Rice pudding, custard and tapioca can all be eaten on a low sodium diet. Make these foods at home so you can control how much sodium they contain, or read the label. Most low sodium diets allow for one serving a day of cake, cookies, ice cream or pie.

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