Tip #22
Just one cup of processed or restaurant soup can have up to 940mg of sodium. That's only 1 cup and it doesn't even count the crackers.
Tip #21
Tip #20
Watch out for the salty six
Tip #19
Lowering sodium intake can reduce your risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, and even headaches.
Tip #18
When blood pressure is high for a sustained period it may overstretch and injure the blood vessel walls and speed the building up of plaque in your heart and blood vessels.
Tip #17
Consuming lower amounts of sodium can lower blood pressure and/or prevent high blood pressure from developing.
Tip #16
Most of the sodium in the average person's diet comes from packaged processed foods.
Tip #15
The American Heart Association recommends limiting the amount of added sugars you consume in a day to no more than 9 teaspoons for men, and 6 teaspoons for women and children.
Tip #14
Good oil choices for heart health are avocado, olive, peanut, safflower, sesame, soybean, and sunflower.
Tip #13
Using avocados for snacking, cooking, and baking is an easy way to add healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals to your diet.
Tip #12
Unsalted nuts and seeds are a great source of good fats, energy, protein, and fiber.
Tip #11
Try to eat fish 2 times a week. Choose oily or fatty fish like tuna, herring, lake trout, sardines, or salmon to get omega-3 fatty acids.
Tip #10
Unsaturated fats can lower bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and provide essential nutrients.
Tip #9
When shopping compare food labels and choose products with the lowest sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats.
Tip #8
To lower added sodium, try keeping your salt and pepper shakers off of your table during mealtime.
Tip #7
Frozen canned, and dried fruits and vegetables can be a healthy choice. Just be sure to read your labels.
Tip #6
Freeze fresh fruits and vegetables so that you can add them to smoothies, soups, and casseroles throughout the year.
Tip #5
Shop at local farmer's markets for lower prices and ask for ideas on how to prepare purchased items.
Tip #4
You can save on fresh vegetables and fruits most of the time by buying in bulk and in season.
Tip #3
"People who eat plant-based dinners with whole carbs and unsaturated fats reduce their risk of heart disease by 10%"
Tip #2
Fresh foods are often less expensive during their harvest season.
Tip #1
The best way to get all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need is to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.