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For the most part, Americans get much more sodium than they need. High intake of sodium can lead to dehydration and is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. In your teen years you may not think about these types of issues yet, but if you can form healthy habits now you may not have to worry as much about them later in life either. For a 2,000 calorie diet only 2,400 milligrams of sodium are recommended.
The following are tips to help control sodium intake:
- Buy fresh, frozen or canned "with no salt added" vegetables
- Use fresh poultry, fish and lean meat instead of canned processed types when able to
- Use herbs, spices and salt-free seasonings when cooking and at the table
- Cook rice, pasta, and hot cereals without salt. Cut back on flavored rice, pasta and cereal mixes which usually have salt added
- Choose "convenience" foods that are lower in sodium (read the nutrient label on the back of foods)
- Rinse canned foods to remove some of the sodium
- When available, choose low- or reduced-sodium or no-salt-added versions of foods
Excerpts for the tips found in "Tips for Reducing Sodium in Your Diet". Read more: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/sodium/tips.htm
Best Teen Diets recommends healthy well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for teens, parents and educators that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for teens.
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