For anyone looking to reduce salt in their diet, August 29th is the day to try more herbs. ‘More Herbs, Less Salt Day’ was created with the idea that we can and should reduce our sodium intake as individuals. Our current average sodium intake is 3400 mg per day, compared to the ideal 2300 mg per day. So, we’re eating almost an extra 1000 mg of unnecessary, unhealthy salt. When we know better, we do better, so let’s do better, y’all!
For years, we’ve noticed so many cooking scenarios where people ONLY use salt and pepper. In some cases, it makes sense to let the flavors of the meat shine through. But what about the other bland meats, sides, and veggies? There are so many more herbs, spices, and flavors to infuse your foods with. Be bold and fearless; try something new and enjoy your food!
Using less salt isn’t the end of your flavor profile. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with flavor! Starting with herbs like basil, rosemary, dill, and oregano will help you add flavor to foods like soups, salads, vegetables, chicken, and fish. With all the flavors available, there shouldn’t be any bland food (even if it’s healthy). There is usually a nice-sized “Spice aisle” in the grocery store. Who doesn’t want more flavorful and healthful food?
When it comes to health benefits, many herbs are also medicinal, aiding in the healing process of many health conditions. But they can also counteract certain conditions or medications, so be sure to do your research! If you’re informed, herbs can be a healthier alternative to reducing or cutting salt altogether. Decreasing your salt intake slows down water retention that causes bloating and lowers the risk of both hypertension and heart disease, so those are great reasons to start today. A few different ways you can reduce your sodium intake include:
- Using low- or reduced-sodium products
- DASH seasonings (formerly Mrs. Dash)
- Reduce or stop buying pre-prepared meals and ultra-processed foods.
- Cook your own food; try some recommended recipes from the DASH diet and our lineup!
