New York City has been at the front lines of combating the over-salting problem. A new rule in the city has required chain restaurants in to clearly identify the high sodium options on their menu with a salt shaker logo.
When you're eating out, pay attention to those salt shaker symbols. If you’re not in NYC, you can plan ahead. Most chain restaurants post the nutritional values of their menus online, or can provide them on request. When ordering a salad, always ask for dressings and sauces on the side. They are often loaded with salt and can be added at your discretion.
Eating at home presents its own challenges for combating salt. All meals should focus on fresh foods and include flavorful and healthy seasonings such as onions, garlic, citrus, herbs, and vinegar whenever possible. Rinsing canned beans and vegetables can also clean off the salty brine that some canned foods are stored in.
To learn more ways on how to reduce sodium intake at home and in restaurants, read the full Northern Westchester Hospital blog post here.