Salt substitutes: Many salt substitutes are high in potassium. Some people with heart failure should not take large amounts of potassium, especially if they are taking an ACE inhibitor. Check with your doctor before using any salt substitutes.

Great low-sodium meals and flavorings

Most Americans consume 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams of sodium a day. But the recommended daily intake is 2,400 milligrams, only one teaspoon of salt. And a low-sodium diet allows 2,000 milligrams a day. Here are ways to cut down the salt in your diet.

Breakfasts

two pieces of raisin toast with margarine or cream cheese, fresh or canned fruit, juice and coffee
cereal with 6 to 8 ounces milk, juice and coffee
omelet of 1/2 cup egg substitute with vegetables, toast with cream cheese, juice and coffee
oatmeal (not instant), toast with jelly, juice, fruit and coffee

Lunches and dinners

sandwich of unprocessed turkey on two slices of bread with lettuce and tomato, fruit, carrot sticks
broiled or baked fish, baked potato with 1 teaspoon margarine, dinner salad, salad dressing
macaroni and cheese from Kraft® using only half the cheese packet, dinner salad, salad dressing
2 ounces boiled shrimp, 1 cup rice, sliced tomatoes
Healthy Choice® frozen dinner, fruit cup

Salt-free flavoring ideas

Beef
bay leaf, curry, dry mustard, sage, marjoram, mushrooms, nutmeg, onion, pepper, thyme

Lamb
curry, garlic, mint, pineapple, rosemary

Pork
apples, applesauce, garlic, onion, sage, peaches

Veal
apricots, bay leaf, curry, ginger, marjoram, oregano

Fish
bay leaf, lemon juice, marjoram, mushrooms, paprika

Chicken
cranberries, paprika, thyme, sage

Asparagus
lemon juice

Corn
green pepper, tomato

Green beans
dillweed, lemon juice, marjoram, nutmeg, unsalted french dressing

Peas
onion, mint, mushrooms, green pepper

Potatoes
onion, mace, green pepper

Squash
cinnamon, ginger, mace, onion

Tomatoes
basil, onion, oregano