Substitute of sodium salt

There has been many news about the use of sodium salt. Most of them are negative. I am sure you probably have read, heard or talked about it. You have decided to cut down so that you can live longer with your love ones, or to see your long-awaited grandchildren grow up or even to accomplish the things you have not attained. But cutting down on sodium doesn't seem to be as easy as it seems. Fast foods are convenient, but the sodium in the diet is generourous as well.

Isn't there anyway to reduce the sodium salt intake without sacrificing the taste? I have read some books and found that there is. If YES, then, here it is:-

1) Use more herbs and spices

Pepper and other spices can create the heat sensation. The loss of sodium can be compensated by strong flavours. If you like the intensity of the spices, it may help you slow down with eating and savour on your meals. Strong flavours and aromas such as garlic can also influenece your sense of fullness and add an illusion of thickness to food. Mint, basil, coriander and other fresh herbs can also liven up the simplest dishes so you do not need to put in too much salt.

Research studies show that those who lose their sense of smell tend to overeat, while those who sprinkle their food with aromatic flavouring or sniff scents through an inhaler throughout the day actually eat less and lose weight.

2) Include vinegar or lemon in your diet

Adding vinegar itself can create an intensity to your food. In fact, I found that vinegar help me to control my cravings for high salt potato chips and highly sugared sweets. If you like, you can start your vinegar diet with salad. I found that green apples dressed with natural vinegar taste great on its own. If you detest the taste of vinegar, you may consider using lemon or lime instead. Cucumber slices taste great when dressed with lemon too.

3) Reduce your intake of sugar

There are some similiarities on the effects of salt and sugar and typically, they come together. This is because they make food more palatable and when they are consumed, the body releases trace amounts of opiates that can elevate both mood and satisfaction. Although release in small amounts, these opiated-related food rewards could reinforce a preference for foods that are most associated with these feelings. In some ways, it is a form of addiction. Thus it is quite useful to keep that in mind to reduce the sugar intake while reducing the salt.

4) Cope with your stress

Sometimes, it takes more than food to understand how best to cut down on salt. Stress disrupts a normal eating pattern and this can not only cause a tendency to seek for more palatable salt and sweet foods, but also increase in fat consumption. Learn to listen to your body and find different ways to cut down on negative stress around you. Make time for exercise or walk or even meditation.

5) Don't totally cut down on salt

Just like any other kind of cravings that include smoking, it can be quite dangerous to suddenly cut down from it and highly dependent on your will strength. Try to make this change in salt diet more comfortable for yourself and take it in moderation. Total avoidance to salt may turn tables and cause a higher salt cravings. Also, sodium salt is an essential electrolyte in our body so there is no need to avoid it totally.

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