Dear Lesley: NO salt no flavor

Firstly, I cannot tell you that you can use salt if your doctor(s) have advised against it. If you are working with several doctors/a team of doctors, I assume that you are working with some type of specialist(s) and not only a general practitioner. If that is the case, I would suggest following their instructions and realize this as critically important. Also, acknowledge the efforts being made collaboratively to get you well.

Secondly, meals can taste good with and without added salt if you are willing to accept that the meals will not taste the same. I do not eat ketchup on my French fries, and I recommend that to others who need to eat less sodium. At first, I am met with opposition. However, for the people who are truly interested in making changes for the better, over time they learn to enjoy fries/the taste of potato without ketchup as well. If you are looking for something to be as it was or taste exactly as it did after having made a change such as eliminating salt, then you have set yourself up for disappointment. You must embrace that the flavor will be different and not automatically view it as flavorless, just different. Not only will the flavor be different, but that difference is ultimately for your benefit.

Lastly, there are many factors working interdependently to balance nutrient levels and functions of your body’s systems. Where there’s sodium, there’s water. Reducing your consumption of salt doesn’t just affect your taste buds, but also your blood pressure, heart and kidney function, and calcium levels. Having said that, is it better that your food tastes a particular way or that you accept alternatives for your health’s sake? See my suggestions below.

Suggestions for using less salt:

• Use fresh herbs.
• Use fresh spices. Use quality, individual spices such as coriander, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Use fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, and onion.
• Use a variety of quality oils.
• Use vinegars in preparation of marinades and salad dressings.
• Ground fresh herbs and spices or purchase freshly ground herbs and spices.
• Marinate meat and vegetables in advance to build flavor. A flavorful marinade will pull out the natural flavors of the actual food and could make you forget all about salt.
• Follow talknutritionwithlesley to see Affordably Healthy™ meal ideas using primarily fresh food items.