2. Pair Takeout with Fresh

For times when you can’t cook, dilute the sodium of takeout or frozen family meals by adding equal amounts of fresh steamed vegetables. Take what one popular Italian chain calls a single serving (we call it huge portion) of five-cheese ziti and heat on the stovetop with one (9-ounce) bag of fresh spinach until greens wilt. Divide into two meals. That simple swap cuts sodium in half and whittles calories down from 1050 to a more reasonable 540. Added bonus: the spinach ups the nutrition ante with generous amounts of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Restaurant Tip: If eating out, split an entrée to cut sodium in half. Order side salads and steamed veggies sans salt to round out the meal.