5. Take Salt-free Shortcuts

It’s not necessary to give up all convenience products to keep sodium levels in check. Consider using salt-free convenience ingredients in soups, stews, and casseroles. Then add salt to taste, using sparingly. Most plain frozen vegetables are salt free. Ditto for dried beans, chickpeas, and vegetables canned without salt.

Kitchen tip: Toast dried herbs and spices in a small amount of oil to add underlying flavor to any dish. Say you’re making chili. Toast the chili powder, oregano, and cumin in oil so that the oil can carry flavor into the salt-free beans and tomatoes.