How I Cut 6,999mg of Sodium

Wondering where all the sodium is hidden? You’ll be surprised at the unlikely (and sometimes highly likely—looking at you, salty margarita) places we found the mg’s. Take a little trip with us through an editor’s day to see where he cut back.

Read cereal box before pouring the bowl. Had avoided Frosted Mini-Wheats because of the sugar but notice they contain much less sodium than my usual bran-and-raisin routine.

Saved: 245mg

While eating cereal, peruse milk label. See that milk naturally contains about 100mg sodium per cup. Hmm...

Saved: 0mg

Put new milk smarts to good use: Order 12-ounce dark roast instead of a mostly milk latte. Figure sodium savvy earns me a treat: a shot of half-and-half.

 

Saved: 114mg

Run out to fast casual soup-and-sandwich chain for lunch. Instead of a smoked turkey (smoked = salty) and Swiss on wheat, opt for roast beef and cheddar.

Saved: 810mg

Hold the pickle spear.

Saved: 306mg

Stressful meeting. Relieve frustration by ripping apart an orange instead of dipping into smoked almond supply.

Saved: 160mg

Tasty cocktail after work with friends at nearby Mexican place: Order margarita sans salt.

Saved: 435mg

Resist urge to polish off most of basket of chips. Restrain myself to, let's say, one-tenth.

Saved: 484mg

On the way home, pass billboard luring me to Taco Bell for 5 Buck Box of burritos and tacos. Resist.

Saved: 3,030mg

Start prepping dinner—two quick chicken paillards and salad. Recipe calls for ¼ teaspoon salt for chicken. Use kosher instead of table, which reduces sodium by 20%.

Saved: 110mg

Glad I bought natural chicken that hasn't been plumped with salty stock.

Saved: 440mg

Bypass the full-sodium bottle of vinaigrette and make my own.

Saved: 365mg

Time for House Hunters International. After 20 minutes of sofa surfing, feel heartburn coming on. Pop antacids—calcium-based instead of surprisingly sodium-heavy plop-and-fizz kind.

Saved: 500mg

Now, on to bed...