There’s nothing better than a backyard cookout during the summer. From burgers sizzling on the grill to heaping bowls of potato salad or a table filled with tasty snacks, food is always a big part of the fun. But if you’re watching your sodium, you might be surprised to learn just how much salt is hiding in some of your cookout favorites.
Most people following a low sodium diet already know to steer clear of foods that are obviously salty, such as potato chips and pickles. But there are lots of other foods that will send your salt intake sky-high if you don’t pay attention. Many high-sodium culprits don’t even taste salty, so unless you’re checking labels or know where sodium lurks, you’ll be none the wiser and will likely end the day consuming more salt than expected.
Here are some common cookout foods that may be sending your daily sodium intake over the top:
So what can you do to keep your sodium in check the next time you’re at a cookout? Swap out buns for lettuce wraps, skip the cheese and processed meats, and use lower-sodium condiments such as mustard. Make your own side dishes using low sodium recipes and opt for foods naturally lower in sodium such as grilled veggies and fresh fruits. There will still be plenty of delicious things you can eat, but it helps to know what foods will best help you meet your goals.
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