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Have you made a resolution to eat better and lose weight? Follow our month-long program of daily nutrition tips, created by dietitian Leslie Beck to change your lifestyle for January - and beyond. And to get your fitness on track, try our personal trainer-designed
DAY 11: Pass on the salt
If you're in the habit of salting your foods, or adding salt during cooking, kick the habit today.
Most of us know that too much salt (sodium chloride) is unhealthy: Excess sodium contributes to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The fact is, the average Canadian consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day – more than double what's needed for good health.
While the salt shaker accounts for a smaller amount of sodium in our diet than do processed and restaurant foods, it still adds up.
Remove the salt shaker from the table to break the habit of seasoning food after sitting down. Substitute herbs and spices for salt when cooking – try pepper, garlic flakes (not garlic salt), lemon juice, salsa, green onion, wine or sherry vinegar and herbs. If you keep this up, you'll be surprised at how quickly your taste buds adjust to less salt.
Missed earlier days? It's easy to get caught up.
DAY 10: Plan next week's meals in advance
DAY 9: Eat a leafy green vegetable
DAY 8: Drink a cup of green tea
DAY 7: Snack on fruit
DAY 6: Use a smaller plate
DAY 5: Eat more veggies
DAY 4: Practise eating slowly
DAY 3: Boost fibre at breakfast
DAY 2: Drink a large glass of water before each meal
DAY 1: Keep a food diary for the next seven days
Want more information related to today's tip? Read on:
Leslie Beck