A few years back my hubby was told we might want to lower his salt intake (his family has a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, all that stuff).  I continued to cut back until one day, I realized the only time I was using salt was in my baking (cookies, cakes, etc)- which he often doesn’t eat anyway.

Anymore if we eat foods that have been flavored or seasoned with salt we can barely stand it!  There are so many other wonderful spices out there (that are much healthier too).

Try onion powder, garlic powder, white pepper, black pepper, or red pepper.  Sprinkle in some thyme and oregano in Italian dishes.  Try some rosemary in Greek dishes.  Use extra cumin, lime, and cilantro in your Mexican dishes.  Learn the smells of spices.  Taste your dishes and learn what spices to add to round out their flavor.  Get creative!  Add a little, then add a little more.

Along those same lines, let’s quickly discuss fresh vs dried.  For a long time I totally relied on dried spices and herbs just for the convenience.  Now I admit, I still heavily rely on them, but I do enjoy fresh cilantro, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, and even the occasional fresh basil, dill, and thyme.  However, I have not in the 5 years I have tried been able to grow these herbs myself.  Something about making sure you water them every day?

Huh.  Guess I’ll just go to the grocery store.  But truly, try cooking without salt and seasoning with other spices and herbs.  Your family, your body, and your health will thank you for it.