Surprising Foods with Alarming Sodium Levels You're Eating Every Day

7. Frozen Meals: The Convenient Sodium Culprit

Frozen meals offer convenience for those with tight schedules, but they often come with a high sodium cost. Many frozen entrees contain over 700 milligrams of sodium per serving, used to preserve the meal and enhance its flavor. To manage sodium intake, it's essential to read labels and select meals with lower sodium content. Incorporating fresh or frozen vegetables as side dishes can help balance the meal. Additionally, preparing larger batches of homemade meals and freezing individual portions can provide a healthier and cost-effective alternative to store-bought frozen meals.

8. Salad Dressings: The Sodium-Laden Enhancer

Salad dressings are often perceived as healthy additions to meals, but many bottled dressings are laden with sodium. A two-tablespoon serving can contain up to 300 milligrams of sodium. The sodium is used to enhance flavor and preserve the dressing. Opting for vinaigrettes or making homemade dressings with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs can significantly reduce sodium intake. Exploring different flavor combinations with fresh ingredients can also create delicious, sodium-free dressings that enhance salads without compromising health.