Table Salt

“Surely not!” I hear you all saying… Now I’m not trying to tell you that ALL salt is bad as sodium (a.k.a. salt) is a mineral that we need in our diet in small amounts. What I’m trying to say is that some are better than others, and unfortunately generic table salt doesn’t top the charts.

While white table salt originates from sea salt, it is often stripped of many of its naturally occurring minerals during processing. This can include being combined with additives, heated to high temperatures, and being bleached white. So what we’re left with is a very refined product that doesn’t have as much to offer in the way of nutrition.

Table Salt Alternatives?

The best alternatives for table salt are ones that are as close as possible to their natural form. Some great examples include Himalayan salt and Celtic Sea salt. These salts can come in rock formation and you can choose to grind them yourself or use them whole depending on what you are cooking. The price point of these purer salts may be a little higher, however for the sake of the nutritional benefits, I think this is a staple worth the extra price!

Bottled Sauces

You can’t go to a barbecue without there being bottled sauces on the table! Bottled sauces can be a staple for many dishes, especially if you are at a party or social gathering. The issue with sauces such as barbecue, tomato, sweet chili, Asian-inspired sauces and the likes is that they often contain a large amount of sugar and salt. This can also be true for things such as pre-made pizza and pasta sauces. As well as their high sugar and salt content, many bottled sauces may also contain preservatives to prolong their shelf life and/or artificial colors to make them look more more vibrant and appealing. While it may be a great convenience to grab them from the pantry, you might think twice once you check out the label!

Bottled Sauce Alternatives?

If you’re someone that has a small dollop of bottled sauce on your meal from time to time, then there’s no need to be concerned. However, if you’re a regular “saucer”, then you might want to consider finding an alternative! I think that a fresh, homemade sauce is always better than one pulled off of the shelves in terms of both nutrition and taste. There are so many amazing recipes that you can find in cookbooks and online these days, which is super handy. However, if you are in a situation where you are pushed for time and can’t make your own, then I recommend choosing varieties that are as low in added sugar and salt as you can find.

Fruit Yogurt

Fruit flavored yogurts may market themselves as using “real fruit” but this isn’t necessarily a lot of fruit and can be often misinterpreted. Instead of using ACTUAL fruit pieces, some manufacturers could actually just be using fruit juice, fruit puree or fruit juice concentrate. While the origins of these things may well be fruit, most of the nutrients that it would usually contain are often lost during processing. So essentially all you’re left with is the fruit sugar, and something that was intended to be a healthy snack has become more of a dessert!

Fruit Yogurt Alternatives?

Rather than going for store bought fruit flavored yogurt, I recommend that you stick with good old plain varieties. “How boring..” I hear you all say… Well, it doesn’t have to be! If you’re after fruit flavored yogurt, try adding in your own fruit instead. Some of my favorites are berries cooked down into a coulis or grated apple with a touch of cinnamon. This is also means you can buy just one yogurt but have multiple flavors whenever you want.

Next time you are going grocery shopping, try swapping out some of your regular staples with the ones I have mentioned above. They can make all the difference in how you feel, not just your waistline! What are some of your favorite swaps? Comment below!

* Results may vary. Strict adherence to the nutrition and exercise guide are required for best results.

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