- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- dads today articles
- dads today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
News About Nutrition
9 Recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
By Melissa Granberry
Sit down with your kids and help gobble up these nutritious treats. Adults need healthy snacks too! According to the Committee, reducing salt intake is one way to lower blood pressure – which is important in preventing stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. To find out if the foods you eat are high in salt, check the nutrition label for sodium. Strive for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. One easy way to reduce sodium is to reach for herbs, pepper or garlic powder instead of the salt shaker, says Hark. "Oregano and basil are great choices for adding flavor when cooking," she says. But Hark adds that you should select foods based on calorie and fat content, as well as sodium. She gives the example of selecting sandwich meat. If you're choosing between turkey, salami and pastrami at the deli, they all have the same amount of sodium. Turkey has less fat and is a better overall choice, she says. Drink alcohol in moderation, says the Committee's report. Moderation is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks for men. The recommendations also point out that pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, breastfeeding women and persons planning to drive should avoid alcohol.
While shopping, look for unsalted chips, peanuts and pretzels. "Tomato products are also very salty," Hark says. "A general rule is no more than 400 to 500 milligrams in a serving."Want to see more?
