By Donna V. Scaglione
We all strive for good health, which, among other things, means maintaining a healthy weight. And while many of us understand that means controlling portions and regularly exercising, eating less of certain foods — skip that white rice — and eating more of others — grab the Greek yogurt — is also key. It’s also a simpler way of looking at eating, and may even help you in the store when you’re trying to make decisions about the week’s grocery list.
DITCH: Canned soup
Canned soup and other processed foods liked frozen pizza can be loaded with sodium, which contributes to hypertension, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, some of the worst sodium offenders are: Swanson’s Hungry Man Roasted Carved Turkey, with 1,620 milligrams in a package; Celeste Pizza for One Original Cheese, with 1,090 milligrams per pizza; and Progress Classics Hearty Tomato Soup, with 1,110 milligrams per cup.
If you’re older than 50, any of these items will put you over or almost at your recommended daily limit of 1,500 milligrams, or a little more than half a teaspoon.
