[alleria]

In about the last year I had to start eating a heart healthy diet to avoid inflammation issues. So far my biggest issues are with the amount of salt that is in soups and stuff like taco seasoning. The only time I am using soups is when a recipe calls for it. I have been replacing items such as Parmesan cheese with low sodium alternatives.
I also have issues with snack foods. I have found some alternatives but I would love some ideas as well. As of yet I have yet to research deserts, I still have old ones to eat and get rid of. Any advice would be appreciated.

[healthygal]

I agree with thisisnotatest, your have to move away from prepackaged and processed foods.

My rule is I don't buy any box or package at the grocery store that has ingredients on the label that I can't pronounce. I'm a clean-eater, meaning I eat only natural unprocessed foods. I know, it sounds boring but it's worked well and I've lost quite a bit of weight.

I know you already found some alternatives, my favorite are the recipes in the Eat-Clean diet books. Try Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Cookbook. I love the ideas of ways to eliminate salt and replace it with agave nectar or maple syrup. There are a lot of other options, you just need to do your research and of course eliminate the salty, pre-made and pre-packaged foods!

Good Luck!!

[Shannon in ATL]

I'm with you on the taco seasoning. I make my own tacos and don't add any additional salt, but I do use a premixed taco seasoning from Penzey's that has a lot of salt in it. I'm considering making my own blend, but haven't taken the plunge yet...