Heart Failure Health Center

Heart Failure and a Low-Salt Diet

How Much of Which Foods Should I Eat? continued...

Salt-Substitute Seasonings

Directions: Combine all ingredients in small bowl and blend well. Spoon into shaker. Store in a cool, dark place.

Spicy Blend

• 2 tbsp dried savory, crumbled
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground white pepper
• 1 tbsp dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 2 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp curry powder

Salt-less Surprise

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp powdered lemon rind or dehydrated lemon juice

Herb Seasoning

• 2 tbsp dried dillweed or basil leaves, crumbled
• 1 tsp celery seed
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves, crumbled
• Pinch freshly ground pepper

Spicy Seasoning

• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp coriander seed (crushed)
• 1 tbsp rosemary

Restaurant Dining Tips

Appetizers

• Select fresh fruit or vegetables.
• Avoid soups and broths.
• Stay away from bread and rolls with salty, buttery crusts.

Salads

• Select fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid pickles, canned or marinated vegetables, cured meats, seasoned croutons, cheeses, salted seeds.
• Order salad dressings on the side and use small amounts of them.

Main Courses

• Select plain foods including broiled, grilled or roasted meat, poultry, fish, or shellfish.
• Select plain vegetables, potatoes, and noodles.
• Ask the server about the low-salt menu choices and ask how the food is prepared.
• Request food to be cooked without salt or monosodium glutamate (MSG).
• Avoid restaurants that do not allow for special food preparation (such as buffet-style restaurants or diners).
• Avoid casseroles, mixed dishes, gravy, and sauces.
• Avoid fast food restaurants.
• Avoid salted condiments and garnishes such as olives and pickles.

Desserts

• Select fresh fruits, ices, ice cream, sherbet, gelatin, and plain cakes.