Many people eat too much sugar and sodium in their daily diets, statistics show.
Added sugars increase a person’s daily caloric intake, while salt plays a role in developing high blood pressure and hypertension.
To limit your intake of salt and added sugars, the USPS Wellness team is encouraging you to focus on fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, milk, yogurt and rice.
Snack foods like crackers, pasta and ready-to-eat foods come with added sugars and salt.
The Department of Agriculture offers additional tips:
• Eat less processed and prepared foods. Think about making more of your own meals with fresh ingredients and use fresh herbs to season your food.
• Consider healthier alternatives. For example, instead of eating flavored oatmeal, add cinnamon and dried fruit to plain, cooked oats.
• Read food labels. Compare the amount of sodium and sugar in the products. Look for “low sodium,” “no salt added” or “no sugar added.”
The Wellness LiteBlue page has additional suggestions.