7-day Meal Plan For Low Sodium Diet
On a low sodium diet and need meal ideas? Our 7-day low sodium diet meal plan helps manage your salt intake. Discover delicious, low-salt meals and learn how to turn them into an easy shopping list. Let's make low sodium eating enjoyable!
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Meal plan grocery list
- Oatmeal
- Fresh berries
- Sliced almonds
- Grilled chicken
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Baked cod
- Quinoa
- Broccoli
- Greek yogurt
- Banana
- Chia seeds
- Turkey breast
- Vegetable stir-fry mix
- Brown rice
- Lentils
- Whole grain bread
- Low-sodium vegetable juice
- Spinach
- Plain yogurt
- Salmon
- Balsamic vinegar
- Shrimp
- Sweet potatoes
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- Eggs
- Chickpeas
- Curry powder
- Basmati rice
- Chicken breast
- Green beans
- Cottage cheese
- Peaches
- Sunflower seeds
- Tuna
- Tilapia
- Muesli
- Low-fat milk
- Apples
- Barley
- Whole grain crackers
- Swordfish
- Brussels sprouts
- Almond butter
- Low-sodium almond milk
- Black beans
- Corn
- Lime
- Cilantro
- Roast turkey
- Sweet potatoes
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec. 19, 2023.
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024.
Meal plan overview
On a low sodium diet? Our 7-day low sodium diet meal plan helps manage your salt intake. It includes flavorful, low-salt meals that are heart-healthy and delicious.
This plan makes low sodium eating enjoyable and easy to stick to, without compromising on taste.
Foods to eat
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Opt for a variety of colorful, fresh produce like apples, berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes.
- Lean Proteins: Choose skinless poultry, fish, tofu, and legumes as low-sodium protein sources.
- Whole Grains: Include whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats for fiber and essential nutrients.
- Low-Sodium Dairy: Select low-sodium or sodium-free versions of milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Herbs and Spices: Flavor your meals with herbs, garlic, onion, and spices to enhance taste without added salt.
- Nuts and Seeds: Choose unsalted nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds for a healthy snack.
- Healthy Fats: Include olive oil, avocados, and flaxseed oil as sources of heart-healthy fats.
- Low-Sodium Canned Goods: Look for canned goods labeled as low-sodium or no added salt.
✅ Tip
Use lemon juice or vinegar as flavorful, low-sodium alternatives to salt in recipes.
Foods not to eat
- High-Sodium Processed Foods: Stay away from processed snacks, canned soups, and pre-packaged meals with high sodium content.
- Salty Condiments: Limit or avoid condiments like soy sauce, ketchup, and salad dressings that are high in sodium.
- Processed Meats: Cut back on processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats that are often high in sodium.
- Canned Vegetables: Opt for fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned options, as they can contain added salt.
- High-Sodium Cheeses: Reduce intake of high-sodium cheeses; choose low-sodium alternatives when possible.
- Instant and Packaged Foods: Avoid instant noodles, boxed mixes, and packaged meals that tend to be high in sodium.
- Restaurant and Fast Food: Be cautious with restaurant and fast-food options, as they often contain hidden sodium.
- Table Salt: Minimize the use of table salt in cooking and at the dining table.
Main benefits
The 7-Day Meal Plan For Low Sodium Diet is tailored to reduce sodium intake for heart health and blood pressure management. This plan emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and limits high-sodium ingredients. By incorporating herbs, spices, and other flavor enhancers, the plan supports individuals in adopting a heart-healthy, low-sodium lifestyle while maintaining a satisfying and nutritious diet.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A low sodium diet should focus on fresh, unprocessed foods to manage blood pressure and overall health. Here are some beneficial alternatives:
- Replace Greek yogurt with plain skyr for a higher protein, lower sodium option.
- Instead of whole grain bread, try unsalted rice cakes for a low sodium, crunchy alternative.
- Switch canned tuna with fresh tuna to avoid added sodium from preservation.
- Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor dishes without increasing sodium intake.
- Substitute whole grain crackers with unsalted popcorn for a low sodium, high fiber snack.
How to budget on this meal plan
To economize on this low sodium diet meal plan, prioritize buying whole foods in bulk, like oats, brown rice, and quinoa. Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables for freshness and cost-effectiveness. Opt for larger cuts of meat like whole chicken or turkey breasts, which can be cooked in various ways throughout the week. Incorporate more plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, which are nutritious and budget-friendly. Buy store-brand versions of items like almond milk and yogurt to save money. Cook in batches and use leftovers creatively to minimize waste.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Opt for these low-sodium snacks to support your dietary needs:
- Fresh fruits like apples or pears
- Carrot and cucumber sticks
- Unsalted nuts and seeds
- Oatmeal with fresh berries
- Plain Greek yogurt with fruit
- Rice cakes topped with avocado
- Homemade popcorn without added salt
What should I drink on this meal plan?
Beverages for a low sodium diet should be naturally low in salt. Water is essential for hydration. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, are excellent choices. Unsweetened almond milk can be a good alternative to dairy. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices provide nutrients without added salt. Coconut water is also a hydrating option, but check for added sodium.
How to get even more nutrients?
For those on a low sodium diet, reducing salt intake is crucial, but it doesn’t mean meals have to be bland. Focus on using fresh herbs, spices, and citrus to add flavor without the salt. Lean proteins, whole grains, and a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide a well-rounded, nutritious diet. Healthy fats from sources like fish, olive oil, and avocados not only enhance flavor but also contribute to overall heart health.
Meal plan suggestions
7-Day Low Sodium Meal Plan
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with fresh berries and sliced almonds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette
- Dinner: Baked cod with quinoa and steamed broccoli
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 190g Protein: 105g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with sliced banana and a sprinkle of chia seeds
- Lunch: Turkey and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
- Dinner: Lentil soup with a side of whole grain bread
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 200g Protein: 110g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with low-sodium vegetable juice, spinach, banana, and plain yogurt
- Lunch: Salmon and quinoa salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with roasted sweet potatoes and asparagus
Calories: 1850 Fat: 68g Carbs: 195g Protein: 100g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and poached eggs
- Lunch: Chickpea and vegetable curry with basmati rice
- Dinner: Roasted chicken breast with quinoa and steamed green beans
Calories: 1850 Fat: 70g Carbs: 180g Protein: 110g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Cottage cheese with sliced peaches and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette
- Dinner: Baked tilapia with quinoa and sautéed spinach
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 185g Protein: 105g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Muesli with low-fat milk and diced apples
- Lunch: Vegetable and barley soup with a side of whole grain crackers
- Dinner: Grilled swordfish with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 190g Protein: 110g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Banana and almond butter smoothie with low-sodium almond milk
- Lunch: Quinoa and black bean salad with cherry tomatoes, corn, and a lime-cilantro dressing
- Dinner: Roast turkey with sweet potato mash and steamed green beans
Calories: 1850 Fat: 68g Carbs: 185g Protein: 105g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.