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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

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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 herbs, spices, and citrus to flavor foods instead of salt, and be mindful of sodium content in processed foods.

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 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.

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🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

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Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

Managing a low sodium diet involves choosing foods that are naturally low in salt and full of flavor.

  • For a crunchy snack, try unsalted almonds instead of sliced almonds. They provide healthy fats and protein without added sodium.
  • Replace Greek yogurt with plain skyr for a higher protein, lower sodium option.
  • If you're looking for a leafy green, arugula can replace spinach. It has a peppery flavor and is low in sodium.
  • For a hearty grain, consider farro instead of quinoa. It’s chewy, nutty, and naturally low in sodium.
  • Instead of salmon, try swordfish. It’s a meaty fish that’s rich in protein and low in sodium.

How to budget on this meal plan

To budget this low-sodium meal plan better, focus on buying in bulk and choosing seasonal produce. Opt for generic brands for staples like oats, rice, and lentils. Plan meals around affordable proteins like eggs, turkey, and beans. Utilize leftovers creatively and minimize waste by repurposing ingredients in different meals.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Low Sodium Diet snacks to help manage blood pressure:

  • Fresh fruits like apples or bananas
  • Raw veggies with unsalted peanut butter
  • Homemade smoothies with fresh ingredients
  • Unsalted nuts and seeds
  • Oatmeal with fresh berries
  • Yogurt with homemade granola
  • Homemade trail mix without added salt
What should I drink on this meal plan?

On a low sodium diet, it's important to drink plenty of water. Herbal teas without added sodium are a great choice. Coconut water is a natural beverage low in sodium. Milk, especially lower-sodium varieties, is good for calcium intake. Freshly squeezed fruit juices without added salts or sugars can also be enjoyed in moderation.

How to get even more nutrients?

A low sodium diet is essential for managing or preventing hypertension. Focus on fresh, unprocessed foods as these are naturally low in sodium. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains form the foundation of a low sodium diet. When it comes to fats, choose sources like olive oil and nuts, which are free of sodium and beneficial for heart health. Carefully read labels to avoid hidden sodium in packaged foods.

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: 1900  Fat: 39g  Carbs: 90g  Protein: 63g

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: 1880  Fat: 35g  Carbs: 130g  Protein: 53g

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: 1750  Fat: 38g  Carbs: 90g  Protein: 63g

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: 1880  Fat: 44g  Carbs: 115g  Protein: 58g

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: 41g  Carbs: 75g  Protein: 67g

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: 40g  Carbs: 110g  Protein: 62g

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: 46g  Carbs: 100g  Protein: 65g

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.