Settling These Salt-Free Alternatives Debates

*taps mic*
I WILL NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR CORRECTING ANYONE THAT DO NOT KNOW LAWRY'S IS SALT.

There are two types of food ignorant people that I try my hardest not to backhand. As a nutritional consultant & person who uses her common sense, the statements  "Oh I don't cook with salt, I use Lawry's" and "I stay away from fast food"(while holding a Starbucks cup and a Chipotle wrap) grate my nerves. Lawry's first ingredient listed is salt. So, they are using salt.

And if you are at a restaurant and no one takes your order while you are seated, that is fast food. I told you this when I ranked healthier fast food options. I am saying it again as I talk about salt-free alternatives. Oh, and non-black people, Adobo, soy sauce, & liquid smoke is full of salt also. I didn't want you guys to feel excluded.

I believe that most are addicted to salt. Yes, it makes food more stimulating and satisfying. But it’s not necessary for abundance! Most over salt their food. Especially those who salt canned goods & pre-packaged foods. And I know you question, " Then what are we suppose to use?". Since I was 12 years old, I have lived with people who have high blood pressure. Everything I have learned over the years has bled over into my work. And of course, I have some favorite salt-free herbs, seasoning blends, & foods to use

• Smoked Paprika We all know the harm using ham-hock & salted pork is in our vegetables. And I love cooking them with smoked turkey. But many commercial brands are enhanced with salted addictives. 
• Lemon & Lime These are good for marinades. Their natural juices tenderize & break down the muscles in meat.
• Italian Seasoning Look at the ingredients in poultry seasoning. With nutmeg & marjoram, the main ingredients are basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Guess what 5 herbs make up Italian seasoning? And it is an economically better buy.
  
• Onion, Garlic, Celery, & Bell Pepper I rolled my eyes at that post. LoL Spaghetti, Meatloaf, Fried Rice, Jambalaya, Taco, Cabbage Soup, the list goes on & on taste better with these. Those vegetables are the truest "season-all" because they season it all. I can smell them cooking as I type.
• Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper All lemon pepper brand are not the same. Most brands add salt to this pepper. And I have no clue why salt is in a pepper product. But Lemon Pepper is my favorite salt alternative. To prove its goodness, the next time you make fish, fried or baked, use nothing but this(if frying use unseasoned cornmeal) and let me know what your taste bubs do.

Honorable mentions are onion & garlic powders & celery seed. And to be helpful & not as judgemental, here is my personal go-to salt-free seasoning recipe.

OUTSPOKEN_Diva's All Season

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch celery seed

Directions:

1. Whisk garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and celery seed together in a bowl.

I am not saying salt is never needed in some foods. Salt-Free Gravy is not pleasing to any palate that I personally know. But all things do not need all this sodium. Seasoning meals without salt during cooking will decrease the sodium levels in your diet. Sodium makes your blood pressure increase if you have high blood pressure. Also eating too much sodium causes extra fluid to build up in your body. Hold the salt until after you taste the food. Then use it to enhance it some. Stop over-salting food. Your body will thank you.

And Remember:

Lawry's Is Salt!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!