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 Posted By: tinker 
Jun 28  # 1 of 28
I think the impact of all the salt in processed foods is way understated. Plus, all that extra sugar and salt tends to mask true flavor. Probably one of the best reasons to cook it yourself. Any thoughts or stories to share?
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 Posted By: spiceplace 
Jun 28  # 2 of 28
I agree with you tinker. All of those foods that state no preservatives are only talking about the complex chemical preservatives like BHA, and BHT. But salt and sugar have been used forever as a preservative.

I can't handle a Virginia ham no matter how long you try to soak them to get the salt out.

Everyone loves salt as a seasoning, it's a natural taste and so people don't tend to associate it as a preservative any more. But 300 years ago it was probably the leading food preservative. These days it's the non-preservative preservative.
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 Posted By: khartman 
Jun 30  # 3 of 28
We tossed the salt shaker years ago and we only buy the salt free vegatables in cans, or the frozen vegetable, since they don't need the salt added. We prefer the frozen vegetable over the canned anyway, so we mostly but frozen veggies.

That doesn't solve the canned food issue for tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. We only buy the low soduim variaties of those like Muir Glen.
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 Posted By: ainjel 
Jun 30  # 4 of 28
You know, I have to admit I'm kind of a salt addict. My compromise is that I only put salt on food after I have tasted it. Slowly I've cut down on my salt intake. I did start being a pain at McD's though and ask for unsalted fries. It gets you fresh ones, too. : )
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 Posted By: r8rpwr 
Jul 2  # 5 of 28
I agree, the more processed the food is, the greater the sodium. Yet another reason to cook it fresh!

I'm a saltaholic too, but I don't salt my food at the table very much. I guess I'm just drawn to foods that are salty anyway. I would much rather snack on some chips than cookies, for instance.