Start the New Year off with a small change that can make a lifetime of a difference. Reduce the intake of salt/sodium in your diet and reduce your risk for heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and potentially even obesity.

Recent research has linked high sodium intake with obesity. Intake of salty foods is often associated with intake of high-calorie beverages, such as sodas, to quench the thirst. Such additional caloric intake, without additional caloric expenditure, can lead to weight gain and obesity (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061101151027.htm).

Read the entire column and recipes at http://www.ncpad.org/434/2280/Nutrition~Spotlight~~Salt~and~More~Salt.