This week I am joining the ranks of those who must reduce sodium intake. A new medication has a possible side effect of slight increase in blood pressure, and this week I learned from my slightly-younger brother that he has had to cut out salt to avoid taking blood pressure medications. We have always been pretty much in lock step with some of these health/lifestyle changes so I'm making the move before I'm told I need to. (I have a physical coming up next month.)

Cooking-wise it means some of my shortcuts will leave the building. The chicken and beef and veggie bouillon all have salt as the first ingredient. The smokehouse almonds and the sesame sticks are history. Potato chips will be scarce. I think I can figure out popcorn with less salt (they do make a potassium chloride product that can substitute in some places). The smoked sausages I love will be scarce or very small portions. Smoked salmon, likewise.

So, throwing the question out there - those of you who have already made the salt sacrifice, what kind of cooking changes did you make?