Processed meats like bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs and deli meats are usually very high in sodium, which can raise blood pressure. Heart-healthy eating patterns like DASH favor fish, poultry, beans and nuts and less red and processed meat.
Processed vs fresh
Processed meats — bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs and deli meats — are usually very high in sodium. The DASH pattern favors fish, poultry, beans and nuts, with less red and processed meat.
Better swaps
- Grilled chicken or fish in place of deli meat.
- Beans or lentils in place of some of the meat in a dish.
- Check labels on marinated and pre-seasoned meats.
Eating out
Restaurant meat dishes are often salty. Ask for sauces on the side.
How FourNumbers helps
Your meal scores show the sodium in what you ate, so you can see which meats and meals bring the most salt.
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