Although you may not use a salt shaker, eat potato chips or french fries, you are most likely eating more salt than you think, more than what is good for you. An investigation from Consumer Reports found many foods contain unexpectedly high amounts of sodium and reading labels is essential in controlling sodium intake.
 
Some surprisingly salty foods include:

• Low-fat cottage cheese
• Premium Caesar Salad with grilled chicken from McDonald's© without dressing
• Pasta sauces
• Bagels
• Raisin bran
• Pancake mix
• Maple and brown sugar-flavored instant oatmeal
• V8®vegetable juice

To keep your sodium in check try cooking for yourself. It's easier to control the salt in foods if you replace salt with spices and herbs. Also remember to read the food labels for processed foods and compare lower sodium varieties.

This article originally appeared in the December 2008 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.