Cooking for two may be intimate and difficult, particularly if one spouse has to restrict sodium intake. Perfect for couples, Hazel Carter, a home cook and promoter of heart-healthy living, has created great low-sodium dinners.
“Healthful eating shouldn’t feel like a punishment,” Hazel says. “I think in cooking food that is tasty and fulfilling.”
Her best low-sodium suggestions are these:
1. Herb-Lemon Hazel like baking salmon drizzled with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and dill on top. “It’s light, healthy, and goes perfectly with steamed asparagus,” she notes.
2. Mashed Potatoes Driven by Garlic. Hazel loads her mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and a little unsalted butter rather than salt. “You would be surprised how much flavor herbs and spices can impart,” she says.
3. Pasta Burst Packed in Vegetables. Dinner of choice for her is whole-grain pasta topped with a variety of fresh veggies and a marinara sauce sans salt. “Top it with a little grated Parmesan, and you won’t miss the salt,” Hazel assures.
Married Couples’ Cooking Advice
To help the event be more fun, Hazel advises cooking together. “It’s about connecting in the kitchen—not just about the food,” she explains.
Hazel hopes more couples will enjoy low-sodium, nutrient-dense, tasty meals using these concepts. “Eating right can also be romantic.”
