Dropping the extra 25lbs will be a huge benefit too. I was borderline HBP and dropping 30lbs put me back in the low-normal range. All that fat requires a lot of extra blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure, sometimes significantly.

I've had HBP for years and have dramatically cut back my sodium consumption. You'll likely find you feel a lot better when you do the same. Try looking up the DASH diet online (American Heart Assoc., I believe). Should be some recipes there.

Reading labels is the key. When you discover how much sodium is in most products you'll be shocked. For many products (like canned tomatoes) you can find no salt added alternatives. You can omit or greatly reduce salt in most recipes (except when baking where the salt is sometimes needed as part of the chemical reaction that is part of process).

As for sea salt, the salty taste is cleaner and more intense than regular salt, so you can use a lot less. A good option when the recipe absolutely needs some salt.

As for a great snack, try homemade salsa (fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno and just a tiny pinch of sea salt) with homemade tortilla chips (plain corn tortillas toasted - check the label, the best are made with only corn, water and lime).

Oh, and there is some research out there that dark chocolate (60% cocoa and higher) has a positive effect on BP.

Good luck.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by jellie:
I have just found out that I have high blood pressure and need to cut the salt. I know how to cut the fat but salt seems harder for me to do. I'm also over weight 25 lbs.

So, any good snacks or recipes to help get me through this?<HR>

i feel i'm somewhat qualified to answer. first off, by running and eating better, i was recently able to stop taking BP meds after 3+ years. I lost 25lbs, i eat sensibly, and i still eat the types of foods i like. portion control, for me, was more important than food selection. obviously, smart choices are important too. here's iceman14's simple three point plan:

1. eat more fruit. and veggies are nice too.
2. exercise. you don't have to kill yourself, just walk if that's all you can do in the beginning. it will make a big difference.
3. avoid the following as much as possible: pizza, asian food (soy sauce), chicken wings, french fries. also limit cheese intake. swiss cheese is the best option. it has the lowest sodium.

those three things are simple, anybody can do them. good luck.

There is a product called Nu Salt, look into it. I got it at the supermarket.