Moderation Is Key!

A new report was published today from the American Heart Association Journal. The "controversy" continues over salt with what seems like a strange series of links to how bad salt is for you (when in fact it should clearly be stated that SODIUM; not salt is the culprit). The premise of the study: IF A CHILD EATS SALTY SNACKS THEY WILL DRINK MORE SODA! Which is the TRUE reason for their obesity- not the actual sodium intake! Seems like an absurd notion. Like saying, "I've got a really bad headache so if I overdose on aspirin it's the headaches fault that I died." Read for yourself:

"Children who eat less salt drink fewer sugar-sweetened soft drinks and may significantly lower their risks for obesity, elevated blood pressure and later-in-life heart attack and stroke, researchers reported in the print and online issue of Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Previous studies have shown that dietary salt intake increases fluid consumption in adults. But researchers at St. Georges University of London, England, are the first to examine whether the same is true in children."

To read the whole article and decide for yourself: American Heart Association Journal Report: Reducing Kids’ Salt Intake May Lower Soft Drink Consumption

In my Salt Lovers Mantra, Moderation is always key, especially if you have children. Obviously, the quality of food and sea salt you make available to your children coupled with proper education is key. So, if your toddler likes a nice pinch of Fleur De Sal on her hardboiled egg- she should have it! Dare I say, this simple pleasure of life will actually decrease her chances of obesity compared to the child who eats a pop tart or a big bowl of sugared cereal for breakfast. What about one of those sodium laden microwave "wholesome" breakfasts so readily available (not to mention the fast food options available)?!

The healthy child starts and ends with the eating habits that parents instill in their children, period!