America has a serious love affair with salt. It is added to food products ranging from canned carrots to cinnamon bagels. While it adds flavor and is needed by the body in small quantities, most Americans consume vastly more sodium than needed. To lower your sodium intake, choose foods that are naturally low in sodium or that have been prepared without excess sodium. With a little effort, you can enjoy a delicious, low-sodium diet.

Oatmeal, cream of wheat and cream of rice without added salt are healthy breakfast options. Avoid the instant varieties of breakfast cereals that contain added sodium. Omelets made with a mixture of whole egg and egg whites are also low in sodium; add veggies such as mushrooms, peppers and onions or low-sodium cheese. Whole wheat or raisin toast can be eaten on most low-sodium diets; these can be topped with jam or preserves. For variety, make a breakfast smoothie containing yogurt, berries, wheat germ and honey. Choose a yogurt containing 140 milligrams of sodium or less.

Low-sodium traditional lunch foods include salad made with fresh vegetables and topped with an oil and vinegar dressing, and a salmon fillet topped with lemon and herbs, served with a side of brown rice and broccoli florets. Prepare the salmon, rice and broccoli without adding salt. Pork tenderloin topped with cooked apples makes an excellent low-sodium lunch. For a lighter lunch, consider making a fresh fruit salad with crunchy pecans.

Stuffed peppers containing low-fat ground beef, garlic and low-sodium tomato sauce make a good-tasting dinner food. Top a baked chicken breast with pineapple rings and serve with a baked sweet potato and Brussels sprouts, or prepare a veggie tortilla wrap containing crunchy vegetables such as cucumber, squash, baby carrots and red peppers. Make sure the tortilla contains 140 mg or less of sodium. Spice up a bowl of freshly prepared black-eyed peas with chili seasoning and your favorite herbs.

Many Americans favor salty snacks, but this habit can be defeated by choosing a low-sodium crunchy or sweet snack. Instead of adding salt to popcorn, toss it with a few dried cranberries and brown sugar. Make homemade potato chips without added salt and dip them in sour cream or a low-sodium bean dip. Eat a bowl of tasty purple grapes or a crunchy red apple for a quick snack. For a creamy treat, try making a homemade pudding without adding salt.