Food That Raise Your Blood Pressure

Cutting out foods that may raise your blood pressure is just as important as adding the "blood pressure friendly" foods to your diet. Of course, many are tasty diet staples that have been our comfort foods for many years, so cutting them out of our lives is easier said than done.

It's a matter of habit more than anything, and habits can be difficult to break. But you can do it, your body will thank you for it and you might just lose a little weight in the process!

Cut the salt. We get enough through the processed foods that we can't seem to avoid. If you are a salt-a-holic, try substitutes such as Mrs.Dash. You can also try lemon juice in some recipes, and sprinkle chives on baked potatoes to fight the no-salt blandness. If you are a person who liberally salts your watermelon and cantaloupe (I used to), then it will be a challenge to stop this damaging habit, but please take those necessary steps.

Dump the following:Ice cream, hot dogs, diet sodas, cheeses, pickles, anything that is marinated, canned soup, canned vegetables (unless you choose low or no-salt added veggies), catsup.

As if that wasn't hard enough, boot these out of your life: Bacon, eggs, soy sauce, fast food, salted potato chips (but there ARE unsalted versions), salted pretzels, duck, fatty meats.

And say goodbye to the following old friends: Ham, salted nuts (look for unsalted varieties), seasoning salt, smoked meats, sausage.

And enjoy a healthier life!