We all need sodium in our diets in order to function optimally. It helps regulate kidney, nerve, and muscle 
function. Unfortunately a lot of processed and fast foods have too much sodium, some products exceeding your daily intake of sodium by 110%! Just look at your typical canned soups.
Problem with too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, cognitive decline in the brain, and kidney function decline. We do require sodium in our diets, just ensure you’re reaching 1,000-1,500 g /day, and trying to avoid going over that limit.
Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash – peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Toss butternut squash with olive oil and garlic in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Arrange coated squash on a baking sheet.
Roast in the preheated oven until squash is tender and lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 177kcal Fat: 7g Carbs: 30.3g Protein: 2.6g Sodium: 11mg
Beef Barley Vegetable Soup
Makes 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1, 3 pound, beef chuck roast
- ½ cup barely
- 1 bay leaf
- 2TBS oil
- 3 Carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 package frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups water
- 4 cubes beef bouillon cube
- 1 TBS white sugar
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 can chopped stewed tomatoes
- Salt to taste
Directions
In a slow cooker, cook chuck roast until very tender. Add barely and bay leaf during the last hour of cooking. Remove meat, and chop into bite-size pieces. Discard bay leaf. Set beef, broth, and barley aside.
Heat Oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Saute carrots, celery, onion, and frozen mixed vegetables until tender. Add water, beef bouillon cubes, sugar, ¼ teaspoon pepper, chopped stewed tomatoes, and beef/barely mixture. Bring to boil, reduce heat, ond simmer 10-20 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 321kcal Fat: 17.3g Carbs: 22.4g Protein: 20g Sodium: 605mg
