Go ahead, leave out the salt

Just Thinking

By Earlene Ward

(Updated: Wednesday, April 02, 2008, 5:39 PM)

Just thinking
...about changes in taste.

I think our tastes in food change through the years, but I was always skeptical when people said they could give up something they had previously enjoyed and not miss it.

Salt always came to my mind -- it was what made food flavorful; I couldn't imagine eating without it.

My husband has never wanted salt on his food, and I felt as though the food I served him was tasteless. I would cook without salt, then sprinkle it liberally on my food -- all food!

Then my body rebelled, and I had to give salt up about nine months ago. I couldn't imagine food without that added flavor. My husband said I would learn to enjoy the natural flavor of food. He said I didn't know what food tasted like -- just salt.

It turns out he was right. I no longer miss salt.

I have found a new pleasure in the flavor of vegetables and meat. There is sweetness to these foods I did not know was there.

I have found that I can enjoy food without butter on it and with salt-free seasoning. It is a new taste experience for me, and I am enjoying it.

I have always liked fruit, but I enjoy it more than ever now. It tastes sweeter than I remember in the past.

So, I have found that our taste can definitely change if we make up our mind to it. I am enjoying my new way of eating and my body likes it too.

That's what is important.