Scoop on sodium: Some of the easiest foods to serve kids are also the salties

Scoop on sodium- Some of the easiet food to serve kids are also the saltiest

Soup, pizza, sandwiches -- these are some of the easiest foods to serve kids -- but they're also the saltiest. Registered dietitian, Erica Cleven, joins Real Milwaukee with the scoop on sodium.

“Kid Food” with the Highest Sodium Content

Recommendations: No more than 2300mg of sodium per day

Facts per CDC:

Children get most of their sodium from processed foods and meals eaten away from home (restaurants)

More than 90 percent of U.S. children aged 6-18 years eat more sodium than recommended, about 3,300 mg per day. Puts them at risk for developing high blood pressure and heart disease later in life

Almost half of sodium comes from the 10 foods they eat most often: pizza, breads, processed meats, salty snacks, sandwiches, cheese, chicken patties/nuggets/tenders, pasta mixed dishes, Mexican mixed dishes, and soups.

Cheese

Pizza

Soup

Chicken nuggets

Chicken Tenders

1 lb.                Boneless skinless chicken tenders

1 large           Egg

¼ cup            Whole wheat bread crumbs

¼ cup            Grated parmesan cheese

¼ tsp              Paprika

¼ tsp              Garlic powder

Pinch             Salt

Cooking spray or olive oil mister

Directions:

**Placing the chicken on a rack allows heat to circulate underneath it, making the breading crispy, not soggy, on the bottom.

Chicken Mexicali Soup

1 teaspoon canola oil

½      cup chopped onion

1       clove garlic, minced

1       can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1       can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1       cup frozen corn

1       can (4.5 ounces) green chilies

1       can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

2       tablespoons dried cilantro flakes

1       tablespoon chili powder

1       tablespoon cumin

2       cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

1       cup cooked brown rice

1       tablespoon lime juice

Optional toppings: Guacamole, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes