Preparando

Mask Mistakes You’re Making Now

You likely have hand-washing down pat. To keep germs at bay and help your mask do its job, wash your hands or use 60%-alcohol hand sanitizer before putting it on and anytime you need to adjust it on your face. Handle your mask by the loops or ties — don’t touch the front or your face. To take it off, grab the ear loops or untie the strings, bottom ties first. Then clean your hands again.

It may be brand-new, but many things have touched your latest mask before you get it, especially if it’s handmade. So wash it in hot water (160 F) with residue-free detergent or soap. Rinse it well with fresh water. Then hang to dry. Or soak your mask for 5 minutes in a quart of water with 2 tablespoons of bleach, or a gallon with a third of a cup of bleach.

Soup

It’s delicious on a cold day, but it’s often high in sodium. One cup (8 ounces) of tomato soup can have anywhere from 700 to 1,260 milligrams. Buy low-sodium versions of your favorites instead. Or make your own and flavor with herbs and spices.

BreadIt doesn’t taste salty, but it’s got plenty of it. One slice of white bread has between 80 and 230 milligrams. The next time you make a sandwich, reach for whole-grain bread, an English muffin, or a tortilla to cut back on sodium. You can also eat your sandwich “open-faced” with just one slice.

Pickled Foods and Their JuicesKimchi, sauerkraut, and other pickled or brined foods often pack plenty of sodium. Three ounces of pickle juice has about 900 milligrams, depending on the brand. Try to limit the amount of pickled foods you eat. And try marinades made from vinegar, pineapple juice, or citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. They add a tart flavor with less sodium.

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Restaurant Food

The shrimp fried rice at your favorite spot might be amazing, but it’s likely full of sodium. Research suggests most of the sodium in U.S. diets comes from restaurant and packaged foods. Look for low-sodium menu options or ask the chef to make your meal without salt. Try other flavors instead, like lemon juice on fish and veggies. Most adults should eat no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. That’s one teaspoon.

Frozen Meals

They’re fast and convenient. But they’re also loaded with sodium, so it’s best to avoid them. If you need something quick every once in a while, look for options with 600 milligrams of sodium or less.

Salty Snacks

Most chips, crackers, and popcorn are high in sodium. For instance, a 1-ounce serving of plain potato chips has about 50-200 milligrams. Try low- or no-sodium nuts, seeds, chips, or pretzels when cravings hit. Or try fresh carrots or celery sticks for a satisfying crunch.