Unless stated otherwise, some foods — like cottage cheese, for example — are factored into the nutritional analysis using a generic average. Other times named products are used and the nutritional analysis was done using that specific product. The sodium content of products is all over the map, so be very careful about making substitutions.

When a choice is given between two ingredients in a recipe in this book, the nutritional analysis was done using the first ingredient. Oftentimes, the ingredient will be one from a recipe in this book. In that instance, the nutritional analysis information for the portion used is what was used to calculate the entire recipe. Therefore, if you plan to substitute a commercial ingredient, consult that ingredient's recipe for the nutritional analysis so that you can make an accurate comparison, and adjust the recipe accordingly, if necessary.

The same thing applies to named ingredients. For example, Hellmann's or Best Foods mayonnaise is a named brand mentioned in several recipes. That doesn't mean you can't substitute another brand; however, you should consult the sodium content for the brand you have on hand or wish to use as the substitute to ensure that it isn't higher in sodium than the ingredient suggested in a recipe.

When a recipe calls for a food prepared from another recipe in this book, the nutritional analysis includes that food in the counts.

NutriBase IV Clinical program was used to calculate the nutritional analysis for the recipes in this book. Named brand products are used when it's essential to do so to give an accurate reading of the nutritional analysis for the recipe. As already stated, that doesn't mean you can't substitute other similar ingredients. It does, however, mean that you need to be careful about checking the package to make sure you're not adding something that's higher in sodium.