Is it normal to crave salt when you first start changing eating habits???

Michellekutz1

I have been watching my calories, trying to eat nonprocessed carbs, lowering my sugar intake...and I am craving salt like crazy!! Is that normal? Olive, Pickles, vinegar anything tart or salty I want it, and I have been going over my sodium each day....just wondering if it has happened to others?

DAM5412

Yep and for some diets (keto/LC) you need to actually increase your salt intake. Cravings in general, especially during the first days of a dietary change, are normal and sometimes distracting. Just set your plan, eat consciously and pay attention to how you feel. Best of luck!

SueInAz

As long as you don't need to watch your sodium for medical reasons I wouldn't worry about it for the short term. Pickles and olives are pretty low calorie so it's not bad to give in to those sorts of foods. Your cravings should subside or even change over time.

obscuremusicreference

SueInAz wrote: »

As long as you don't need to watch your sodium for medical reasons I wouldn't worry about it for the short term. Pickles and olives are pretty low calorie so it's not bad to give in to those sorts of foods. Your cravings should subside or even change over time.

Very true. And the worst that will happen is you'll gain water weight (assuming you don't have a medical reason to avoid sodium).

I eat pickles when I want chips.

jillianajones

I had this happen as well, and I hadn't even thought to attribute it to changing my diet. My problem is my salt craving means I want chips. Like I do right now.

Torontonius

You may want to get your thyroid checked. Salt cravings could suggest low thyroid as most salt is iodized, and iodine is key to thyroid function.

RiseandGrind77

yes I did crave salt as well, took me about 2 weeks before the cravings went away

Kalikel

That's a new one for me. I dunno.

It would be better to add table salt to your food than to go back to high-sodium, processed foods. Better still, just kick your craving and get used to less salt. The MFP setting may be set too high. Many doctors are suggesting 1500 instead of 2300 now, even for people who haven't yet developed cardiovascular issues. No reason to wait until you have one to cut back!

Mrs. Dash is a great salt substitute and there are so many flavors. Once you get used to it, you may find you like it more. I do!

angelexperiment

With low carb or keto you need to add in salt. And alot of water. Potassium and magnesium are very imprtant and will keep you from having muscle cramps and if you are sweating alot you need to refill the stores.