Hello, and a question about sodium.

jeremyblaylock

Hello, I just wanted to stop in and say hello to everybody.

Just a little backstory on my goal. I am 38 years old, 6'4" and currently weight 240.5. I was in the Airforce for six year back in 2001-2007 and during the time from them till now I went from 218 to my current weight.

I'm looking to join back into the Air National Guard in 2 months and I either need to get my BMI down to 25% or down under 225lbs. If i go by BMI i would have to be 207lbs, so my goal is 220 atm. I just started my plan about 10 days ago and I've already dropped from 245.5 to 240.5.

I've set my MFP at the highest weight loss per week, and so far I've been under my calorie goal (even well under some days).

I haven't changed my diet too much, except for my lunch which I replaced with a Lean Body Meal Replacement shake, and started eating Special K Protein cereal for breakfast instead of Pop-Tarts (I LOVE those things!). Also, started drinking at least 8 cups of water a day.

Now since I'll be going back into the Military I know I'll be required to pass a run, pushups, and situps test once I get settled back in. Currently, I'm doing about an hour of cardio each day and working on chest and abs twice a week.

One of my concerns is that since I have dropped my sugary foods down I tend to replace them with more savory foods, which maybe lower in calories, they are generally much higher in Sodium. I have read that sodium prevents water loss, so should I be overly concerned with my sodium intake as well? Currently, I'm taking in about 500-750mg more than suggested by MFP.

Anyway, that's my story...I enjoy reading all of the experiences from others here and it's nice to feel apart of a community in this journey.

-Jeremy

ms_smartypants

1st off thanks for your service ....2nd congrats on your weightloss so far ....sodium is only a problem if you have health problems .... I don't have any medical problems but I don't like a lot of salt ....I use a lot of garlic , garlic powder and Mrs. Dash spices along with other spices that don't require a lot of salt .....If your body retains salt then I would cut back ....wishing you much success ...feel free to add me

jeremyblaylock

ms_smartypants wrote: »

1st off thanks for your service ....2nd congrats on your weightloss so far ....sodium is only a problem if you have health problems .... I don't have any medical problems but I don't like a lot of salt ....I use a lot of garlic , garlic powder and Mrs. Dash spices along with other spices that don't require a lot of salt .....If your body retains salt then I would cut back ....wishing you much success ...feel free to add me

Thanks for you kind words! I don't know of any health issues I have concerning sodium, but maybe I'll try your method and use some non-sodium based spices or garlic to liven things up.

Thanks again!

ms_smartypants

you are more than welcome

bored_geek

It looks like much of the research on dietary sodium comes from trials involving hypertension (high blood pressure -- source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sodium-salt-and-you). I haven't identified any research on sodium intake with exercise: the 2,300 figure assumes some mild exertion, but if you're doing a lot of cardio and sweating (as sweat contains sodium), going over 2,300 will likely not be detrimental.

In addition, the cardiovascular benefits of exercise (in terms of reducing risk of mortality) far outweigh detriments of salt intake - so you're way better off exercising and having a bit more salt than you are reducing salt and remaining sedentary.

jeremyblaylock

bored_geek wrote: »

It looks like much of the research on dietary sodium comes from trials involving hypertension (high blood pressure -- source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sodium-salt-and-you). I haven't identified any research on sodium intake with exercise: the 2,300 figure assumes some mild exertion, but if you're doing a lot of cardio and sweating (as sweat contains sodium), going over 2,300 will likely not be detrimental.

In addition, the cardiovascular benefits of exercise (in terms of reducing risk of mortality) far outweigh detriments of salt intake - so you're way better off exercising and having a bit more salt than you are reducing salt and remaining sedentary.

Awesome, thanks for the info!