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Question about Sodium and Fat intake???

kbairdphillips
kbairdphillips Posts: 275 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
It has taken me a while, but I have finally figured out how to get my sodium down. I struggled with this for a long while. I now buy everything salt free, low sodium, or heart healthy and I use Mrs. dash seasonings, fage greek yogurt, etc...........So, going over my sodium goal is no longer a problem for me.

My question is how much sodium do we need per day? With my calorie intake, I strive every day to never go under 1200, is there a number that I should never go lower in concerns to sodium intake?

Fat-- Before I realized that my sodium was way to excessive ( I even took sodium off of my diary for a little while so I didn't have to look at it), I bought everything fat free. So fat was never a problem, but with fat free products.......the sodium is ridiculous, so I've opted for light and low sodium instead. But, I seem to go over my fat now. Any tips on how to get my fat intake down. I seem to go over 2-5 per day..

I want to lose weight, 2 lbs per week, but more importantly I want to be healthy. My cholesterol has gone down significantly since last year, it still needs to come down 10 or so points. I need to do this Right!


Thanks for any help you are able to give me! :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • AnnieeR
    AnnieeR Posts: 229
    I personally think it's more important to watch your sodium - fats, *if* they're good fats, can be good for you! And 2-5 grams of fat over is nothing! I'd say stick to the least processed food that you can possibly get (preferably not at all!) - that way you'll know you're getting quality fat and low sodium! :smile:
  • bmontgomery87
    bmontgomery87 Posts: 1,260 Member
    what are your daily fat goals?
    I wouldn't be too concerned with them. Overall calories are going to be the main factor for your weight loss.
    Don't go overboard on fats, but don't avoid them altogether.
  • Naomi91
    Naomi91 Posts: 892 Member
    Yes I would also say sodium is way more important to watch. Fat free products are also usually overly processed as well and some are even stripped of their good fats and added in sugars. Fat is not bad for you. Fat wont make you fat if you go over! Low fat diets are not the way to go :]

    you are doing wonderful!
  • evertongirl
    evertongirl Posts: 120 Member
    try to reduce prepared food (anything that has been premade /has flavouring ) in your diet and your sodium will drop dramatically - stick to food that is natural as possible - fruit and veg, make your own sauces etc

    I had to stop eating any foods with additives for health reasons and its made my sodium really low :)
  • fitniknik
    fitniknik Posts: 713 Member
    you need to have fat to survive. Fat surrounds all of the connections in your brain and keeps you running. I go over on fat every day :( and sometimes sodium. I dont freak out about it though because thats not going to kill you. Drink your water! tons of it!
    I have my weekly weight loss set at 1lb per week. I have hit just one plateau that lasted 3 weeks, otherwise I have been losing 1, 1.5. and 2 lbs per week on a random basis. Dont starve yourself! Give your body food to keep yourself going. Eat "real foods" Im not always good at that either but I feel like I have to eat what im craving sometimes or I will binge hard core!
    Good luck!
  • e1lindsay
    e1lindsay Posts: 230
    it's best to eat natural food products....you need at least a little fat in your system each day. Processed foods are PACKED with sodium. I find on the day i prepare all my own food, i eat less sodium. I'm trying to avoid anything that comes in a box or a bag these days...
  • Goal_Seeker_1988
    Goal_Seeker_1988 Posts: 1,619 Member
    With trying to cut down on eating fat first of all aim for 20 grams a day for optimum weightloss. The reason why I say 20 grams a day is bc that's what I was taught when I was in T.O.P.S which I lost 75lbs thru. Second yes too much sodium is bad. I am no expert on the subject So I can't tell ya how many grams a day is okay. however, I would also be lookin @ your carb intake as well to lose 2 lbs a week. If you cut it back by 100 grams a day then you should see the results. If your sodium intake is a little higher drink extra water to flush it out.

    Now if you are eating healthy fats such as nuts then don't stress the amount of fat. Bottom line: Eat clean and you shouldn't have to worry alot about any of it. It's mostly not the fat or sodium that's gonna "get ya" it's mainly the carbs bc of the way they are broken down in your pancres or whatever. Fat head explained it really really well.
This discussion has been closed.