frustrating...

Ljc3

I am at about 900 calories and the day is almost done. I know I cant make it a habit to stop here because of the possibility of slowing my metabolism...but I just cant bring myself to go eat more. Im trying to lose weight lol- not gain! Im in trouble because I ate too much. Now I dont want to eat the minimum. Now im seeing dozens of posts about sodium. Does this make me the only person on a diet left that still puts salt on PRACTICALLY EVERYTHING? yikes! Im dreading weigh day now..monday..booooo

Ljc3

Is sodium really thhaaat bad?

tammyquinnlmt

depends on if you have a tendency to hold water. I do..so for me sodium can be detrimental.

MyaPapaya75

sodium was horrible for me.....gain gain all the way around ..bloated etc

sweetiebelle

If you want to continue to us salt switch to sea salt. You will see yourself using less. Its better for you.

WifeMomDVM

yes, sodium can be THAT bad for you, it leads fluid retention which can then increase your blood pressure, which can damage your vasculature and put a huge strain on your kidneys. Yes, it can be bad. Try to keep it under 1500 mg /day, which is the American Heart Association's recommendation.

And drinking LOTS more water does not negate the fact if you eat too much salt! While drinking water does help "flush" out your body. Alot of salt + alot of water = alot of fluid volume in the body.

sister_bear

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284

"Sodium: Essential in small amounts

Your body needs some sodium to function properly because it:

* Helps maintain the right balance of fluids in your body
* Helps transmit nerve impulses
* Influences the contraction and relaxation of muscles

Your kidneys naturally balance the amount of sodium stored in your body for optimal health. When your sodium levels are low, your kidneys essentially hold on to the sodium. When sodium levels are high, your kidneys excrete the excess in urine.

But if for some reason your kidneys can't eliminate enough sodium, the sodium starts to accumulate in your blood. Because sodium attracts and holds water, your blood volume increases. Increased blood volume makes your heart work harder to move more blood through your blood vessels, which increases pressure in your arteries. Such diseases as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease can make it hard for your kidneys to keep sodium levels balanced. "

Sezmo83

I sitll use salt on certain things so you're definitely not the only one who still uses it. I've yet to be convinced that it is possible to eat chips (or fries if you're american) without salt.

Ljc3

Wow! I had no idea it was that deep. Thanks for some really informative responses. I guess I should stop adding salt, since practically everything has a ton of sodium as is. Also- what about water pills? Whats the opinion on those?

VRoseDuda

I HAVE to have salt to keep my blood pressure up...BUT, the sodium you may add from a shaker is no where near the amount in packaged foods. I eat somewhat clean...try not to eat too much packaged stuff which is part of the reason I have to add salt. If you eliminate frozen meals, canned soups etc. you should be OK

Sta83cy

Instead of salt use spices, they add a lot more flavor and then you don't worry about the sodium and it's really good on french fries and vegetables. I like using different stuff like garlic, italian seasoning, there's a parmesan one that i like from mccormick. if you look at the spices you can find a ton of different ideas.

Nailrep

Sodium only causes temporary weight spikes due to water retention. I retain water terribly. I retain water if I eat too much sodium. I retain water after I work out. I retain water once a month, blah blah.

If I eat somethng for dinner that's high in sodium, I do not weigh in the next day. So, if I weigh in on Friday, I will eat clean all day on Thursday - with no sodas.