Anyone here have a sodium/crunchy problem? Is it just me?

essjay76

I read a lot about people struggling with carbs, hating to do the Atkins/Paleo/low carb stuff, but I am just not there. I read about how people have to cut out white rice, bread, pasta, sugar, baked goods, cookies, muffins, etc. but I am not one of those people. However, I do have a big problem with protein and sodium! I struggle to get starch in! (I'm not talking about just carbs, because I eat a lot of fruit... I'm talking about starches more like it.

I really don't crave sweets and can do without them, but I have a horrible problem with sodium and salty crunchy things. I don't know if it's just my background (I am asian) or my personal tastes, but I always need something salty and crunchy in my day (which turns to chips). With that said, I'm heavy handed on my salt and tend to add too much when I cook.

I need help combatting this, I need ideas to help me make my diet more low in sodium. My father had a heart attack at the tender age of 55 (high blood pressure, due to genetics and lots of salty crap) and he's in great shape (runs marathons, etc). I take after him.

I am an avid runner and I know I need to eat more carbs.

Anyone else in the same boat?

ThaRealNicki

cannot give advice because im in the same boat just wanted to let you know im the same as you! and i love cheesey stuff too! sweets i can definitley live without until ToM comes around and even then I can manage without half the time lol

I dont know what it is but I hope for some good advice because salt and vinegar chips are my thing!

VonRockette

I am like you! I love a salty, crunchy snack. I resort to air popped popcorn, kale chips , popcorn chips and homemade dry roasted chick peas (those help A LOT!) if I need something. I don't season anything with salt anymore, I just use Mrs.Dash herbs or fresh herbs. Took a while to get used to. It's definitely a weening process and I have my free day where I get my Cheezit fix!

Eveamlizya

I used to be the same way then I decided to get off the salt thing and just went cold turkey one day and never looked back. I never add salt to anything really anymore. Even french fries I'd rather them be plain now if I have them (as a teenager, my friends used to say "looks like it's snowing in fryville" or "would you like some fries with that salt?"). Now, I can't go without sweets so I have to find low cal sweets that will curb the craving (fiber one brownies and truvia packets for my coffee are my best friends).

andreabrightside

I am like you! I love a salty, crunchy snack. I resort to air popped popcorn, kale chips , popcorn chips and homemade dry roasted chick peas (those help A LOT!) if I need something. I don't season anything with salt anymore, I just use Mrs.Dash herbs or fresh herbs. Took a while to get used to. It's definitely a weening process and I have my free day where I get my Cheezit fix!

Solid advice here. Find some crunchy snacks that are at least somewhat healthy.

A bit of salt is OK and frankly most sodium comes from processed/packaged foods (rather than sprinkling it on yourself).

The suggestion about going cold turkey for a bit is a really good one. You'll learn to notice flavours more (or find it bland, but you'll get used to it). Once you stop noticing that food tastes bland, start adding a little salt to your own cooking. It does wonders to bring out the flavours but you just need a pinch rather than a spoonful. (I have sea salt in a grinder, and usually 2-3 turns of the grinder is enough salt for most recipes).