The hidden evil of low cal

mgreenham
mgreenham Posts: 40 Member
in Food and Nutrition
So now that I have become fairly proficient with MFP, I changed around the items being tracked and reported. In my case along with calories fat, and protein, I have added cholesterol and sodium.

So the hidden evil of low calorie seems to be they REALLY pump up the sodium levels to some pretty crazy levels, especially when eating out. I know they do it to add flavor but DAMN

Losing weight and a better lifestyle are a means to the goal of getting off BP and cholesterol meds... now there is just another layer of complexity to this whole equation.

Replies

  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    So now that I have become fairly proficient with MFP, I changed around the items being tracked and reported. In my case along with calories fat, and protein, I have added cholesterol and sodium.

    So the hidden evil of low calorie seems to be they REALLY pump up the sodium levels to some pretty crazy levels, especially when eating out. I know they do it to add flavor but DAMN

    Losing weight and a better lifestyle are a means to the goal of getting off BP and cholesterol meds... now there is just another layer of complexity to this whole equation.
    Yes. Weigh and cook fresh food.
  • Game8
    Game8 Posts: 442
    Eating high amounts of sodium CONSISTENTLY has no negative effects on your health. It's the fluctuation in sodium intake that causes things like high blood pressure, water retention and kidney/ liver problems.
  • Firefox7275
    Firefox7275 Posts: 2,040 Member
    Buy natural food not products, problem solved.
  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    Eating high amounts of sodium CONSISTENTLY has no negative effects on your health. It's the fluctuation in sodium intake that causes things like high blood pressure, water retention and kidney/ liver problems.
    Unfortunately it does on mine. But I've lived over two and a half times as long as you have.
  • Game8
    Game8 Posts: 442

    Unfortunately it does on mine. But I've lived over two and a half times as long as you have.

    Yes, I would say having a pre-existing condition is an exception to this rule.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    I'm not a fan of any "low cal" products, I prefer whole foods, or smaller quantities of the real stuff.

    However, if sodium is an issue for you, one thing you can do is increase your intake of dietary potassium. Potassium counterbalances sodium so that you don't get the bloating, and can help with blood pressure associated with the bloating. The thing is, potassium is not required to be listed on food labels, so it's more challenging to find foods that are potassium-rich. If you search the database and use the MFP 'official' entries, those without a preceding asterisk, those have potassium listed. My potassium hit list includes spinach, lentils, sweet potatoes, squash, milk, eggs, and lots of other whole foods. Whatever you do though, do NOT take any potassium supplements without consulting with a doctor. It's nearly impossible to overdo potassium through food, but the supplements can be very dangerous. Good luck.

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