Sodium Shock!

I don't restrict sodium, and tbh, I don't really care how much I consume... but when I don't eat anything from a can or lunch meat, I tend to be around or under 1500. It's really important to make stuff from scratch to lower sodium. Also, I don't know about your condition specifically, but in general the balance between sodium and potassium is supposed to be more important than the absolute number, so you could talk to your doctor about whether increasing potassium could offset the sodium difficulties. I was under 1k before my protein shake today and my diary is open... I had butternut squash roasted with pine nuts and sage and garlic and lean ground beef, a half dozen oatmeal muffins, tofu based mousse (not that good, but tofu is probably a good option for a low sodium food).

Pinterest could probably help you out!

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Sodium shock is right. I have been on a low sodium diet for 2 yrs due to high BP and this is what you should know. There is a lot of hidden salt in foods, even your basic tap water. Check your labels constantly as there was an item I would treat myself to once a week and a few years ago it had only 12% of daily sodium. I just happened to look at it again a few months ago and it is up to 24% daily sodium intake. I started fixing my own food and bringing it to work for lunch. Stay away from turkey legs as they have sodium injected into them so ignore the "turkey is good for you" talk. No hot dogs, chinese food is out and eating in most restaurants is out unless you have a salad with oil and vinegar on the side. Salt is used as a preservative for food and it helps the restaurants keep their food longer therefore cost is lowered the more salt they use. I have learned to make my own pizza and it only takes me about 15 min to cut up everything and 15 min in the oven. Load it up with vegets and skim mozz cheese. Family loves it and they dont realize it is good for them. I do cook very lean ground beef or I put cut up chicken breast meat on it. I have learned to make a lot of things and leave out the salt. I never used salt on my foods before and was shocked when my BP became an issue. I did eat out a lot, especially fast foods, and this is where I loaded up on sodium I guess. So now its more vegetables and love sweet potatoe fries. Get frozen vegets and fries frozen. I also found canned tuna with no additional salt added at central market. Drink plenty of bottled water to flush out the sodium. Get used to eating at home a lot. It is better than eating at the hospital. My BP has caused me a few trips there over the past 2 yrs. No fun.

I'm not tracking my sodium for health reasons, but it's on my macros to look at as I follow how it affects my weight loss.

I found that all restaurant food is super high in sodium, as are processed foods--and definitely deli meats. I try to cook a lot of my own food, or buy Trader Joe's stuff. Even their "reduced guilt" which is their low fat options are pretty low in sodium (comparatively to other "low fat" stuff).

Cheese tends to be high as well.

I've been watching my sodium, too, and definitely cut back on anything processed. I have had to be very diligent in reading labels and have found lower sodium replacements for some of my regular foods. As far as eggs go, really lift the lids and read each brand's nutritional info. I have found eggs that were lower in sodium than others just by really digging in and looking around the dairy case. One thing that was a huge disappointment to me was how much sodium is in a couple of Claussen pickle slices for sandwiches. It was like 500mg or something for 2 slices!! Totally bummed me out. Now I just use some thinly sliced cucumber with a touch of vinegar to try and get that crunch I like on my sandwich.

Another thing to think about is, when you're using the database here, you have to check and double check that the nutritional info listed here is the same as what is on the item you're eating. When possible, I don't use anything generic and input the information for the actual brand I'm using. Some things are just plain listed wrong on here, too, just be a super sleuth about it. Good luck to you!!

One more thing, I am not great about it every day but, feel free to check out my diary and see what kinds of things I've been eating. Some days are better than others but, you may find some good info there. I'm still trying to find that happy place for sodium but have drastically changed what I was eating from the beginning of my journey here.

I know this is not what the thread is about, but are you saying that eggs nutrition facts are under the lid of the carton? Maybe I'm just dumb but I have NEVER been able to find them. I thought they just didn't print the nutrition facts...

Good for you to keep an eye on it, it's surprising where sodium hangs out. Lots of processed foods have sodium, but so do other foods that I've always thought were healthy. I think cottage cheese was one of my eye openers.

After I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, I went into shock when I saw sodium levels. Never much thought about what I was eating. I loved pizza and thought nothing of eating two slices and hot sausage? I could eat three. 920 mg sodium each. Who knew? And the chicken parm and baked ziti I had at least once a week at work? 3500 mg. Unbelievable.

I am a salt addict. I consume it daily in everything. My blood pressure is normal to low. My family doctor advises
that a good amount of the population is not affected in any way by sodium consumption.

I fall into that category. Thank God.

My choice if its salty or sweet, I choose salty every time.

...Ron...

Also... if you did want to add table salt to things... use sea salt. It actually has less sodium. That's all me and my mother keep at our house.

i stopped eating out most of the time so I can control my sodium intake, so that helps a lot. also, you have to read labels make certain things yourself instead of using a pre-packaged mix. and make your own soup, it tastes much better anyway!

avoid processed, packaged, and convenience foods. When dining out, request no added salt, and try to found out what other seasonings and marinades are used that could be hiding sodium. Forget fast food. I eat frozen veggies instead of canned. Products labled reduced fat or "lite" are usually higher in sodium because they have to do something to make up for the taste. Google DASH diet and you will probably be able to find lots of ideas. I add salt to nothing and use Mrs Dash and McCormick perfect pinch to season my dishes. I know it's tough, good luck.