In the red...How do I decrease the amounts in red?

mrniceguy84
mrniceguy84 Posts: 25 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey

Maybe a stupid question...but Id like to know how I can decrease amounts in the red. As day progressses I have over eaten some of these nutrients and whatnot in the food and drinks etc...I want to decrease the sodium and cholesterol...can anyone tell me what to do?

Thanks!

Replies

  • javamom
    javamom Posts: 309
    I try to have foods in my "bag of tricks" that I know are primarily carbs, or protein, or fiber, etc. I often rack up my fat grams quickly. I often have to have things that are mostly carbs or mostly protein at the end of the day to stay in the green. For example, hot chocolate is almost all carbs. An easy thing for me to add at the end of the day if I am over in other areas. If you are going over in sodium, the easiest thing to do is skip the processed foods (frozen meals, restaurant meals, red sauces, etc.). It is challenging, but not impossible. Also, try planning your food the night before and see where you can make adjustments. I look at it like a budget plan - I play around adding and deleting foods until I have a day of food I can live with for the next day. Not always, but when I am trying really hard to stay in the green in all the areas. Good luck! Don't worry - drink extra water to flush the sodium!
  • ltlhmom
    ltlhmom Posts: 1,202 Member
    You just need to plan ahead. Meal planning. Plug your food in if you are over in sodium etc don't eat that food you choose to eat and pick something else. Sodium will not go down as that is what you are alloted for the day but if you get exercise in and you are over on carbs, Fat, or protein you could change how much you are over by. If you are just starting out I think this is something to work towards don't make yourself crazy as you are making a lot of changes. Just set goals for yourself. As you go you will know what are better food or drink choose! I hope that helps!
  • jesslaur75
    jesslaur75 Posts: 75 Member
    Unfortunately, the site doesn't take into account your exercise that brings down your cholesterol. Just do a little research online and you can find out what exercise does to help bring down the cholesterol you eat during the day.
    As far as sodium, if you are eating a lot of pre-prepared meals there will be a lot of sodium in them. It's best to make your own meals if you want to keep your sodium levels low.
  • CarolHudson11
    CarolHudson11 Posts: 372
    Sodium is a really easy one for me. I make 90% of my food at home and that way I can control how much salt is actually in it. The rest is a little harder for me, and I'm over on my fats more than I would like a lot of the time. I tend to be a little lower on the protein, as well. It's a balancing-act, for sure!
  • kermode
    kermode Posts: 18
    There is SO much sodium in prepared foods because it is a great preservative. Trying to limit prepared foods and sticking to more fresh produce and meats would be your best bet in my opinion. If you are over on protein I wouldn't be as concerned, I think it's more of a guide so that you can try to ensure your carbs ans proteins are fairly balanced to eachother.
  • mrniceguy84
    mrniceguy84 Posts: 25 Member
    Thanks guys....it really helps...with this finally being the one thing im into...i get concerned with the red...now i have some pointers to help me out...
  • MegJo
    MegJo Posts: 398 Member
    I plan out everything I'm going to eat when I first wake up. I pick and choose what foods I'm in the mood for that day and then I know if I'm heavy on carbs or fats I can delete foods and add different ones. Then its like a map for the rest of the day- I know what foods I'm allowed to eat. When I get hungry I can just look at my food diary and see what I have left to eat, that way I can spread it out throughout the day.

    Good luck!
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