Sodium

Sodium is, by far, the hardest thing for me to get under control. Getting over needing the taste was pretty easy and happened quickly, but all processed foods - even the ones labelled "low sodium" - have ridiculously high levels of it. I wish they'd stop that. I get the "why", though. There just aren't enough people who would buy it.

A cardiologist would tell you to keep it under control. The MFP experts will tell you there is no reason to worry about it until after you have a heart attack. "Unless you have a pre-existing heart condition or something, there is no reason to worry about going over your sodium limit."

Soup, frozen dinners, deli meats and diet pop all had so much that I have all but eliminated them. I slip sometimes, but I'm pretty good about it.

If I'm ever successful at being 100% good with my sodium, I'll let you know.

Sodium is my worst enemy. I can eat TERRIBLE all day and somehow be under on sodium and lose weight. I can eat PERFECT another day and go a hair over in sodium and gain 3 lbs. All this while drinking plenty of water and exercising at least 3 days a week. I retain fluid like a camel, so I have to watch my sodium pretty closely. Basically I try to keep it under 2000mg but that does NOT always happen.

I would say keep doing what you are doing. Cutting out processed foods, diet sodas, soups, lunch meats, etc will definitely help. If you don't retain fluid as bad as I do, then you shouldn't worry too much other than maybe cutting out the things I just mentioned. If you do, then just know you are not alone in this one. It's a constant battle for me.

I also have a problems keeping my sodium where it is supposed to be. Like you all I don't eat canned soups and I don't add salt to anything! I also can eat not so great and my sodium levels be low that day and eat really well the next and my sodium levels be up. I also work out at least 5 times a week. I could do better about drinking water but that is something I am working on now. I also retain water and I know not to weigh myself during my TOM. I have also asked others for suggestions with sodium. I try not to worry and stress over because that wouldn't do me any good either. haha!

I've been keeping an eye on my sodium levels, too. Most everything has some amount of sodium in it. Since you don't add extra salt to your food, that's a huge win. I've been really reading the sodium levels in the foods I consume, and making adjustments to my meals. It seems 'light' foods have a higher sodium content. My new favorite lower sodium snack are Lara bars.

Lifestyle-related diseases are on both sides of my family, so by controlling my sodium levels now, I'm hoping for long term wins health-wise.

Yes! The diet foods all have ridiculously high sodium!

Everything processed has high levels of sodium. I found a 45 calorie, fat-free turkey hot dog that tastes good...but have it and a pickle and it's mostly water the rest of the day, lol.

When they tell you that to eat healthy, you need to around the store and not in the aisles, they aren't kidding.

It just sucks how there is no healthy processed food, lol.