I think I hate salt.

JulieBoolee
JulieBoolee Posts: 4 Member
edited November 13 in Food and Nutrition
Mostly because I love it so much.

I've been continually blowing my salt intake, and obviously I don't know many low sodium foods. Can anyone give me some foods that aren't just fruits and veggies? As much as I love those, I gotta eat other things too. Thank yoooou. :)

Replies

  • adamitri
    adamitri Posts: 614 Member
    I find that making my own meals help keep my salt intake in control. Most things are made with tons of salt. Are you asking for like specific food items low low sodium cheese or you looking for something like meal plans?
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I love salt and don't limit it because my blood pressure runs to the low side. But I think most of our salt intake usually comes from processed foods. So to limit it, think 'home made'. Meat, produce, whole grains. A little kosher salt sprinkled on top gives a lot more flavor than the salt 'hidden' inside used in the processing, or so they say.

    And find other spices and seasonings you love-- curry powders, herbs, peppers, lemon, etc.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    To over-simplify, processed foods have too much salt, and basic foods have hardly any. All your meats other than processed meats for instance, are low salt. Same with milk.

    To really cut your salt intake, do your own cooking and don't add salt to your soups, gravies, and stews.

    Stay away from salty snackies like pretzels and chips.

    I think most ordinary breads are low in salt. Check the labels.

    Do you have a medical reason to curtail your salt intake?
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited February 2015
    WalkingAlong wrote: »
    I love salt and don't limit it because my blood pressure runs to the low side. But I think most of our salt intake usually comes from processed foods. So to limit it, think 'home made'. Meat, produce, whole grains. A little kosher salt sprinkled on top gives a lot more flavor than the salt 'hidden' inside used in the processing, or so they say.

    And find other spices and seasonings you love-- curry powders, herbs, peppers, lemon, etc.

    I agree with all this.

    However, I admit that I'm skeptical about the sodium recommendations in that it's claimed that most Americans get most of their sodium from processed foods, and yet if I were to log salt tossed in during the cooking process (I never salt anything otherwise, but using salt in cooking as well as other spices and herbs is how I learned to cook and I believe it improves the overall taste), I suspect I'd be over my sodium limit, and I don't use insane amounts and don't eat much non-homemade food.

    At any rate, I suspect that by eating mostly homemade food my sodium intake is quite a bit lower than average, and I also eat lots of potassium containing foods and do exercise that results in sweat, so I don't, well, sweat it. I just wonder if there's really a reason to have the limit where it is.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    @lemurcat12, my dad warns me that salt consumption does become an issue as we age, because of the extra burden on our kidneys.
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    WalkingAlong wrote: »
    I love salt and don't limit it because my blood pressure runs to the low side. But I think most of our salt intake usually comes from processed foods. So to limit it, think 'home made'. Meat, produce, whole grains. A little kosher salt sprinkled on top gives a lot more flavor than the salt 'hidden' inside used in the processing, or so they say.

    And find other spices and seasonings you love-- curry powders, herbs, peppers, lemon, etc.

    I agree with all this.

    However, I admit that I'm skeptical about the sodium recommendations in that it's claimed that most Americans get most of their sodium from processed foods, and yet if I were to log salt tossed in during the cooking process, I suspect I'd be over my sodium limit, and I don't use insane amounts and don't eat much non-homemade food.

    At any rate, I suspect that by eating mostly homemade food my sodium intake is quite a bit lower than average, and I also eat lots of potassium containing foods and do exercise that results in sweat, so I don't, well, sweat it. I just wonder if there's really a reason to have the limit where it is.

    This. I don't have a problem with my blood pressure at all. I just don't worry about it. I love salt. I don't love what it sometimes does to the scale, but drinking a lot of water helps that. I don't track it.

  • JulieBoolee
    JulieBoolee Posts: 4 Member
    My blood pressure is a little high, and I don't really want to make things worse. I am also TERRIBLE at drinking water, so I feel like all this together makes for a difficult relationship with salt.

    The good news is I'm not a terrible cook, and creating my own recipes is on my to-do list for life. My problem lies in snacking, especially at work since I work such long ridiculous hours. I guess I'm curious if there are some low sodium pre packaged snacks I can find at a grocery store somewhere.

    Thank you for all your input!
  • sycokid666
    sycokid666 Posts: 23 Member
    If you find out let me know please . and how much is too much over ? My sodium intake on the app is set for 2300 i have seen it gone over sometimes 2600 .. I'm still not sure if that is a lot or not .
  • HeySwoleSister
    HeySwoleSister Posts: 1,938 Member
    Put together little snack sized pre-weighed portions of unsalted raw almonds or other nuts. I am a big grazer, so I actually put half an ounce in each bag, if I eat them slowly, I find the protein and healthy fat in the almonds really satisfies my nibbles at a very low calorie "price."

    Prepackaged crackery snacks are almost always going to be high in sodium and carbohydrates, with little to no other macro or micro nutrient value. The low sodium ones are out there, but most of the time there is a BIG flavor sacrifice. The base foods are just too bland without salt in most cases. So, while I know you didn't want the fruit and veg suggestion, they really are your best bet for low-sodium, non calorie dense foods. If they feel sad and unsatisfying as a snack, bring along a little tub of hummus or greek yogurt dip for extra flavor and protein, that goes a long way to making your snack more satisfying.

    Some people on the board have mentioned that nutritional yeast on air popped popcorn is a good nibbly snack that can satisfy the craving for something salty. Not sure about the sodium grams on that, though.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Greek yogurt, add your own fruit, makes a good snack and is low sodium.
  • kelseyg22
    kelseyg22 Posts: 36 Member
    I have to keep a low sodium diet for my health concerns. I have found several snacks but one of my all time faves is skinny pop white cheddar popcorn. (not in all grocery stores but can be found in the chip aisle). 95g. of sodium for 3.5 cups of popcorn!!! so yummy!
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Less processed foods equal less sodium.
  • kelseyg22
    kelseyg22 Posts: 36 Member
    special k pastry crisps (strawberry is my favorite - tastes like a poptart). 80mg. and easy to grab and eat on the run.
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