Helpful tips for reducing sodium in one's diet

frostbight
frostbight Posts: 1 Member
edited November 15 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi there, looking for some simple tips that might send me in the right direction.

I've been logging my food intake for the past two weeks or so, and have noticed a somewhat disturbing trend. Despite being relatively OK in keeping under my overall caloric goals for a day, my sodium intake is usually 1000mg or more above what is recommended, sometimes more.

I should admit that I work in an environment that makes is very difficult to bring in food that requires refrigeration/heating, and have to rely on either pre-packaged food or eating out for my nutrition. The only meal in the day where I have full control of my food is at night, when I'm at home.

Any ideas on how to keep my salt in check?

Replies

  • kandell
    kandell Posts: 473 Member
    Pre-packaged or processed foods are always going to be higher in sodium. Try substituting the processed things for fresh fruit and see if that helps control the sodium levels.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    eat more whole foods than not.
  • reddz12
    reddz12 Posts: 350 Member
    eat.real.food. :-)
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Salt is a preservative besides tasting good. You will find higher salt content in pre-packaged food. Also sandwich meats. And fast foods.

    To reduce your salt intake you will have to prepare and pre-package at home to take with. I rarely refrigerate my lunch, so I understand the challenge of packaging foods that don't need to be heated or prepared. But it is possible. I have a wide range of disposable plastic containers, mason jars and ziplocs that I fill up for my day at the office.

    I'm about to get a beef roast that I will slice and freeze for meals ahead. You might like to get yourself tortilla wraps to make up sandwiches.
  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    -Try to make your own food for lunch. There are options out there that don't require heating or refrigeration.
    -Choose less-processed snacks, like fruits and veggies. If need, cut them up or wash them the night before and portion them out for the next day.
    -Choose less sodium options when available (some soups, frozen meals, etc. have this option).
    -Look up the info before dining out and choose a lower sodium option.
This discussion has been closed.