Sodium ???

The reality is that blanket statements that you should lower your sodium are simply out of date. The amount of sodium you take in is much less important than the ratio of sodium to potassium. If you get plenty of potassium, sodium will not affect you. And the fact is, much like caffeine, unless you have a known sensitivity to it, it's pretty much a non-issue.

I limit my sodium consumption to 2500mg and usually I don't hit that.

If you want to cut down on sodium, stop eating so much prepackaged food. There is SO MUCH sodium in those foods! I realize that the convenience of those foods (and often the low cost) makes it really difficult to give them up, but you can do it!

Fresh veggies, fruit, meat... If you eat legumes, get dried legumes and cook them yourself. You can cook a whole package all at once and then portion it out and freeze it. That way, you don't have to cook beans for 1.5-2 hrs whenever you need some. There's no sodium in dried beans or chickpeas, yet if you buy them in a can, there's something ridiculous like 30-40% your daily recommended intake of sodium.

Hi,
I've been starting to think a lot about this too. Health Canada says that adults should have about 1500mgs/day, and no more than 2300 (though MFP sets the rate at 2400 for me... ). I've been working on this. On the days I've been under 1000, I've had lots of crunchy greens and veggies. Fruit is very low in sodium. THings like lean protein, (chicken), and not using sauces and the such. I found out yesterday to my horror that though I LOVE feta cheese, the type I had (soaked in brine, which should have been my clue), a 3cm cube had 520 mg of sodium... so it's low in fat, but high in sodium. Soups are extremely high--even homemade ones, if you use any type of oxo cube or anything.
I am going to be working very hard to minimize the sodium---just starting to realize what an issue it is.

I limit my sodium consumption to 2500mg and usually I don't hit that.

If you want to cut down on sodium, stop eating so much prepackaged food. There is SO MUCH sodium in those foods! I realize that the convenience of those foods (and often the low cost) makes it really difficult to give them up, but you can do it!

Fresh veggies, fruit, meat... If you eat legumes, get dried legumes and cook them yourself. You can cook a whole package all at once and then portion it out and freeze it. That way, you don't have to cook beans for 1.5-2 hrs whenever you need some. There's no sodium in dried beans or chickpeas, yet if you buy them in a can, there's something ridiculous like 30-40% your daily recommended intake of sodium.

My lazy canned bean choice is a brand called Eden. No BPA in the lining, no sodium, and good if you want fast results. When I'm organized, I cook my beans from scratch, but I'm not always that good!

I find it best to prepare my food during the weekend. This ensures that I don't go for the processed/packaged food during the week because I'm pressed for time. I'll make a healthy recipe for lunch that usually has 4 servings. I eat that all week and then have one day where I bring leftovers or I eat out. That way, all I have to do is portion out my food for the next day the night before. It takes about 10 minutes and I have a day of healthy meals and snacks.

You can prepare so much in advance and freeze it, it's really very helpful. I hate having to spend a lot of time preparing food during the week, it's such a hassle. I try to keep the dinner preparations to 30 minutes or less of active cooking (I don't really mind putting something in the oven and letting it cook for an hour or two, it's not like I have to watch it the whole time).

It is really hard. Read labels, make homemade food, and fresh fresh fresh! My dad is diabetic and so sodium is a big no, no for him, our nutritionist suggested to try and stay around 1500mg per day, it is hard but if you read labels and try to figure ways to season with out salt and such, such as fresh herbs, yum!, it gets easier and will possibly save your life. Sodium is a huge contributor to diabetes.

I agree it gets easier. I didn't know sodium factored into the development of diabetes. I always thought it was the extra calories, and naturally the increase in body weight that goes along with them.

I rarely go over 2000. I have lots of days i am under 1000. I stay away from packaged foods and i use spices instead of salt mostly to flavor my meals. Which meal do you see your sodium going to?

Lots of green vegetables, Fruits, lean unprocessed meats, no food that comes in a bag, container, jar, or can. !!

Sodium is a bad one for me too.....some days its good some days its way over.......if anybody would like to add me i could use a few more friends. Thanks