The Great Sodium Debate...Just a Thought??!

faithchange
faithchange Posts: 311 Member
in Food and Nutrition
So, I've been wondering since being on MFP, I've noticed a lot of people saying that they eat "clean". However, how do you refer to eating clean when you eat something like a cereal out of a box or lunch meat (turkey) out of a box also? I try to eat "semi' clean...lol! Yes, I eat the lean cuisine and the smart ones...only one or two times a week. Yep...full of salt, but have you seen how much salt is in the lunch meat or in a can of water tuna? YIKES!

A few years back, I did do Michael Thurman's program PROVIDA. It is similar to this all, but it was all "clean eating".... I lost 25lbs and then stopped. It was OK for me to find the time to pre make all the food, but now it just is not something that fits into my busy schedule.

I don't want to be bashed for "not eating" clean all the time, I'm just trying to understand how can most people say they eat clean? When if you buy it from a store it does have sodium in it unless you go out and kill it or pick it yourself.

I know for myself, sodium consumption is huge for me....I do try to watch now. However, I'm trying not to fret over it.

In my own weight loss journey before coming to MFP, I lost 60lbs without really monitoring sodium. It took me 2 years, but I didn't deprive myself of much...just as they say...all in moderation.

I just wondered what everyone's thoughts were on sodium. I'm not about ready to throw out my boxed or canned food. Now if you said...throw away the candy...I would do it. To me, that is completely different. If that makes sense to anyone.

I have two kids and unlike most they DO know what a veggie and a fruit are in their meals. Many kids do not. I don't believe in candy or treats much at all. IT is not a norm around here.

Thanks for listening. It was just bugging me a bit about the sodium and wondered more of everyone's thoughts.

Michelle

Replies

  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    LOL. I eat "mostly" clean. I try to stay clear of boxed meals and stuff in cans. I eat frozen veggies tho. Fruits I usually buy fresh, but I go through them quicker. I don't eat a lot of deli meat, but when I do, I try to get the less sodium stuff from the meat counter rather than the packaged stuff to avoid the sodium. I can tell you that this weekend I have been traveling and visiting my family. My normal 1/2 gallon of water a day was reduced to about 2 cups of water each day. And, my normal no processed food or fast food eating has been nixed completely since Friday. I came home and jumped on the scale and it's up 2 lbs. I know it's not fat because I was under my calories everyday. I feel like CRAP, bloated and I have a headache. I'm just trying to flush it all out and hope when I get on the scale Friday I'm down those 2 lbs and the 2 lbs I had planned for :)
  • MamaMonkey
    MamaMonkey Posts: 22
    You know my views on it! It's always better to eat food as unprocessed as possible, period. I learned about 3 years ago the difference in my body when I cut out anything I can't pronounce, which basically cuts out ALL prepackaged food. The only thing I haven't switched to is organic meats, only because of the price.

    Sodium is a preservative, and while your body needs it to function, it can get all it needs in naturally occurring foods. The Mayo Clinic has a great description of what happens in your body when you get to much " Your kidneys naturally balance the amount of sodium stored in your body for optimal health. When your sodium levels are low, your kidneys essentially hold on to the sodium. When sodium levels are high, your kidneys excrete the excess in urine.

    But if for some reason your kidneys can't eliminate enough sodium, the sodium starts to accumulate in your blood. Because sodium attracts and holds water, your blood volume increases. Increased blood volume makes your heart work harder to move more blood through your blood vessels, which increases pressure in your arteries. Such diseases as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease can make it hard for your kidneys to keep sodium levels balanced.

    Some people's bodies are more sensitive to the effects of sodium than are others. If you're sodium sensitive, you retain sodium more easily, leading to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. If this becomes chronic, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and congestive heart failure. "

    I for 1 know that if my sodium is to high, then my body retains water, leading to a "weight gain". The weight gain, in turn makes me less motivated and it's a downward spiral.

    I say eat whatever you want to eat, just understand how much your body needs and how much you're actually getting.
  • faithchange
    faithchange Posts: 311 Member
    Heather....I totally appreciate what you have to say. It is interesting because yes, at times I do retain water and my body gets rid of it as long as I'm drinking all that is required...96 oz a day...that doesn't always happen for me :(

    I've never had high blood pressure but low...I was really monitored in the hospital after both the births of my children. So, I don't think its huge, but I think sodium is something for me to pay attention to and try to decrease in my life and the lives of my family.

    Its just so interesting though, you basically must eat a salad if you go out to eat now a days to save on sodium. If you make a sandwhich you must eat something that doesn't have sodium like a cooked chicken or something. No lunch meat!

    Michelle
  • hollandbritt
    hollandbritt Posts: 1 Member
    I have generic ear issue, long story I have fluid around my eardrum so salt is a big no no. My doctor gave me a list of foods to avoid due to high sodium content and I was shocked at all the foods that are high in sodium. Some of the things were ketchup, salad dressings, fast food, deli meat, seasoning salt, frozen foods, canned foods, etc. I've managed to cut salt out of foods I cook at home, or at least cut back. I usually try to look for foods that are "heart healthy" those are usually lower in sodium. Also if you're a ketchup lover like myself, there is a no salt ketchup (not as good, but you get used to the taste)

Categories