Watching my sodium?

Question

Hey ladies - so I've been dealing with swelling during this pregnancy 😭 my feet, ankles, and hands are swollen. I just saw my doctor today and she advised me to watch my sodium intake to see if that made a difference. Other than the obvious, like fast food and junk food (potato chips and the like), what should I stay away from?

Answer

I've been doing reduced sodium for almost a year due to lung disease. It's so hard!! No soups, frozen pizza or frozen meals, chicken broth or beef stock, Chinese food (super high in sodium), processed food (fast food and restaurants included). Pretty much I've learned that you need to cook at home with fresh ingredients and limit what salt you use when seasoning. The plus side is that ice cream and Oreos are really low in sodium lol.

Answer

I've been doing this too for blood pressure. I read to avoid lunch meats, especially ham (which you may be doing anyway), soups, and processed stuff like frozen pizzas, etc. Also opt for fresh veggies instead of canned or at least get the low sodium versions or rinse them before eating. We have been buying the steamfresh bags. I also just try to add less salt to stuff when I cook and make up for it with other seasonings. Hope this helps!!

Answer

Also look up which fresh veggies have more sodium then others. When my mom was told to watch her sodium they gave her a huge list of stuff (including fresh veggies/fruit) that most people wouldn't even think of that were things to avoid. Something like tomato is actually really high in sodium

Answer

Avoid anything processed and really be careful eating out because everything is loaded with salt. My husband has high blood pressure so we cook everything from scratch at home even sauces and dressings

Answer

Keep your food as fresh as possible.  Processed / preserved foods always have more sodium.  If you're going to put salt in your food,  only salt it after its done cooking.  The closer to the surface the salt is,  the more you'll taste it and the less you'll need to satisfy a need for salt.

If using canned beans/veggies,  put them in a strainer and rinse them off really well.  That will help cut a lot of sodium from those foods.

Answer

Many low fat options have more sodium. Go for full fat and get less sodium.

Watching my sodium?

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