Kicking my salt addiction - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Averett · 08-10-2004, 12:59 PM

I use way too much salt. I know it, and I know it's not good for me. I'm just used to it at this point.

My question is this: Simply by not adding salt to my meals (when I cook I salt when cooking if needed, I'll need to cut back on that too), would I lose some weight? I'm thinking with the amount of salt I consume I must have some water retention going on right?

Most of my chunky bits are located right smack in my stomach. So if I were bloated, it would be there correct?

I'm sort of grasping at straws here, but I'm wondering if my theory is correct.

Man... I love salt... Sigh....

Redlemon · 08-10-2004, 01:07 PM

Can't help you with the weight question, but I started using pepper in place of salt wherever I could, and that finally weaned me away from my salt over-usage. Hope it helps you.

shred_head · 08-10-2004, 01:32 PM

Well I don't think your salt intake really plays that much of a part in how much you weigh. I mean it's not going to make you retain several pounds of extra water weight I don't think. But you're right in that you should cut down on your salt intake, and that doesn't just mean on how much extra salt you sprinkle on food, it also means how much sodium is already in the food you're preparing (processed foods usually have lots).

maleficent · 08-10-2004, 01:57 PM

Drinking more water actually helps with water retention, at least from what I've read. because your body keeps getting it, it doesn't need to hold on to it.

Sodium isn't all that good for you for other reasons, so cutting down on it, is never a bad idea.

One of the things that helps is stop using it in cooking, and don't salt your food until after you've tasted it. A lot of salt shakers pour the salt out too fast, so you might want to pour it into your hand first, then use a portion of that.

Spike, a salt replacement, not a substitute because it looks nothin like salt, is a great on lots of different foods (including air popped popcorn -sprayed with some butter spray so it sticks)

Other salt substitutes aren't reccommended because they do nothing to lessen your craving for salt.

I love pepper and use that more than anything, I haven't used salt in cooking in years. Except for soy sauce, won't give up soy sauce, though the low sodium varieties aren't that bad.

Watch some spices like lemon pepper (it's main ingredient is salt), accent, and other flavor enhancers, they're primarily salt. Read the labels for sodium content.

I think the USDA amount of sodium is something like 2500 milligrams a day...

powerclown · 08-10-2004, 02:33 PM

Embrace your addiction.
Use Kosher salt.

Averett · 08-10-2004, 05:05 PM

Thanks for the advice

Mmmmm Kosher salt

Cowman · 08-11-2004, 08:59 AM

Cut down on your salt intake, and get more exersize to the point where you're sweating(sweating will help get salt out of your body).

And yes, like you said, excess salt reacts with sodium and can cause weight/fat gain.

Rodney · 08-11-2004, 04:38 PM

Sweet can substitute for salt at the dinner table -- not in by putting sugar in food, but by eating fruit as a side dish at meals along with veggies. I highly recommend seedless red grapes in salad, and apples or grapes are an excellent side to any pork dish. Pineapple, bananas, and other fruit work well, too. You won't miss the salt, believe me.

08-10-2004, 12:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	Kicking my salt addiction I use way too much salt. I know it, and I know it's not good for me. I'm just used to it at this point. My question is this: Simply by not adding salt to my meals (when I cook I salt when cooking if needed, I'll need to cut back on that too), would I lose some weight? I'm thinking with the amount of salt I consume I must have some water retention going on right? Most of my chunky bits are located right smack in my stomach. So if I were bloated, it would be there correct? I'm sort of grasping at straws here, but I'm wondering if my theory is correct. Man... I love salt... Sigh.... __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

08-10-2004, 01:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	Can't help you with the weight question, but I started using pepper in place of salt wherever I could, and that finally weaned me away from my salt over-usage. Hope it helps you. __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry.

08-10-2004, 01:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
shred_head Psycho Location: Atlanta, GA	Well I don't think your salt intake really plays that much of a part in how much you weigh. I mean it's not going to make you retain several pounds of extra water weight I don't think. But you're right in that you should cut down on your salt intake, and that doesn't just mean on how much extra salt you sprinkle on food, it also means how much sodium is already in the food you're preparing (processed foods usually have lots). __________________ "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds" -- Albert Einstein "A clear indication of women's superiority over man is their refusal to play air guitar." --Frank Zappa

08-10-2004, 01:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Drinking more water actually helps with water retention, at least from what I've read. because your body keeps getting it, it doesn't need to hold on to it. Sodium isn't all that good for you for other reasons, so cutting down on it, is never a bad idea. One of the things that helps is stop using it in cooking, and don't salt your food until after you've tasted it. A lot of salt shakers pour the salt out too fast, so you might want to pour it into your hand first, then use a portion of that. Spike, a salt replacement, not a substitute because it looks nothin like salt, is a great on lots of different foods (including air popped popcorn -sprayed with some butter spray so it sticks) Other salt substitutes aren't reccommended because they do nothing to lessen your craving for salt. I love pepper and use that more than anything, I haven't used salt in cooking in years. Except for soy sauce, won't give up soy sauce, though the low sodium varieties aren't that bad. Watch some spices like lemon pepper (it's main ingredient is salt), accent, and other flavor enhancers, they're primarily salt. Read the labels for sodium content. I think the USDA amount of sodium is something like 2500 milligrams a day... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

08-10-2004, 05:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	Thanks for the advice Mmmmm Kosher salt __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

08-10-2004, 02:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	Embrace your addiction. Use Kosher salt.

08-11-2004, 08:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
Cowman Psycho	Cut down on your salt intake, and get more exersize to the point where you're sweating(sweating will help get salt out of your body). And yes, like you said, excess salt reacts with sodium and can cause weight/fat gain. __________________ You don't like my point of view..but im insane

08-11-2004, 04:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	Sweet can substitute for salt at the dinner table -- not in by putting sugar in food, but by eating fruit as a side dish at meals along with veggies. I highly recommend seedless red grapes in salad, and apples or grapes are an excellent side to any pork dish. Pineapple, bananas, and other fruit work well, too. You won't miss the salt, believe me.