I started my food log yesterday and decided to keep track of the sodium I consume. Since I work with cardiac patients, I discuss sodium consumption frequently. The new guideline for sodium is less than 1500 mg a day for people with heart disease, diabetes, and ANYONE OVER THE AGE OF 50. Ahem...that includes yours truly.
I have always thought I do pretty well when it comes to limiting my sodium intake. I may add a little salt to my food at dinner, but that's it. I've lectured my patients about cutting back, all the while thinking I set a good example of not eating a lot of salt...that is until yesterday. Thanks to myfitnesspal.com, I about fell off my chair last night. My total sodium consumption for yesterday was 3419mg. And that doesn't include the little pinch I put on my egg whites at breakfast. Praise God I don't have blood pressure or kidney problems. I'd be six feet under if I did.
In looking over the foods I ate yesterday, the biggest culprits for sodium content were the deli turkey I had on my salad for lunch (600 mg) and the pork tenderloin marinade (with soy sauce) we had for dinner (550 mg). Almost everything I ate yesterday had salt--even the romaine lettuce (4 mg). Who woulda thunk? I'm not sure where I'll make cuts yet, but I definitely need to do something. Right now, 1500 mg. seems like an impossible goal. The best I can do is try.
For now, no more smug lectures for my patients.
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