Low Sodium food suggestions for a Diabetic

[LovingTVLifestyle]

So, due to various health issues and seeing different doctors for each condition, here is what each specialist said:

One doctor says eat minimal fruits, vegetables and starches. The next doctor says reduce protein & fat intake and the third doctor says no more than 2000 grams of salt per day. I’m still trying to figure out what that leaves left to eat! 😳

The good news is that they all agreed to drinking LOTS OF WATER... well, that is except for the Cardiologist who said due to “that” condition you can’t drink TOO much water. 🤪

With all of this in mind, I’ve decided that what’s working best (based on lab & testing results) is a balance of the food groups, but a more severe cut-back on starches (which include a drastic reduction of anything with grains, rice or potatoes).

Usually, to make food taste “good” you use one of 3 ingredients: Sugar, Fat or Salt. Which are “No-No’s” for our diet and brings me to my dilemma... what processed or pre-made foods can we buy to eat that have low sodium — that does not taste like cardboard?

My biggest challenge seems to be lunch time meals, as we are usually busy during the day running from one event to the next (well, these days it’s running to various online commitments).

I would also greatly appreciate any recipes - as I’m willing to cook from scratch and freeze to warm in microwave if need be.

Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions!

[LovingTVLifestyle]

What are your favorite low-sodium foods to buy at the grocery store?

[Mrprez]

I was type II until I went on a carnivore diet. Meat, dairy, and eggs. No longer diabetic and my last labs were the best I’ve ever had. My doctor was astounded.

[claricecolin]

You have to give up processed food. The goal is to eat as clean as you can. Lunch idea would be salad. You can prep components separately and put together before eating. You can bake/broil chicken breast, salmon, steak or turkey for protein and variety , prep ahead and control salt when preparing. You can also have hard boiled eggs. You can make your own dressing with oil and different vinegars. Herbs to season: garlic, pepper, basil, parsley, citrus, onions and shallots. Lunch is something easy to prep and keep simple.

[Stu from NYC]

Avoid white stuff. No or little white flour, rice or white potatoes.

Processed food are designed to kill us in order to taste good, avoid them.

All bread should be high fiber whole wheat or multi grain.

Also start walking great way to lower A1C.

[MrExcite721]

Lean Turkey Chili, 89% lean ground turkey, low sodium McCormicks chili mix, pinto beans, petite diced tomatoes, chopped omion, chopped green pepper.

Gives you protein to tell your brain youre full, goes well with a hard boiled egg on the side, make a big batch and freeze half, warms up in the microwave in 2 minutes. I lost weight eating this for lunch everyday, but never really got tired of it. also, have a big apple with it for dessert, to keep everything moving !!

Good luck

[Halibut]

I was type II until I went on a carnivore diet. Meat, dairy, and eggs. No longer diabetic and my last labs were the best I’ve ever had. My doctor was astounded.

Same. I limit carbs to 10 grams or less per meal and A1C is normal, down from over 9 when diagnosed. I don't watch fat content or salt, though, and am on the frail side and need to gain weight.

Walden Farms (https://www.waldenfarms.com/products.php?cat=Salad+Dressings) has a line of zero calorie/zero carb salad dressings, dips, syrups, etc.

I think people's taste buds gradually acclimate to low salt eating, but it's still very bland to me. Sorry not to have better recommendations, OP, and good luck. It takes a lot of persistence and willpower to completely change one's eating habits.

[Art cov]

Sorry for the confusion with doctors giving different opinions. It’s often the case. To just add something that’s helped me. Eat many very small meals instead of 2 or 3 supersized meals. For me it’s no sugar, no processed, low salt, lots of healthy salads. I love grilled salmon n chicken on the salads. The good olive oil and walnuts, almond pieces, gherkins pickles in little slices, boiled eggs For me it’s don’t eat after 3 pm. Not saying for you but works great for me. Interval exercise. Get that heart pumping n then walk slowly and again n again. Helped high blood pressure a lot, blood sugar and sleep better. You must be devoted to whatever good you do. Lots of water and this will change your life! From 42 pants to 36 and sometimes 34. O yes another benefit is lost 60 lbs. NO PRESCRIPTIONS!!!!! If you fall off the wagon just get back on quickly!!! I hope this is helpful

[CoachKandSportsguy]

The turkey chili is a winnah! but use your own seasonings with no salt. Cardiac roto rooted friend went to the hospital twice after his procedure and both times it was for dehydration due to lack of salt. My dad had a heart attack in 1982 or so at 60, when the very first cardiac drugs were being tested. Post event life expectancy was 10 years back then. My food nazi nurse mother kept him alive an additional 20+ years with proper diet (no salt and no sugar and lean meats) and walking daily. So your taste buds have been the victim of commercial greed for food profits for the last X years, so you have to change your thinking about food from taste to the longest lifestyle in order to continue the TV amenities and lifestyle or you don't but then keep seeing those doctors. . .

sportsguy