Breathing Through the Journey

In previous posts, I’ve shared that I’m on a low sodium diet, but I haven’t gone into many details yet. So here it is — my official low sodium post.

Originally, I was going to title this post “Low sodium diet — ew and annoying.”
But now… I don’t think that’s entirely accurate.

For some background, I’m currently on a 1,500 mg sodium limit due to my diagnosis.

WOW — have I realized how much salt was in the food I used to eat daily.

It has definitely been a journey so far, and I give major kudos to those who completely cut sodium from their diet. Eating out isn’t easy either, unless you’re going somewhere with fresh food where you can ask for no salt or no salt added.

And DoorDash? Forget it. LOL.

My lucky husband still gets to eat all the yummy salty food. However, he has been very respectful about my diet. He eats the low sodium meals at home with me (just adding salt to his own portion), and he’s careful about what food he brings into the house.

I also know he doesn’t need to be on this diet, and I’ve learned to be okay with not eating some of the delicious snacks that I used to love.

One thing I do want to say is that I now have a new respect for people who live with dietary restrictions. My best friend and my sister both deal with them — celiac, gluten, starch allergies. The strength and discipline they’ve had over the years? Honestly, I’m impressed.

Now back to being annoyed.

What’s more annoying than not being able to eat your favorite foods?

People say you get used to it… but do you really?

I’m constantly trying to find ways I can still enjoy things like a hoagie or a hot dog. Summer is coming, and I need to find a way to enjoy BBQ food.

Seriously.

If you’re on a low sodium diet and have figured out how to make tasty meals without relying on Swiss cheese, please send those recipes my way.

So what have I been munching on lately?

Fruit, fruit snacks, unsalted pretzels (sometimes with ice cream), taco meat bowls, homemade low sodium chicken parm, and homemade low sodium mac & cheese (without Swiss).

I’ve also made my own Alfredo sauce, experimented with homemade pizza, and found a low sodium cereal that I’m now obsessed with.

The foods I miss the most? Pretty much everything on a charcuterie board, pickles, hot dogs, refried beans, and my go-to bean & cheese burrito from On the Border.

One day — hopefully — I can cheat and eat those again. LOL.

Will this diet last forever? I honestly don’t know.

But trying to look at the positive side, it has taught me a lot about eating healthier and paying attention to how my body feels when I eat cleaner foods.

In about two months, I’ve lost roughly 10 pounds. How much of that is from less alcohol, less sodium, my medication working, or my disease — I really don’t know.

But I can tell that changing my diet, drinking less, and starting to feel better from my medications has made a difference.

Now back to why I don’t love the original title anymore.

Recently I went out and ended up going about 200 mg over my sodium limit.

And I felt it.

I felt the swelling start.

That moment was when I became okay with this diet (well… other than missing cheese and pepperoni).

I’d rather bring my own meal than be limited to whatever is on a takeout menu. I’d rather bring my own snacks so I don’t feel frustrated about what I can’t eat.

That doesn’t mean I expect people to feel bad for not thinking about my diet when picking food.

It just means this is the easiest way for me to still be there, enjoy the moment, and not spend the whole time annoyed that I can barely eat anything.

And honestly?

I’m excited and eager to see what the next few months bring.