Sodium Intake
Ashley Black
Lakeview College of Nursing
N202
9/5/10

Sodium Intake
Day 1		        	      Amount (milligrams)	     	 Day 2		 Amount (milligrams)
1 cup of 2% milk		           120	           2 servings of Cream of Wheat		170
1 serving of Honey Nut Cheerios      160       	           1 cup of 2% milk			120
Breakfast fruit bar	   	           80		Breakfast fruit bar			80
1 medium apple		           0		2 medium apples			0
6 crackers			           180		6 crackers				180
Can of oysters			           240		Can of oysters				240
2 bottles of water		           0		2 bottles of water			0
Yogurt				           100		Yogurt					100
2 cups of Iceberg Garden Salad         40		2 cups of Iceberg Garden Salad	40 
Hardboiled egg		           70		2tbsp Ranch dressing			350
2tbsp Ranch Dressing		           350		Fruit Punch Drink			45
Chicken Pot Pie		           1040		Beef Pot Pie			           1040
Total				        2380							2365
My Findings
	First and foremost, my diet is usually not this identical. Financial reasons, moving into a new apartment, and time constraints all contributed to my almost bare refrigerator. Also I did notice that my eating patterns differed for a variety of reasons. The earlier I woke in the morning, the less I consumed. Day 1 had only one serving of cereal, a fruit bar and an apple. Those were also more convenient and quicker to prepare than the cream of wheat. I chose food items that were relatively quick or easy to prepare and were at the same time inexpensive. I also ate smaller more frequents meals. Additionally, my hunger was altered due to the heat. I consumed many of these food items as a snack thorough out the day, as compared to 3-4 times a day as a meal.
Dietary Changes
	Frozen foods tend to be higher in sodium so those should be closely monitored. Many food producers are now offering low sodium varieties of the same frozen foods. Condiments such as dressing should also be considered as they are high and sodium. Many condiments offer low sodium or sodium free options. A good way to cut down of sodium is through beverages. Water has no sodium and is very beneficial to the body. Seasons added during meal preparation should also be taken under advisement.  There are many alternatives to sodium, such as seasonings without sodium. These seasonings tend to be higher in potassium so overuse is not recommended. Many foods now have low sodium options. Also, foods that have no sodium, such as apples, should also be incorporated into the diet if the attempt to lower sodium is advised.