Dining Out When On a Low Sodium Diet

BunSnoop · ‎05-22-2010

Husband recently was told he must follow a low sodium diet. We occasionally, on a weekend, like to go out to eat at casual/family style restaurants or go to a restaurant to meet friends.

I'm rather lost as to what food options he would have available to him. What do you order at a restaurant when on a low sodium diet? (He does not like fish of any kind).

Thank you!

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

I understand your husband's delema because restaurants add alot of salt to their dishes. I would suggest asking the server about the sodium content in the dish he's ordering or what meal suggestions they can give regarding sodium content. Some restaurants offer low sodium meals on their menus. Because of a hx of Type 2 diabetes but no longer on meds after making changes to my diet, when I go out I just order a dinner salad usually Ceasar I ask for salad drsg on the side so I can manage the amt I add to my salad which helps to keep carb content down. He might consider that if he likes salad or just ask for no added salt to his meal. Long response but I hope that helps.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

Select meals that don't have sauces, breading, coating. Go with baked or broiled meat or fish and tell them you don't want any salt. Ask for steamed vegetables. Salads. Fruit plates. You can bring your own salad dressing and salt free seasonings. Some restaurants do offer low sodium meals.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@BunSnoop wrote:
Husband recently was told he must follow a low sodium diet. We occasionally, on a weekend, like to go out to eat at casual/family style restaurants or go to a restaurant to meet friends.

I'm rather lost as to what food options he would have available to him. What do you order at a restaurant when on a low sodium diet? (He does not like fish of any kind).

Thank you!

@BunSnoop

Just curious ... what is the maximum # of mgs of sodium he can have?

We rescue cats · ‎01-25-2023

I watch sugar and carbohydrates due to my diabetes, so before we go out to dine I usually review the menu online. If I am in doubt I will order a salad and use oil and vinegar as the dressing, or carry my own with me. (packets that I buy online) in today's world servers usually have the info to assist with dietary issues. Good luck, hope it works out well for you.

Lynn-Critter Lover!
(especially cats!)

BunSnoop · ‎05-22-2010

@Tinkrbl44, 2000 mgs.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@BunSnoop There is an app called Fat Secret where you can search a food by brand, restaurant, etc. and it will tell you what the sodium content is in that particular item.

At first it's a little hard to navigate until you get used to it.

It was recommended to us by a diabetic educator and we use it to count carbs.

We use the free version.

Eileen in Virginia · ‎08-25-2010

A few years ago my deceased Aunt was told she had to reduce her sodium intake. She used to like to go to a nearby Outback restaurant after her doctors appointments, but was concerned about the sodium levels in the food. When we asked the waitress about the meal she wanted to order, she arranged for the cook to prepare my Aunt's meal with very little salt, even steaming fresh green beans just for her. I also have a friend who's highly allergic to cilantro, but one of our local Mexican restaurants will prepare guacamole for her without cilantro. Restaurants are more sensitive to food allergies and issues nowadays and are willing to meet the diners' needs.

shoesnbags · ‎03-10-2010

@BunSnoop

Skip the soup. It's universally high in salt and there's no way for them to prepare a new batch of soup just for you. So go with the salad instead.

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@BunSnoop Knowledge of what controls our sodium count is most likely your best friend. I had never paid attention to that count, probably because I was trying so carefully to control my cholesteral.

My PCP had suggested a low sodium diet years ago, but until my count slipped too low and contributed to a collapse, I never knew my count. My endocrinologist suggested I see a kidney specialist who has taught me to pay attention to that count and to what besides the salt shaker effects it.

Only understanding what works best for me works for me. I hesitate to give the details because DH may well have a very different body!