What should I eat for a salt craving?
Asked by nlockwood on Oct 27, 2009
in Fitness
The day after I do a strenuous cardio work out I crave salt to the point it's all I can think about until I get something salty. Sometimes I end up eating a handfull of salty nuts or pretzels or chips, but I don't want to sabatage my diet. I don't want to drink sports drinks since they are loaded with calories and I am trying to reduce my calorie intake. Do you have any suggestions for changes in my diet to address this craving? Will this craving go away after my body gets used to exercising regularly?
Answer
It is normal to crave salt after you sweat a lot during prolonged, strenuous exercise. Some low calorie foods that are high in sodium include tomato juice, V8 juice, broth and dill pickles. After you sweat, it's important to replace water as well as salt; however, do not drink so much plain water that it dilutes the sodium in your blood and drives up your need for salt. Be well hydrated before you exercise and try not to drink more than you sweat. Once you become more conditioned and the weather cools off, you might crave fewer salty foods.
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