I was able to lose weight easily in my teens and twenties. Lots of water and exercise and keeping total calories in check was all I really needed to focus on. When I was in my 30s, I gained about 20 pounds. I was working long hours and earning a good salary, so I decided to give Nutrisystem a try. Simply put, the food is not horrible. You avoid hunger pangs and cravings. I did not change my exercise routine, which at the time consisted mainly of walking. I lost 4 pounds the first week and for the next 12 weeks, I lost 1 to 2 pounds per week. I needed to do some weight training when I was at my target weight to get toned up. This regimen worked for me and I was satisfied.

Fast forward ten years. It was deja vu, at least at first. I gained some weight. I started a Nutrisystem program, as before. But this time, I didn’t lose weight. In fact, he was winning quite a bit. I noticed the weight of the water around my toes, ankles, and even my midsection increasing. I looked at the amounts of sodium and realized that was the problem. They were out of sight. Nutrisystem publishes what you will take daily for sodium, “The standard Nutrisystem program contains approximately 1,800 mg / day of sodium *”. And, they add, “The lowest sodium for some people may need to be less than 1,800 mg.”

* Jenny Craig has more than 2,000 mg.

“Some” guys? !! As you get older, it is not uncommon for you to start reducing your sodium intake. Several people seem to become more sensitive to it. And there are those who feel that their blood pressure increases when they eat a large amount of sodium each day.

I have not had to eliminate my sodium intake. But most days I only have 25-30% of what Nutrisystem allows you to have. That is a big difference. And if your body is sensitive to salt, you will really feel and see the difference in the results of your diet program.

Managing your salt intake effectively is one of the 10 incredibly simple yet powerful steps defined in a program I created. I developed this out of necessity. I was middle-aged. What worked before would no longer work. It took me many years using a lot of trial and error, before figuring out what would work now. The good thing is that this program is very easy to follow and flexible. This way of eating will work even for people who do not like to diet or exercise, as well as those who have not been able to lose weight in any other way. Last but not least, it doesn’t cost you extra money. You will save the money you would have spent on Nutrisystem prepackaged foods.

The 10 steps are:

(1) Reduce your salt.
(2) Cut your carbs in half
(3) Eat these vegetables (raw cucumber and celery)
(4) Eat these fruits (Granny Smith apples and white grapefruit)
(5) Drink enough water
(6) Reduce or eliminate certain sweeteners
(7) Evaluate canned foods
(8) Reduce / eliminate dairy intake and avoid bad fats
(9) Treat yourself to satisfying but smart snacks
(10) Walk

Try just one step this week, you decide which one. When you’re ready, add another step! Add another one when you feel like it’s ready until it’s all 10. I think you’ll be very happy with the results! And you may feel that way before you get to the 10th step!