I Love Nachos, Even If My Feet Don't
EVERY DAY!
Photo by Natasha Bhogal on Unsplash
I Love Nachos, But My Feet Don’t
There’s a certain kind of peace and joy that only nachos can bring.
Warm chips.
Melted cheese.
Maybe a little salsa, a hint of jalapeño.
A messy masterpiece. Look out!
But every time I give in to my nacho craving, my feet remind me:
“We have problems here.”
I don’t know if it’s the salt, the cheese, the chips, or the fact that my body likes to hold onto and hoard things like it’s stocking up for winter.
That results in swollen toes and swollen ankles.
The great nacho aftermath, at least for me.
Some people count calories.
I count how many pairs of shoes I can’t fit into the next morning.
Still, I try to keep the right perspective.
Life is short.
My feet are long.
And sometimes, you just Jones for the nachos.
I’ll drink water. I’ll elevate my legs.
I’ll swear I won’t do it again… until I do.
Because in my house, we believe in two things.
Gratitude in the morning,
and nacho forgiveness at night.
Is the salt on nachos causing my feet to swell?
The salt on nachos can absolutely cause your feet to swell, especially if you're sensitive to sodium or have any underlying conditions like these.
Multiple sclerosis (MS),
Circulatory issues, including those related to stroke recovery.
Kidney or heart issues,
Or you may be on some medications that cause fluid retention.
Why it happens
Nachos—especially those with cheese, chips, salsa, and processed toppings—can be very high in sodium. Sodium causes your body to retain water. Gravity pulls that fluid down, and the feet/ankles are usually the first to show swelling.
Quick Tips to Reduce Swelling
Stay hydrated – more water helps flush out salt.
Elevate your feet for a while after salty meals.
Watch portions – a handful of chips is very different from a big plate.
If you have to have nachos (we get it, make a lower-sodium version at home with unsalted chips or baked tortillas.
For a 200 lb person, it takes about 100 ounces (or 3 liters) of water per day.
That’s based on a simple rule of thumb, half your body weight in ounces of water per day. So: 200 lbs ÷ 2 = 100 oz/day
How to Make That More Manageable
One big glass (16–20 oz) when you wake up
One with each meal (3 meals = ~48–60 oz)
A refillable water bottle (32 oz) twice a day
That gets you there without drowning yourself.
Bonus Tips
More if it’s hot out, you’re sweating, or eating salty stuff (hello, nachos).
Less if you’re eating lots of hydrating foods (fruits, veggies, soups).
Don't overdo it—clear urine is good, but constantly peeing every 20 minutes is not the goal.
Hydration Checklist for a 200 lb Human (AKA Me)
Goal: 100 oz (about 3 liters) per day
Morning Wake-Up Glass (16–20 oz)
With Breakfast (12–16 oz)
Mid-Morning Refill (16 oz)
With Lunch (12–16 oz)
Afternoon Boost (16 oz)
With Dinner (12–16 oz)
Evening Wind-Down (8–12 oz)
Bonus Points
Ate watermelon or soup today
Skipped the salty snack (or at least tried)
Stretched or elevated feet for 10 min
Daily Total: _______ oz
Yes, this post is more for me than anyone else. Because I love nachos, they don’t require a grocery list to prepare, they are very tasty, they never get old, and they don’t require a lot of meal planning every day. so enjoy!
I’m Don, and I’ll be your author today.
Don’s a keen observer and prolific reporter of truth, common sense, humor, & life. He’s a WRITER and humorist, sometimes serious, sometimes tongue-in-cheek. He lives in Nashville, TN. He publishes every weekday morning. If you liked this stuff, become a part of his 42-book snooty inner circle by subscribing HERE!
Thanks for reading,
-don