Deli sandwiches are so easy and can be a very healthy choice. Unfortunately, I can’t eat them right now. Turkey, ham and roast beef are all lean options! I tell my clients you can find a turkey sandwich on whole wheat (sans mayo) wherever you go!
The main issues with deli meats are the nitrates and the sodium content. Sodium nitrate is a common ingredient in deli meats that is used as a food preservative. The concern with nitrates is that it’s a known carcinogen. Now I wouldn’t go crazy if you consume it from time to time, but if you consume deli meats on a daily basis I recommend using a brand that is nitrate free.
In the past I have always recommended Applegate Farms products. I love their products because they are organic and nitrate free. However, these are not sold everywhere and are a bit pricey. This morning while watching the Today Show, there was a segment on the healthiest packaged foods and they mentioned Hormel Natural Choice deli meats that are nitrate free! While I haven’t tried these myself, I’m sure they are easier to find and would make a great healthy lunch meat choice.
Keep in mind, sodium content on these brands is still high. So if you suffer from high blood pressure look for a reduced sodium, nitrate free alternative.
Do you enjoy deli meats?
Filed under: Nutrition News/Information, Uncategorized Tagged: | healthy deli meats, healthy sandwiches, nitrate free deli meats
great info! i’m not a big meat eater, i do love sandwiches, though! veggie sandwiches have become a staple in my diet since becoming pregnant
I will have to look out for that brand. We have cut way back on deli meat in the past year or two. We try and buy a whole chicken or turkey breast, remove the skin and slice it up for the week.
I love deli meat and can’t wait to eat it again after pregnancy! 6.5 weeks to go.
Any day for you now!
PS. Great view from your apartment!
I like my turkey or ham sandwich on occasion. We always choose Applegate Farms.
Thanks for such an interesting and informative post! My family practically grew up on luncheon meats until the past few years, and I’ve been searching out a good nitrate free deli meat that they might like on occasion. I’ll definitely be mentioning the applegate farms!