Best Alternatives to Popular Deli Meats

When people are trying to maintain a healthy diet, but are conscious about the cost, chances are, they’ve been preparing packed sandwich more often than not. While it is wallet-friendly and usually a healthier choice than lunching at a restaurant, it does not mean that it’s perfect. In fact, it is highly recommended that eating deli meats should be done in moderation because of the low nutritional value of some deli products.

People may not be aware that nitrites are usually contained in lunch meats, as they are used for preservation purposes. Some studies reveal that they may possibly contain carcinogens, or factors that cause cancer. Though they may not be totally dangerous, they’re still not healthy.

Since it is quite difficult to live on jelly and peanut butter alone, and vegetarian recipes don’t sound as exciting as piled meats and cheese and tomatoes and mayonnaise. There are many alternatives that are available in big supermarkets, like Walmart. They have sections filled with good meat. Always read the labels (and understand what they mean) before you buy the item.

Roast beef instead of bologna

A slice of bologna that’s beef-based contains 300 milligrams of sodium and 8 grams of fat. Two slices mean a quarter of a person’s suggested daily intake. This does not include the chips and the cheese and the pickles. And you’re only talking about lunch.

Roast beef, on the other hand, has lower sodium content than bologna (only 10% of a person’s daily intake). Furthermore, it provides more protein than bologna, and is perfect for building muscles when working out in the gym.

Chicken breast instead of prosciutto

In spite of its paper-thin cut, this meat may contain as much as 500 milligrams of sodium every serving. It also has saturated fat, which is not good for the health. A healthy alternative is chicken breast (without the skin) because it is low in fat, high in protein, and low in salt. Pair it with tasty vegetables and you’re good to go.

Pastrami instead of Salami

Salami is a type of sausage that’s high in saturated fat and salt, has low protein content, and is linked to strokes and heart attacks. Pastrami, though high in sodium, has lower fat and higher protein than salami. Go Mediterranean all the way by adding hummus, roasted red peppers, and feta.