Can I eat lunch meat while pregnant? The answer is yes, but with some cautions. You can have lunch meat if you are pregnant and it’s common to have some questions about food consumption during the pregnancy. You can’t eat a lot of different types of food in the first trimester because it could hurt your baby’s health.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, you may feel nauseous and not have much of an appetite. In the second trimester, your appetite may return with a vengeance. And in your third trimester, you’re very aware of how much weight you’re gaining and what you eat. In all these situations, many pregnant women are faced with the question of whether or not they can eat certain foods and what their risks might be. It can be tricky to know exactly what is safe to eat while pregnant and which foods pose a risk. There are so many things that change when you get pregnant—including how your body breaks down food and new chemical processes in your body—that it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s different from day one until delivery day. Some foods are more likely to carry bacteria or harmful parasites than others, so eating smart is always a good idea.
What is lunch meat?
Lunch meat is a general term used to describe any type of processed meat that is eaten as a sandwich filling. It is usually made from poultry or red meat, like ham, roast beef, turkey, salami, bologna, or chicken breast. Lunch meat is typically made with sodium nitrates, natural flavourings, and/or sodium phosphate. Processed meats have been shown to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. They also increase the risk of other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and diseases or complications during pregnancy.
Why is it risky to eat lunch meat while pregnant?
Processed meats, like lunch meat, are often high in sodium, preservatives, nitrates, and other harmful additives. And since your body is more sensitive to these things when you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid them as much as possible. Nitrates are chemicals that are added to processed meat products as preservatives. They’re also found in leafy greens, beets, and other vegetables. When consumed, they are broken down in the body and turned into small amounts of nitrosamines—potent carcinogens that increase the risk of colorectal cancer. To protect the fetus, your body may be more sensitive to these harmful chemicals than usual. When these chemicals aren’t filtered out, they may be harmful to the baby.
Is deli meat different from lunch meat?
Yes. Deli meat is typically made from freshly sliced ham, roast beef, or turkey. It is not cured, which means it does not contain nitrites or nitrates. Deli meat is not often preservative-free like lunch meat, but it does tend to have a lower salt content than lunch meat.
Is turkey deli meat safer than ham or chicken?
This is a difficult question to answer, since there isn’t much research on deli meats in general. The important thing to keep in mind here is that, generally speaking, deli meats are processed and cured—which typically means they are higher in sodium and additives than fresh meats. That said, all deli meats come with some risk of contamination. Make sure they’ve been cooked according to the directions on the packaging and stored in a clean, dry place.
Can you have lean deli meats?
While you should avoid deli meats that are high in fat, it’s okay to have a lean deli meat sandwich every once in a while. They’re usually lower in calories than other types of meat, and they can help you hit your protein target during pregnancy. Keep in mind that some deli meats may contain high levels of sodium—so choose the ones with less salt or choose low-sodium options. And avoid deli meats that are marinated or seasoned.
Bottom line
Overall, it’s always best to make your own lunch or snack sandwiches using fresh bread, whole pieces of meat, and healthy toppings. This way, you know exactly what you’re eating and can control the amount of salt and preservatives you’re consuming. If you’re craving a deli meat sandwich, make sure you choose one with low levels of sodium. Avoid deli meats that are marinated or seasoned, and stay away from deli meats that contain nitrates or nitrites.