By Vicky and the VWell Team for VWell Health, 3/24/15
I do have many loved ones who do not – how shall I say this- practice as strict of eating habits as I do. I know that the reasons for this are their lack of time and other situations that make it very difficult to pass up an easy meal when they have the chance for one. In general, I would say that occasional meals that aren’t exceptionally nutritious are, of course, ok. But I really have to come down a little hard on deli meats. You see, processed meats such as lunch meats, most sausages, hot dogs, etc. are full of nitrates and nitrites that cause any number of ailments from headaches to sinus infections. I just can’t handle seeing the people I care about frequently ill because they don’t have time to grill their own chicken for sandwiches.
You can do your own research on why deli meats wreak such havoc on our bodies, but just to give you a little picture here are just a few of the issues processed, cured and oh so convenient lunch meats can cause.
* Headaches
* Tonsillitis
* Sinus infection
* Water retention
* Listeria (especially harmful for pregnant women and unborn babies)
* Immune deficiency
* Development of carcinogens
Additionally, lest this is not enough for you, let me shock you just a wee bit more.
According to Dr. Neal Barnard, "at least 58 scientific studies have looked at the issue, and the jury has rendered its verdict, which is now beyond reasonable doubt. The more hot dogs people eat, the higher their risk of colorectal cancer. And it's not just hot dogs. Any sort of processed meat -- bacon, sausage, ham, deli slices -- is in this group. And here are the numbers: Every 50 grams of processed meat you eat on a daily basis (that's about one hot dog) increases your risk of colorectal cancer by 21 percent. And just as there is no safe level of smoking, no amount of hot dogs, bacon, sausage, ham or other processed meats comes out clean in scientific studies."
So here’s what I’m going to do. For you students, two job workers, single moms, or just all around busy people, here is a go to guide of easy, fast and cost efficient foods to pick up on the go or make quickly!
▪ Hummus, avocado and tomato sandwich with almonds on the side.
▪ Grilled chicken on salad (you can buy pre-cooked grilled chicken or grill a few chicken breasts yourself when you have the time to store in the refrigerator for up to a week).
▪ Falafel! If you have a good falafel place near you, this is a much better option than a sub.
▪ Almond butter and banana sandwich. You can even pick up all natural potato chips to snack on along side if you like.
▪ Burritos. Places like Chipoltle specialize in all natural ingredients such as hormone free chicken. It’s fast, easy and fairly healthy.
▪ Carry around snacks! A sandwich bag of almonds or walnuts could save you from caving and buying the first hotdog or deli sandwich you see.
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References:
Dr.Neal Barnard: Could Processed Meat Give You Cancer?
Vicky and the V Well Team
Consult your doctor before introducing increased exercise or new items to your diet, especially those that may interact with any medication(s) and/or supplement(s) you are currently taking. Be sure to read all food and supplement labels, especially if you have any food sensitivities or allergies. These are the opinions of V Well Health. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. With regard to the Biggest Winner Challenge, if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, this program is not recommended. If you are at or under Ideal Body Weight, weight loss is not recommended.