[Goksiodiffeli]

I have heard it said that it's best to avoid luncheon meats such as ham, turkey breast etc... because of their high salt intake and maybe some other reason too...

I have no problems with them whatsoever. Now... granted, I am a big guy (285+) so maybe I can get away with it to some degree. I have no problem sticking to my 20 gram or less carbo program. I usually eat about 1500 calories per day on average.

Now... when I wasn't dieting I would eat about 3500-4000 calories and MOST of them would come from junk food with all kinds of sugar. So.. even though I allow myself luncheon meats and cheeses... I guess my body responds favorably.

I know everyone is different, but how are you guys with luncheon meats and cheeses? I couldn't do without them myself.

Thanks in advance

~ david ~

[Raj_Copi_Jin]

I find that if you buy REAL lunch meats like Boar's Head you are more than ok. It's the fillers in the fake brands that would cause issues.

[251EPyso]

I bought some ham from my local sausage maker. It tasted like pure sugar.
i have found some ham that doesnt have any sugar and I eat it almost daily.

[toreesi]

Dr. Atkins cautions against luncheon meats because of nitrates. They are used to preserve deli meats like ham, hot dogs, bologne, ect. Nitrates are thought to be carcinogens (cause cancer).

I get uncured hot dogs, but you have to be careful to use them sooner than you would regular hot dogs, and you have to be sure to keep them refrigerated.

Also, watch out for honey-cured ham and honey-roasted turkey breast. They actually have a sugar solution injected into them as they cook.

[Goksiodiffeli]

Thanks for the replies. I don't really worry too much about the small amounts of sugar injected into the meats as they cook. I would be hopeful that the carbohydrate content listed on the label is accurate, or at least in the "ballpark". As long as my total is no more than 20-25 grams a day, weight-loss continues for me.

Thank You

~ david ~

[Grizli]

I stick with the low-sodium options of preservative-free Boar's Head. Just last night before bed, I had a few slices each of turkey and Baby Swiss, rolled up & dipped in mayo sweetened with a packet of Splenda so that it tastes like Miracle Whip. Hit the spot!

[tickerinet]

David , In the past I have used lunch meat for a quick breakfast or a snack. I buy the little 2 oz. packages of deli meat ( Buddig) they have 90 - 100 calories per pack. I usually eat 2 packages of the turkey for breakfast , this is 180 calories and 4 grams of carbs. Hits the spot if your in a hurry and best of all the cost 59 cents per pack . JC