Is Chicken Breast Lunch Meat Safe During Pregnancy
Once a woman becomes pregnant, she is given a list of foods that she can and food that she cannot eat. On the top of the list of do not eat items is deli meat. This is because of the meat being able to carry Listeria as well as being filled with nitrates. And because both are harmful to an unborn baby, most organizations, including the American Pregnancy Association, say to steer clear of deli meat until after the baby is born.
There are women, however, that no matter how good their intentions, cannot go without having their deli meat when pregnant. After all, it is a staple for many being a go-to for sandwiches and salads, and it can be hard to give up completely. Though there is the risk of Listeria being present on the meat, thus raising the risk of miscarriage, premature labor, low birth rate, and death during the first trimester, according to Working Mother, because the risk is small, some women would like to know what their options are when it comes to eating deli meat while pregnant, as well as what the safest and healthiest way is to do so.
For those who are interested in eating deli meat while pregnant, here are some meats determined to be safer than others, which may be enjoyed from time to time during pregnancy.
Any Deli Meat Has To Be Heated
First and foremost, for any mother-to-be who wants to eat deli meat, the meat needs to be cooked until it reaches 165 F. This is because lunch meats are one of the main carriers of Listeria. Listeria is a harmful bacteria because even if the pregnant woman does not realize she has been exposed to it, it can cause detrimental consequences for an unborn child.
Putting deli meat into the microwave and cooking it for 30 seconds to one minute, should be enough to kill any Listeria there may be lingering on the meat. However, a thermometer should also be used to make sure that the meat is at least 165 F to ensure the highest levels of safety for the unborn child when eating the sliced meat.
Healthiest Deli Meat Options
Sliced chicken: According to DeliMenuPrices, sliced chicken is a healthy option when it comes to choosing deli meat. At just 29 calories per slice and .4 grams of fat per ounce, it is one of the lower-calorie and fat options a pregnant woman could choose.
Sliced turkey: Sliced turkey is the lowest calorie and fat option of deli meats, according to Mom Junction. At just 22 calories per slice and .35 grams of fat per ounce, it offers a great source of protein while not loading up on calories and fat.
Sliced ham: Because it has 46 calories per slice, sliced ham has a higher calorie count than most other deli meats. But, when looking for a solid source of protein, it does not get much higher than sliced ham, which contains 46% protein, according to DeliMenuPrices.
Pork slices: Not only are pork slices high in protein, but they are high in calcium as well, according to Mom Junction. And at 36 calories per slice, it is a middle ground calorie meat to choose from when craving deli meat.
Buy Quality Meat
When purchasing deli meat when pregnant, it is important to make sure that what is going to be eaten is the highest quality. In most cases, this means choosing organic options as they are antibiotic-free. They also have a higher chance of being treated with an additive that is known to kill Listeria, according to Working Mother. However, just because there is an additive does not mean that deli meat should be eaten cold. It still needs to be heated to 165 F to ensure the highest levels of safety for the mother-to-be and the unborn baby.
What To Avoid
While there are safer ways to eat certain deli meats, there are still some items that need to be avoided when expecting. Some of those things include:
Raw lunch meats:According to Kid's Health Proposals, things such as meat cooked below well done, such as carpaccio, and tartare, carry the risk of salmonella and toxoplasmosis.
Meat with nitrates:Nitrates can be found in meats such as hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and deli meats, such as salami. Nitrates are converted to nitrites in the body, and they become carcinogenic, according to Livestrong.
While there have been no specific links of nitrates causing harm to the unborn baby, there also have not been any studies done that show there are no risks to the baby either. As such, it is recommended to err on the side of caution and not eat nitrate-free meats when pregnant.
While deli meats should not be eaten daily while pregnant, having them occasionally, if prepared properly, can be safe. As such, if the craving is strong for lunch meats, pick the healthiest option and enjoy!
Source: American Pregnancy Association, Working Mother, Mom Junction, Kid's Health Proposals, Livestrong
NEXT: Understanding Why Toddlers Suddenly Become Picky About Eating
Pregnant Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Sex Was Her Pastime
What has Jennifer Lawrence been up to for the last three years? She responded by saying, "I just had a ton of sex."
Read Next
About The Author 
Jessica Tucker (1759 Articles Published)
Jessica is a writer based out of California. She is a mom to two fiercely independent, fun-loving girls and wife to a man who helps her find balance in life. Jessica is an avid runner, consumer of really great cups of coffee, and enjoys adventuring off the beaten path whenever possible. Family is number one to Jessica and is what makes living this crazy, hectic, beautiful life worthwhile.
More From Jessica Tucker
Is Chicken Breast Lunch Meat Safe During Pregnancy
Source: https://www.babygaga.com/safe-lunch-meats-that-moms-can-enjoy-while-pregnant/
0 Response to "Is Chicken Breast Lunch Meat Safe During Pregnancy"
Post a Comment