question about processed foods

[Anonymous]

This may be a dumb question, bear with me please.

I know if you buy prepackaged deli meats at the grocery store they are highly processed and very much not good for you.

But, what if you buy freshly sliced deli meats from the deli department? Roast beef, turkey, whatever. Those are not processed, right?

And what about prepackaged sliced cheese vs deli sliced cheese?

TIA

[Anonymous]

The difference (in sodium, at least) is marginal unless you specifically order the low-sodium options.

It's all processed, but the prepackaged stuff has more preservatives.

[Anonymous]

Yes, they are still processed. Full of nitrites and nitrates and sodium. Some are nitrate or nitrite free, but they still have a lot of salt and other preservatives. That’s how deli meats are made.

[Anonymous]

If it comes to you cooked (deli meat) or made into cheese it's processed. Now, some foods and brands are gong to be processed in healthier ways than other brands. For example, pasta is a processed food I'm happy to buy, because I don't think the processing adds much that's negative. Cheese is a processed food I'm happy to buy because it's delicious and worth it! Deli meat, I can make at home and avoid all the preservatives and salt, so I don't buy it, unless I have a good reason like it's something I can't make at home (e.g. I'll buy some fancy Italian deli meats) or time is of the essence (e.g. I didn't have time to cook my own).

I don't think processed food is evil. I think that generally processing adds the possibility of increased risk, and that reducing processed food is a shortcut for picking things that are in general healthier. But I also think that there needs to be balance and taste, and convenience are things I'm willing to take into account.

[Anonymous]

I agree both packaged and freshly sliced deli meat is processed and not very good for you.

But what about at places like Whole Foods where they freshly slice their in house roasted turkey breast? Surely this is the same as making it myself at home?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree both packaged and freshly sliced deli meat is processed and not very good for you.

But what about at places like Whole Foods where they freshly slice their in house roasted turkey breast? Surely this is the same as making it myself at home?

No, sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree both packaged and freshly sliced deli meat is processed and not very good for you.

But what about at places like Whole Foods where they freshly slice their in house roasted turkey breast? Surely this is the same as making it myself at home?

Why would think that?

[Anonymous]

Processed meats are especially unhealthy. Can you have tuna sandwiches instead?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree both packaged and freshly sliced deli meat is processed and not very good for you.

But what about at places like Whole Foods where they freshly slice their in house roasted turkey breast? Surely this is the same as making it myself at home?

No, sorry.

PP is full of BS. The fresh roasted turkey at WF is exactly the same as the home made one. Same with the beef.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree both packaged and freshly sliced deli meat is processed and not very good for you.

But what about at places like Whole Foods where they freshly slice their in house roasted turkey breast? Surely this is the same as making it myself at home?

No, sorry.

It can be. Some places but cured meat and smoke then slice them. That’s the same as deli. If you smoke or roast a turkey breast, the slice it down, that’s what you want.

[Anonymous]

WF store roasted turkey breast: 540 mg sodium per 3 oz

Applegate Farms packaged organic sliced turkey breast: 410 mg sodium per 2 oz

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree both packaged and freshly sliced deli meat is processed and not very good for you.

But what about at places like Whole Foods where they freshly slice their in house roasted turkey breast? Surely this is the same as making it myself at home?

No, sorry.

PP is full of BS. The fresh roasted turkey at WF is exactly the same as the home made one. Same with the beef.

Whole Foods is not just taking a plain turkey breast and roasting it. They add salt and whatever else to make it taste good. You’re not adding the exact same stuff if you’re doing it yourself so it’s better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Processed meats are especially unhealthy. Can you have tuna sandwiches instead?

Mmmm, mercury.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree both packaged and freshly sliced deli meat is processed and not very good for you.

But what about at places like Whole Foods where they freshly slice their in house roasted turkey breast? Surely this is the same as making it myself at home?

No, sorry.

PP is full of BS. The fresh roasted turkey at WF is exactly the same as the home made one. Same with the beef.

Whole Foods is not just taking a plain turkey breast and roasting it. They add salt and whatever else to make it taste good. You’re not adding the exact same stuff if you’re doing it yourself so it’s better.

NP. I thought WF had a no salt in-house turkey breast option?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree both packaged and freshly sliced deli meat is processed and not very good for you.

But what about at places like Whole Foods where they freshly slice their in house roasted turkey breast? Surely this is the same as making it myself at home?

No, sorry.

PP is full of BS. The fresh roasted turkey at WF is exactly the same as the home made one. Same with the beef.

Whole Foods is not just taking a plain turkey breast and roasting it. They add salt and whatever else to make it taste good. You’re not adding the exact same stuff if you’re doing it yourself so it’s better.

But very few people add nothing to their turkey when roasting at home.