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Question
13 Aug 2007
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Processed meat
Hi, I have been training for the last 3 years mainly for bodybuilding and rely on a good solid diet to keep me in shape. My one meal consists of shaved turkey or shaved chicken slices that I get from the deli at Spar. How is this meat different from that of normal chicken breasts or turkey breasts? I heard that it is not that good because it is processed and contains high amounts of sodium. Please help I want my diet to be 100% and dont know if this is a good option or not.
Thank you
Thank you
Sports Nutrition
Hi Jeff
You have heard correctly! Processed meat is not good for you – it contains nitrates and other preservative that is said to possibly cause cancer. Usually process meats are high in sodium as well as fat, although I do not think the shaved chicken or turkey will be high in fat. Best you read the ingredient labels to avey yourself before you puchase such products, alternatively prepare your own fresh meat. I usually cook about 2kg well spiced chicken breast for about 45 minutes at 180C and keep it in my fridge in a tupper for at least a week. At at drop of a hat I use that meat to prepare salads, stir-fries or any other dishes. If you don’t plan you will plan to fail.
Good luck with the cooking – its fun and quick – its just the way you look at it!
Take care.
Vanessa
You have heard correctly! Processed meat is not good for you – it contains nitrates and other preservative that is said to possibly cause cancer. Usually process meats are high in sodium as well as fat, although I do not think the shaved chicken or turkey will be high in fat. Best you read the ingredient labels to avey yourself before you puchase such products, alternatively prepare your own fresh meat. I usually cook about 2kg well spiced chicken breast for about 45 minutes at 180C and keep it in my fridge in a tupper for at least a week. At at drop of a hat I use that meat to prepare salads, stir-fries or any other dishes. If you don’t plan you will plan to fail.
Good luck with the cooking – its fun and quick – its just the way you look at it!
Take care.
Vanessa
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