What is the real deal with deli meat

I am dying and I mean dying to have a ham and swiss cheese sandwich. Could I have one, and get away with it, or would I just be a bad mommy?

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

I've eaten cold cuts many times during my pregnancy. My doctor told me that everything in moderation is fine.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

The danger of eating deli meats is listeria, which is bacteria that can be found in cold cuts. My OB explained it wasn't an issue of moderation, because you could eat cold cuts only once and if it's contaminated then you can contract listeriosis. You can, however, eat cold cuts as long as you heat them up first.

This link has a lot of information that may answer some of your questions.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

The issue with cold cuts is the chance of Listeria bacteria growing in it. If you get them from a place that is clean and has a high turnover of their cold cuts you should be fine. I think if you are comfortable with it, everything in moderation is fine.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

EVERY doctor and EVERY pregnant girl will have a different opinion on this.

MY dr told me that as along I get my coldcuts from a reputable deli that doesn't have the cold cuts laying around for a long time, it was fine. I've eaten coldcuts so many times. I don't heat them at all.

My cousin is pregnant and she heats them up. She told her Dr that she doesn't always have time to heat them up, and asked if it would be okay to just eat them cold sometimes. Her dr actually said "Do you care about the child you are carrying at all? If so, then you'll heat them up EVERYTIME"

It's really a decision YOU need to make after you speak to your doctor.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

I specifically asking two doctors and a PA, all from the same practice, and they all told me it was fine so I do.

I am just a bit more careful about where I buy them from.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

My doctor said turkey cold cuts are fine...so i eat that 1-2x/week. I've also had roast beef at Panera here and there. That has been it. And listeria can be on fresh fruits and vegetables too so you really just need to make sure your food is fresh and clean. if you buy cold cuts at the deli or supermarket...just make sure you eat them within a day or 2. After that I'd toss them.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

I started a thread about this. So I asked my doctor on Monday if I can have a little bit.

She said NOT AT ALL. She also said NO TUNA AT ALL and very little fish.

I really want a salami and cheese sandwich and a hot dog.

Every doctor is different.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

I went to 2 doctors also and they both said something different.

One said not at all. The other said only if you heat it in the microwave first it will kill any bacteria.

My mother (who is a dietican) said to aboid them also because of the nitrates. I think that could be come into play when you are concerned with blood pressure?

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

I've been avoiding eating it, but let me tell you I could go for a huge quiznos sub!

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

I've been good, but caved and had an italian hero from Umberto's......yummmmmm.

Moderation!

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

i try not to eat them, but honestly, sometimes i just really want a turkey and swiss sandwich!!!
i have them once in awhile....i hate that they make us so nervous about everything

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

my doctor said just be careful. everything is moderation is fine but don't get a sandwich from the shady bodega on the corner.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

docs have all different opinions but if get cold cuts from a busy, reputable place you should be fine. The chances of getting listeria are very small and cold cuts aren't the only thing you can get it from so as long as it's clean and sanitary you should be fine...just remember, everything in moderation

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

I have been eating ham sandwiches like they are going out of style.
I only get the meat from Stop and shop- where the deli is so crazy busy that nothing really sits around (except maybe the Olive Loaf! )
Also- i only buy Boar's Head because I know it moves and is the most popular so it's not sitting. (Plus they have a lower sodium ham that is easier on my Cankles!)

So far I have not gotten Listeria.
I have eaten deli meats all my life and NEVER gotten listeria. I am imagining the chances are very slim.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

Yesterday was the first day i had deli meat in a while...

And it was something terrible- Boars head liver wurst...

My dad made me a sandwich, as he doesnt really understand the whole not eating certain things, and made the bread... so I felt bad not saying no..


It was tiny and only one piece but I was still really really nervous eating it...

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

deli meat? its delish!

i eat it, not everyday but i do eat it. along with tuna and fish and sushi and hot dogs etc. etc. etc!

everything in moderation. just make sure that you buy it from a clean, reputible place

Message edited 3/4/2010 9:28:26 AM.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

Out of curiosity, how long do you heat up the meat?

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

The real deal is that it is safe and there is no need to heat up the coldcuts, which I think its gross to begin with.

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

my doc never gave me a do and dont list of eating and i never asked .. my friends doc said everything to eat was fine just dont sit there and eat a whole salami. i eat cold cuts at least once or twice a week and only from places i know

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

Re: What is the real deal with deli meat

EAT Ladies!!!! There is no reason to dent yourself something you really want, as long as it isn't something "dangerous"

Buy them from a reputable place and you will be fine....

And heating up coldcuts is just plain disgusting IMO.....