Dr. Kellyann and Dr. Oz discussing deli meats on his show

Healthiest Deli Meats: Yes or No? - Discovering the Top Options

by Dr. Kellyann
Table of Contents

    Dr. Kellyann visited the Dr. Oz show with Mark Hyman, MD, to talk turkey. And ham. And a little roast beef.

    If you are following a paleo diet and trying to get enough protein into your diet, cold cuts are a winner. Easy and ready to grab and go!

     

    What do we find when we deconstruct deli meat?

    Turkey, ham, bologna, or other deli meat that's perfectly round and found in the case or behind the counter are made from multiple pieces of meat restructured to look like one whole piece.

    And what about additives, nitrites, and nitrates?

    If you look on the label, you’re going to see something that says “no nitrites or nitrates added.” You’ll usually still see a note that says, “except for those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery powder." Celery powder does have naturally occurring nitrites that can carry the same risk. Make sure to have those in moderation! Watch for other additives as well. Read the label and avoid fillers, food starch, gluten, and sugar.

    So what are the healthiest deli meat brands?

    Out of 260 different products, we narrowed it down to these top five picks:

    • Land O'Frost Simply Delicious Hickory Smoked Ham
    • Boar's Head Simplicity® All Natural* Cap-Off Top Round Oven Roasted Beef
    • Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Lower Sodium Rotisserie Chicken Breast
    • Applegate Naturals® Smoked Turkey Breast
    • Boar’s Head Ovengold® Roasted Turkey Breast – Skinless

    Looking for other quick and easy meals? 

    Easy Collagen Meals

    Try a delicious, ready-made collagen shake! Or, blend a complete, flavorless collagen protein, fruit, leafy greens, and a healthy fat together for a quick and healthy meal you can whip up in seconds!

    Looking for a quick and easy jumpstart?

    Dr. Kellyann Cleanse and Reset

    I love quick and easy (who doesn't?!), so I have created the quickest and easiest way to cleanse in just five days. With my 5-Day Cleanse and Reset kit there is no shopping, prepping, or cooking required... you just add water!

     

     

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    Dr. Kellyann Petrucci

    About the Author

    Dr. Kellyann Petrucci

    M.S., N.D. · Board-Certified Naturopathic Physician · New York Times Bestselling Author

    Dr. Kellyann Petrucci is a board-certified naturopathic physician, certified nutrition consultant, and New York Times bestselling author with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is the creator of the Bone Broth Diet and Cleanse + Reset programs, and author of multiple bestselling books including Dr. Kellyann's Bone Broth Diet, The 10-Day Belly Slimdown, and The Bone Broth Breakthrough.

    Dr. Kellyann completed postgraduate work in biological medicine at the Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland and is a regular health expert on Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Good Day LA, and other nationally televised programs. She is also the host of two PBS specials: 21 Days to a Slimmer, Younger You and The 10-Day Belly Slimdown.