Costco is one of America’s most beloved chain superstores—and for good reason! (Where else can you purchase diamonds, buy in bulk at low prices and stock up on free samples?)
However, as tempting as the warehouse deals may be, nutritionists caution against buying certain foods in Costco’s deli section. Not only are these items high in calories, but they can be major health hazards that cause cardiovascular issues later on in life. Yikes!
Make sure to avoid these common meats the next time you’re browsing in the cold-cuts aisle.
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Salami
Most deli meats are loaded with extra sodium, which can sabotage plans to slim down. According to the Scientific American, “Eating a lot of salt can cause your body to retain more water, which can show up on the scale as extra pounds.” Even worse? ”High salt diets appear to be linked to higher body fat—in particular, the kind of fat that accumulates around your middle.”
Of these salty meats, salami is one of the worst offenders. It's packed with sodium, fat and preservatives like nitrates. According to kuudose Celeb Health & Wellness Expert Joey Thurman, deli meats like salami become a huge problem when consumed along with other processed foods.
Instead, Joey recommends that you pass on the salami and "look for nitrate-free meats and ones that are freshly cut off of the slab." Good tip!
Turkey Wrap
While you're avoiding the salami, pass on prepackaged sandwiches, too.
Specifically, Costco's turkey wraps are filled with the kind of fats and high sodium energy that you do not want in your life. "The calorie count is ridiculously high for a wrap, amounting to 830 calories and contains an astonishing 2230 milligrams of sodium," says Health & Wellness Expert Erin Stone (of Hinterland Co).
Hmm. Keeping this advice in mind, it may be a good idea to start brown-bagging your lunch, using a healthier turkey alternative like Applegate Naturals Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, and skipping pre-made sandwiches altogether.
Honey Ham
Clearly some types of meat are better for you than others, and Oscar Mayer's Deli Fresh Honey Ham is not one of them. According to its nutrition label, the deli meat contains 460 milligrams of sodium, including sodium phosphate-an ingredient whose high intake has been linked to higher rates of chronic kidney disease and weak bones. Consuming too much phosphate may even increase risk of heart disease. Noted!
To counteract phosphate intake and decrease chlosterol levels, try incorporating foods like salmon, oatmeal, apples and beans into your diet.
Wow-we may never look at a deli counter the same way after this.
