Food Tip: Let’s Talk Turkey

by Sherren Jegtvig

Turkey is big at holiday time, especially Thanksgiving, but turkey can be a terrific part of your healthy diet any time of the year.  Turkey meat is a good source of protein, magnesium and selenium.  And, unless you drown it in gravy, turkey is low in calories and saturated fat, so it can be a very heart-healthy food.

Unless you’re cooking for a large group, or you love leftovers, you might find that a whole turkey is just a bit too much.  In that case, you can buy just the turkey breast or if you’re in a money-saving mood, just the big turkey drumsticks, and roast them in the oven.  You can also buy frozen turkey cutlets or go to the deli and order a pound or two of sliced turkey for sandwiches.  If you’re feeling real adventurous, you might try some turkey ham, turkey bacon or ground turkey for hamburgers.  Sounds healthy, doesn’t it?

But what else is in that turkey? Turkey that’s been processed into bacon, sausage or ham is going to be loaded with nitrites and sodium.  And you’d probably expect that if you’re familiar with processed meats.  But, look closely at the deli turkey you’re going to use for sandwiches – most brands inject water and additives into the turkey.  Along with the additives you don’t want, you’re also going to get a lot of sodium that you don’t need.

Look at this list of turkey that’s also high in sodium:

So what’s your best bet?  Buy a turkey or turkey breast that hasn’t been loaded with sodium, roast it for dinner and slice your own turkey meat for sandwiches later.

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