Why Eating More Processed Meat Increases Your Risk for Serious Health Problems

it completely.

Instead, they can consider replacing some processed meat with less processed foods.

Possible alternatives include:

  • Fresh poultry
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Tofu

These foods can provide protein while helping create a more varied diet.

How to Reduce Processed Meat

Reducing processed meat does not have to happen overnight.

Small changes can make a difference.

For example:

Instead of having bacon with breakfast every day, consider eggs, yogurt, beans, or fresh fruit on some mornings.

Instead of a processed-meat sandwich for lunch, try chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or a vegetable-based filling.

Instead of sausages at dinner several times a week, consider fish, poultry, beans, or lentils.

The goal is to create a balanced eating pattern rather than focusing on one individual food.

Read Food Labels

Food labels can help consumers identify processed meat and compare products.

Pay attention to:

  • Sodium
  • Saturated fat
  • Added preservatives
  • Serving size
  • Total