Cool Facts About Cold Cuts

Most deli-style meats fall into the cold-cut category, including bologna, turkey, ham, salami, pastrami, corned beef, and roast beef. Some of these are traditionally high in fat. But as with other high-fat foods, manufacturers have found ways to offer lower-fat versions.

These tips will help you shop for healthful cold cuts:

• Choose products that are low in sodium and get no more than 30 percent of their calories from fat. Turkey and chicken products usually are lowest in fat.

• Turkey pastrami and turkey salami are more healthful choices than beef and pork varieties--and they have similar flavor.

• Sliced meat has less fat than chopped, pressed, or loaf-type cold cuts.

• Single servings of cold cuts vary from one to six slices. The nutritional information may seem good until you learn that one serving is one thin slice.

• Always check the fat content. A "light" or "lean" product can be relatively high in fat, as can a single serving that's low in calories.