Ham and Cheese



Ham and cheese is a very popular lunch option, but today's deli ham is loaded with additives such as nitrites, nitrates, MSG, and even corn syrup.  All these additives are on the foods/ingredients to avoid list and these common deli meats are not part of a FoodsbyGod diet. 

If you purchase better quality deli meats from stores like Whole Foods, they are very expensive, running about $11 to $14 a pound.  A better option that I have found is to purchase a small natural ham which runs about $6.50 to $8.00 a pound. 

I hope you are convinced to buy better quality meats after watching the videos in yesterday's post.  I purchase small ham chunks (either Pederson's Natural Farms or Niman Ranch) from Whole Foods or Natural Grocer.  These hams have a good shelf life in the refrigerator if you don't touch them directly with bare hands when slicing (hold it with a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap).  Be sure to then seal the left over ham back up well and it can last a couple weeks in the refrigerator. 

 

I slice the ham into chunks for ham and cheese bites (as shown in photo above) or I slice it thin to make ham sandwiches or ham wraps.  Be sure to pack your lunch in an insulated lunch box and include an ice pack when you are taking meat.

 



Cheese is also very expensive.  I buy Organic Valley raw cheeses when they are on sale, various local raw cheeses, and I also buy two cheeses from Costco (shown in the photos above).  Buy white cheese, all orange cheese is colored.  I look for European cheeses since many of the horrible USA ranching practices, such as using growth hormones are not allowed in European countries.  Local raw cheeses are the best choice if you have access to a local supplier.  One excellent source in the DFW area is Veldhuizen Raw Milk Cheeses. 

 

For this lunch, I packed organic cucumber wedges for my fresh veggie and organic red grapes for my fresh fruit.  Remember to teach your family to eat their fresh fruit first for better digestion. 

 

If you are going to include a chip or puff with your lunch, make sure you buy an brand that does not contain artificial ingredients and if it contains corn, that it is organic.  Shown in the photo are Bearitos Cheddar Puffs.  We don't buy many processed chips or snack items - this was a special treat for the start of the school year.  We bought a bag since it was on sale and was being sampled at Whole Foods.  A better option is to pop your own popcorn and include a baggie of popcorn instead.  It can be popped the night before if sealed up after it cools.