Whole30 Compliant Sandwich Meat and Lunch Options

Whole30 Sandwich Meat Options

Following the Whole30 diet means eliminating added sugars, grains, legumes, dairy, and certain processed foods for 30 days. This leaves some people wondering - what Whole30 compliant sandwich meat options are there?

While traditional deli meats like bologna, salami, and ham are off-limits on Whole30 due to being processed with added sugars and preservatives, there are some compliant choices to keep sandwiches on the menu.

Compliant Cured Meats

Whole30 allows naturally cured meats with no added sugars or questionable ingredients. Some compliant options include:

• Uncured prosciutto
• Dry cured country ham
• Nitrate-free deli turkey or chicken
• Young dry-cured chorizo
• Naturally cured salami or soppressata

When selecting cured meats, check the ingredients list carefully to ensure there are no added sugars, nitrates, or preservatives beyond just salt.

Lunch Meat Alternatives

In addition to cured meats, there are many Whole30 approved alternatives to create satisfying sandwiches and wraps, including:

• Roasted or grilled chicken breast
• Grilled steak, beef, lamb, or pork
• Baked or smoked salmon, tuna, or trout
• Seared shrimp, scallops, or other seafood
• Sliced avocado
• Roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or peppers
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sauted mushrooms or caramelized onions
• lettuce leaves or collard greens as wrap substitutes

Tips for Purchasing Lunch Meats

When shopping for compliant cured meats, keep these tips in mind:

• See the meat counter - The refrigerated meat department often has more natural options without additives compared to the packaged deli aisle.
• Choose no sugar added - Seek out low sodium and no sugar added to avoid sneaky sources of sugar.
• Know the claims - Terms like "uncured", "no nitrates or nitrites added" and nitrate-free on the label indicate there are no artificial preservatives.
• Search for short ingredients - Cured meats compliant with Whole30 should contain meat, salt and not much else.
• Opt for organic - Organic meats often use more natural curing processes without artificial ingredients.

Safely Storing and Reheating Cured Meats

To safely enjoy cured meats and leftovers:

• Store freshly sliced meats for no more than 3-5 days.
• Keep all meats at 40F or below.
• When reheating, heat to 165F until steaming hot.
• Bring soups, stews and chili with meat to a boil before eating.
• Discard any foods left out more than 2 hours; don't reheat.

Serving and Pairing Whole30 Meats

Get creative with how you serve up compliant proteins by:

• Wrapping meats and veggies in lettuce or collard greens.
• Stuffing mushrooms, peppers, or tomatoes.
• Adding extra veggies for crunch like sprouts or shredded cabbage.
• Serving roasted veggies atop salad greens as a base.
• Drizzling chimichurri, pesto, or tapenade over meats.
• Pairing fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, and chives.

Whole30 Sandwich Recipes

Here are some recipe ideas for tantalizing Whole30 sandwiches and wraps:

Chipotle Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Saut diced chicken breast with onions, peppers, garlic, chipotle chili, cumin, and compliant hot sauce. Wrap in butter lettuce leaves and top with salsa, avocado, and cilantro.

Italian Sub Lettuce Wraps

Fill lettuce leaves with layered uncured salami, nitrate-free turkey, tomato slices, onion, pepperoncini, olive tapenade, and mustard.

Lamb Kofta Lettuce Cups

Make baked lamb meatballs seasoned with onions, garlic, parsley, mint, and spices. Add to lettuce cups along with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini.

Bunless Burgers

Top grilled 100% grass-fed burger patties with caramelized onions, mushrooms, avocado, tomato, mustard, and arugula.

Smoked Salmon Collard Wraps

Fill collard green leaves with flaked smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers, lemon juice and dill. Roll up and slice into pinwheels.

Chicken Avocado Boat

Top avocado halves with shredded roast chicken, halved grape tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Whole30 Shopping Tips for Lunch Meats

Shopping for compliant deli meats and proteins during Whole30 can take some adjustment. Use these tips to make the process easier:

• Shop the perimeter - stick to the outer aisles of the grocery store where the meats, seafood, produce and refrigerated items are.
• Check labels carefully - read the fine print to watch out for added sugars or preservatives in cured meats.
• Seek out butcher cases and counters - this lets you ask questions and get customized cuts and selections.
• Buy pre-portioned items - purchase pre-cut veggies and pre-cooked meats to make meal assembly easy.
• Choose sustainable seafood - download guides like Seafood Watch to make ocean-friendly choices.
• Bring a cooler - keep foods cold in an insulated bag or cooler, especially on long trips.
• Meal prep ahead of time - devote time to prepping ingredients and dishes on less busy days.

Whole30 Lunch and Dinner Ideas with Meat

Center your lunches and dinners around delicious Whole30 approved proteins using these ideas:

Lunch Bowls

• Burrito bowl with grilled chicken, salsa, greens, guacamole.
• Buddha bowl with baked salmon, kale, sweet potatoes, beets, pine nuts.
• Grass-fed beef chili in roasted butternut squash bowl.
• Cajun shrimp stir fry over cauliflower rice.

Salads

• Steak salad with arugula, peppers, onion, avocado.
• Chicken Caesar salad with romaine, roasted chicken, and roasted chickpeas.
• Taco salad with ground turkey, peppers, onion, salsa, avocado.
• Smoked salmon spinach salad.

Hearty Mains

• Turkey or chicken meatballs with roasted vegetables and zoodles.
• Slow cooker pork roast with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts.
• Sheet pan fajitas with chicken or

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.