Some strange things can happen to your body during pregnancy, like having to go to the bathroom all the time, having brain fog, and not being able to control your — ahem — gas. Blame it on the hormones.
And if you’re like many of us, pregnancy cravings can be a challenge all their own. These cravings may be incredibly powerful, and frankly, downright odd. Hello, third pickle peanut butter sandwich of the week.
Of course, not all food cravings include unusual combinations. You might just crave a no-frills, popular snack — like beef jerky.
But maybe you should think twice before you grab that Slim Jim or bag of gas station jerky. You may have loved beef jerky as a snack before you got pregnant, but it may not be safe for you to eat now. Let’s take a closer look.
It’s meat — and no, there’s nothing wrong with eating meat while pregnant. But beef jerky isn’t your typical meat product. In all likelihood, you haven’t given much thought to how jerky is prepared — truthfully, most people haven’t.
Still, you’ve probably been told that eating raw animal products while you’re pregnant is bad because you could get a foodborne illness.
Pregnancy cravings can strike at the most random times. At 2 a.m., you might want pickles and ice cream, or in the afternoon, you might want a beef stick. But are beef sticks safe to eat during pregnancy? Let’s find out.
What are Beef Sticks?
Beef sticks go by many names – meat sticks, beef jerky sticks, pepperoni sticks etc. They are long, thin sticks made from cured, dried and smoked beef. The meat is flavored with spices and seasonings. Brands like Slim Jim and Jack Link’s are popular options.
Compared to regular beef jerky, beef sticks have a smoother, softer and moister texture. They are considered more “chewable” than brittle jerky slices.
Some people like beef sticks better than jerky because they are already cut into sticks that are ready to eat. Because they are so easy to carry, they are a favorite snack for hikers, campers, and people on the road.
Potential Risks of Eating Beef Sticks in Pregnancy
Beef sticks are tempting, protein-packed snacks. But there are good reasons why doctors advise pregnant women to avoid them.
Risk of Foodborne Illness
One of the biggest risks beef sticks pose is foodborne infections. Women who are pregnant are 10 times more likely than other people to get food poisoning. Your weakened immune system makes it harder to fight off foodborne bacteria.
Most beef sticks are just smoked and dried which may not kill all harmful bacteria like E. coli, salmonella and listeria. Consuming contaminated sticks can transfer these pathogens into your body and make you sick.
Foodborne illness during pregnancy can lead to serious complications like dehydration, hospitalization, preterm labor and miscarriage. The infection may also spread to your baby.
High Sodium Content
Another reason to limit beef sticks is their high sodium content Just two beef jerky sticks can contain around 600 mg of sodium – a quarter of the daily limit Too much sodium is linked with high blood pressure which can pose problems during pregnancy,
Sodium also causes water retention and swelling which exacerbates common pregnancy discomforts like swollen feet fingers and face.
Nitrates/Nitrites
Some types of cured and processed meats like beef jerky often contain nitrates or nitrites which are converted into nitrosamines in the body. Nitrosamines are considered carcinogenic compounds that may potentially increase cancer risk when consumed in high amounts.
Although more research is needed, some doctors recommend pregnant women avoid nitrate/nitrite-treated products as a precaution.
Choking Hazard
The thin, stringy texture of beef sticks makes them a choking hazard, especially if you are nibbling on them mindlessly. Pregnancy brain fog coupled with voracious cravings can lead to distracted eating. Eating too fast increases chances of the sticks getting lodged in your windpipe.
Are Beef Sticks Ever Safe in Pregnancy?
Most doctors advise avoiding beef sticks entirely during pregnancy. But eating them sparingly once in a blue moon when cravings strike hard is unlikely to harm you or baby.
Here are some safer ways to eat beef sticks when pregnant:
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Choose brands with no added nitrates/nitrites like Krave or Vermont Smoke & Cure
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Microwave sticks for 10-15 seconds to help kill bacteria
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Chew sticks slowly and thoroughly
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Drink water while eating to avoid choking
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Opt for vegetarian “beef” sticks made from eggplant or seitan
However, it’s still ideal to avoid beef sticks as much as you can when you are expecting. There are plenty of other healthy and safe ways to get protein without the risks beef sticks may pose.
Healthy Pregnancy-Safe Protein Snacks
You can curb beef stick cravings by eating balanced snacks that offer a protein fix without the worries. Some healthy alternatives include:
Hard-boiled eggs – Packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. Enjoy up to 2 eggs per day.
Nuts and seeds – Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds etc are nutritious options. Go for unsalted varieties.
Edamame – These fun snack-sized soybeans provide plant-based protein. Buy them shelled to avoid choke risk.
Hummus and veggies – Dip raw veggies like carrots and celery into hummus for protein and fiber.
Greek yogurt – High in calcium and protein. Opt for unsweetened plain varieties.
Cottage cheese – Contains casein protein to keep you full. Top with fruit for added nutrition.
Nut/seed butter – Smear almond butter or sunflower seed butter on apple slices or whole grain crackers.
Cheese sticks – Low-fat versions offer protein, calcium and vitamin D.
Tuna/salmon pouches – Look for sustainable options packed in water.
Milk – Dairy milk has protein, calcium, vitamin D and B12 for pregnant women.
Lentils – These fiber and protein-rich legumes make excellent snacks when roasted.
Protein bars – Select bars with at least 10g of protein and minimal added sugar.
Tips for Safe Eating During Pregnancy
Here are some general food safety guidelines to follow during pregnancy:
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Cook meats to the proper internal temperature to destroy illness-causing bacteria
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Avoid raw and undercooked meat, poultry, fish and eggs
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Do not eat unpasteurized products like soft cheeses, juice, milk etc
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Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
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Clean cooking surfaces, utensils and hands after handling raw meat
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Check “sell by” and “use by” dates and follow storage instructions on food packages
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Heat up risky foods like lunch meats and hot dogs until steaming
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Avoid cross-contamination of ready-to-eat foods with raw meat juices
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Do not eat refrigerated, perishable foods that have been sitting out for over 2 hours
By following basic food handling precautions, you can protect yourself from many foodborne infections during pregnancy.
Can You Eat Beef Sticks While Breastfeeding?
Beef sticks are not recommended during breastfeeding as well. Any pathogens in the contaminated sticks can pass to your baby through breastmilk. The high sodium content can also make your breastfed infant fussy or gassy.
Once breastfeeding is over, you can add beef sticks back to your diet in moderation. But for now, it’s better to err on the safe side and avoid them.
The Takeaway
Pregnancy is a time to make smart food choices that nourish you and baby. While an occasional beef stick in moderation may be okay, it’s prudent to avoid them as much as possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Make sure to heat them up, chew slowly and choose lower sodium options if you do indulge in a craving. But for the most part, try other nutritious protein snacks like yogurt, cheese, eggs, nuts and legumes to stay healthy and avoid risks.
Foodborne illness and toxoplasma
Foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, can happen to anyone, but your chances are higher because being pregnant can mess up your immune system. And as a result, your body may have difficulty fighting off bacteria that can make you sick.
This includes bacteria that causes illnesses like toxoplasma. Not only can you get sick, but your baby may be affected, too.
You’re probably thinking: Beef jerky isn’t raw, so what’s the big deal?
While it’s true that jerky isn’t raw, it’s also not cooked in the traditional sense.
Cooking meat at a high temperature helps kill bacteria that can make you sick. Jerky is dried meat, and the reality is, drying meat might not kill all bacteria. When you buy jerky at the store, you can’t be sure of the temperature it was dried at.
So each time you take a bite of jerky, you’re essentially gambling with your health.
Toxoplasmosis is a common infection, and in healthy people, it doesn’t usually cause serious problems. Some people don’t even realize they have the infection, especially since it can clear up on its own.
But because this sickness can cause birth defects, you should do everything you can to stay away from toxoplasmosis while vous are pregnant. This means not eating beef jerky, washing your hands after handling undercooked meat, and washing fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Are deli meats safe during pregnancy? Dietitian explains
Can you eat beef sticks while pregnant?
Well, eating beef sticks during pregnancy isn’t recommended. That doesn’t mean it will kill you, but there are lots of reasons why you should try to avoid them. What are they? And what will happen when you eat just one of them, for example? Keep reading, and you’ll know everything you need to! Are beef sticks ok when pregnant?
Do you crave beef sticks during pregnancy?
(Especially Slim Jims) It is a well-known fact that pregnant people often crave certain (usually not healthy) types of food, like fast food or some favorite snacks. And since beef sticks are a trendy snack, especially in the USA, you may definitely find yourself craving one of those thin, shiny pieces of meat during pregnancy.
Can you eat deli meat during pregnancy?
Processed meats to avoid during pregnancy, unless heated to the proper temperature, include deli meat such as turkey, ham, bologna, chicken, roast beef, prosciutto, and pepperoni. Heating them up in a skillet until they’re steaming hot should kill the bacteria, according to Jarosh.
Are processed meats safe during pregnancy?
Registered dietitian-nutritionist and author Willow Jarosh, MS, has a two-part answer regarding processed meats during pregnancy: “Lunchmeat [and other processed meats] can carry listeria,” she says.