Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite

  • In Atkins, it says not to eat meats with sodium nitrate or nitrite. Does anyone worry about this, because it's hard to find foods without it. I go to Trader Joes or Sprouts to find certain things like bacon or turkey bacon.
    The thing is it's expensive to buy and I go get those items once a month.
    Any ideas or suggestions?
    Thanks Alot!
  • I'm afraid that's just one of those things that I know I SHOULD avoid, but I really don't.
  • I would use the word "limit" rather than avoid for my own personal choices. When I can find a locally natural apple smoked bacon, I buy it (but not primarily because it doesn't contain nitrates, but because the bacon is the best bacon I've ever tasted). If I can't find it I buy regular bacon and don't worry about the nitrates.

    But I don't buy many of the foods that contain nitrates very often. So, by using bacon, ham, or deli meats only occasionally, I feel fairly nitrate-free.
  • Well, if it doesn't hinder our weight loss, then it shouldn't really matter?
    I need to buy where it's convenient for me and not always go out of my way.
    Thanks to all for replying back.