During pregnancy, it becomes important for moms to double-check what they eat. This is because foods can affect their health and their babies, positively or negatively. One popular dish you might be craving is a Philly cheesesteak.
This is a delicious sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, cheese, and usually onions and peppers, all piled onto a long hoagie roll. But can you eat Philly cheesesteak while pregnant?
Is it okay to eat Philly cheesesteak while pregnant?
Yes, you have the go-ahead to eat Philly cheesesteak while pregnant, but there are a couple of stuff to consider. First up, be sure to cook the meat in the cheesesteak fully.
Most ground meats, which often come with cheesesteak, like beef, contain bacteria, so it is important to cook it to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe and bacteria-free.
Plus, it’s important to ensure any cheese in the cheesesteak is pasteurized. The pasteurization process takes off all the bad bacteria.
Also, while eating this once in a while is fine, remember that it can come with added calories, fats, and sodium. Thus, it should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Safety considerations for eating Philly cheese steak when pregnant
Eating a Philly cheesesteak while pregnant can be a tasty choice, but there are some safety considerations to keep in mind to ensure that both you and your baby stay healthy:
Cook them properly
Eating meat that’s well-done is very important because undercooked or raw meat can carry harmful bacteria like Listeria or Toxoplasma. These germs may complicate your journey or have long-term implications on the baby even after birth.
To be at the safer side, the steak in your cheesteak should be cooked until it is steaming. Also, when ordering, it’s a good idea to specifically ask for the meat to be well-done, and you should always check that there’s no pink left in the steak—it should be brown all the way through.
If you’re ever unsure how well the meat is cooked when ordering out, it’s best to avoid it to keep you and your baby safe. It’s always better to be cautious with these things during pregnancy.
Check the cheese
Eating pasteurized cheese is the way to go. This is generally safe as pasteurized cheese has been heated to a temperature that blots out almost all potential bacteria while maintaining flavor and nutritional value.
Before you eat a Philly cheesesteak, you might want to ask about the cheese they use or check the label if you’re preparing it at home. Steering clear of unpasteurized cheeses is a good practice to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, which are particularly concerning during pregnancy.
Be mindful of hygiene.
Before you decide to eat at a restaurant or buy a cheesesteak from a stand, take a look around. Check if the environment looks clean and if the staff wear gloves and hairnets. Also, if they handle food and money separately. These small cues tell you much about how they take cleanliness.
Furthermore, if you’re grabbing it from a place where you can see the food being prepared, watch how they handle ingredients. This will help you be more confident that your food won’t jeopardize your health or the baby’s wellbeing.
Watch your portions
Bingeing on this can cause you to put up unnecessary weight. Philadelphia cheesesteaks are scrumptious but can be pretty large and calorie-packed.
Try to eat the small-sized or perhaps share your medium-sized cheesesteak with someone. This is a great way to check calorie intake. You might want to add a side of veggies or salad alongside your smaller portion to keep it balanced.
Alternatives to Philly cheesesteak for pregnant women
If you crave Philly cheese steak but are looking for healthier replacements, there are some options!
- Homemade Philly cheesesteak: Preparing your own sandwich at home lets you track the ingredients. Use leaner cuts of meat, whole grain, bread and add plenty of veggies like onions, peppers and mushrooms.. You can even choose a lower-fat cheese as part of the pasteurized option.
- Veggie sub: If you’re looking for a meatless alternative, a veggie sub can be a fit. Load up a whole grain sub roll with grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini are perfect. You may want to add provolone cheese (pasteurized) to make it perfect.
- Grilled chicken sandwich: For a lean protein option, try this. Adding same toppings you’d use on your Philly sandwich should be fine, as it will give it a similar flavor. Use a whole wheat bun for added fiber.
- Turkey or chicken cheesesteak: Substitute the regular beef in Philly with turkey or chicken for a leaner sandwich. It gives you the classic cheesesteak taste with less saturated fat. Remember to cook the poultry thoroughly to keep it very safe.
- Wrap with hummus and veggies: For something lighter, try a whole-grain wrap filled with hummus, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers. You get protein from the hummus as well as vitamins and minerals from the veggies.
- Beef and vegetable kebabs: This can be a healthier alternative for those craving the taste of grilled beef. Grill-up beef cuts paired with colorful veggies to make up for your meat cravings.
Final Say
It is possible to eat Philly cheesesteak while pregnant, but always make sure it is done to perfection. The cheese should also be pasteurized to shrink your chances of coming into contact with bad bacteria.
Also, pick places that maintain high hygiene standards to reduce any chance of foodborne illness. Don’t binge on it. If you’re looking for alternatives, there are plenty of options you can try.
