The Healthiest Way To Eat Meat

Benefits of Eating Meat

Eating meat is an essential part of a healthy diet. It provides important nutrients, such as protein, iron, and B vitamins. Meat is also a good source of zinc and vitamin D. Eating lean meats and limiting processed meats can help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of certain diseases. Lean meats include poultry, fish, and lean cuts of beef and pork. Processed meats include sausages, bacon, and cured or smoked meats.

Selecting and Preparing Meat

When selecting meat, look for the leanest cuts available. Trim any visible fat and remove the skin from poultry. When preparing meat, baking, broiling, grilling, poaching, and steaming are the healthiest methods. Avoid frying or deep-frying meats. If you’re using marinades, choose ones made with vinegar, lemon juice, or wine. When adding sauces or gravies to cooked meats, use low-fat or fat-free varieties.

Serving Suggestions

When serving meat, remember to keep portions moderate. The average serving size for meat is 3 ounces, which is about the size of a deck of cards. Eating too much meat can increase your risk of obesity and certain diseases, so pay attention to portion sizes. Serve smaller portions of meat with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains. This can help add flavor and nutrients to your meal.

Healthy Alternatives

In addition to meat, you can also get your protein from other sources. Plant-based proteins, such as beans, nuts, and tofu, are high in fiber and other nutrients. Eating a variety of proteins can help you get all the nutrients you need. You can also add flavor to your meals with herbs and spices. Try using herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, and cilantro instead of fatty sauces and gravies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eating meat is part of a healthy diet. Choose lean cuts and prepare them using healthy cooking methods. Serve moderate portions of meat with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and grains. Eating a variety of proteins can also help you get all the nutrients you need. Use herbs and spices to add flavor to your meals and avoid fatty sauces and gravies. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the health benefits of eating meat.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). What’s the difference between lean and processed meats? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/healthy_living/nutrition/meat.htm