Do you love red meat, but you’re trying to eat healthier? Red meat isn’t known as the healthiest protein source as it’s high in saturated fat and sodium, but during barbecue season, it’s hard to avoid it. How can you go without hamburgers and hotdogs in the summer? But with these tips, you can enjoy red meat, while still leading a healthy lifestyle.
Choose Lean Cuts
Reduce the saturated fat in your meat by choosing lean cuts. Look for labels that include loin, round, and sirloin, which are lower in fat compared to prime cuts.
Bulk Up Burgers
Make burgers more filling by adding veggies like mushroom or black beans and other meats like turkey to your ground beef. This way you won’t skimp out on your burger and it will be tastier.
Trim the Fat
When you’re prepping meat, trim off any visible fat and pour off the melted fat when the meat’s done cooking.
Avoid Char and Smoke
Well-done and smoked meats have higher levels of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer. So, avoid overcooking meat, minimize charring, and avoid the smoker.
Load Up on Fruits and Veggies
Include veggie and fruit-based side dishes around the meat, so your entire plate isn’t red meat. Kebabs are also a great way to get more veggies with your meal.
