Rethinking Red Meat As Part Of A Healthy Diet (VIDEO)

Contrary to popular belief, red meat can be a part of a healthy diet. Here, experts explain what the best cuts are and how to prepare them so you can stay fit.

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• Lentils

  A cup of iron-rich lentils packs <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-and-legume-products/4338/2" target="_hplink">18 grams of protein</a> -- almost as much as three ounces of steak. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notahipster/4032706663/" target="_hplink">little blue hen</a></em>

• Greek Yogurt

  Regular yogurt's thickier, tangier cousin can contain up to <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diet/articles/2011/09/30/greek-yogurt-vs-regular-yogurt-which-is-more-healthful" target="_hplink">twice the amount of protein</a>, all for about the same number of calories and a lot less sugar, according to U.S. News Health. <br><br> Depending on the brand and container serving size, Greek yogurt can pack anywhere from <a href="http://www.stonyfield.com/products/oikos/single-serve/53oz-fruit-bottom/strawberry" target="_hplink">about 13</a> to <a href="http://www.chobani.com/products/c/nonfat/" target="_hplink">18 grams of protein</a>. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bpende/4349870788/" target="_hplink">bpende</a></em>

• Beans

  One cup of <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-and-legume-products/4326/2" target="_hplink">garbanzo beans</a>, or chickpeas, contains 15 grams of protein, as does a cup of <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-and-legume-products/4284/2" target="_hplink">black</a> or <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-and-legume-products/4297/2" target="_hplink">kidney beans</a>. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doyland/4503473836/" target="_hplink">Jude Doyland</a></em>

• Tofu

  A half-cup serving of tofu contains <a href="http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/4817" target="_hplink">more than 10 grams of protein</a>, according to the USDA. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katiecarman/161688267/" target="_hplink">katiecarman</a></em>

• Tempeh

  A firmer, chewier cousin of tofu, a half-cup serving of this soybean-based bite has <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-and-legume-products/4381/2" target="_hplink">15 grams of protein</a>. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notahipster/6099142994/" target="_hplink">little blue hen</a></em>

• Spinach

  Cook a cup of the leafy green for more than <a href="http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3234" target="_hplink">5 grams of protein</a>. Spinach is also a good source of calcium and iron. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/toasty/316293797/" target="_hplink">ToastyKen</a></em>

• Quinoa

  A cooked cup of this whole grain contains more than <a href="http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/6430" target="_hplink">8 grams of protein</a>, and a hearty dose of filling fiber. Other grains, like brown rice and bulgur, are good meat-free protein options too. <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/telegirl/2249921894/" target="_hplink">Lucy Crabapple</a> </em>

• Peanuts

  Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios and other nuts are <a href="http://www.rodale.com/vegetarian-protein-sources?page=2" target="_hplink">all good meat-free protein sources</a>, according to Rodale, but peanuts top the list. One ounce of dry-roasted peanuts contains nearly <a href="http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/4782" target="_hplink">7 grams of protein</a>. Plus, nuts are loaded with healthy fats -- just don't eat too many! <br><br> <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinni/4763072143/" target="_hplink">Vinni123</a></em>

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Comments

[uldissprogis]

09:18 AM on 09/29/2012

Red meat in moderation is healthy in a varied diet and if you are paranoid about growth hormones and antibiotics in your meat you can opt for rather expensive organic meat from suppliers of buffalo meat or grass fed beef from Albert's Organics.

[Clyde Garner]

09:25 PM on 09/24/2012

Seems to me the problem is the portions that we Americans insist on. When I was in Europe a steak was usually sliced a little over a quarter inch thick. All meat was served sparingly and yet most people appeared healthy. Bicycles were everywhere. People were in good shape. There were exceptions of course, but for the most part they were healthier. If we (americans) went to smaller portions, there would be less meat sold. Wouldn't that eventually lead to lower prices....but then, I really do love steak....Dilemna!

[rodjard]

04:03 PM on 08/29/2012

The more pinched the public becomes, the less choices they have
when faces with prices of meat and cuts of meat. This has to be
having an effect on the marketplace.
The cheapest fish, Legs and thighs in volume and pork steak on sale
is my monthly routine,
I am sure more and more are following that pattern.

[rodjard]

03:51 PM on 08/29/2012

The choices of meat that are not red, toxic with heavy matals or full or
steroids are rare to none.
Meat protein is very good for you. Marketing tecniques to the public is
very bad for you.
I am sick to death of chicken everything or trash fish from everywhere,
The facts of the health benefits of Rabbit and some other Rhodent typs
of meat that are total vegitarian types of mammels are far superior to
the fat protien that we have a choice of now.
Gene Autry sang a song about Peter Cottontail and we are all denied the
best meat that we all could eat.

[mujiijum]

02:00 AM on 08/26/2012

I happen to love red meat but I realized that I don't really eat most of the mixed stuff. Like I barely ever eat burgers. I like steak and salad with veggies. Very basic. no marinating, no sauce. I have no health problems. As a matter of fact I am in my weight class and if I was ever bigger, I would blame my chocolate addiction, and if I was to get cancer I would blame everything else that is around me including my cell phones and dirty air, and dirty city and hormone filled food. (or the fact that I used to smoke)

[einhverfr]

06:16 AM on 10/11/2012

I usually buy hamburger as part of the side of beef, have it microbutchered and micro-slaughtered. I don't see anything wrong with this. I will even use that sort of hamburger in raw beef dishes, which I don;t think you can safely do with ground beef from the store.

[SGillLondonUK]

07:22 AM on 07/19/2012

Red meat causes cancer, how can it be considered healthy? Whats next? Smoking can help you lose weight?

[pslcitizen]

03:28 PM on 07/05/2012

Everything in moderation..

[regulargal]

08:41 PM on 06/25/2012

Meat production has a worse environmental impact than cars. I guess that is why Mazda decided they would sponsor this article.

[SGillLondonUK]

07:23 AM on 07/19/2012

I remember years ago, the tobacco industry produced a report saying that smoking cigarettes can reduce the risk of Alzheimers...

[Savannah5]

08:35 PM on 06/21/2012

False. Red meat is bad for you. When I gave up red meat, my asthma improved and my allergies got better. I lost weight and could exercise moderately.
I eat chicken instead.
Please don't listen to this silliness presented here.

[PrincessPinkPony]

06:00 PM on 07/02/2012

Red meat is bad for me? Darn, I enjoy not having B12 deficiency so much. It sucks that you have asthma and can't do high intensity work outs and that you attribute that to read meat. I've eaten red meat all of my short life (29 years). I'm happy to say I've never had asthma and I do high intensity work outs 4-6 times per week. I do not have any allergies that I'm aware of, other than occasional seasonal allergies. I also have cholesterol levels that rival any vegetarian's levels.

I think I won't listen to the silliness you present here.

[SGillLondonUK]

07:25 AM on 07/19/2012

I havent eaten meat of any kind since i was 14, i dont have asthma, or any vitamin b12 deficiencies...Im guessing those lobby groups must be pretty convincing.

[Connie Murray]

12:27 PM on 06/21/2012

A little moderation can go a long way. A little red meat, a little white meat, a bunch of fresh fruits and veggies, etc. Enjoy all foods -- in moderation! And if you can get organic, non-gmo even better. Just avoid a diet of all fast food, convenience food, junk food. Eat real food. Its what nature intended. And you can even have some junk food or even sugary soda, just in moderation.

[heerox001]

06:49 AM on 06/21/2012

What about the woman that lost weight that I clicked the link for?

[GiGi EatsCelebrities]

03:18 PM on 06/13/2012

I love meat, love it. I only eat grass-fed meats though but lately I have cut meat out of my life completely and I feel lighter on my feet and much less heavy. Maybe I was eating too much? Who knows. What I do know is that I don't restrict meat, I will eat it when the craving hits!

[Better4us]

06:10 AM on 06/13/2012

For our health, instead of subsidising Dairy and Cattle farms, the government should subsidizing ORGANIC NON-GMO farms and educate public on a healthy diet for our health. Instead of passing laws on sugary drinks sales, ( Don't they think you can buy 2 small drinks instead???) w should be favoring businesses that are environmentally friendly and produce food that doesn't cause cancer and heart disease and other diseases. Please write your congressman!

[hedonistnutritionist]

03:26 PM on 06/21/2012

Yes!!!

[Better4us]

06:02 AM on 06/13/2012

red meat is ok, if the animal is fed healthy - grass fed beef. has less fat. 3 oz is an appropriate serving of protein. Read Dr. Fuhrman's book. He says studies show a plant based diet reduces risks for heart!

[SGillLondonUK]

07:28 AM on 07/19/2012

The same experts are the same ones who say global warming is junk science

[diabalos76]

02:19 AM on 06/13/2012

FACT: contrary to popular belief, red meat IS actually a healthy food staple for humans for quiet some time now. we even consume the milk from the females and it's considered healthy. oh ya. now, if you're not going to do anything with yourself and expect your body to use nearly everything placed inside of it, now that's unhealthy. stop blaming those delicious creatures for your bad eating habits/health paranoia