How to Choose the Healthiest Meats

What’s the deal with meat? From sirloins and top roasts to ribs and breasts, it can be tricky to keep different cuts of meat straight.

Healthy Food


Courtesy of Greatist.com

What’s the deal with meat? From sirloins and top roasts to ribs and breasts, it can be tricky to keep different cuts of meat straight, let alone know which is the best option for your specific diet and lifestyle. For most types of meat, more fat means more flavor. If you’re looking for a lean protein, go for cuts trimmed to 1/8” of fat or less and remember to add extra seasonings to boost flavor.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration labels beef that meets safety standards (and thus makes it onto shelves) as USDA Prime, USDA Choice, or USDA Select. Don’t be fooled by the fancy names, though. The USDA grades meat based on juiciness, flavor, and texture, but it doesn’t take nutritional information into account. Cuts labeled “Prime” are the fattiest, with thick marbling (aka layers of fat), tender meat, and lots of flavor. “Choice” cuts are high quality but leaner and “Select” meats are the leanest cuts with little to no marbling.

Of course, it all depends on what you’re looking for in your personal diet, and it’s good to know that before hitting the meat aisle.  Read more

For Healthy Dining menu choices featuring leaner meats, search for participating restaurants in your area or try one of the menu choices below: