Healthy Meats: Types and Preparation

Meat has been the centerpiece of our diets for as long as we've been on this planet. From our ancestors to our own generation, meat has always been a staple. With an increased focus on healthy eating, picking the right kinds of meat can give a boost to the overall nutrition of your food.

Meat in general has gotten a bad reputation. What you need to realize is that like most foods, there is both a good and bad option to choose from. That's especially true with meat. Meat is associated with high amounts of saturated (bad) fat. This kind of fat has been linked to various health problems including cardiovascular disease. The meats you should include in your diet need to be low in these fats.

Poultry (chicken and turkey) and fish are very low in saturated fat and most fish are high in unsaturated (good) fats. Pork and beef are mostly to blame for meat's bad reputation. The most common cuts contain a high amount of saturated fat. When you go to the store, most meat products are now labeled with their nutrition information. You can find pork and beef that are relatively low in fat. You can also drain the fat periodically while cooking meat to further reduce it.

The method you use to prepare meat also has a big impact on how healthy the finished meal ends up being. Always try to bake instead of fry. Baking doesn't require a lot of extra fat and the results are sometimes surprising. Grilling is also a health way to prepare meat. It adds no fat and even lets excess fat drip down, out of the meat.

Remember that moderation is very important when eating any kind of food. If you really like fried chicken and baked chicken just won't do it, having fried food every now and then won't kill you. If you have a solid foundation for your diet and exercise, a few unhealthy choices won't damage it.

If you need more information on healthy cooking, visit the Guide to Cooking. You can also check out how others prepare their meals in a healthy way and share your own tips at the nutrition forums.