Hey there! As a fitness enthusiast and a community lead at SQUATWOLF, I love talking to people about how good food can power your workouts. When it comes to picking the best meats for your meals, there are some real winners that are not only delicious but also super nutritious. First off, chicken breast is the MVP here. It's lean, full of protein, and you can use it in so many different dishes. If you're a fan of red meat, you've got to try grass-fed beef. It's got more omega-3s and vitamin E than regular beef, which is awesome for your heart and fighting off inflammation. Then there's turkey, which is not just for Thanksgiving. It's low in fat and packed with important nutrients like selenium, which is a big help in protecting your body's cells. And let's not forget about salmon. It's not meat, but it's a superstar when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids, which do wonders for your brain and heart health. Last but not least, if you can get your hands on some venison, it's a fantastic choice. It's lower in fat than many other red meats and loaded with iron and B vitamins, which can really give you a boost of energy. Mixing these meats into your meals throughout the week can really level up your diet, making you feel stronger and healthier. So, go ahead and give them a try!
Neck of Lamb: Neck of lamb is an often overlooked cut. Not only high in protein, its softness makes the protein and nutrients more easy to absorb. When compared to regular cuts, more nutrients are retained partly because of high concentration levels relative to size. The added benefit of this cut is how it's typically cooked. Boiling the neck creates a nutrient rich and flavorsome stock. I freeze the stock in cubes and use it to add healthy flavor to soups and other dishes. Bison: I love the fact that Bisons are typically raised in open pastures. Leaner than beef, Bison meat is a healthier option. With lower calories, saturated fats, and cholesterol, it's a top choice for red meat lovers who are watching their cholesterol or weight. This high-quality protein rich meat has high levels of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. High in omega-3 fatty acids, incorporating bison into your diet can help reduce inflammation and contribute to brain-health. Kangaroo: Being an Aussie I simply had to add this high-quality meat into the mix! Roo meat has under 2% fat, making it first class red meat for the health conscious. High in protein, B vitamins, omega 3 and 6, fats and so much more. Roo meat knocks the socks off beef, chicken and pork containing more than double the amount of iron. Kangaroos are typically not farmed, which means their meat is free range and organic.
As a dietitian, I love to incorporate a variety of meats for my clients when meal planning. There are so many nutrient dense options dependent on their preferences, time, and schedule. I like to incorporate things like grass fed beef, which is loaded with nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids. I also tend to encourage free range chicken, pasture raised eggs, and wild caught salmon. Including all of these sources will help the client get more omega-3 fatty acids into their diet which most Americans fall short in. These sources will be richer in vitamins in minerals as well. Unfortunately, these meats and fish can often be more expensive so even if the client is able to incorporate some of them it is an investment in their overall health.
As a CEO who values nutrition and well-being, I recommend incorporating high-quality meats like grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and wild-caught salmon into your diet. These choices are favoured by nutrition professionals due to their superior nutritional profiles and ethical sourcing. Grass-fed beef is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, offering a healthier fat composition compared to grain-fed beef. Free-range chicken provides a good source of lean protein while being higher in nutrients like vitamin A and omega-3s due to a more natural diet. Wild-caught salmon is celebrated for its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. Incorporating these meats can enhance the nutritional value of your diet while supporting sustainable and humane farming practices.
Incorporating high-quality meats into your diet can provide essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins. I often recommend lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, for their protein content and lower fat content. Skinless poultry like chicken or turkey is another excellent choice due to its protein density and versatility in cooking. Additionally, fatty fish — salmon or mackerel are popular for their omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. For those seeking very tasty alternatives, lean cuts of pork and game meats like venison can also offer valuable nutrients.