How to enjoy meat as part of a balanced diet

When it comes to what we should be eating in order to maintain a healthy balanced diet, things can get confusing. There is so much contradictory advice out there that working out what should and should not be on the dinner plate can become an impossible task, but it really doesn’t have to be that way. By simply taking a sensible approach to eating, it is not difficult for people to get all of the nutrients they need, maintain a healthy weight, and eat plenty of meat in doing so.

Although it is popular in some circles to shun or severely restrict meat in the name of health, there is absolutely no reason to go to such extremes and, in fact, doing so could mean missing out on some very important nutrients. Meat is packed with protein, vitamins and nutrients that are vital to the body – it is just a case of making the right choices when buying meat online or in the local shop.

Choosing meat

When people buy meat online, not only should they think about the quality and life of the meat they are purchasing, but they should also consider the effect it will have on their own health too. It is certainly the case that some meat contains large quantities of cholesterol and unhealthy fats, and that processed meats tend to be high in salt. Shoppers therefore need to ensure that they buy these meats sparingly and instead concentrate on lean, healthy meats for the bulk of their meals.

By choosing lean meats like turkey and chicken for most meals, menu-planners can ensure that they get plenty of protein and nutrients while maintaining a suitable weight and a healthy heart. Since these people eat lean meats most of the time, they can afford to eat red meat a couple of days a week as part of a balanced healthy diet, and can get the best of both worlds in doing so.

Meats like bacon and sausage, in the interests of maintaining a truly balanced diet, should be eaten more sparingly than white and red meats – perhaps enjoyed as treats a couple of times a week. Dieters should plan their weekly shop so that they have lots of lean white meats, a few pieces of red meat and comparatively few processed meats.

Balanced diet

To ensure meat is enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, it is important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day (six servings is recommended). In order to get a good quota of fruit and veg in, it is a good idea to serve a range of colorful vegetables with meat dishes, which should contain no more meat than the size of your fist, for the average person.

Snacking on fruit when peckish is also a good way to get in some extra vitamins and minerals and keep the body healthy, and is often more filling than less healthy snacks such as chocolate and crisps.