When planning a nutritious menu, it's wise to consider the importance of moderation and variety. Most foods can be included in moderation as part of a healthy diet, and beef is no exception. Although beef can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, there are ways to prepare lean cuts of beef to help ensure good nutrition.
Variety
Variety is the spice of life. You may find yourself slipping into weekly patterns where you tend to eat the foods you like most, again and again. Consider that different foods contain variable vitamins, minerals and nutrients. By including a wide range of food options, you will help satisfy your daily nutritional needs. Rather than eating beef every day, stimulate your palate -- and your good health -- by incorporating poultry, pork, fish and even vegetarian options into your menu.
Saturated Fat
Ground beef and cuts of beef that contain a lot of marbling, or visible beef fat, are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Both of these dietary components can lead to high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease. You can make beef healthier by trimming visible fat from it before cooking.
Lean Cuts
The part of the animal the cut of beef originates from determines how fatty it is. Consider purchasing lean cuts like round eye, top round, bottom round, round tip, top loin, top sirloin, chuck shoulder and arm roasts. Ground beef can contain hidden fat that is hard to see because it's ground in. Choose ground beef that is 90% lean or higher.
Cooking Techniques
The way beef is prepared also helps reduce its fat content. The healthiest cooking techniques include, grilling, roasting, broiling or baking. Prop beef on a meat rack when cooking t capture and dispose of fat that drips off during the cooking process. If you prepare beef stews and soups a day ahead of time and refrigerate, you can skim the fat that settles on top of the broth.
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