Healthy ways to cook beef
We are often told that red meat is bad for us, and we are regularly told to reduce the amount we eat while increasing the amount of vegetables in our diet. While it’s certainly true that too much red meat is not a good thing – and many adults in the UK eat more than the recommended amount – enjoying beef as an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple won’t harm you.
In fact, the BT website explains that beef in moderation can be good for you. Beef does contain many nutrients and vitamins that are essential for good health and strength, and one of the reasons red meat gets such bad press is because it is so often cooked using unhealthy methods or served as part of too-big meals in dishes like huge, cheese-slathered burgers or massive Tex-Mex platters. With a few simple changes to the way you buy and cook beef, however, it can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
Choose your cuts wisely
Instead of buying cheap beef in the supermarket, head to your local butcher and ask for a cut with less fat. For example, ask if they have a top round rather than T-bone or rump. You should also opt for organic meat wherever possible as this generally indicates both better welfare standards for the animal and a better standard of meat.
Adapt your cooking methods
Grilling or barbecuing beef on a well-seasoned kebab with tasty vegetables is a great way to get your red meat fix without all the fat and calories of a steak served with a rich, buttery sauce. Beef also lends itself well to healthy stir fries and adds a welcome dose of protein and iron to light-yet-tasty Asian dishes. Browse the internet for interesting-looking beef online recipes at sites such as http://food-tales.com/food-recipes/beef/ and step outside your culinary comfort zone. If you’re guilty of always cooking beef the exact same way and are worried this isn’t a particularly healthy way to eat red meat, investigate other ways of serving it.
Cut any excess fat off
The benefit of preparing your beef at home rather than buying it ready prepared in a packet from a supermarket is that you can trim any excess fat and enjoy a leaner, healthier meal.
