Meat and seafood are primary protein sources, but their nutritional values vary by cut and preparation. From the benefits of swordfish to the digestibility of red meat, learn the facts about calories and protein in your favorite proteins.
Including cooked chicken breast into your diet is one way of meeting the daily protein requirements recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines. The USDA's definition of a healthy diet includes lean meats and foods low in saturated fats and sodium.
Read more →
Shredded chicken is a rich source of protein that can be used as a diet-friendly alternative to pulled pork, as it is low in fat and has a similar consistency. Although shredded chicken is leaner than other meat sources, it is not fat-free and does contain carbohydrates, so it may not be suitable for all diets.
Read more →
Many people find it difficult to cook healthy meals for themselves on a regular basis. If you find yourself pressed for time, eating precooked rotisserie chicken can be a nutritionally preferable alternative to many of the available fast food options.
Read more →
Chinese food is a popular ethnic cuisine in the United States, and its emphasis on vegetables and a limited use of high-fat meats may make it one of the healthiest choices. However, some Chinese dishes, such as mu shu chicken, can be high in calories, sodium and fat.
Read more →
The mild, slightly sweet flavor of scallops makes for a pleasing and nutritious main course. They're low in mercury, according to Maine Sea Grant, so you can include scallops in your diet on a regular basis without having to worry about mercury poisoning.
Read more →
Chicken offers a rich source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It tends to be a bit lower in fat and saturated fat than red meat, but with a similar protein content. The breast is the leanest cut of the chicken, and it contains the least amount of sodium and cholesterol.
Read more →
Hamburger patties are made with ground beef and come in a variety of types and sizes. A great source of protein, red meat also contains fat. However, beef naturally contains no carbohydrates, which makes it an effective addition to low carb diets. The U.S.
Read more →
Sliced deli ham is a common option for salads and sandwiches. Deli ham can be sliced directly from a large ham or ham pieces pressed together to form loaves. While this luncheon meat does contain a high amount of sodium, it does have positive nutritional value including minerals and protein.
Read more →
Beef and veal are common choices when selecting red meat to include in the diet. Beef comes from beef cattle. Angus, Texas Longhorn, Argentine and Wagyu are some of the more familiar breeds used for beef. Veal is the meat from young male cattle usually younger than 20-weeks old.
Read more →
Ground beef hamburgers in American date back to the late 1800s, though no one is certain who actually made the first hamburger and bun. The most popular story is that the hamburger was first sold by a Texan at the 1904 St. Louis World Fair.
Read more →
A pork chop refers to any of the cuts of the pig perpendicular to the spine. Some cuts of pork chops can be high in cholesterol-raising saturated fat and calories, but a lean pork chop, such as a sirloin or top loin chop, is the basis for a healthy meal.
Read more →
Next time you're looking for a low-fat meat to have for dinner, try a bison stir-fry, bison cooked in the slow cooker, pasta sauce with ground bison or a bison meatloaf.
Read more →
With its rich flavor and juicy mouthfeel, duck meat provides an indulgent way to reach your recommended protein foods -- a food group that includes meat, eggs, beans and nuts. Each 3.
Read more →
Whether you seek alternate sources of protein to avoid the pitfalls of red meat or you just want more variety in your meal plan, lobster makes a welcome addition to your health-conscious diet. Its mild, sweet flavor works in a variety of dishes, and it also contributes toward your daily nutrient intake.
Read more →
In its simplest form, beef jerky consists of strips of dried beef. However, producers of beef jerky often brine the beef before the drying process and may also grind it, adding in herbs, spices and other flavorings before forming the mixture into strips.
Read more →
Depending on the method of preparation, shrimp stir fry is a decadent treat or a healthy low-fat meal, which illustrates its appeal. Shrimp stir fry is a versatile dish, easily made with a wide variety of vegetables. You can eat it as-is or serve it over rice, pasta, polenta or quinoa.
Read more →
Whether ham is your favorite Easter treat or a regular indulgence, it isn't one of the healthiest meat options. Ham does provide a lot of protein and some vitamins and minerals, but it is also high in both sodium and fat.
Read more →
Both fish and meat provide healthy nutrition, but both also come with health caveats. Meat and fish, along with poultry, are the best sources of protein and iron. Both have a place in a healthy diet, but cutting down on red meat and increasing fish may improve your health.
Read more →
Bison is becoming recognized as a healthy alternative to beef as it is a leaner meat with similar taste and texture to beef. Bison is touted as having a strong flavor, so you might be able to serve less bison per serving compared to beef.
Read more →
Learn about the essential vitamins and minerals found in fish, including vitamin D, vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium. Discover how incorporating these nutrients into your diet can support healthy bones, brain function, and overall well-being.
Read more →