Christmas Gift Guide: Food Edition

 

Eat Beef

                In honor of May being Beef Month, I thought I would dedicate some time and words to the protein source that not only supports our bodies but also our community.

1.      Protein

A variety of foods have protein in them including quinoa, peanut butter, kale, and whole grain bread. But beef is an extremely efficient way to meet your protein needs. In 3 oz of lean ground beef, you will find 25grams of protein, almost ½ your daily value, for just 170 calories! To reach that 25g of protein, you would have to eat 3 cups of quinoa or 6 ½ tbsp. of peanut butter at over 600 calories, 1 and 2/3 cups of black beans at 379 calories, or 1 1/3 cup of edamame at 250 calories. Beef is an amazing source of protein and all cuts have less than 10 grams of total fat and 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat.

2.      Vitamin and Minerals Breakdown

Not only does beef provide an impressive amount of protein, but it also contains a long list of vitamins and minerals vital to healthy body functions. It’s high in Vitamin B6 & B12 which promote brain function and help give our body energy. It’s also high in Zinc that helps support a healthy immune system. Beef is also a great source of Choline that helps develop a strong nervous system. It is also a high in iron which helps our body utilize oxygen – and that’s only naming a few!

3.      Environmental Impact

Right now there is big push towards going green and caring for the environment. This is where many like to turn and point fingers to the agriculture industry. 30% of greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity and 26% come from transportation while only 9% comes from agriculture.  Turning off the lights before you leave the house and walking to your meeting instead of driving would have a greater impact than avoiding eating meat. Farmers are truly the original environmentalists because their livelihood relies on the land and the environment, and they treat it as such.

4.      It’s What’s For Dinner

Finally for dinner try one of my favorite 3 ingredient dishes are my beef teriyaki lettuce wraps. Start by browning up 1 lb of lean hamburger. Cook until no longer pink and drain any leftover fat. Add ½ cup teriyaki sauce and toss until completely combined. Serve in lettuce cups topped with sesame seeds. Pair with brown rice and stir fry vegetables to complete the meal!

So this May as you sit down at the table if beef is what is for dinner enjoy it knowing you are getting a great source of nutrition while supporting our community and local beef industry. And if you see a beef producer, make sure you tell them, thank moo.