You Can Have Your Beef, and Diet, Too.

Why beef should be part of a holistic and inclusive diet.

When people make health-related New Year's resolutions for better eating, weight loss and overall dietary health, they sometimes eliminate a major part of their diet: beef.

While lifestyle choices like Ketogenic, Paleo and Low Carb eating are changing that a bit, there is still sometimes a stigma around enjoying beef. Almost like we can’t have delicious beef, and diet too!

As our notions of "good" versus "bad" foods are constantly challenged, one thing remains constant: opting for a holistic and inclusive approach to eating and exercise is generally more sustainable and produces better results than restrictive and limited diets. So, instead of simply exercising more or eating fewer carbs/calories/fats, instead, why not focus on total health and nutritious eating by eating foods that are all-natural, free of additives and sweeteners, and high vitamins and minerals?

Including foods high in vitamins and minerals such as protein, niacin, and riboflavin--like ground beef--can actually help build (and preserve) muscle, while also supporting a healthy metabolism, and assisting in converting food into fuel. Ground beef varieties contain 10 (!) vitamins and nutrients--all of which can contribute to your overall health and diet.   And, bonus! These nutrients also help reduce your appetite so you will crave fewer unhealthy foods, will convert fuel more efficiently, and assist your body in converting energy throughout the day, encouraging you to burn more calories with exercise!

So, what are these super-power nutrients in beef? They include the following ten mega- nutrients.

10 Nutrients Found in Beef

Nutrient: Choline
What does it do?  Supports nervous system development.

Nutrient: Iron
What does it do?  Helps your body use oxygen.

Nutrient: Niacin
What does it do?  Supports energy production and metabolism.

Nutrient: Phosphorus
What does it do?  Helps build bones and teeth.

Nutrient: Protein
What does it do?  Helps preserve and build muscle.

Nutrient: Riboflavin
What does it do?  Helps convert food into fuel.

Nutrient: Selenium
What does it do?  Helps protect cells from damage.

Nutrient: Vitamins B6 and B12
What does it do?  Helps maintain brain function.

Nutrient: Zinc
What does it do?  Helps maintain a healthy immune system.

So, next time someone talks about what their diet lets them have, think of how an inclusive diet fueled in part by beef and it’s ten incredible nutrients can help you move towards your holistic nutrition goals in the new year without sacrifice or compromise.