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question

What types of meat should I eat if I want to lose weight?

Manuel Villacorta
Manuel Villacorta on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition & Dietetics
answer
Some meats are fattier than others, and varieties break down into very lean meats, lean meats, medium-fat meats, and high-fat meats. As a general rule for losing weight, I suggest choosing very lean meats most of the time and choosing lean meat some of the time. When consuming lean meat, make heart-healthy choices like salmon, tuna, and tofu. Limit your intake of medium- and high-fat meats as much as you can.

My biggest rule for meats, which allows people to eat what they enjoy most, is to stay with lean meats whenever possible. They have fewer saturated fats, which cause inflammation that leads to a host of diseases. The trick is to check the meats you buy for fat content. Many dieters only eat chicken and turkey, which can get boring fast. But guess what: if you buy lean red meat, you can enjoy that too. I always look for a label that says "less than 4% fat" or "96% lean" on my beef. Then I feel free to make burgers, spaghetti sauce, whatever I'm craving.
Eating Free: The Carb-Friendly Way to Lose Inches, Embrace Your Hunger, and Keep Weight Off for Good

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.