Advertisement
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

More About this Book

Eating Free: The Carb-Friendly Way to Lose Inches, Embrace Your Hunger, and Keep Weight Off for Good

Eating Free reveals why the prevailing wisdom on weight loss--low-calorie, no carbs, high-intensity exercise--sharply clashes with the facts of human biology and human nature, setting dieters up for...

Continue Learning about Nutrition and Weight Loss

The secret to a filling smoothie
The secret to a filling smoothie
Smoothies have a reputation for being healthy. And compared to ultra-processed foods like candy and packaged cookies, many of them are. But if you're ...
Read More
3 small diet changes that may lead to weight loss
3 small diet changes that may lead to weight loss
When you think of trying to lose weight, what comes to mind? Are you concerned about skipping foods you love? Do you worry about feeling hungry all th...
Read More
How much oil should I consume if I'm trying to lose weight?
How much oil should I consume if I'm trying to lose weight? With oil, even olive oil, the hidden cal...
More Answers
What staple foods should I eat for healthy weight loss?
What staple foods should I eat for healthy weight loss? A few staple foods for achieving healthy wei...
More Answers

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.