By Elesha Ergle, RDN
Happy New Year! We made it to 2021…now what? Getting started every year most people want to resolve to eat healthier, lose weight, or exercise more. While these can all be positive things, making small changes to your lifestyle and diet can help more than trying to change everything.
Beef is here to help you get your New Year off to a great and healthy start!
Protein Packed
Beef’s protein is one of its most valued assets. One 3-ounce serving of beef provides 25 grams of protein with only 173 calories! The proteins in beef contain all 9 essential amino acids, helping our bodies build muscle and stay healthy and strong. Get some beef jerky on your next grocery order and keep it on hand in the car or gym bag for quick snacking. If you want to try your hand at your own jerky, Trisha Yearwood’s Oven Jerky is a great recipe to try.
Immune Health
While protein may take the driver’s seat of the beef car, zinc would be calling shotgun. Beef is an excellent source of zinc, which aids the immune system and metabolism. A 3-ounce portion of lean beef can provide up to 80% of your daily value of zinc! No supplements needed here, just a healthy dose of beef and a good recipe. Get your day going with some Beef Breakfast Burritos and load up on 38 grams of protein and 70% of your daily value of zinc.
Vitamin D is very important for our immune health as well as mental health. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to weakened immune response as well as depression. While lean beef does not contain high amounts of Vitamin D, beef liver is a good source. Not only is beef liver a good source of Vitamin D, it is an excellent source of vitamin B-12, Vitamin A, and Iron, making it a nutrient-dense super food. Although it is usually not the beef on everyone’s shopping lists, liver can be cooked in many different and delicious ways. Try the classic Liver and Onions or Beef Boudin Boulettes recipes from Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.
Whatever your New Year looks like, resolve to eat more beef! Beef is a versatile, healthy choice that can fit any budget or lifestyle. For more recipes, nutrition information, or information on beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.
Goodbye, 2020, we probably won’t miss you! Happy, healthy 2021, everyone!
This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers. Photo courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.