Joanna James
As human beings crafted to excel as omnivores, it's vital to balance our diet with the healthy and ethical consumption of meat that does not involve harming ourselves, animals, or the environment. Here are some considerations for holistic meat-inclusive eating.
Whether your go-to comfort foods are chicken soup, creamy chicken pot pie, and teriyaki chicken rice or the nostalgic kid in you has a soft spot for chicken nuggets, buffalo chicken wings, or chicken parmesan served with buttery spaghetti and broccolini, you can't go wrong with this light and versatile protein. Rich in amino acids, niacin, magnesium, calcium, and iron while being low in saturated fat, chicken is not only perfect for low-calorie meal prepping and linked with weight management, muscle gain, and higher levels of mood-boosting serotonin, but it is also more affordable and easier to prepare, consume, and digest. While crispy breaded and fried chicken can be irresistible, the healthier way of having poultry is baked, stewed, grilled, or steamed with plenty of fresh vegetables and wholegrains for company!
If you can't resist the tender succulence of red meat, whether its creamy garlic-and-mushroom infused beef stroganoff, herb-dusted lamb chops with spices, or masala-rich keema with buttery naan, don't let the naysayers get you down! While meats like beef, mutton, lamb, and venison need to be eaten more moderately in clean cuts due to their higher content of saturated fats and sodium, they also contain many vital nutrients required by our bodies, such as vitamin B-12, responsible for cell metabolism and the formation of red blood cells, zinc, which aids our healing and formation of blood clots, and selenium for heightened fertility and a strong immune system. As processed meats have a high correlation with heart disease risk, it's best to consume organic, grass-fed meat that undergoes minimal processing, like ground beef and steak cuts.
Another delicious fowl and a great source of protein-rich white meat, trying out new duck-based recipes, from herbaceous duck broth and honey-balsamic roast Peking duck to smoked duck and grilled peach salad, is a great source of essential building blocks that repair our muscles, skin, and cells. For instance, duck meat provides us 50% of our required daily intake of iron, which is essential for haemoglobin production in our red blood cells, as well as healthier Omega-3 fats that share more beneficial properties with olive oil and are great for infusing dishes with a unique and rich flavour. If you're looking for a premium quality meat store that delivers to your doorstep, venture no further than the likes of McEwan Fine Foods.
Whether you can't say no to a roast turkey with honey macadamia stuffing and a side of gravied mashed potatoes or a pulled turkey and spicy hummus wrap has you weak at the knees, this versatile fowl is said to be healthier than chicken, with its abundance of B-complex vitamins, minerals, and iron, while also being lower in calories, sodium, and fats.
If your tastebuds are set atingle by the mention of rosemary and garlic roast lamb, flaky shepherd's pie, and Madras-spiced lamb meatballs, you have more reason to celebrate, as these delicacies are also packed with essential proteins for maintaining muscle mass and niacin, which leads to healthier functioning nervous and digestive systems.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
