Meat is one of the most popular food groups in the world, but it can be tricky to enjoy it in a healthy capacity. Despite this, meat is an integral feature to various cultures, such as Muslims with Qurbani 2022 and Americans with Thanksgiving. With this being said, not everyone is willing to indulge in meat in an unhealthy fashion, meaning they’re searching for healthy meats to incorporate into their diet. From removing fats before cooking to avoiding frying, there are many steps that you can take to enjoy meat healthily. Read on to discover the healthiest meats you should add to your diet.
Chicken Breast
Not an unusual meat, you may have been eating one of the healthiest meats for as long as you can remember. This is one of the most popular meats across North America and is also incredibly versatile. Chicken breast is high in protein, low in fat, and low in calories, meaning it’s ideal for anyone looking to lose weight or gain muscle. Not only this, but chicken breasts can be easily used in a multitude of meals; therefore, it’s easy to grab when you’re out of dinner inspo. From grilling to baking, the possibilities when it comes to cooking are endless.
Chicken Thigh
From the same animal but a different cut, chicken thighs are normally used for dishes that require more flavor. Although they have a higher fat content, chicken thighs shouldn’t be demonized. Fat isn’t something to be outright avoided, it’s something to be enjoyed in moderation. The same can be said for any type of food, even vegetables! Use your judgment and listen to your body, you’ll know when it’s time to cut back. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean bland and boring flavors, it just means knowing when it is and isn’t appropriate to indulge.
Turkey
Thanksgiving has already been mentioned, so fans of this particular holiday will be thrilled to know that turkey is one of the healthiest meats you can enjoy. In spite of its reputation as a bland and dry meat, when cooked correctly, turkey can be tasty and succulent. Meanwhile, it’s abundant in B vitamins, high in protein, and even low in fat. Therefore, like chicken, it’s ideal for those wanting to lose weight or gain muscle. Additionally, there’s a widespread myth that turkey makes you sleepy; however, that’s exactly what it is, a myth.
Bison
Bison is a somewhat unique addition to the list, but it has minimal saturated fat when compared to the likes of other red meats. In fact, bison is free-range and doesn’t contain additives or hormones and boasts a unique flavor. The taste of bison may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly worth trying for those on the hunt for healthy red meats. The healthiest way to cook bison is by grilling it; alternatively, ground bison can be made into chili or Bolognese. You may struggle to find bison in your local supermarket, so it might be worth heading to the butchers or looking online for fresh bison.
Canned Fish
Although canned fish isn’t any healthier than the fresh or frozen alternatives, they beat these options in terms of convenience. Not only can they simply be taken from the tin and eaten whenever, but they can be kept in the cabinet for years without spoiling. If your fridge is looking empty and you’re stuck on what to cook for dinner, consider that tin of tuna that’s been sat in the cabinet for the last couple of months. From sandwiches to pastas, a lot can be done with canned fish.
