Calorie counters take a close look at meat

Press, 13 February 1986, Page 17

Calorie counters take a close look at meat

By

JUDI SHEPPARD MISSETT

Conscientious eaters have been bombarded lately with dos and don’ts regarding meat. Once thought to be the best source of protein, red meat is being closely scrutinised by nutritionists and health buffs.

Although beef is an excellent source of protein, it also is high in fat. It is not uncommon for a cut of meat to derive as much as 50 per cent of its calories from fat. Hamburger mince often is more than 60 per cent fat. Luncheon meats, hot dogs and sausages are extremely high in fat, ranging from 75 to 90 per cent of their total calorie content. Red meat has been also linked with high cholesterol — a major cause of heart disease. For these reasons, many people are limiting the amount of red meat they include in their diet. Instead of eating it every night, families include it in their meal plan once or twice a week. Meanwhile, other sources of protein are becoming more popular.

Chicken provides less fat and fewer calories per serving than the average portion of red meat. Prepared without the skin, the calorie breakdown for chicken can be as much as 64 per cent protein and only 30 per cent fat. One of my favourite recipes consists of cooking three to four skinned chicken breasts, and cutting them into bite-size pieces. Next,, stir-fry several fresh vegetables, such as mushrooms, broccoli, celery, water chestnuts, and cauliflower. Toss the chicken in for the last few seconds, and top it off with a dash of soy sauce. Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a wonderful chicken dish with an oriental flair.

Certain types of fish are also low in fat. Flounder, cod, scallops and waterpacked tuna contain less fat than any poultry or red meat, according to nutritionist-author Covert Bailey. Higher fat fish, such as trout and shellfish, are still lower in fat than the leanest beef, he says.

Still other experts, like Dr William Castelli of Harvard Medical School, believe that the type of fat found in fish actually can reduce our choles-

terol levels. Exercise is one of the best things you can do before eating any type of food. It curbs your hunger as it raises your metabolic

rate for several hours, allowing you to bum more calories even after you’ve finished your workout. After working out aerobically for 20 minutes, try

the following abdominal strengthener to “I Keep Callin’” by Al Jarreau, and tone up before mealtime. There’s no substitute for

exercise and a healthy diet. Be conscious of what you eat and you’ll be conscious of how great you feel!

Copyright Jazzercise.