CHOOSING A MEAT PROTEIN

When choosing a meat protein source, think lean - ie skinless chicken, lean pork chops, etc. It is also a good idea to trim any excess fat before cooking. A good rule of thumb when choosing lean meats is to think "chops" or "round".

LEAN MEAT FOR WEIGHT LOSS

If you are trying to lose weight by starving yourself on salads, try adding a lean grilled or baked sliced chicken breast to that salad.  Lean meats are excellent diet foods. Lean white meats are excellent because they are loaded with protein and have very little fat. Protein helps to build lean muscles and lean muscles help with weight loss by raising the metabolic rate. Some health experts say that lean chicken breast is the best weight loss food around. Too bad for me, I cannot swallow chicken!

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EAT MORE BEEF?

I know many of you are going, "WHAT?"  Just hang on and finish reading this post!  Often what I write about on this blog is from research I do for my own health.  A little background on me for those of you who don't already know.  I was born with severe allergies and a very rare blood.  Oh, my type is 0-Negative but there is something about my blood (I don't understand this enough to explain it) that puts it in an elite class worldwide.  I have had health problems all my life but with God's grace I have lived a normal life.  I have a list of health problems a mile long, so to speak.  Some of those are leukocytoclastic vasculitis, lupus, arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart problems, etc.  I have had breast and colon cancer.  I merely state this to let you know that if you are battling an illness, I understand.  And please remember when reading my posts, I have no medical training.  But research into my health has saved my life and that is what I share with you.  You will notice that any real medical advice I post also shows the medical resource so you can check it out on your own, if you so desire.

Back to my original couple of sentences here.  At my check-up a few years ago, I had a lot of blood work done.  When I met with the doctor to discuss results.  I was floored to discover I am extremely low on vitamin-D and B vitamins.  I am so low on vitamin-D that I have to take prescription pills for it for the next 2 months then have it checked again.  (The doctor told me over the counter pills would not help my situation, at this point.) Actually, I only have about a 5th of the needed amount.  And I have to have a vitamin-B shot monthly for a few months.  The doctor and I discussed this and as always, I came home and started my research.  No wonder the doctor asked if I eat beef!  I have recently wandered away from meat, I don't enjoy it. At the above-mentioned blood work my Vitamiin-D was almost nonexistent again.

Many stay away from beef thinking it is a bad thing.  Well, hello, think again.  According to the California Beef Council and some nutritionists with a large chain of health food type grocery stores, there are 29 cuts of beef that meet government guidelines for lean.  That is too many to list but here are some of the more popular ones; tenderloin, sirloin, and 95% lean ground beef.  These have less than 10 grams of total fat, less than 5 grams of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per a 3-oz (USDA recommended serving size of meat) serving. Here is an important part, beef has 8 times more vitamin B12, 6 times more zinc, and 2 1/2 times more iron than a skinless chicken breast.

This is just for your information, not a recommendation to change your diet.  I will be adding an additional meal or two of beef a week to my diet even though I don't particularly like meat.

And by the way, I wouldn't pay much attention to the politicians who want to do away with cows to save the environment. That is crazy.

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SIMPLE DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR ALL

If we would all just follow a few simple dietary guidelines, we could all feel better, maintain a reasonable weight, and just simply enjoy better health.  The following guidelines are easy to follow, require purchasing no special foods, etc, or diets that make you feel like you are starving yourself.  Keep these simple guidelines in mind everyday as you plan your meals:

• Eat a variety of foods.  Fruits, vegetables, lean meats, grain, etc all serve a different purpose to the body.  Don't cut out a group or eat from only one group (unless under doctor supervision).
• Choose foods that are low in fat, especially saturated fat, and cholesterol.
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
• Beware of sugar.  Learn to read labels; sugar is hidden in so many foods.
• Beware of sodium.  Never resalt your food at the table and as with sugar, learn to read nutritional labels.  Salt (sodium) is hiding in most foods, especially processed foods.
• Drink plenty of water.  There is no substitute for water in your daily diet.
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FOODS TO EAT AND AVOID IF YOU HAVE ACNE

If you suffer from acne, there are things you should eat plenty of and things you should avoid.  While most of the things teenagers are told will cause acne are just mistaken folklore, anyone with serious acne problems should avoid any supplements containing kelp and cut back on salt.  Unless taken under a doctor's supervision, high doses of B vitamins should also be avoided.  Stick with a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereals, lean meat, poultry, and fish.

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