Here is a different way to try tenderizing a tough cut of meat such as skirt or flank steak.
Coat steaks with olive oil, rub on a mix of 1/4 cup of dry coffee grounds, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of black pepper. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, then cook. Coffee grounds' tannic acid helps break down tough muscle fibers. This is just one of many uses for coffee grounds.
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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".
Remember for both your health and diet purposes portion control is key. Here is a tip for freezing leftover cooked meats such as pot roast, pork shoulder, etc so you don't try to eat it all "so it won't go to waste"! Freeze these meats in their cooking liquid as it will preserve the juicy flavor and tender texture. It will also guard against freezer burn.
Personally, I am not big on reusable grocery bags. Yes, I do recycle, and I am in favor of doing so. However, I am not one of the people who think we are going to drown in garbage, so I do not use reusable grocery bags, but I know many of you do. If you do use the reusable bags, are you keeping them clean or do you empty them, fold them and take off with them again? A recent survey found that of those who use such bags, 85% do not clean them! These bags can pick up illness-causing bacteria from unwashed and uncooked foods! If you use these bags, do yourself and your family a favor and wash them with hot soapy water after use, especially if you carry produce and/or meats in them. Don't make yourself or a family member sick to "save the environment".
In an interview a few years ago, Dr. Oz was asked if he thinks meat is demonized in this country. His answer: "I do. I don't think how we grow meat is ideal. But grass-fed, organic beef has a fair amount of omega-3 fats. It has iron. It has lots of B vitamins. It has nutrients that our bodies need desperately." He also said that when he eats meat, probably around once a week, he eats a high-quality steak.
