Beef - It's What's for Dinner!

I admit it. I love red meat. Steak. Prime Rib. A juicy burger. As a person who eats clean and lives the bodybuilder lifestyle, many would expect me to eschew red meat. But certain cuts of red meat, when trimmed of fat and cooked, are not much worse on the nutrition scale than chicken or fish.

There are 29 cuts of beef that are designated lean—which means it must contain less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3 1/2 ounce serving. There are also a few cuts that qualify as extra lean, which means they must contain less than less than 5 grams of total fat, 2 grams or less of saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3 1/2 ounce serving.

Chicken and lean beef both have the same protein content, about 7 grams per ounce. Beef is higher in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, but if you keep your portions to around 4 ounces, which shrinks to about 3 ounces after cooking, you are still eating "healthy".

Beef is also great because it gives you a dose of good things like iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, vitamins B6, B12 and niacin. You don’t need a 12-ounce steak to benefit from these nutrients. They’re all there in a 4-ounce portion.

The key to choosing beef is to choose cuts that have loin or round in the name; i.e. sirloin or eye of round. Also opt for grass-fed beef whenever possible, as it is leaner than corn-fed. Since these cuts have less fat, they will be less tender, so you will want to marinate or rub them. Following is a great Ginger Soy marinade that makes any piece of meat delicious, especially when grilled.

Sue's Ginger Soy Beef (or chicken) Marinade

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup toasted sesame oil

1/8 cup unseasoned rice vinegar

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons sliced green onions

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cloves garlic, grated

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated

Mix all ingredients. Place in a large ziplock back with the meat. Marinate at least two hours or better, overnight. Keeps in the frig for about two days.

Hmmm, what shall I have for dinner tonight? I've got it: beef! Elementary my Dear Watson!