Meat Me on Monday

It really is amazing how much me and my dietitian colleagues talk about red meat, chicken, pork and fish during a given day.  It might be due to the fact that twice a day we take part in a "tasting" of the days meals at the facility we work at.  We judge each plate on presentation, taste and quality.  Today we tasted Corn beef and Cabbage.. then Tilapia for dinner.  It was all excellent.

By working meat into your rotation which is either lunch, dinner or breakfast you are saving your taste buds from monotony, while you are also supplying protein and amino acids that will help in repairing small muscle tears that occur maybe during your run or workout that day.  According to Rikki Keen, R.D, a sports dietitian, "Meat provides nutrients runners need, like iron to help maintain energy levels."
According to a recent Runners World article I just read, it is suggested that athletes (or -wanna be's like me) should spread their protein intake throughout the day, eating some at each meal which is better for bone, muscle mass, and satiety. 

Thanks to Runner's World.. this great little chart will show you how the different proteins face-off.

(Based on a 3.5-ounce serving)

Chicken Breast: 
161 Calories, 4 g Fat, 32g Protein


Dark Meat Chicken
200 Calories, 11 g Fat, 28 g Protein


Filet Mignon
214 Calories, 11 g Fat, 28 g Protein


Pork Tenderloin
140 Calories, 4 g Fat, 25 g Protein


Lamb Loin Roast
354 Calories, 28 g Fat, 21 g Protein


Tofu (Soybean Curd)
144 Calories, 7 g Fat, 14 g Protein

Turkey Pastrami
74 Calories, 4 g Fat, 10 g Protein


Fun Fact:  A 3.5-ounce serving of beef provides 34% of your daily requirements for zinc.  Which is essential to building a stronger immune system. 

Speaking of immune system..I need to get to bed.....more later...