| Are we eating too much meat, even if it's healthier meat? |
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 This summer we'll be going to cookouts and barbecues, and some of us will chose the chicken over the steak, or the turkey burger over the hamburger since we have learned those are the healthier choices containing less fat. However, even those lower fat choices come with something just as bad that could lead to clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis: CHOLESTEROL. How much meat is too much? How much healthier is chicken and turkey over beef?
The first thing to remember is that any animal protein contains cholesterol. So that means beef, chicken, turkey, fish etc. all have it. They all have varying degrees of saturated fat as well. So, while eating turkey or chicken instead of red meat will cut down on the fat part, you will still be aquiring the cholesterol. Chicken and turkey have almost the same amount of cholesterol as red meat. (about 85 mg. per 3.5 ounce serving) Fish isn't far behind at about 60 mg. per serving. (Fatty fish such as salmon does contain Omega 3's, which are heart healthy though.) It's important to also note that animal protein does not contain any fiber. Cholesterol quick facts: Cholesterol intake above 300 mg per day is harmful. High cholesterol foods to avoid will have 60 mg and up per serving. Moderate cholesterol foods will have 59-16 mg per serving. Low cholesterol foods will have 15 and under per serving. Saturated Fat quick facts: Consuming more than 20 g of saturated fat per day raises your blood cholesterol count and contributes to your risk for atherosclerosis. Dangerous high fatty foods contain 4 g or more per serving. (Jack Witt is a Health and Fitness Coach providing In Home Personal Training, Personal Training at Private Fitness Centers in the North Hollywood, Burbank, Studio City, Sherman Oaks areas, as well as Worksite Health Programs, Corporate Wellness, Life Coaching Products, Keynote Speaking, and Group Exercise Classes.)
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