How to Buy Lean Meat
Meat is a good source of protein, but according to the Mayo Clinic, it can be high in fat and cholesterol. Rather than giving up meat entirely, consider going the lean route. Lean meat offers a healthy solution because it is lower in fat.
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Types
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Certain types of meats are leaner than others. White meat, such as chicken breasts, is leaner than beef. Certain cuts of meat can also be leaner than other cuts. The Mayo Clinic explains that lean cuts for beef include sirloin, round and chuck. For pork, tenderloins and loin chops are the leanest cuts.
Key Words
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When buying lean meat, be on the lookout for key words. The Mayo Clinic says meat packaging should contain words that indicate whether or not the meat is lean, such as "low-fat" or "reduced fat." If the packaging says "prime," this usually means the meat is fattier. "Choice" or "select," however, means the meat is leaner, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Percentage
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Learning what the percentages mean on meat packages can help you select lean meat. The higher the percentage, the leaner the meat, because the number means that extra oils and fats have been removed from the meat prior to packaging.
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