The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[ascicles]

I just started the plan a few days ago. I bought plenty of chicken and turkey, along with some round eye steaks and some ground beef patties.

I very rarely eat beef (or pork), but I thought that I would buy some things just in case I get the urge. After getting home, I noticed that the booklet said to use "lean" beef. What I have is simply called "choice beef".

When I went back to the store, I couldn't find any types of beef with "lean" on the package. Is there something specific I need to be looking for?

I know this is a dumb question, but I only eat steaks or burgers every so often...and when I do, it is always in a restaurant.

[DogMa]

If you're buying ground beef, it gives the fat content on the package. Just go for the ones with a low fat content (usually it goes from 5% or so up to 30%). For other cuts of beef, I found this online:

Nineteen cuts of beef meet USDA guidelines for lean
Nutrition
March 25, 2004
2004 MAR 25 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- The latest United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database shows that 19 cuts of beef meet government guidelines for lean, including many of America's favorites like tenderloin, T-bone steak, and 95% lean ground beef.

Twelve of these beef cuts have, on average, only one more gram or less of saturated fat than a skinless chicken breast, per 3-ounce serving.

"This new data illustrates how beef is changing," said Mary K. Young, MS, RD, executive director, nutrition, National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).

"In fact, many people are surprised to learn that some of their favorite beef cuts are lean."

In addition, the updated version of the USDA Nutrient Database indicates that many cuts of beef are 20% leaner than they were 14 years ago. And, according to new research, consumers are increasingly choosing leaner cuts of beef in the grocery aisle.

In fact, 68% of all muscle cuts sold at retail and 17 of the top 20 most popular whole muscle cuts meet government guidelines for lean.

The 19 lean cuts, beginning with the leanest, include: eye round roast, top round steak, mock tender steak, bottom round roast, top sirloin steak, round tip roast, 95% lean ground beef, brisket (flat half), shank crosscuts, chuck shoulder roast, arm pot roast, shoulder steak, top loin (strip or New York) steak, flank steak, ribeye steak, rib steak, tri-tip roast, tenderloin steak, and T-bone steak.

These 19 beef cuts meet government guidelines for lean with less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. Beyond lean beef's favorable fat profile, beef is nutrient-rich.

[ascicles]

Thanks for the info. The types that I have are listed as "Choice Beef Round Tip Steak Cap Off Thin" and "Choice Beef Round Eye of Round Steak". Based on the info, about half of their titles appear to be correct. I wonder if this is just a case of using long titles, or if what I have is not acceptable?

[DogMa]

"Choice" is an indication of the quality of the beef (below prime, above "select," I believe). Round tip and eye of round are both on the list, so what you have should be fine.

"Cap off" means it's only part of the tip (the "cap" was removed), "thin" just means it's cut thin instead of thick. "Eye of round steak" instead of just "eye of round" means instead of a whole roast, it's been cut into smaller pieces.

Who knew I knew this much about beef? I guess I really DO belong in Texas!

[Guest]

"Choice" is an indication of the quality of the beef (below prime, above "select," I believe). Round tip and eye of round are both on the list, so what you have should be fine.

"Cap off" means it's only part of the tip (the "cap" was removed), "thin" just means it's cut thin instead of thick. "Eye of round steak" instead of just "eye of round" means instead of a whole roast, it's been cut into smaller pieces.

Who knew I knew this much about beef? I guess I really DO belong in Texas!

Thanks for the info! I think I'll enjoy a steak tommorow.

[Nicki]

Wow ... I'll benefit from Robin's wisdom on this one too! You do belong in Texas!

[Dayna]

Two words: grass fed. If you have the ability to find local grass (or forage) fed beef, you will not regret it. It is SO much leaner than anything fed on corn or grain. When we fry up our ground beef, the pan is dry, or at most there's a slight sheen on the bottom). None of this lake-o'-grease business. It also has the proper balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids, which is good for heart health (do I sound like a beef commercial yet?). And the flavor is great (if I didn't sound like a commercial before, I do now! ). But seriously, folks, if you like to eat beef, grass fed is the way to go. If you have a real butcher around (not the one in the back of Safeway or Albertson's), they would probably be able to direct you to a seller. And if you like to buy bulk, often the price is somewhere in the range of $2/lb for all the cuts.

Okay, commercial over.

- Dayna

[DogMa]

Oooh, they used to sell grass-fed beef at Trader Joe's when I was in California (and I guess they still do now that I'm gone!). Haven't found it here, though. I don't eat all that much beef anymore, though, other than an occasional steak.

[Jan]

Wow,
Robin sure did help us out on this one. In general cuts which say "loin" are lean. But as Robin showed us there are many many more. Another place to find beef from cattle which have been allowed to graze is Whole Foods. I myself was surprised to find that chicken thighs have more fat than many kinds of beef. We just have to be educated consumers.
jan

[DogMa]

Oh, thanks, Jan. We DO have Whole Foods here. It's a bit of a drive, but maybe I need to plan a trip over there next time I want beef.

[Guest]

We have a Whole Foods here as well. I think I'll check them out next time I'm in the mood for a steak.

[ascicles]

I have some 90% lean ground sirloin. Is this ok? I noticed the saturated fat was 4.5 grams, which seemed high.

[just_julie]

You are eating meat, so it's going to have SOME fat it in. I've used 90% lean ground meat as that is as lean as I can find. I flavor it with cayenne, chili powder, and garlic to make "taco" meat for a nice salad.

I'm a Newbie too, so you might want to wait for an expert's advice.

[ascicles]

THat is what I was thinking, but I know that the chicken I usually eat has 0g of saturated fat. I guess that's why it's recommended that we only eat beef once or twice a week though.

[DogMa]

0g saturated fat, but not 0 fat. Julie's right; if it's meat, it's going to have some fat. Which is OK; you need some fat in your diet. If you look at the Medifast products, they're not fat-free, either.