The Skinny on Beef

Here is a question that many of you Alpha’s have asked me recently; “Is it ok to be eating red meat”? The answer is Yes!

For many of us Alpha Males red meat intake is far less concerning than eating way too many processed carbohydrates. In fact, the excess body fat we can gain from eating starchy or processed carbs can easily be far more detrimental to our overall health than any effect that red meat might have.

It is true that red meat and the associated saturated fat can lead to an increase in certain inflammatory markers and as such it should not be consumed in excess. 6 ounces of lean beef like flank steak or filet mignon once per week is perfectly fine.

The real nemesis is processed meats! Meats preserved by smoking, curing, salting or the addition of chemical preservatives.

In a 2010 article in Circulation, The Journal of the American Heart Association, a meta-analysis of 20 studies revealed that processed meats like bacon; salami; sausages; hot dogs and processed luncheon meats were associated with:

42% increase in coronary heart disease
19% increase in the risk of diabetes.

US National Library of Medicine Article Reference

Unprocessed meat from beef, lamb, pork, and wild game showed no such association!

What Alpha Males need to know: Lean red meat once or twice a week is fine. Strive for organic, free range or grass fed if you can. And as always you can make your meal healthful by adding in low glycemic vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, and/or dark leafy greens like spinach.

Dr. Rob, Professional Alpha Male