The dietary trends have hit Australia the same way they hit every other part of the world. And whether you’re on a Paleo kick, follow the Atkins diet, have gone Keto, or fully embraced a carnivore diet, you need to pick meat that is as healthy as it is delicious. Not all meat was created equal and some cuts of meat are less healthy than others. Finding the right cut isn’t the only way to pick your meat. You need to consider where the meat came from, how it was butchered, stored, and what it ate before winding up on your plate. Once you’ve sourced the right meat for you, cooking it healthily is critical. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a healthy meat for your next meal.

Red Meat Vs. White Meat

We’ve all heard that too much red meat is bad for you and that white meat is the healthier option. Well, that’s only partly true and the studies are ongoing. Further research even shows the contrary to various aspects of the claims. However, depending on your dietary needs, white meat may be healthier as it is usually lower in fat. Now, not all cuts of meat are the same. A ribeye will be fatty but a nice fillet or NY strip is going to be lean and comparable to white meat. If you are going Keto, then a nice grilled ribeye from a Keto friendly restaurant is the way to go; add some butter for the fat, and be sure to watch your macros.

Grass Fed Vs. Grain Fed

We’ve all heard buzzwords like organic, natural, and heart-healthy, and while sometimes their meaningless gibber-gabber that marketing execs came up with, eating organic is actually very beneficial. Organic meat means the animal only ate naturally growing feed that was not synthesized or made using synthetic ingredients. While organic does not always mean grass fed, grass fed always mean organic. The folks at Cleaver’s healthy organic meat show how easy it is to get organic meat in all its various cuts. Because grass fed beef needs copious amounts of grassy land for cattle to graze, many farmers opt for grain feed.

They use corn, soy, wheat, and other ingredients to make pellets for food. They grind up the corn and soy, mix them with a vitamin and mineral premix, add some binders for toxins, cook them with steam, and pelletize them. This type of feed isn’t inherently unhealthy, but various unhealthy ingredients can be added to the mix for profitability. Always opt for grass fed beef and organic products to make sure you’re choosing the healthiest meat for your diet.

Meat Storage

Picking the right meat is meaningless if you don’t store it correctly. Proper meat storage is key to preserving the quality of your meat. Poor storage can cause your meat to spoil and tell when your meat is off isn’t always possible by just looking at it. To make sure your meat is stored properly make sure it’s kept frozen at -18 degrees celsius and avoid letting it thaw and refreezing. It’s best to only thaw your meat right before cooking it. You can always buy fresh meat from the store for any given day’s meal and avoid freezing altogether.

Find Your Inner Chef

Sourcing the right cut and storing it properly means nothing if you cook it unhealthily. Whether it’s chicken or beef, frying it isn’t the way to go. Avoid trans-fats and grill or boil your meat. Searing your protein in a little oil won’t hurt you if your recipe calls for it. While we all love seasoning to bring our meal a little pizzazz, don’t over-salt your food because too much salt can raise your blood pressure and cause water retention. Experiment with different recipes till you find a healthy way to eat your meat and not sacrifice any flavor. Have fun in the kitchen and let your inner chef take over!

With whatever diet you follow, or if you just avoid bad food, you can find a healthy cut of meat to suit your needs. If you’re on a keto diet try a nice juicy ribeye. If you’re on a low-calorie diet opt for grilled chicken or even turkey. And if you’re on a low-fat diet but want to sink your teeth into a juicy steak, a fillet is the way to go! Embrace your carnivorous side and find the right cut for your specific need. Be sure it’s organic, well stored, and cooked just right to make sure it’s as healthy as it is delicious.