FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR HEALTH, Limit Red Meat Consumption and Avoid Processed Meats and Packaged Foods Altogether

3. LIMIT RED MEAT CONSUMPTION

We all crave and enjoy eating red meat, because it tastes good and it is an excellent source of proteins, essential amino acids and fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. It is in our genes to eat meat. Our ancestors were hunters and gatherers.

Only vegetarians do not crave and do not eat meat. Vegetarianism is a learned behavior. It means that we can all learn to change and modify our diet for the sake of our health.

Scientific studies have shown that vegetarians are healthier than the meat eaters and, they live longer. Scientific studies further shown that eating more than 110 grams of meat a day increases the risk of colon cancer and heart diseases. Additionally, red meat contains higher rate of saturated fats which increases blood lipid and cholesterol levels. High level of LDL (bad) cholesterol increases the risk of heart attacks.

For these reasons, eating more than 100 grams of red meat a day and more than twice a week is not good for your health.

4. AVOID PROCESSED MEATS AND PACKAGED FOODS ALTOGETHER

Processed meats refers to any kind of meat (red or white) that has been salted, cured, fermented and added extra sugar, salt, saturated fats, artificial and natural flavors, food coloring and preservative chemical substances. This category include hot dogs, sausage, salami, bacon, cold cuts, corned beef, canned meat and most of the deli meats.

Processed meats are cured by adding Sodium Nitrate and Lactic Acid which give them a distinct pink color and flavor. Nitrates are considered cancer causing (carcinogen) chemicals. When food labels state, “no added nitrates, it is organic,” this is not necessarily so. Because vegetables like celery, beets, sea salt contain naturally occurring nitrates.

Scientific studies have shown that eating even a small amount, like 15 grams a day, of processed meat increases the risk of cancer for more than 4 %. For these reasons, it is better to avoid eating processed food altogether or as much as possible.

Miss my earlier tips on following an optimal dietor making mindful eating a habitfor the sake of your health? Check out my earlier blog posts