is beef healthy?

[codefreaq]

for the past 2 months or so this has been my general diet

first meal : in the morning I just drink some organic fruit juices
second meal : is almost always barbecued chicken and bread
third meal : is almost always beef

I have recently been told that eating beef is not healthy because it has too much cholesterol and fat. according to my general diet plan am I eating too much beef or is it ok?

[hrdgain81]

I disagree with who ever told you beef is not healthy ... You can find very lean cuts of beef, you can also find very fatty ones. You need to know what your eating.

Also, have you had your cholesterol levels checked? are you in danger of having high cholesterol? If so then do what your doctor tells you.

Also, your diet seems pretty shitty, no offense.

[codefreaq]

lol I know its shitty but I am a full time student and work full time so I dont have time to count calories or cook. I just buy food for the whole week and put it in the fridge. the last cholesterol test I had was about a year ago and it was normal I think I might get another one.

also if someone wants to suggest a diet for someone who doesn't have much time to prepare it I'd appreicate it

[john917v]

Like it was said before, beef can be healthy. Chicken and turkey tend to be leaner, but they are lower in protein. If cholesterol may be an issue, see how much fiber you are getting in your diet, and eat more fiber.
I, too am a student, and I work full-time+ Here's my general plan (I drink water with all meals, except for breakfast, when I have fat-free milk): For meal 1 (breakfast), I have a cup of oats, with fat-free milk, and a scoop of protein powder, with some type of fresh fruit, usually bananas. For meal two (3 hrs. after meal 1), I have a piece of whatever meat I am eating that day, along with about a cup of veggies, and a fruit. For meal 3, I have some more of the same type of meat, with some type of healthy fats (uncoated/unsalted nuts, olive oil, etc.), and about a 1/2 cup of veggies. For meal 4, I have some more meat, with some fruit, and less veggies. For meal five, I have mostly meat. For meal six, I only eat meat or protein powder w/ water, and some cottage cheese-it helps to keep muscle growing while you sleep. Oh, and about 45 mins. before workouts, I have a scoop of protein powder with some fruit. After workouts, I have my PWO shake, which is made up of 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 scoop creatine, 2 tsp of BCAAs, some maltodextrin, and this vitamin c powder that I got from Mexico. You can cook on a Sunday, and cook enough for the whole week, then put everything in tupperware, and throw it in the freezer. Try Fitday.com It will help you balance out your fats, protein, and carbs.

[Ross86]

The whole student/work thing is a pretty lousy excuse. It gets thrown around a lot. It might keep you from being perfect, but it won't keep you from having a good diet in the long run. Put the effort in....it's more important than your training.

My typical bulking diet:
Meal 1: (in blender) 2 tbsp peanut butter, .5 cup milk, 1.5 cups oatmeal, 2 scoops chocolate flav whey
Meal 2: Kashi bars or protein bar
Meal 3: pan fried chicken breast (EVOO) w/ steamed broccoli & brown rice
Pre workout: Isopure & clif bar
Post workout: 2 scoops whey, skim milk, 2 scoops WMS, 5-8g creatine
Meal 4: Beef or fish w/ steamed veggie
Meal 5: toasted whole wheat english muffin w/ PB, nuts, etc
Meal 6: tuna and cottage cheese

Sometimes there is another meal mixed in.

NOTE: Cottage cheese (casein) doesn't significantly help you to grow when you sleep. I believe the consensus is that it raises blood amino acid levels only high enough to prevent catabolism.

[codefreaq]

I guess I have some serious diet planning to do this weekend. might have to carry around a diary to track all those meals

[Cradler]

^^Fitday makes a pretty good diary itself. Usually I'll plan out my meals the day before, wake up and just follow what it said the whole day. Also means I only have to think about what I'm eating once a day haha.

[Sleazy]

Red meat can always be worked into a good diet plan but the trick like Hrdgain said is to know what your eating. There is a huge difference between different cuts of meat in relation to fat content. I personally eat lean sirloin in my diet as its one of the leaner cuts. You can always get 90-95% lean ground beef but the problem is it really loses a lot of flavor the less fat it contains. You just need to get really good at seasoning and working it into recipes if your going to use super lean cuts.

Also a little tip here, try getting some veal. Its a lot less fatty than regular beef and has a lot more flavor in my opinion.

[john917v]

Mmmm, veal.... It's also basically free, too, assuming you go hunting and get to hunt for free! I am itching to go turkey hunting as well!! I've heard turkey is better than chicken, in terms of nutritional value.

[widdoes2504]

Originally Posted by Sleazy

Red meat can always be worked into a good diet plan but the trick like Hrdgain said is to know what your eating. There is a huge difference between different cuts of meat in relation to fat content. I personally eat lean sirloin in my diet as its one of the leaner cuts. You can always get 90-95% lean ground beef but the problem is it really loses a lot of flavor the less fat it contains. You just need to get really good at seasoning and working it into recipes if your going to use super lean cuts.

Also a little tip here, try getting some veal. Its a lot less fatty than regular beef and has a lot more flavor in my opinion.

I agree. Beef definitely has its place and veal is a good option as well. Give Fitday a shot as it can definitely help you out. Good luck.