5 Tips for Eating Meat on a Lipid-Lowering Diet

When you are following a diet to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides, one of the foods you typically limit are those that are high in saturated fat, such as animal meat. If you've been a meat eater all your life, it's hard to cut it out just like that. Fortunately, you don't have to completely scratch meat off your grocery list.

Meat contains proteins necessary to build muscle and carry out a variety of functions in the body. Unfortunately, meats also contain varying amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that no more than 5% to 6% of your daily caloric intake should come from saturated fat.

Following a lipid-lowering diet doesn’t mean that you have to surrender your meat entirely. Instead, there are a few things you can do to offset the damage it may do to your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Know Which Meats Are Leaner

Some meats are higher in fat than others. For instance, poultry (chicken and turkey), lamb, veal, and “loin” or “round” cuts of pork or beef are considered leaner options.

“Lean” and “extra lean” are nutritional statements designated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, not all meats can be labeled as “lean.” The following requirements must be met for meats to be designated as “lean” or “extra lean”:

• Lean: Meats with this designation should have less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and trans fats, and 95 milligrams of cholesterol in each 100-gram serving.
• Extra Lean: Meats with this designation should contain less than 5 grams of total fat. Of this total fat, these meats should also contain less than 2 grams of saturated fat and trans fats and 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving (about 100 grams).

Although it's not what comes to mind when you think of "meat," fish—including halibut, cod, tilapia, and trout—is another great lean protein option. Some fish, such as salmon and tuna, contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fat that is considered heart healthy because it can help lower your triglycerides. In fact, the AHA recommends consuming one serving of fish at least two times a week, especially fish that are high in omega-3 fats.

Know Your High-Fat Meats

You don't have to cut out meat entirely, but you can make an effort to steer clear of any high-fat meats or meats that are processed. In the least, try to lower your consumption of these.

Meats that are high in saturated fat content include ground beef, bacon, and organ meats like liver. Meats that are processed, including sausages, hot dogs, and some luncheon meats, are also high in fat and should be consumed in minimal amounts. If you are in doubt, check the food labels for saturated fat content.

Cut out Extra Fat

If you see that any portions of your meat that contain extra fat, be sure to remove it before eating. This can also lower the fat content of your meat. Try to stay away from meats that appear fatty or have a “marbled” appearance to them.

How Is Your Meat Cooked?

The manner in which your meat is cooked also counts in the cholesterol department. Frying your meat is probably the worst way to prepare it if you are trying to follow a low-fat diet. Meats that are fried are also high in saturated fat, which can affect your heart health.

Instead, try baking, grilling, broiling, or roasting your meat. These methods can deliver some tasty dishes and will not sabotage your cholesterol-lowering efforts as much as frying your meat.

Moderation Counts

You could eat meat with the lowest fat content, but if you eat lots of it, your lipid levels can still rise. Moderation counts when trying to lower your cholesterol. The AHA recommends consuming no more than 6 ounces of meat each day.