Pass on the Double Cheeseburger & Filet Mignon
I made the decision to give up red meat about 4 years ago. Every once in a while I would have a craving for a burger or a steak, and there were maybe a handful of times I would give in. But I would suffer, well my stomach would suffer. Slowly, two years ago I begin introducing red meat back into my diet. There was nothing more yummy than a broiled boneless ribeye in a great marinade. Then I stopped eating it again for year. About a year ago, I decided to give up carbs for two weeks and that resulted in me eating me deciding to eat red meat again. When you can’t eat any carbs/starches that steak over sauteed veggies is pretty tasty. I did keep it to lean meats like flank steak but nothing really fatty. But as I do more and more research about the link between red meat and breast cancer ; I am more inclined to give it up forever. I often ask myself why do I continue to eat it when I know it could potentially be harmful to me? But why do we do anything that we know could hurt us? Because it is hard to break bad habits and it takes some real willpower.
Here is are two studies that link cancer and beef:
Cancer-causing compounds are formed during high-temperature cooking of meat, according to the March 24, 2009 ScienceDaily article, ” Eating Red And Processed Meat Associated With Increased Risk Of Death .” Meat also is a major source of saturated fat, which has been associated with breast and colorectal cancer. In addition, lower meat intake has been linked to a reduction in risk factors for heart disease, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The Journal Archives of Internal Medicine also reported last November that red meat could raise younger women’s risk for an estrogen-linked form of breast cancer. Researchers found that higher red meat intake may be a risk factor for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer among premenopausal women.
As we all aim to be healthy and reduce our risk, especially those of us who have a family history, it is probably a good idea to look at different options for red meat. So if you are like me and who need your “monthly” iron/red meat fix (you know it’s true) here are some alternatives to the beef burger:
Turkey Burger – This is my absolute favorite and one of my girlfriends says it my best dish. I combine ground turkey breast with terryaki marinade, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, creole seasoning and pepper. Slap it o the grill and add so me pepper jack cheese! YUMMY!
Black Bean Burger - A little more difficult to make but very good. I use similar seasonings as the turkey burger but add an egg to keep it together. It falls apart as you try to make it into a patty so beware.
Houston’s Veggie Burger - My vegetarian boyfriend swears by this! I have to say I have had some great veggie burgers out and about. For a quick, on the run lunch option try Morningstar Grillers. They are suprisingly tasty.
