I’m sharing some of the details about why I decided to add red meat back into my diet.
Hello friends! How are you; I hope you have a wonderful week! This morning, I have some 1:1 calls and then I’ll take a short hike before picking up the crew from school. I hope you have a great day!
For today’s post, I wanted to make a reader request. After some of the DMs I’ve received on IG about the benefits of red meat, I have a few questions about when/why I decided to add it back into my life. OG readers (YAY thanks!) will probably remember that I was pescatarian for a while, then vegetarian, also dabbled with veganism for a while and didn’t eat red meat for many years. I actually stopped eating red meat when I was seven or eight, started eating it very occasionally during college, and then stopped again for quite some time.
After taking a break from red meat, I found myself drawn back for many reasons. Our bodies are wonderfully unique and what works for one person may not work for another. Often scorned, red meat is a nutrient-dense powerhouse that, when approached carefully, can offer remarkable benefits, especially for women.
how and why I started eating red meat again
When I was pregnant with P, I found myself constantly craving red meat. I told my acupuncturist and he said I needed the nutrients. He advises ALL his female patients to eat red meat. So I went home and asked the pilot to grill me a steak. You should have seen the joy on his face haha. Went to Whole Foods, got some amazing quality steaks and devoured the whole thing. It was a short decision process for me: I knew I was craving it for a reason, so I decided to listen to my body. I haven’t looked back, and it’s now a regular part of our routine. (A little note here: I don’t eat pork or lamb and have no desire to have any of those things. Just not for me.)
Why red meat?
Red meat has many nutritional benefits and I think it is so delicious. Also, for a while, I was eating Beyond Burgers with a thousand ingredients that hurt my stomach (and gall bladder) and now, I’m eating burgers with three ingredients: grass-fed beef, salt and pepper… maybe a little Worcestershire sauce.
Nutritional benefits:
Iron: Red meat contains heme iron, the form of iron that is most easily absorbed by the body. This is critical for maintaining strong energy levels, supporting cognitive function, and preventing iron deficiency anemia, which disproportionately affects women. During menstruation, women lose blood and iron along with it. Iron lost through menstrual blood must be replaced to maintain healthy iron levels in the body. If this iron is not replaced through dietary intake, it can lead to iron deficiency and in more severe cases, iron deficiency anemia.
Protein Powers: As active women, protein is our ally for health and muscle recovery. Red meat offers high-quality protein, complete with all the essential amino acids our bodies crave.
B vitamins: Red meat is a treasure trove of various B vitamins, including B12, B6, niacin and riboflavin. These nutrients play a key role in energy metabolism, brain function and hormonal balance.
Zinc: Zinc, found in abundance in red meat, is vital for immune function, wound healing and DNA synthesis. A strong immune system is especially vital for women navigating different stages of life.
Omega 3: Although not as concentrated as fatty fish, red meat contributes omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health, reducing inflammation and supporting brain function.
Comparing unique nutrients to meat:
Now, let’s shine a spotlight on some nutrients that are either absent or less bioavailable in plant-based diets:
Complete proteins: Animal products such as red meat provide all the essential amino acids, making them complete proteins. While herbal sources can be combined to achieve this, it requires careful planning.
Bioavailable Iron: Heme iron from red meat is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron from plant sources. Combining it with foods rich in vitamin C enhances absorption.
B12: Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness and neurological problems, making red meat an important source.
Creatine: Found exclusively in animal products, creatine helps produce muscle energy, benefiting those involved in high-intensity workouts and tough strength training.
Reintroducing red meat into my diet was transformative. Improved energy, enhanced muscle recovery, and a renewed sense of vitality are just some of the noticeable changes I’ve experienced. It’s also worth mentioning here that I’m very particular about where our meat comes from. We only eat certified organic and grass-fed beef while at home. While I go out to eat, I usually have fish or vegetarian options. (Unless we’re in Fleming of course.)
I get almost all of our meat and seafood from ButcherBox because they have such high quality meat. You can see my full ButcherBox review here and this link gives you $50 off your first order.
Like anything else, I think moderation is really the key. We don’t eat red meat every day. We have it once, maybe twice a week and we use great sources. In between our red meat dinner nights, we eat fish, chicken and plant-based meals. Variety is the spice of life and switching up the ingredients you use will also vary the nutrients you get. I think it’s beneficial to vary your diet and routine throughout the week.
If you’re considering reintroducing red meat or adjusting your diet in any way, approach it with curiosity and a cautious perspective. Consult with healthcare professionals to ensure it aligns with your unique health goals. Food choices must evolve with our bodies. While red meat may not be everyone’s choice, it’s about understanding and responding to your body’s unique needs.
This is where we need to embrace what works best for each of us on our individual wellness journeys.
xo
Gina
