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One of the biggest mistakes we make when it comes to leading a healthier lifestyle is not getting enough protein each day. Protein is at the core of all of our cells, and is required for staying full, growing healthy hair, having sustainable energy, and just feeling your best. While you may have dietary restrictions or elect to follow a diet that doesn’t allow it, meat is one of the best sources of protein that will keep you full. While there are plenty of other wonderful plant based options, if you do not follow a diet that doesn’t allow it, making sure you’re getting enough protein can be made easier by eating meat.
However, not all meat is created equal, and if you don’t look closely at labels or do your own research, you could garner unwanted health effects. From bacteria to hormones to excess fat, eating the wrong kind of meat could put you at higher risk for a number of health issues. We asked Caitlin Policastro, a nurse practitioner at the New York Center for Innovative Medicine what some good rules of thumb are meat shopping that you an take with you on your next grocery run.
“One type of meat that everyone should limit is pork. Besides the fact that pork is loaded with saturated fat—leading to cardiovascular problems, high cholesterol, weight gain and more—most pigs are given high doses of antibiotics to keep them alive prior to being slaughtered,” she says, “In addition to being loaded with antibiotics, pigs have a difficult time eliminating toxins because their digestive systems are extremely basic, which compounds the problem.” Even more, pigs are more susceptible to parasitic infection. When you eat their meat, this infection could get passed onto you. This means that any type of ham, pork, or bacon could toxify your system quite a bit. Toxic imbalances in the body can cause a host of health issues, including hair loss, brain fog, and nausea.
With that being said, it’s important to remember that all foods can be enjoyed in moderation. And in the space between what you include and what you cut back, there are plenty of healthy swaps you can make. “Antibiotic-free, farm-raised chicken is a healthier choice. For those who have access, the best source would be a local farm that you know and trust,” Policastro says.
When you’re on your own in the butchery section of your grocery store and the labels can feel overwhelming, what is the best strategy to follow when deciding what to add to your cart? Policastro says that first and foremost, research is your best friend. “When buying meat, it is always a good idea to research what color and texture it should be. Visually inspecting meat products, just like you would inspect produce, is always recommended,” she says, “Besides buying meat prior to the sell by date, look for an inspection stamp that signals the animal is fit for human consumption. While the USDA has mandated that all meat gets inspected, the inspection stamp itself is voluntary. Because food companies must cover the cost, not all meat will have this stamp.”
Doing your own research, knowing what to look for, and observing closely are the best ways to shop for high quality food with efficiency. Additionally, being mindful of how much pork you’re eating, and swapping it out when possible with organic chicken, is a good strategy to follow.
