"Eat your meat!" as your mother would say. And, she was right! Although our food selections today are much smarter options than those your mother had in the meat case of her local supermarket.
Red meat is an excellent source of protein and iron, plus vitamins and minerals. All of these are essential to maintaining lean muscle mass, healthy metabolism, and healthy brain function.
Historically, fitness coaches and dietitians preach chicken, pork and fish as our best sources of lean protein. But, there's still a place for red meat which is good news for beef lovers who are also trying to do all the right things with diet and lifestyle.
The newest source of red meat protein on the market, is actually one that has been around since hunter gatherers were hunting.
They are indigenous to North America and "are a natural part of the North American ecosystem." It is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a nutrient dense, flavorful meat.
Bison Are Undomesticated and Sustainable.
These magnificent beasts maintain a primal, symbiotic existence with their environment like no other animal consumed by humans. They are naturally free-range and feed off the land. Bison ranchers maintain this existence for their herds. In return the bison restore carbon to the soil, nourishing the habitat for themselves and for other species who dwell among them.
Bison are a nutrient packed meat. Due to it's high protein low-fat ratio, bison is becoming a sought-after choice for many households and especially those who are striving to improve overall health and fitness.
One six ounce serving of bison provides 37 grams of protein, healthy levels of zinc, 25 percent of your daily iron, plus a healthy dose of niacin (which works to balance cholesterol), phosphorus (vital to body strength and growth including bones and teeth), Vitamin B6, and the antioxidant, selenium. All for only 3 grams of fat, and 185 calories. That is a ton of vital nutrition in a meat that will keep you feeling full for a long time, without adding too many calories or grams of fat to your diet.
Compared to other meats we consume, it’s easy to see how bison is becoming the star. If you get burned-out on chicken, salmon and pork as lean protein options, bison is a good option to have available. It has less fat than chicken, more lean protein than beef and is loaded with other nutrients the human body needs to thrive, including amino and fatty acids which will help build muscle and can improve brain function.
Bison can easily help you meet or maintain healthy lifestyle goals while giving you the satisfaction of dining on red meat. The recommended daily allowance of protein for a 45 year old male with a lightly active lifestyle ranges from 86-155 grams per day, but everyone is different. Calculate your protein needs here.
Bison is All-Natural.
Bison ranchers are an old-school breed themselves, dedicated to maintaining a natural habitat of clean, pesticide-free grasses on which these animals can thrive. Due to this pride in their products it is easy to find information on ranch websites and/or labeling which will claim that their bison are free of hormones and antibiotics. This is also pertinent to overall health and wellness. Hormones in meat are designed to help the animals grow larger and produce more offspring. These hormones are then consumed by humans and have an adverse effect on our own hormone levels.
Consider using bison in place of any beef dish to help clean up your diet. Paleo-friendly bison chili is delicious way to try this age-old meat source, or consider a scrumptious bison roast!
Where Can You Find Bison?
Local butcher shops and grocery stores are getting on board. If it isn't already in the meat case, ask the person behind the counter to order it for you.
You can also have bison delivered to your door:
- North Star Bison
- Sayers Brook
- Full Circle Bison Ranch (which offers free shipping if you are West of the Rockies)
- Eagles Wing Natural Bison
Fresh bison meat is a nutritious option to help you fuel your body with vital protein. Consider giving it a try!
