Beef And Obesity 

Eating too much red meat plays a role in obesity, but so does consuming junk food and other high-fat foods. Lack of physical activity also encourages obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions among children in the U.S. More than 30 percent of adults in the U.S. are considered obese, according to the University of Michigan Health System. However, you can include lean beef in your low-fat diet, along with regular exercise, for weight loss and to prevent obesity.

Well-Balanced Diet

A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, according to ChooseMyPlate.gov, a U.S, Department of Agriculture website. Your healthy diet may also feature lean beef, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. Meat, poultry, fish and dairy products contain saturated fat, which can cause weight gain in high amounts. These foods also contain vital protein, which triggers amino acids that boost your energy and mental alertness.

Reduce Fat in Protein Foods

The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to less than 7 percent of your total calories a day. It encourages eating fish at least twice a week, but also suggests enjoying lean beef with all fat trimmed off before cooking and skinless poultry to lower your fat intake. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna and salmon, provide heart-healthy benefits by improving cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association also recognizes boneless top sirloin petite roast, top sirloin filet and top sirloin kabob as heart-healthy cuts of beef. Beef also contains essential nutrients, including vitamin B, zinc and iron.

Beef and Chicken

Many cuts of lean beef have less saturated fat than an equal serving of skinless chicken thigh, according to BeefNutrition.org, a part of the Beef Checkoff Program administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board with oversight from the USDA. A 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken thigh contains 2.6 grams of saturated fat. Top sirloin steak, round steak, chuck shoulder pot roast and shank cross cuts each have less than 2 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving. A 3-ounce skinless chicken breast has 0.9 grams of saturated fat, but a 3-ounce eye round roast and steak comes close at 1.4 grams of saturated fat. Sirloin tip side steak and top round roast and steak each have 1.6 grams of saturated fat per 3 ounces.

Think Moderate

Consuming moderate portions of lean beef while practicing healthy eating habits helps combat obesity. Include a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains in your meals. Half your plate should include vegetables and fruits, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Avoid high-fat and high-calorie snacks and try to keep healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and carrot sticks, around the home. Many restaurants promote lean beef on their menus. Avoid fatty sauces and cover your beef and beef sandwiches with fresh vegetables. Regular physical activity burns calories to ward off weight gain. Practicing healthy habits means you can enjoy moderate cuts of lean beef in your diet.