KEARNEY, Neb. — “Build a Better Plate with Beef,” during National Nutrition Month this March, and beyond. Beef is packed with key essential nutrients that complement the nutrients and flavors found in fruits and vegetables, making them the perfect team to help you reach your health goals. Director of Nutrition and Education for the Nebraska Beef Council, Mitch Rippe, says it is a month to focus on the power of lean beef.
“National Nutrition Month is a campaign focused on making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits,” said Rippe. “During National Nutrition Month, we’re celebrating lean beef’s incredible nutrient profile. Meaning, as part of a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle maintained consistently over time, the nutrients found in beef like protein, zinc and iron support good health and a healthy immune system.”
The Nebraska Beef Council is collaborating with registered dietitians to showcase beef’s nutritional value and versatility in the meal planning process. High-quality protein, like that found in beef, plays an increasingly important role in muscle maintenance, weight management, and the prevention of chronic diseases. NBC will highlight beef as a great protein option through these programs and through social media campaigns as well.
“Through our classes at high schools, healthcare facilities and professional conferences, we’re recognizing beef as a nutritional powerhouse given its high nutrient density that contain a wide variety of nutrients to support overall health,” Rippe said. “Coupled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, beef provides big nutrition in a small, 3 ounce package.”
This year’s theme for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is, “Fuel for the Future.” By choosing beef, we are choosing a sustainable food source for ourselves and the environment. Since not only is beef a great source of protein, but it also comes without the long and sometimes confusing list of other ingredients. Research from the Consumer Beef Tracker shows that beef has a slight advantage over chicken to have a higher nutritional value in terms of consumer perceptions.
Find more sustainable, nutritious recipes on nebeef.org.
— Nebraska Beef Council