Should We Eat Grass-Fed Meat on a Paleo Lifestyle?
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The Paleo lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular in the Lone Star State. But with it comes the question: should we be eating grass-fed meat?
Eating healthy is something that everyone should strive for. But if you're a Texan, it can be hard to know what food choices are right for you. That's why the Paleo lifestyle is so perfect for Texas natives! The Paleo diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods and eliminates grains, legumes, dairy, and processed sugars.
What Is The Paleo Diet?
The Paleo diet is a dietary plan developed with the idea of eating like our ancestors did thousands of years ago. It focuses on eating real, natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, nuts (how long do nuts last?), and seeds and eliminating processed foods and refined sugars from your diet. The goal of the diet is to reduce inflammation in the body and to improve overall health through a balanced diet full of nutrient-dense foods.
If you're on a paleo lifestyle, you may wonder if grass-fed meat should be part of your diet. Eating grass-fed meat has several benefits, including healthier fats and more nutrients than conventionally raised meats. Still, there are also some drawbacks to consider. So let's look at the pros and cons of eating grass-fed meat on a paleo lifestyle.
Paleo Friendly Foods In Texas
If you live in Texas, there are plenty of places to find delicious paleo-friendly foods! Many grocery stores have sections dedicated to organic produce like grain-fed beef (how long does beef last?) or even offer local farm boxes delivered straight to your door.
Additionally, farmers' markets are great places to find fresh vegetables and fruits grown locally by area farmers who often use sustainable practices when raising their products. Finally, suppose you're looking for protein sources. In that case, grass-fed beef is widely available at most supermarkets or specialty butcher shops throughout the state.
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If you're looking for fresh, high-quality beef and steak, look no further than getting them delivered direct from Texas ranches! You can now get delicious grass-fed beef and steak that has been carefully selected from ranch owners throughout the Lone Star State and shipped straight to your doorstep anywhere in the US.
Grass-Fed Meat, Explained
We hear the term 'grass-fed' floating around these days, especially regarding those who embrace healthier food habits. But what exactly does grass-fed meat mean anyway? So put, grass-fed refers to animals that eat exclusively from grazing pastures. This means cows that eat nothing but what is on the ground, like grass, forage, clover, and even hay. This type of feeding directly impacts the quality of their meat.
Grass-fed beef has more nutrients than its counterpart grain-fed, as well as having more beneficial fats present in the muscle tissue. Should you make the switch to grass-fed? Understand first the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed meat, such as cattle raised in a feedlot, and consider if doing so would provide you with improved nutritional value without compromising your wallet's health.
Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Meat
Grass-fed meat is also gaining popularity in Texas as a healthier alternative to grain-fed beef. Grass-fed cows are allowed to roam freely and eat grasses in their natural environment rather than being fed a diet of grains like corn or soybeans. This results in higher levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E, essential for overall health and wellness. Additionally, grass-fed beef tends to be lower in fat than grain-fed beef due to its natural diet.
Eating grain-fed meat is increasingly becoming a potential health risk as toxins can accumulate in the animal's system. These water-soluble pesticides, like glyphosate, are thought to affect our bodies negatively. Court cases have been decided in favor of those alleging that exposure to these substances has caused cancers.
Research has suggested the glyphosate compound can adversely affect the human body, particularly our gut microbiome. The issue is further complicated by fat-soluble compounds sprayed on corn feed, like atrazine which acts as xenoestrogens, disrupting hormones and potentially leading to long-term health concerns.
Chisholm Trail Grass Fed Beef is a cooperative that local Texan ranchers operate. They obtain beef from small ranches that the American Grass-fed Association has certified.
Pros of Grass-Fed Meat
Healthy Fats
The most significant benefit of grass-fed meat is that it contains higher levels of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and monounsaturated fat. These healthy fats support heart health, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Additionally, grass-fed beef has more vitamins A, E, and K than grain-fed beef and more minerals like iron and zinc.
Fewer Calories
Grass-fed meats also have fewer calories than grain-fed meats due to their higher fat content. This means you can eat more significant portions without consuming too many additional calories. Additionally, because they contain less fat, they are less likely to spoil quickly, so they stay fresher longer when stored properly. Finally, grass-fed beef has been found to taste better than grain-fed beef, according to studies done by Texas A&M University in 2016.
Cons of Grass Fed Meat
Price
One downside to eating grass-fed beef is that it costs more than conventionally raised beef due to its shorter shelf life.
Less Yield
Additionally, because the cows are not fed grains or soybeans (which often contain hormones), the cows grow slower, so there is less yield per animal, increasing the price even further. Also, because the animals live in open pastures, their diets tend to vary from season to season, affecting the meat's flavor and texture over time.
For more information on grass-fed beef, check out TexasRealFood’s Ultimate Grass-Fed Beef Resource.
Conclusion
Whether or not to eat organic and grass-fed meat on a paleo lifestyle is up to you! While these types of meats offer some significant health benefits over their conventional counterparts—such as fewer toxins and GMOs—they can also be pricier than traditional cuts of meat, so it's essential to consider your budget when making this decision as well.
The Paleo lifestyle is an excellent choice for Texans who want to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor or convenience! By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and nuts while avoiding processed sugars and grains, you can significantly improve your overall health while enjoying delicious meals that are easy to prepare at home or on the go! With so many options available in Texas, it's always been challenging (or tastier) to follow the Paleo way of life!
Ultimately, if you're looking for an optimal combination of nutrition, flavor, sustainability, and cost, then choosing organic and grass-fed options may be the way to go!
Looking for grass-fed beef in Austin? Check out these 7 farms to pick up fresh beef.
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