Now that we’ve passed Memorial Day, there’s no denying that barbeque season is officially in full swing. Whether you’re inviting loved ones over for a cookout or just serving up family dinner, you may be frequently enjoying a range of meats, from hot dogs and hamburgers to juicy steaks. However, it’s always important to keep our health in mind, and experts agree that limiting your intake of red meat is one good way to keep your wellbeing in check. And when you do want to indulge in some meaty goodness, it’s always smart to keep things as healthy as possible. That’s why we’re here to get clear on the healthiest way to prepare steak.
To find out, we brought in some expert advice by checking in with Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices. Read on for all of her insight and tips for keeping your steak healthy while pleasing your tastebuds.
Grill lean steak with a healthy marinade
When you want to serve your guest a nutritious meal but a weight loss-friendly salad just isn't going to cut it, Burgess has some suggestions for serving the healthiest steak around.
First, she says you should find the leanest meat possible. "Aim for lean cuts of steak, such as sirloin or tenderloin, and trim visible fat before cooking," she recommends.
As far as the healthiest process for cooking your steak, she suggests it's time to fire up the grill, as this will allow for the lowest fat option. "I typically recommend grilling to allow excess fat to drip away," she explains.
Of course, whipping up a marinade is one great way to make the tastiest steak around. Luckily, Burgess gave us advice for keeping things as healthy as possible. "When marinating, I recommend choosing lower sugar and lower calorie options," she says. "One of my favorites is Yondu–an umami seasoning sauce. This sauce is filled with simple ingredients like fermented soybeans and broth from 8 different vegetables. Its balanced flavor profile is perfect for adding to steak before and after cooking." Incredible! Even better, there's zero calories in this sauce, "making it ideal for those looking to lower their calories without sacrificing flavor."
Overall, though, be sure to stay away for sugary marinades, as consuming too much sugar can lead to a range of health risks.
Choose Beyond Steak for extra heart health
If you're open to plant-based options to keep your heart healthy, Burgess has one final word of advice: "For those looking for a delicious and heart-healthy steak option, I love enjoying Beyond Steak from Beyond Meat with 21 grams of protein and only 1 gram of saturated fat per serving and no cholesterol," she says. "It’s also filled with beneficial nutrients like potassium, iron, and fiber."
In fact, she points out that Beyond Steak is the first steak to be certified by the American Heart Association’s heart-check program, meeting the strict nutrition guidelines to be considered a heart-healthy food.
The bottom line
While keeping your intake of red meat to a minimum is always the best thing for your heart health, there are plenty of ways to cook a healthy-ish steak. If you follow Burgess's advice by grilling lean cuts and using healthy marinades, you can still enjoy steak this summer (in moderation, of course!).
READ MORE: 2 Lean Meats You Can Start Eating To Slim Down This Year, According To A Doctor
