Red meat does have saturated fat and cholesterol - as does chicken, turkey, pork and fish. However, beef is a great source of iron, zinc, B vitamins and it's also a high-quality source of protein for the body.

The reason red meat has a bad rap is not because of the beef itself, but because of the way it's included in our diets. Including beef as part of a balanced diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be accomplished by keeping in mind a few simple suggestions:

- Start by buying the leanest cut available, typically eye of round or round tip.
- The "select" grade is lower in fat than "choice" or "prime."
- When purchasing ground beef, always choose "lean."
- Trimming the fat off the meat can also save a considerable amount of fat and calories.
- Avoid huge portions (the average in the United States being over 8 oz.) and stick with the recommended 3 oz. serving, roughly the size of a deck of cards.

Oh, one last thing: Enjoy!

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