Meat is a great source of protein, but it can also be high in calories. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply reduce your calorie intake, there are easy ways to swap out high-calorie meats for lower-calorie options.

Here are four smart swaps to help you reduce meat calories without sacrificing flavor:.

Swap #1: Turkey for Ground Beef

Ground beef is a staple in many recipes, from tacos to spaghetti sauce. But it’s also high in calories, thanks to its high fat content. If you want to reduce your meat calories, try swapping ground beef for ground turkey.

Ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, with less fat and fewer calories. In fact, swapping one pound of ground beef for one pound of ground turkey can save you over 400 calories!.

But don’t worry, swapping turkey for beef won’t sacrifice flavor. You can use ground turkey in all the same recipes as ground beef, and it even works well in burgers and meatballs.

Swap #2: Chicken Breast for Thighs

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, but not all cuts are created equal when it comes to calories. Chicken thighs, for example, are higher in fat and calories than chicken breast.

If you want to reduce your chicken calorie intake, try swapping chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast is a leaner cut of chicken, with fewer calories and less fat.

In fact, swapping one chicken thigh for one chicken breast can save you over 100 calories!.

But don’t worry, swapping chicken breast for thighs won’t sacrifice flavor. Chicken breast is just as versatile as chicken thighs, and it works well in everything from stir-fries to salads.

Swap #3: Portobello Mushrooms for Beef Patties

Beef burgers are a classic American dish, but they’re also high in calories. If you want to reduce your meat calorie intake, try swapping beef patties for portobello mushroom caps.

Portobello mushroom caps are a great vegetarian option that’s low in calories and high in nutrition. In fact, swapping one beef patty for one portobello mushroom cap can save you over 200 calories!.

But don’t worry, swapping mushrooms for beef won’t sacrifice flavor. Portobello mushroom caps have a hearty, meaty texture that’s perfect for burgers.

Try grilling them and topping them with your favorite burger toppings for a delicious, lower-calorie meal.

Swap #4: Shrimp for Beef or Chicken

Shrimp is a great seafood option that’s low in calories and high in protein. If you want to reduce your meat calorie intake, try swapping beef or chicken for shrimp in your favorite recipes.

Swapping shrimp for beef or chicken can save you a significant amount of calories. In fact, swapping one serving of beef or chicken for one serving of shrimp can save you over 100 calories!.

But don’t worry, swapping shrimp for beef or chicken won’t sacrifice flavor. Shrimp has a mild, sweet flavor that works well in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to pasta dishes. And because it cooks quickly, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

Reducing your meat calorie intake doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With these four smart swaps, you can enjoy all your favorite recipes with less calories and less fat.

Try these swaps today and see how easy it is to reduce your meat calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.