The holiday season is a time to celebrate with friends and family. It is also a time when many people indulge in rich and decadent foods. As delicious as these foods may be, they are not always the healthiest options.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or tradition. You can still enjoy a delicious and healthy holiday meal by choosing the right meats. Here is your ultimate guide to choosing healthy meats this holiday season.

1. Choose Leaner Cuts of Meat

When it comes to choosing healthy meats, the first thing you should look for is leaner cuts. These cuts are lower in fat and calories, making them a healthier option. Some examples of leaner cuts of meat include:.

Chicken breast
Turkey breast
Pork loin
Flank steak
Ground turkey or chicken

These meats are all high in protein and low in fat, which is why they are great choices for a healthy holiday meal. They can easily be prepared in a variety of ways, from grilled and roasted to baked and sautéed.

2. Consider Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef is another healthy option that you may want to consider for your holiday meal. Grass-fed beef is leaner than traditional beef because it comes from cows that have been raised on a natural diet of grass and hay.

This means that the cows are not given hormones or antibiotics, which can be harmful to human health. Grass-fed beef also has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of vitamin E.

You can find grass-fed beef at most health food stores or online retailers. Some cuts of grass-fed beef that are perfect for a holiday meal include ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon.

3. Opt for Wild-Caught Fish

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to meat, consider serving wild-caught fish for your holiday meal. Wild-caught fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.

Some of the healthiest fish options include:.

Salmon
Tuna
Mackerel
Sardines
Trout

When selecting fish, it’s important to look for wild-caught options rather than farm-raised. Farm-raised fish are often fed a diet of chemicals and antibiotics, which can be harmful to human health.

Wild-caught fish can be found at most seafood retailers or online.

4. Skip the Processed Meats

Processed meats are often high in sodium, preservatives, and other additives that can be harmful to your health. They are also linked to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease. Some of the most common processed meats include:.

Bacon
Ham
Sausage
Hot dogs
Lunch meats

If you want to continue to enjoy these meats, look for healthier versions that are free from nitrates and other additives. You can also try making your own bacon, sausage, or lunch meats at home using leaner meats and fewer additives.

5. Watch Your Portion Sizes

Even if you choose healthy meats, it’s important to watch your portion sizes. Eating too much of anything, even healthy foods, can lead to weight gain. A serving size of meat is typically 3-4 ounces, which is about the size of a deck of cards.

Keep this in mind when serving yourself and others to ensure that you are not overindulging.

6. Serve Meat as a Side Dish

Another way to make your holiday meal healthier is to serve meat as a side dish rather than the main course. This can help you and your guests eat less meat overall and eat more of the other healthy foods that you have prepared.

Some healthy meat side dishes that you may want to try include:.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
Green beans with almonds and prosciutto
Balsamic-glazed carrots with grilled chicken
Quinoa salad with grilled shrimp

These side dishes are all high in nutrients and flavor, making them a great addition to any holiday meal.

7. Choose Organic and Locally Sourced Meats

If you’re concerned about the quality of the meat you’re serving, choose organic and locally sourced meats. Organic meats come from animals that have been raised without antibiotics or hormones, and have been fed a natural diet.

Locally sourced meats are often fresher and more nutritious than meats that have been shipped across the country. You can find organic and locally sourced meats at most health food stores and local farmers’ markets.

8. Try Meat Alternatives

Finally, if you want to avoid meat altogether, there are plenty of healthy meat alternatives that you can try. Some of the most popular meat alternatives include:.

Tempeh
Tofu
Seitan
Lentils
Beans

These options are all high in protein and can be prepared in a variety of ways, from grilled and sautéed to roasted and baked. You can find these meat alternatives at most health food stores or online retailers.

Conclusion

You can enjoy a healthy and delicious holiday meal by choosing the right meats.

Look for leaner cuts of meat, consider grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish, skip the processed meats, watch your portion sizes, serve meat as a side dish, choose organic and locally sourced meats, and try meat alternatives. With these tips, you can make the most of your holiday feast while still prioritizing your health.