In the Mind of a Millennial Keeping Health Top-of-Mind By Jill Scofield, Director of Producer Relations California & Nevada Beef Council As I was thinking about this month’s column, I went back to last February to see what I had written. Looking back to that time, it reminded me that it was one of the last pieces I wrote before this pandemic consumed everything. So I reminisced for a moment on those carefree days, when meeting a deadline was one of the more stressful parts of my week. To think of all that has happened in the last year! Last February, I shared information about heart health and the vast amount of resources and research available that support lean beef ’s role in a hearthealthy diet. There have been over 20 studies of lean beef in healthy dietary patterns, which supports the important role lean beef plays in a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle – all of which you can learn more about at BeefItsWhatsForDinner. com/nutrition. With National Heart Month being celebrated in February, it’s also prudent to remind you that the American Heart Association® certifies a number of lean beef cuts and recipes on BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com with its Heart-Check program, helping those looking specifically for heart-healthy meals to find cuts and dishes that fit into their menus. As you’ll probably notice, the beef recipe shared this month is one of those with the AHA Heart-Check mark. The lean beef cuts featuring the AHA Heart-Check include: • Extra Lean Ground Beef (96% lean, 4% fat) • Bottom Round Steak (USDA Select grade) • Extra Lean Ground Beef 96% Lean 4% Fat (with Natural Flavors) 16 FEBRUARY 2021
• Sirloin Tip Steak (USDA Select grade) • Top Sirloin Petite Roast, Boneless (USDA Select grade) • Top Sirloin Strips (USDA Select grade) • Top Sirloin Filet (USDA Select grade) • Top Sirloin Kabob (USDA Select grade) • Top Sirloin Steak, Boneless, Center Cut (USDA Select grade) But beyond heart health, beef can play a role in a healthy diet for a number of reasons, at any age. And more and more, the importance of proteins like beef in the early years of life are being discovered. In fact, health authorities like the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Women Infants and Children’s program recommend animal source foods, like beef, to ensure nutrient needs such as iron and zinc are met in the early years. Proper nutrition is critical during this time, particularly since by 6 months of age, iron stores are depleted, and breastmilk alone can no longer meet all of the infant’s nutrient requirements.
the “Early Years” campaign, with the message that every bite counts. The campaign showcases that beef can be a complementary first food for babies starting at around six months of age and continuing through childhood, and that introducing beef can ensure infants get the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. According to some of the campaign messaging, “Introducing meats, like beef, has a purpose beyond simply meeting essential nutrient needs. Beef offers new and different flavors and textures which not only supports oral and motor development, but also enhances discovery and learning, helping them to be more accepting of new and healthy foods as they grow and develop healthy eating habits.” Since just one 3 oz. cooked serving of beef provides protein, iron and zinc, which are often lacking in diets of kids and teens, incorporating beef into our children’s diets can help ensure they get the nutrients they need, which then in turn helps provide energy for their active bodies, aid in brain development and support a healthy immune system.
And for the first time ever, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) provides nutrition recommendations for children birth-24 months of age, including introducing solid foods, like beef, to infants and toddlers in order to pack in every bite with protein, iron, zinc and choline. To help provide education and increase awareness on this important topic, the Beef Checkoff recently launched The Progressive Rancher
As a mom to two growing boys, this is of great importance to me and my family. And since beef is a favorite of both kids, it’s not hard for me to incorporate this delicious staple into their diets on a regular basis. There are a ton of resources available to help parents of kids of any age ensure they are providing nutritionally packed meals to their families, including fact sheets, kid-friendly recipes, tips for introducing solid foods to infants, and more – all available at BeefItsWhatsForDinner. com/nutrition/beef-for-all-ages. I’m willing to bet many of the readers of The Progressive Rancher don’t need a whole lot of encouragement to incorporate beef into their families’ menus. But as a producer, you might find it reassuring to know this kind of information is available for other parents who might need the additional reassurance.
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