Had an interesting conversation at the supper table tonight (and yes this probably means I’ll get more prodding from my friends about blogging about my life, but oh well…) and I actually was told someone didn’t eat beef, except maybe once a week. Now his reasoning wasn’t cost. It wasn’t dislike for production methods. It wasn’t for taste reasons. This guy said “because it’s too fat. More than chicken…”
Mind you this guy is sitting at a table full of young, passionate beef producers. Literally, I think we all just there and it took a few seconds to sink in. He doesn’t eat beef because it’s more fat than chicken.
Now, being as full of random facts as I am, first thing that comes to mind is, “You do know there’s 29 cuts of beef that are considered as lean, right? As is more lean than some skinless cuts of chicken. As in low-calories, high nutrient density.”
Turns out he had heard from many sources, including a classroom situation that “beef is a fat meat, chicken is a lean meat.” I’m sure he’s not the only one that has these assumptions. The Beef Council has done a good job of coining one of the most recognized slogans in the history of food – BEEF: It’s What’s For Dinner. The likes of Sam Elliott or Matthew McConaughey mostly likely come to mind. (BTW, what happened to all of those great BIWFD commercials anyway?) But did you know nutritional guidelines recognize 29 cuts of beef as lean?!? Cuts like T-bone, Round, Chuck, Shoulder, and Sirloin are all considered lean with fewer calories from fat per serving compared to skinless chicken thigh. Check it out on the BIWFD website.
Well, I really didn’t want to make it any more awkward over a meal, so we just kinda joked and said “Good thing we didn’t fix beef for supper tonight!”
Have you ever encountered a situation like this with friends? How did, or would you, respond?
