The 5 Healthiest Meats You Can Eat for Dinner Tonight
Yet another reason to add rotisserie chicken to your grocery list.
Any source of protein can be good for you — it’s the other things that happen in your kitchen (a.k.a. breading and deep-frying!) that make the difference when it comes to weight management and long-term health. That said, these top supermarket picks are some of the unsung heroes of lean protein you can feel good about adding to your cart.
Sirloin Steak
Sirloin steak is both lean and flavorful — just 3 ounces packs about 25 grams of filling protein. Since top-round cuts are less fatty than other cuts of beef, you’ll retain flavor without overloading on saturated fat: One serving size contains about 3.5 grams, while the same amount of T-bone or rib-eye will have upwards of 10 grams.
Rotisserie Chicken or Turkey
The rotisserie prep helps maximize flavor without relying on added ingredients, meaning this already-lean poultry has less sodium than deli meats or chicken prepped with salt-filled sauces, blends, and rubs.
Chicken Thigh
All parts of the chicken can be part of a nutritious diet — despite the fact that all things other than chicken breast have historically gotten a bad wrap! In fact, it’s the less healthy choices that happen when we prep and serve (ahem, deep-fried chicken, we’re looking at you) like high-sodium sauces, breadings, and marinades. The thighs pack a nutrient-dense mix of unsaturated fatty acids, plus vitamins and minerals like iron.
Pork Chop
Pork tenderloin is a source of lean protein that’s easy to swap for the poultry you’d normally eat at dinner meals. Plus, it’s surprisingly low in saturated fat per serving.
Canned Fish
One 3-ounce serving of canned fish can meet 100% of what you need daily in omega-3 fatty acids. Those help reduce your risk of chronic disease when consumed regularly. Look for fish canned in water or just olive oil to limit sodium (common in canned goods of any kind!) per serving.
WATCH: Your Ultimate Guide to Cooking Chicken Breasts
You'll want to get out the mallet before you start grilling.
A registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, Jaclyn “Jackie” London handled all of Good Housekeeping’s nutrition-related content, testing, and evaluation from 2014 to 2019. Prior to joining GH, she was a clinical dietitian at Mount Sinai Hospital. Jackie has also appeared as an expert guest on The Dr. Oz Show and The Today Show. She is also author of the book Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked).
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