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the skinny on lean meats: healthy, flavorful deli picks

Here’s some great news—making healthier choices doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or spending hours planning meals. In fact, one rather tasty solution can be found right in your deli case. Keep reading for more info on our flavorful variety of lean meats.

So, what qualifies as lean meat? Simply speaking, lean meat is any meat that is low in fat and cholesterol relative to protein, calories, weight and serving size. At Dietz & Watson, we source only the highest quality lean meat and hand-trim it to avoid fatty pieces.

what qualifies as lean meat?

Simply speaking, lean meat is any meat that is low in fat and cholesterol relative to protein, calories, weight, and serving size. At Dietz & Watson, we source only the highest quality lean meat and hand-trim it to avoid fatty pieces.

According to the FDA, lean meat contains less than 10g of fat, 4.5g saturated fat, and less than 95mg of cholesterol. Extra lean meat is defined as meat containing less than 5g total fat, less than 2g saturated fat, and less than 95mg cholesterol. It just so happens that Dietz & Watson offers a large variety of delicious meats that meet this criteria. So hit the deli!

getting your protein from low fat meats

Eating better starts with balancing out your macronutrients (that’s calories, protein, and fat) and being mindful of where your nutrition comes from. It’s especially important if you’re looking to pump up your protein intake without overloading on calories or fat. Getting your protein from lean meats or low-fat meat allows you to get your fats from more diverse sources like cheese, dairy, plant-based oils, and nuts. Yes, to be clear, eating the right kind of fat is a good thing.

what does lean mean in meat?

You might have heard that fats are good now. And it’s true: fats can be good, and many are vital to how our bodies and cells function. The problem comes when foods labeled as “low-fat” or “fat free” are actually filled with sugars or synthetic replacements. Luckily, at Dietz & Watson, we avoid unnecessary fillers and artificial additives, and most of our lower fat products are naturally lean.

ready to go lean?

Almost all Dietz & Watson traditional sliced deli meats are lean. Look for our 98% Fat Free London Broil Roast Beef and 99% Fat Free Oven Roasted Turkey Breast from our healthy lifestyle line. If you're looking for lean, better-for-you lunch meats, these are excellent options. Plus, our Uncured Turkey Bacon has only 2.5g of fat per serving. For a double dose of great choices, try our Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast with only 0.5g of fat and 30mg of cholesterol per serving.

what are lean meats and which ones are the leanest meats?

If you're asking what meat is lean or searching for the leanest meat options, you're in luck. Common examples include turkey breast, chicken breast, and certain cuts of beef like top round or sirloin. Even roast beef can be lean when properly trimmed. A common question is, “Is roast beef healthy?” The answer is yes—especially when it’s prepared without added fats and preservatives.

Now that you’re armed with all this knowledge, you’re ready to become a lean meat expert. Look for our products the next time you’re browsing the deli case. Use the store locator below to find which stores carry our products or shop online.

the wrap up

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