You Can Have a Porterhouse Steak As Long As It's Rare — A Rare Treat to be Enjoyed On Occasion
By John Grimaldi
It sometimes seems that the world is determined to classify senior citizens as an endangered species, telling us that we need to exercise more in order to keep in shape and eat foods not because they are tasty but because they’re good for you, says Rebecca Weber, CEO of the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]. “They are right, of course, whoever ‘they’ are. But does that mean we can’t take an occasional break -- that we can’t take it easy every once in a while or have a meal not because it is particularly good for you but because you crave the flavor?”
Certainly you should consult your healthcare provider when it comes to questions about exercise and nutrition, stresses Weber. “Who knows, you may find that your workouts do not have to be as excessive and exhausting as you might think. You may also learn that it’s okay to have a real steak instead of a Grilled Tofu Steak with Piquillo Salsa Verde, as suggested by the folks at Food and Wine.”
There’s a lot of research out there that shows we, old timers, should heed our MDs when it comes to activities that can have an impact on our health, says Weber. But there is also a lot of research that indicates you might be able to skip a healthy meal on occasion in favor of a Porterhouse steak, for example. But it’s recommended that you choose a steak that is lean and that you don’t overdo it.
Julia Zumpano, a Registered Dietician at the Cleveland Clinic, says “When you prepare red meat, focus on dry cooking methods, like baking, broiling, grilling, roasting, poaching or air frying.” She also recommends that you should limit the amount you eat to one or two servings of six ounces or less per week. And, she says, limit yourself to less than three ounces a week if you have heart disease and/or high cholesterol. But, again, check with your doctor before you indulge.
Even the naysayers admit that it’s okay to have red meat once in a while. The Website, health24, put it this way: “Thanks to high-protein diets, red meat is making a comeback. Red meat has been linked to a host of health problems, including heart disease, cancers and diabetes. It’s also high in protein and nutrients like iron and vitamin B3. Red meat can be part of a healthy diet – just don’t eat it every day.”
By the way, red meats are not just beefsteaks. The term refers to veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse, and goat as well as beef.
Bon appetite!