Summer days mean more chances to head outdoors and ramp up your physical activity. Beef-loving Kansans may wonder about fitting beef into a healthy lifestyle; Hy-Vee registered dietitian Karen Hanson offers these tips about lean beef’s role in a healthy diet:

“Three decades of sound science support the role of protein and lean meat in a healthful dietary pattern,” Hanson says. “Lean beef is a nutrient dense food that can help with weight management and maintaining lean muscle mass. It also helps you feel full, which can help you control your calorie intake.”

Hanson points out that on average, a 3-ounce serving of lean beef is only 153 calories and contains 10 essential nutrients including iron, zinc and B-vitamins that we all need for an active, healthy lifestyle. In addition, half of the fatty acid in beef is monounsaturated fat, the same kind found in olive oil.

“I advise my clients to include lean beef as part of a heart-healthy diet,” Hanson says. “You can enjoy lean beef with vegetables, fruit low-fat dairy and whole grains while watching portion size.”

Beef is an excellent source of amino acids, which are essential building blocks of protein but are not manufactured by the human body.

“Beef has a unique nutritional package that can be enjoyed throughout the summers in sandwiches, salads and wraps,” Hanson says.

Provided by Karen Hanson, Ridgeview Olathe Hy-Vee dietitian.