A Beef diet or beef-based diet with other animal-based protein sources aka the carnivore diet, has been gaining popularity over recent years - and for a good reason. This type of diet has been shown to offer a number of interesting benefits for people who lead an active lifestyle.

Today, we cover 15 benefits of a beef diet for an active lifestyle to a beef diet.

 

 

1. Beef is a great source of protein.

Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, and it's also necessary for many other bodily functions. A lack of protein can lead to fatigue and loss of muscle mass.  Beef is an excellent source of protein, and it can easily help you meet your daily protein needs.

 

 

2. Beef is rich in iron.

Iron is a mineral that's essential for the proper oxygenation of the blood. It's also necessary for energy production and cognitive function. People who are deficient in iron may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems related to low iron levels. Beef is a good source of iron, and it can help you meet your body's needs for this important mineral.

 

 

 

 

3. Beef is a good source of B vitamins.

B vitamins are essential for energy production, cognitive function, and many other important bodily functions. A lack of B vitamins can lead to fatigue, depression, and other health problems. Beef is a good source of B vitamins, and it can help you meet your body's needs for these important nutrients.


The single best source of B Vitamins coming from beef is actually beef liver and well worth including in your beef-based diet at least once a week.    

 

 

4. Beef is rich in zinc.

Zinc is an essential mineral that's necessary for immune function, wound healing, and many other processes in the body. A deficiency in zinc can lead to a weakened immune system and slow wound healing. Beef is a good source of zinc, and it can help you meet your body's needs for this important mineral.

 

 

5. Beef is a good source of selenium.

Selenium is a trace mineral that's essential for proper thyroid function. It's also necessary for immune function and fertility. A lack of selenium can lead to hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease, and infertility. Beef is a good source of selenium, and it can help you meet your body's needs for this important mineral.

 

 

6. Beef is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial nutrients that are essential for many processes in the body. They've been shown to promote heart health, brain health, and more. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to a number of health problems. Grass-Fed Beef in particular is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and it can help you meet your body's needs for these important nutrients.

 

 

7. Beef is a low-fat food.

Many people think of beef as a high-fat food, but this isn't necessarily true and completely dependent on the cut you buy, for example Oxtail is particularly fatty while a Flank Steak is very lean yet tasty.


There are many lean cuts of beef that are low in fat plus grass-fed beef is naturally lower in overall fat. This can be helpful if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

 

 

8. Beef is a good source of CLA.

CLA is a type of fat that's been shown to have a number of health benefits. It's been shown to promote weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and more. Organic Grass-Fed Beef is a great source of CLA, and it can help you meet your body's needs for this important nutrient.

 

 

9. Beef is high in creatine.

Creatine is an amino acid that's essential for energy production. It's also necessary for muscle growth and recovery. A lack of creatine can lead to fatigue and a poor overall athletic performance in training or competition. Beef is a good source of creatine, and it can help you meet your body's needs for this important nutrient.

 

 

10. Beef is a good source of CoQ10.

CoQ10 is an important nutrient that's necessary for energy production and cellular health. A deficiency in CoQ10 can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and other health problems. Beef is a good source of CoQ10.

 

 

11. Beef is rich in glutathione.

Glutathione is an important nutrient that's necessary for immune function and detoxification. A deficiency in glutathione can lead to a weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to disease, and other health problems. Beef is a good source of glutathione, and it can help you meet your body's needs for this important nutrient.

 

 

 

 

12. Beef is high in chromium.

Chromium is a trace mineral that's necessary for proper insulin function. A lack of chromium can lead to type II diabetes. Beef is a good source of chromium, and it can help you meet your body's needs for this important mineral.

 

 

13. Beef is rich in phosphorus.

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that's necessary for bone health. A lack of phosphorus can lead to osteoporosis. Beef is a good source of phosphorus.

 

14. Beef is high in potassium.

Potassium is an essential nutrient that's necessary for proper nerve and muscle function. A lack of potassium can lead to muscle weakness and cramping during an athletic performance in particular brought on by hypokalemia. Beef is an abundant source of potassium to help stave off cramping during sports.

 

 

15. Beef is good for bodybuilders / athletes looking to build muscle mass.

Beef is a good source of protein, and it's also rich in creatine, iron, and other nutrients that are necessary for muscle growth. This makes it an ideal food for bodybuilders and other athletes looking for a balance of fuel, muscle-building/repair properties, and a broad spectrum of micronutrients.

 

 

 

Things to Know Before Switching to Beef Diet

1. Choose lean cuts of beef.

There are many different cuts of beef, and some are higher in fat than others. If you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it's important to choose leaner cuts of beef. These cuts of beef are lower in fat and calories, and they can help you meet your weight-loss goals. Good options for lean beef cuts are: Top Sirloin Steak, Filet Mignon or Picanha if you wish to trim the fat cap off.

2. Trim the fat off of your beef before cooking.

Beef is often sold with a layer of fat on it for example New York Strip steak. Depending on the diet protocol you are on and what your target macros are, this layer of fat can add unnecessary calories and fat to your diet. It's important to trim the fat off of your beef before cooking it. This will help you reduce the amount of fat and calories in your diet and bring you in line with your macro goals.

3. Avoid processed beef products.

Processed beef products, such as deli beef cold cuts or beef jerky, are often high in fat, calories, sugar, nitrates, colorings, and preservatives. If you're trying to lose weight in a cutting cycle or maintain a healthy weight, it's important to avoid these types of products. Choose leaner and cleaner cuts of beef, and trim the fat off before cooking if you are on a low-fat diet/low-fat daily macro goals.

4. Cook and Store your beef properly.

Beef that's not stored safely and cooked properly can be unsafe to eat. It's important to cook your beef all the way through to ensure that it's safe to eat. Undercooked beef can contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick. It is also important to learn how to cook grassfed steaks the right way especially organic grass-fed beef steaks which will cook up to 30% quicker than conventionally raised beef steaks.

5. Season your beef with healthy herbs and spices.

Herbs and spices can add flavor to your beef without adding a lot of calories. Knowing how to season a steak is the key between a great-tasting piece of beef steak and a bland-tasting piece of protein! Try using good-quality salt, healthy herbs and spices, such as garlic, onion, and black pepper, to season your beef. This will help you reduce the amount of fat and calories in your diet.