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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Red meat vs. Turkey?

Our family uses ground turkey instead of red meat in everything.  From hamburger helper, to spaghetti, to chili, to hamburgers.  My question:  Is turkey really better for you?  If you get the really lean ground beef, isn't it the same?

I'm not a nutritional type person (obviously) so I'm curious of your thoughts or knowledge.

9 comments:

Debbi Does Dinner Healthy said...

I use ground turkey in everything also. It is way less expensive for me to get ground turkey, even the really lean stuff thank to get the lean ground beef. Otherwise, not really a clue. :-)

The Ninja said...

According to Calorie Count the Turkey had 120 calories in 4 ounces and the beef has close to 300. I imagine if you bought the leanest beef it would be less. Lean white meat(like turkey)is usually better for you.

Shabby Chic Mom said...

from everything we've been told "cut out the red meat" so I would say yes turkey is much better for you.people aren't having heart attacks from turkey, at least I don't think so! :)

Anonymous said...

I guess it depends. If it's ground turkey breast only it would be lean (and more expensive), but if they are using dark meat and perhaps skin...I think you need to check into the contents to know.

Unknown said...

As Darla said, it depends on the quality of turkey, poultry is often treated with a lot of fillers, hormones, etc... but then again so is beef.

I don't use a lot of ground meat, but I've found that when I do its usually cheaper for me to buy lean ground beef than ground turkey breast, maybe it has something to do with where I live... I don't know.

Need to Get ME Back said...

I used to think turkey was healthier until I compared nutrition facts. It depends on the fat % of the ground beef. If you get the best kind, the 95% fat free, it is better than turkey actually. Also I think its cheaper.

NAN said...

I goggled it- sounds like not much difference if as Darla wrote, you buy the lean turkey breast meat or have the butcher grind it for ya (RIGHT! I have never had one grind my hamburger either). I eat a lot of turkey but the whole one or breast when I find it on sale. Many times 93-97% ground beef is on sale here for $3.50 a pound.

arielcircleofnine said...

If you are trying to cut back on fat and calories, ground turkey is PROBABLY better--but read the labels! Sometimes they use dark meat and skin in that ground turkey, so thats no help!
I read that even if you buy the usual 80% ground beef and rinse it with hot water after its cooked the fat/calories are comparable to the super lean expensive stuff too.
If you opt to switch all your ground beef recipes over to ground turkey and hope to avoid family grumblings LOL, try adding beef bullion cubes in whatever recipe. Helps with flavor and color!

Melissa said...

I have made the switch to Lean Turkey and Chicken vs Beef...if Lean Beef is on sale I will buy it and blend it with the Lean Turkey but I don't think I will go back to just beef again. I am use to the taste and so are the kids..and the cost is less compared to Beef. I am also loving the Lean Sweet Italian Turkey Sausages..we have those once or twice a week with warm potato salad and green beans. Very yummy!

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