What will you feed your family?

Fourth of July means many things to me.  I celebrate our freedoms and the men and women who fought for those freedoms and the ones still fighting.  This time of year also brings something else to mind...grilling!  There is nothing better than grilling up a wonderful steak or a tasty hamburger.

Red meat, particularly beef, is a staple on my family's menu.  We enjoy hamburger steak, meatloaf, spaghetti, fajitas, chuck roast and yes the occasional ribeye.  This is the way I know my family is getting enough Z.I.P- zinc, iron, and protein that is!  However, with the price of beef increasing will consumers like myself be able to afford to put beef on the table?

I know some of you are thinking she doesn't get it....her backyard is full of beef!

But that's not entirely correct...yes we do raise cattle and we do harvest some of our own for meat however the majority of our meat (excluding ground beef) comes from the grocery store.  So when beef prices go up it affects my pocketbook as well.  And I know when prices go up you (and me) start looking for cheaper ways to provide for your family.

But before you walk past the meat counter keep- reading...

there are many reasons you should

continue purchasing beef as a protein source for your family here are 4!

1) A 3 oz serving of lean beef provides 10 nutrients your body needs such as protein, iron, zinc and B-vitamins for an average of 154 calories. In fact, it takes two to three times more calories to get the same amount of protein from many plant-based alternatives than from lean beef.

2) The surprising fact is that Americans, on average, eat 1.7 oz of beef every day, well within the 5-7 oz recommended from this Group for a healthy diet. Americans can feel good about choosing lean beef because the science shows beef's high-quality protein and essential nutrients make good diets better - improving overall nutrient intake and diet quality, and contributing to positive health outcomes like weight management.

3) Because of the commitment of America's cattle farmers and ranchers, many popular beef cuts meet government guidelines for lean, including favorites such as Sirloin, Flank steak, Tenderloin, T-Bone steak and 95 percent lean Ground Beef. With more than 29 lean beef cuts, it's easy to build great-tasting and healthy meals that include America's favorite protein - beef - with vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

4) Given today's focus on obesity, the Committee uncovered a striking finding: Over the last four decades, Americans have consumed nearly 200 calories more each day from flour and cereal products while calories from meat, eggs and nuts have remained virtually unchanged.  At a time when calories really matter, lean beef is a solution that satisfies our appetites and provides more nutrients for fewer calories than many other foods.

So there you go...4 simple reasons why beef will remain on my family's menu.   But let's not forget that Americans the safest and cheapest food supply in the world, thanks to farmers and ranchers who have done their best to improve farming & ranching practices!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July weekend and God Bless!