MEATS AND FISH
Why They're Important
Meats and fish are the ultimate source of protein. Protein is essential for many reasons. Outside of building muscle and the bodybuilding mindset, protein enables you to live. Without it, we wouldn't exist. Protein makes up your cell walls, assists other molecules in cell functioning, directly causes changes in the body via chemical reactions, etc. Also, protein makes up muscles, helping them build up and contract when needed. Although other foods have protein in them, meats and fish have a high abundance of them because they are muscle. Meats and fish are muscles from animals (and fish) used so the animal (and fish) could move around. Therefore, they needed a high amount of protein to be able to move (contract the muscles).
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Let's take a look at the protein in meats and fish. Meats and fish contain all of the essential amino acids. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein: they come together in a certain way to make a functional protein. The essential amino acids are similar to essential fatty acids: they cannot be created by the body, so they must be consumed in the individual's diet. Meats and Fish high abundance of these is another reason why they are superior to other foods, namely fruits and vegetables, in protein composition.
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These foods are also high in other micronutrients, like Vitamin B and Calcium. These micronutrients help the muscle contract and function normally in the animal. They can also help us with the same functions, as well as others. Calcium helps improving your skin, bone health, and other organs and systems.
Different Types of Meats and Fish
Although meats and fish have great benefits to them, there are also some big drawbacks. Many meats, namely Red and/or Processed, are much higher in cholesterol and even been found to be carcinogenic (cause cancer). Red Meat is defined as any meat that, when raw, has a red complexion. The red color found in these types of meats is due to a higher myoglobin content inside the meat. Processed Meat is defined as meat that has been modified to enhance flavor or improve preservation through methods such as salting, curing, fermentation and smoking.
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Red Meat does not cause cancer. Rather, the concern with red meat is its high level of cholesterol and fat. Indeed, red meat is higher with these nutrients. Studies have shown cholesterol and fat to rise in individuals that consume high amounts of red meat. So, keep your red meat intake at a lower quantity.
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Processed Meat, however, is much more dangerous. In fact, processed meat has been declared carcinogenic, thereby fatally threatening one's health. You should keep processed meat at as low as possible, almost none at all. Processed Meat is carcinogenic because of how it is prepared.
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As stated in the definition, processed meat is prepared via several ways. In these methods, molecules are produced in the meat, which, when in contact with the human body, can code for characteristics that arise into cancer. The specific molecules are Heme, N-glycolylneuraminic Acid, Heterocyclic Amines, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. These molecules have various effects on the body, but they essentially tell the cells to divide and produce more at an uncontrollable rate, causing cancer. These molecules arise in different ways the meat is processed.
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Fish, unlike meat, doesn't possess many drawbacks like meats from animals. In fact, fats are often low in carbohydrates and fats while remaining high in proteins. A possible explanation for this is that fish are constantly moving in the water: their overall energy expenditure is higher than animals. Many types of fish have also shown to be very high in Omega-3's, so you will be able to consume essential fatty acids without necessarily diverting to nuts and legumes. The amount of calories in fish are also lower than meats, so they can be very beneficial for fat loss. If you want to eat animal-based foods but are concerned with possible negative consequences from them, consider eating only fish.
Types of Meats and Fish to Eat
Meats are very easy to find at Metz. The Grille always has some kind of meat to eat for every meal. If you don't like the options at the the Grille, you can go to the Main Line or the Deli. In some cases, you can go eat pizza that has meat on top of it. Be careful, however, on what meats you choose to eat. Some of these meats can be red meats and/or processed. Pay attention to what the sign says about the meat: what it's called and how it was prepared (the sign says sometimes about how the meat was prepared, like grilled or fried).
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When looking for the right kinds of meat, you want to look for grilled or steamed. These are unprocessed ways of preparing meats. They may not taste as appetizing on their own, so try adding some sauces or spices (to the left of Bravo). Also, stay away from red meats. Some red meats include lamb, pork, beef, and veal. Also, stay away from processed meats. Some processed meats include Hot Dogs, Beef Jerky, certain types of Ham, Sausage, and Pepperoni. Your best bet is always the Deli, as their meat doesn't contain any potentially harmful preservatives and isn't processed or red.
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Fish may be more difficult to find. At times, Metz has fish available on the Grille or Main Line. If it is available, get some! If not, look at Deli if they have some. If not, you'll have to make do with the animal meats given, or resort to other foods high in protein, like some dairy-based foods (yogurt, milk, etc.).
