The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has a unique opportunity for you to engage in the discussion around diet and health in Washington D.C. The most recent Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report has confusing nutritional messages by leaving lean meat out of healthy dietary pattern, despite its own nutritional evidence review. Now, you can engage by posting your pictures of how beef fits on your plate using #BeefsOnMyPlate.

“A one-sized-fits-all approach to a diet doesn’t work, but we know beef fits into wide a range of healthy diets because of its versatility,” said Shalene McNeill, registered dietitian and nutrition scientist with NCBA. “We have a lot of sound evidence out there showing lean beef consumption contributes zinc, iron, protein and B-vitamins, which helps keep you satisfied, helps manage your weight, and can fuel a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Lean beef is a calorie saver. For about 150 calories, a 3-oz serving of lean beef provides about the same amount of protein as three servings (1½ cups) of cooked black beans with 341 calories. Philip Ellis, a Wyoming rancher and president of the NCBA said this is a great opportunity to showcase how beef fits in a healthy and calorie-conscious diet and encourage the Secretaries to make sure lean beef is not just a footnote in the guidelines.

“It’s unfortunate that the Advisory Committee failed to review all the science that undoubtedly shows the value of lean meat in the healthy diet,” said Ellis. “But the Secretaries have the opportunity to pick up where the Committee fell short and finish the scientific review of red meat’s role in a healthy diet to re-instate the 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommendation on lean meat. Let’s post our pictures and show them a variety of healthy diets that include lean beef.”