A New Year's Resolution Solution: Reach for American Lamb

DENVER, Dec. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As a new year approaches, don't settle for fad diets that involve drastic eliminations of certain foods. Instead, reach for American lamb for a healthful and satisfying addition to a balanced lifestyle.

"Resolution-setters with health and nutrition goals in 2016 can feel good about eating nutrient-rich, homegrown lamb," says Megan Wortman, executive director, American Lamb Board. "Just as lamb makes a savory centerpiece on the holiday plate, it packs protein and major flavor into simple and healthy mealtimes."

A 3-ounce serving of lamb, on average, is a lean protein that contains 175 calories and meets nearly half of your daily protein needs. Lamb delivers nearly five times more alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, than a 3-ounce serving of beef. It also provides zinc, selenium and iron, which are important essential nutrients that support a strong immune system.

Add American Lamb to Lunches and Dinners
January is an ideal time to begin incorporating lamb into your culinary repertoire. Its bold flavor complements winter produce and whole grains in recipes such as Pan-seared Lamb Sirloin with Quinoa and Vibrant Veggies. The American Lamb Board recommends keeping flavor and nutrition on the plate with the following tips:

• Add a 3-ounce serving of lamb as the protein in healthy salads. Protein helps preserve lean body mass and encourages feelings of fullness that may prevent overeating.
• Choose lean cuts of lamb, such as leg, loin or rack.
• Cook once, eat twice. Reach for larger cuts such as a whole boneless leg for a family dinner, and put the leftovers to work in lunches the next day.
• Incorporate Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin and Mediterranean spices to add variety and global flavor to your favorite lean cuts of American lamb.

Discover more lamb recipes and cooking tips at AmericanLamb.com and follow @FanofLamb on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

About the American Lamb Board
The American Lamb Board is an industry-funded research and promotions commodity board that represents all sectors of the American Lamb industry including producers, feeders, seed stock producers and processors. The Board, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, is focused on increasing demand by promoting the freshness, flavor, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility of American Lamb. The work of the American Lamb Board is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the board's programs are supported and implemented by the staff in Denver, Colo.

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SOURCE American Lamb Board

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