Diet & Fitness 
ExpertsAsk the NutritionistProtein loading
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Protein loading

by Dr Wynnie Chan

question
How many times a week do you recommend eating red meat, chicken or other fowl? I also like lentil-based meals, so I'd be interested to know what is a sensible daily amount to eat as well. At the moment, I have five portions of fruit and veg a day, eat plenty of pasta, oats, pearl barley and rice and restrict most of my fat intake to sunflower oil and olive oil.

answer
The current government recommendation for red meat consumption is no more than 90g cooked or processed meat a day. One portion is equivalent to three slices of roast pork, one lamb chop or one small portion of meat sauce on pasta. Pulses like lentils make a great alternative to meat-based dishes and are excellent sources of soluble fibre, which is good for reducing blood cholesterol. There are no specific recommendations for poultry or lentils, but generally speaking the daily recommended amount of foods from this group (which consists of meat, poultry, offal, fish and fish products, eggs, pulses such as beans and lentils, and nuts) is two servings per day. So for example, one portion is equivalent to one chicken drumstick or three tablespoons of cooked lentils.

For more information on the correct proportions of each food group that make a healthy and balanced diet, take a look at the iVillage food size guide.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about high-protein diets on the The Atkins Diet message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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