Where’s the beef? Ranchers say ‘well done’ to carnivore diet trend

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New surveys show more Americans are adding meat to their meals, a shift New Mexico ranchers say supports the state’s role in beef production.

A survey cited in the report found 45 percent of shoppers say they are trying to put meat into their diet.

New dietary guidelines

This comes after meat became a bigger part of the federal dietary guidelines introduced this year.

“The recommendation was increased from 0.8 to 1.2 to 1.6. I’m not going to get into it if this was justified or not. But yes, there is definitely a push that people should eat more protein,” said Peter Pribis, an associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at the University of New Mexico. “And unfortunately in America, when you say protein, people think beef.”

Market research company Circana found Americans bought $112 billion worth of meat last year.

Another survey from a food industry group found 98 percent of American households buy meat.

New Mexico ranchers point to healthier beef options

Carollann Romo, executive director of the New Mexico Beef Council, said rising demand also brings more focus on education for ranchers.

“Something people don’t always know about beef is that there’s more than 40 cuts that are considered USDA lean. And so if you’re looking for a lean protein, you look for the word round or loin in the name,” said Romo. “And so that lean beef has always been something that would be valuable for people to reach out to.”

Is beef the only source of protein?

Pribis said protein does not have to come from meat, and pointed to nuts, beans, and potatoes as being able to help meet protein needs.

“People can be on extreme diets but generally speaking when you are eating enough energy, you are eating enough protein,” said Pribis.

Pribis said many Americans may already get more protein than they need, and he said the body does not store extra protein long term.