Packed With Protein, Lean Lamb Offers Something Deliciously New

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - Jan 24, 2013) - As many have looked to start 2013 anew by launching healthier lifestyles, lamb, a lean protein packed with important nutrients, is being seen as an important part of a healthy and varied diet. Once reserved only for special occasions and high-end restaurants, lamb is seen in a new light as a versatile go-to choice for weeknight family meals or dinner parties because it hits all the high notes of what consumers want: a delicious, good-for-you protein that is convenient and offers exciting meal possibilities.

For many years, lamb has been "off the radar" for most Americans, but dietitian and founder of the MealMakeoverMoms.com, Janice Bissex, suggests that a smart strategy for healthy eating in 2013 should be adding under-consumed foods, such as lamb, to the diet to increase variety.

"When it comes to eating well, it's important to eat a diverse array of foods -- this goes for vegetables, fruits, grains, and yes, even proteins. Lamb is an excellent option for increasing protein variety because it has an impressive nutritional profile, delicious flavor, and is incredibly versatile."

These important yet little known facts about lamb might convince many to consider adding lamb to their diet this year:

Lean lamb is a nutrient-packed powerhouse.

• On average, a 3 oz. serving of lamb is lean and has only 175 calories.
• Lean cuts of lamb include the leg, loin, and rack.
• Lamb is nutrient rich and on average, it's an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and selenium and a good source of iron and riboflavin.

Lamb is a weight-wise protein choice.

• Lamb delivers, on average, 23 grams of protein per 3 oz. serving. This is approximately 50% of a healthy adult's daily protein needs.
• According to scientific research¹, eating protein can help preserve lean body mass during weight loss efforts.
• Research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition² suggests that protein encourages feelings of fullness, which may help prevent overeating.

Lamb is ideal for feel-good meals.

• Lamb available in the U.S. is not treated with artificial hormones and is available to meet a range of preferences -- from natural or organic lamb, to lamb that has been exclusively grass-fed or grain finished.
• Lamb is easy to cook -- it's just as simple as cooking other meats and lamb has a depth of flavor that is unmatched.
• Lamb is an important ingredient in many on-trend cuisines -- from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, South American, and North African.

As more Americans demand foods that are healthful, delicious, and easy to prepare, lamb offers a protein-packed, flavorful alternative to the usual protein sources.

"I'm glad that more people are beginning to understand the importance of variety when it comes to protein choices," added Bissex. "This is important not only from a nutrition perspective, but also in terms of flavor and enjoyment, and lamb delivers on all of these fronts."

About Tri-Lamb Group
The Tri-Lamb Group is a collaborative initiative between the United States, Australia, and New Zealand lamb producers to increase awareness in the United States of the nutritional value of lamb and its place in a healthy American diet. To discover how to cook lamb and learn about its nutritional benefits visit www.leanonlamb.com

¹Devkota S, Layman D. Protein metabolic roles in treatment of obesity. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care. 2010;13:403-407.

²Paddon-Jones D, Westman E, Mattes RD, Wolfe RR, Astrup A, Westerterp-Plantenga M. Protein, weight management, and satiety. Am J ClinNutr. 2008;87(suppl):1558S-61S.