And if you’re trying to up your protein intake, rabbit is actually higher in protein than chicken and beef. “Rabbit is low in fat with just 3 grams per serving (and only 0.9 grams of saturated fat),” says Hogan. Similar in taste to chicken yet sweeter and leaner, rabbit can be found on Southern dinner tables and on the menu in French, Italian and Chinese restaurants as well. Yes, rabbits are often pets, but they’re also a staple of many cuisines worldwide. Rabbit may be the most underrated meat in America. Also, because fish in the wild eat a natural diet, they tend to be slightly lower in saturated fat than farm-raised varieties. Wild-caught fish is often more environmentally friendly than its farmed counterpart. Better yet, many people like elk for its sweeter, less gamey taste and, as Kostro Miller notes, elk has even less fat than venison - so, it’s a really lean cut of meat.įish can be great for weight loss and many contain healthy omega-3 fats, which support brain health. It’s high in B vitamins and iron and has less unhealthy saturated fats and more protein per ounce compared to conventional beef. The larger cousin to deer, elk has similar perks when it comes to nutrition. It’s also delicious in stews, salads and sandwiches. Similar to chicken or turkey, you can roast a duck whole to save money and time for meal prep. Duck is also higher in iron compared to other poultry.
It’s also an excellent source of selenium and zinc, minerals which help keep skin healthy and fight against inflammation from free radicals.
“Bison is less gamey in flavor compared to some other wild lean meats and makes for a smart substitute for beef in burgers and chilies,” says Hogan.ĭuck is a lean meat similar in fat and calories to skinless chicken or turkey breast. While beef contains 17 grams of fat per 4-ounce serving, bison (aka buffalo) only has 6 grams of fat and nearly half the amount of saturated fat found in beef. Ordering a bison burger doesn’t just sound cool - it’s also a healthy swap for traditional beef with a slightly sweeter taste. “It’s lean, low in calories and high in protein, like poultry, but contains many of the great vitamins and minerals found in beef, such as B vitamins and iron.” Similar in taste and nutrition to venison and elk, “antelope is the best of both worlds,” says Amanda A. You might be surprised to learn antelope - the fastest land mammals in North America - are in the same family as cows, sheep and goats.