Meat Shortages & Price Hikes

Compared to last year, the meat industry is facing a different set of challenges in 2021.

A labor crunch. Supply chain woes. And even a ransomware attack on one of the country’s largest suppliers. 

But groceries have gotten a little savvier. So shortages, if and when they come, probably won’t be as bad as before. 

On the other hand, with challenges come another consideration: higher prices.

Reports are that meat prices are already up over 6% in many areas. (Down here in Florida, it’s far worse.) 

So maybe higher prices will keep demand down. But high prices may mean that the juicy steak you want is suddenly out of reach.

Most folks rely on meat as their primary source of protein. This is fine if you choose wisely.

But if your budget means you’re cutting back, something has to change. 

Because getting less protein is simply not an option.

Without enough protein, your energy levels take a nosedive and you begin to lose your muscle strength.

Plus, your skin begins to sag, aging you beyond your years.

Thankfully, protein can be found in loads of non-meat foods, like eggs. 

If you've been reading my newsletter for a while, you know I love my eggs and eat them several days a week. 

Three large eggs will net you about 19 grams of high-quality protein, plus critical nutrients like selenium and choline.

 Another great protein source is almonds.

Almonds deliver 6 grams of protein per ounce.

And since they're ready to eat right out of the bag, they're one of the quickest and easiest ways to fuel your body with essential protein, no cooking required.

Eat them on their own, or chop them up to add some crunch and added flavor to your yogurt, salads, and oatmeal.

Speaking of yogurt, if you enjoy a cup, opt for the Greek varieties over the traditional kind.

An 8-oz. serving of Greek yogurt provides about 17–20 grams of protein, depending on the brand, about twice the amount of traditional yogurt. 

Nut butter can also give your meals a protein boost.

(Look for brands without added sugar.)

Just 2 tablespoons of peanut butter deliver 8 grams of protein.

And, you'll get 7 grams of protein from the same amount of almond butter.

It’s a great dip for veggie sticks or cut-up fruit.

Cottage cheese is another great, satisfying, and protein-packed option.

In fact, one cup of cottage cheese gives you a whopping 25 grams of protein. 

Cottage cheese has a mild flavor, so I like to add some fresh berries to sweeten it up.

Or what about this: have you ever tried edamame?

If you haven't, you're missing out on another delicious, protein-packed food.

Edamame is simply steamed soybeans that haven’t been ripened. 

And, no other legume carries more protein than soybeans.

One cup of edamame has 17 grams of protein.

I usually get edamame frozen, but you can sometimes find it fresh in your produce section.

It’s great as a snack. Or, throw it into your stir-fry.

You don’t have to be “vegan” to enjoy protein-rich foods that come from plants. 

Give them a try to keep your protein levels up, and save room in your freezer – and your wallet. 

And if you'd like to see another easy (& delicious) way to add more protein into your daily diet, go here.