Iron Iron Although diets have changed in recent years, dietary requirements haven't, and a lot of people may be shortchanging themselves on iron. Children of a generation or so ago grew up hearing how important it was for them to get plenty of iron so they could grow up big and strong. Today's children are more likely to hear about how they need to eat less fat. While both are good things to remember, people who have cut out red meat to avoid the fat have also cut down on the amount of iron they get.
Vegetables can contain iron.
We all remember Popeye and his spinach. But iron from plant sources isn't as well absorbed by the body as iron from meat sources. Poultry and fish do contain the kind of iron that is better absorbed, but not in the same amounts as you'll find in beef. Choose lean cuts of beef, and cook them in ways that don't add fat. Remember that a good serving of beef is about the size of a deck of playing cards, not a plate-sized steak.