According to various news sources, approximately 75 per cent of people break their New Year's resolutions by the 6th week of the year! If you are among the thousands whose New Year resolutions include eating healthier, now is the perfect time to consider one of the leanest meats available – veal produced in Ontario. According to recent nutrient analysis, veal exceeds other meat protein sources in terms of nutritional benefits. Now it is easier to keep your resolution!

Consider introducing Ontario veal to your meal repertoire. Low in saturated fat, high in iron, zinc and B₁₂, Ontario veal is a delicious, lean and nutrient-packed protein that is an ideal complement to a healthy lifestyle. Ontario veal is a great source of the vitamins and minerals we need to stay active, fit and healthy.

Dinner is ready in minutes with these pita “sandwiches” and all four food groups are covered! The flavour is a nice change and each family member can top their pita to their liking. Click here for the complete recipe. Nutrition Information per Serving: 388 Calories, 30.6g Protein, 9.1g Fat, 45g Carbohydrates

Cooking Tip: It is easy to use veal as an alternative meat in any of your favourite recipes that would typically be made with beef, chicken or pork. It provides a mealtime solution that is not only healthy, but also easy to prepare. Tip for Thawing Veal: Frozen veal can be cooked thawed or unthawed, but partial or complete thawing helps retain the juiciness in think cuts. Always defrost in the original wrappings on a refrigerator shelf. Allow five hours for each pound of think cuts, less for thinner ones. Food Safety Reminder: Do not wait for leftovers to cool down! Store them in shallow covered containers within two hours of cooking.

Health Survey:

In a 2009 survey, 92 percent of Ontarians revealed that when choosing meat or poultry for a particular meal the most important consideration is flavour. Other qualities cited included low saturated fat content, tenderness and versatility. Ontario veal meets and even exceeds these expectations!

Source: *Canadian Nutrient File, 1997. †Nutrient Composition Ontario and Quebec Grain Fed and Milk Fed Veal, 2000
The Heart and Stroke Foundation's Health Check™ Program is your assurance that this product meets specifi c nutrient criteria based on Canada's Food Guide. These cuts of meat are lean. Choosing leaner meats is part of healthy eating. The Ontario Veal Association fi nancially supports the Health Check™ education program. This is not an endorsement. See www.healthcheck.org.

Did you know:

Consumers can trust that Ontario veal is raised with pride and care by local farmers who are inspired to bring a fresh, consistent, high quality product to their tables.

Ontario veal is raised to an average weight of 700lbs! Next to other meat and poultry, Ontario veal is the second oldest and second largest animal raised by farmers.

For more information on Ontario veal production, please click here.