Over the last few decades, nutritional authorities have transformed the way we experience the family meal. No longer is "meat and potatoes" considered the standard for what should be served for dinner. With incontrovertible studies concluding that excessive beef consumption may be a contributing factor leading to serious health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even certain forms of cancer, health practitioners are convinced that reducing the amount of beef you eat can significantly improve your quality of life -- if not prolong it by years. Now, with beef recalls headlining the news nearly every day, millions of people around the world fear startling threats, such as Escherichia coli infection, listeriosis, and mad cow disease. What can families -- and the millions of people raised on hamburger, roast beef, beef sausage, and steak -- do to prevent themselves from getting sick? Beef Busters, a comprehensive health plan for life, is a non-radical approach to help you and your family prevent disease, lose weight, and feel great. The authors of Beef Busters recognize that millions of people love beef and simply can't eliminate it from their diets "cold turkey." Nutritionist Marissa Cloutier, M.S., R.D., and health writers Deborah S. Romaine and Eve Adamson present a simple, safe, and effective four-tier program to help you trim the beef from your diet. You can start anywhere in the Beef Busters program, or progress through it from beginning to end: Reduce beef in your family's meals. Substitute other sources of vital nutrients for beef. Incorporate new elements in your diet. Eliminate beef from your table altogether. Throughout this important work, the authors responsibly explain how to: Distinguish "good" beef options from "bad" in supermarkets, butcher shops, and restaurants. Select leaner cuts of beef for reduced cholesterol, fat, and calorie intake. Replace beef with healthier sources of protein and iron. Choose and prepare tasty and nutritious alternatives to beef. Protect against food-borne illnesses associated with beef products. Understand the potential risks of mad cow disease. The book concludes with dozens of delicious and healthy recipes specially created for the Beef Busters program, along with a 14-day menu planner. Whether you're seeking to reduce, substitute, or eliminate beef from your family's diet, Beef Busters provides you with real solutions to ensure a lifetime of good health for you and your family.