Italian Stuffed Meatloaf and CLA

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) helps convert fat to lean muscle mass. It is a fatty acid that is found in some of the foods we eat. At one time, beef, turkey, lamb and dairy were exceptional sources; however, when we changed their diet from grass to grains, the levels of CLA dramatically decreased in meat and dairy products. If CLA is present, it is found in the fatty portion of milk. Drinking skim milk will never provide the benefits of CLA.

CLA not only reduces fat but also preserves the muscle tissues. The most amazing part is not that it makes fat cell smaller but it prevents a small cell from becoming fatter. A low calorie diet often helps a person lose weight for a short period, but once the cravings take over and the diet comes to a halt, that person is even more likely to gain back the weight. CLA seems to stop this undesired weight gain from happening because it causes you to hold onto valuable muscles during weight loss. Studies show that CLA is also helpful in lowering blood sugar levels. In one study almost 2/3 of the volunteers had a reduction of blood glucose level and triglyceride levels.

This supplement helps in reducing fat at a faster rate. At least 3.4 grams per day must be taken in order for it to show its effect in our body. It has been shown in numerous studies that people taking this supplement have around 6 pounds of weight lose as compared to others.

When taken in effective doses, CLA decreases body fat, especially in the area of the abdomen. Various studies prove the following additional benefits:
1. Increases metabolism and is evidently very beneficial for thyroid patients.
2. Lowers high cholesterol level and triglycerides at a faster rates.
3. Increases the growth of muscles which stimulates our metabolism.
4. Lowers insulin resistance and therefore assist in controlling weight.
5. Decreases Adrenal imbalances, which decreases abdominal fat stores.
6. Calms hormonal shifts; an area of concern to migraine sufferers and thyroid patients.
7. Enhances our immune system.

SO, instead of spending money on supplements, let's buy QUALITY grass fed meat that is filled with CLA! (mushrooms and cheese are also high in CLA). But if you are in need of extra help, click HERE to find my recommendations for weight loss help.

Instead of using breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs, I use an egg for the binder along with finely chopped mushrooms (don't worry you don't even taste them, but it makes it very moist) and grated Parmesan cheese. Mushrooms and aged cheeses have something called "UMAMI." Umami is a pleasant savory taste produced by glutamate and ribonucleotides, chemicals which occur naturally in many foods. Umami is subtle and not generally identified by people when they encounter it, but blends well with other tastes to intensify and enhance flavors; it plays an important role in making food taste delicious.

"HEALTHIFIED" MEATLOAF
1 1/2 pounds grass fed ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup no sugar marinara
1 tsp Italian-style seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 clove crushed garlic
1 1/2 cups shredded fontina or mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, eggs, mushrooms, Parmesan and marinara. Season with Italian-style seasoning, oregano, basil, garlic, and cheese. Press into a 9x5 inch loaf pan, and cover loosely with foil. Bake in the preheated oven approximately 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Serve with Pesto Rolls made out of my Cinnamon Roll recipe. Makes 6 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Meatloaf = 535 calories, 33g fat, 29g protein, 16.2g carbs, 1.4g fiber, (14.8g effective carbs)
“Healthified” Meatloaf = 475 calories, 31.6g fat, 43.3g protein, 2.3g carbs, 0.5g fiber, (1.8g effective carbs)

I served my "Healthified" Sub Bread (made into Pesto Rolls) and Bacon Wrapped Green Beans with our meatloaf.

Click HERE to find a quality CLA Supplement