Turkey is a great lean protein source and virtually no other substance is more important than protein in the life of a bodybuilder. Your muscle tissue relies on constant stream of lean proteins like turkey, fish, chicken, or beef for fuel. Since these foods are so vitally important, it's easy to see how meat alone can challenge those with smaller grocery store budget. With these things in mind, let's talk turkey and get you to the grocery store to stock up on the best protein deals around.
Buying Real Turkey Breast I make a habit of passing through the meat aisle at the grocery store no matter what's on my shopping list. I rely on smart shopping tactics like this to catch markdowns and one day in-store specials so I can afford good lean meats. It was on one of these jaunts that I noticed what great sales there are on turkey. I'm not necessarily talking the "buy one, get one free" or "free-turkey-with-minimum-purchase" deals. While those are fantastic bargains, I really don't know many people who would cook a whole bird just for the turkey breast meat.
Buy Now & Save
Current sale prices on the frozen whole breasts offer great value and superior nutrition benefits. Except for its ice bath, a frozen , whole breast offers sodium-free, all-white meat that you don't have to skin, stuff or de-bone. It's going for $1.19-1.39 per pound now; that's about a 60% savings off the price of regular priced boneless, skinless breast. When you eat anywhere from 4 to 10 ounces of lean meat at a time, several times a day, you'd be wise to do a little cost analysis here. Your savings can buy you triple the amount of meat!
Freezing, Thawing, & Cooking Frozen Turkey Breast
The great thing about frosen turkey breasts is that you can keep these 7-13 pound protein babies on ice for up to nine months. Double wrapping the breast in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer will help you extend the freezer life. The only "hard" part about freezing is waiting for the meat to defrost in the refrigerator (about 2 days). After defrosting, you have two easy options. If you are like my brother, you can simply place the whole thing in the oven and roast it at 325º F for 15-20 minutes per pound. If you were more like me, you'd bother to cover it with foil, season it and actually keep an eye on it for the next 3-4 hours.
Turkey Breast Cutlets
If you cut thawed turkey breast into cutlets, you can reduce the cook time significantly. Bake your cutlets for 20-25 minutes at 375º F. Cooked portions will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator so you may wish to freeze some of your cooked portions if you won't be eating them ight away. To freeze, double wrap cooked turkey breast in plastic bags or freezer paper and store them for up to 4 months. Frozen, cooked turkey breast can be reheated easily by tossing into a quick stir-fry while still frozen or cooked in the microwave.
While your busy minding your body, don't forget to mind your budget this season. There are plenty of other bulk items like potatoes, yams, vegetables, and family-sized meat packs that will also be on sale for the holidays. Take advantage of these sales and watch your muscles grow and your grocery bill shrink!
