Pork   Good for the Waistline, Good for the Wallet

(Family Features) - Now, more than ever, people are looking for tasty ways to trim their waistlines, and their budgets. Staying within both a caloric and financial budget is as easy as updating your menu with a new centerpiece - pork.

Pork is extremely versatile, packs a protein punch and pairs well with almost any flavor. Plus, six of the most common cuts of pork are 16 percent leaner and contain 27 percent less saturated fat than they did 19 years ago.

"Those looking to maintain a healthy weight should not underestimate the power of pork," said Mitzi Dulan, Registered Dietitian. "Research has shown that a diet rich in lean protein helps dieters feel full, which may lead to eating fewer excess calories."

In fact, a study from the Obesity journal found that women who cut calories and included more protein, including six ounces of lean pork per day, kept more muscle mass while losing weight than women who consumed the same amount of calories but less protein. 

Pound for pound, pork is also one of the most economical buys in the meat case and lean cuts don't stop with those from the loin. According to new data from the US Department of Agriculture, ground pork is now available in lean choices that rival other lean meats. Any way you slice it, you'll find savings at the grocery store with pork. 

The National Pork Board