AUSTIN, TX -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/14/09 -- When was the last time you enjoyed the enticing experience of lean lamb? Chances are it may have been at a restaurant. Well, there's a new reality to American pocketbooks and it's affecting what we eat -- we're eating out less, cooking at home more, and paying close attention to the foods we purchase. To food lovers, this new reality may feel like a drag, but it doesn't have to. Lamb brings home the flavor and enjoyment of dining out as well as the nutrient-rich goodness we appreciate.

In 2008, Mintel, a leading market research company, revealed that 54% of people who dine out regularly are cutting back on restaurant spending because of the economy. And many consumers choose to eat at home because it's more nutritious. In fact, the 2008 Shopping for Health report from the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) reported that 96% of consumers believe that eating at home is healthier than eating out.

An icon of extraordinary dining experiences, lamb makes it easy to have an effortless, restaurant-quality meal at home. And what's more, lamb's impressive nutrition profile means guilt-free enjoyment. On average, a three-ounce serving is lean and has only 175 calories. In addition, lamb is nutrient-rich -- it's an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc and selenium and a good source of iron and riboflavin.

Registered dietitian Carolyn O'Neil, co-author of "The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!," says, "Lamb offers a win-win for taste and health. It can be enjoyed in so many easy and elegant recipes and is a lean protein choice you can feel good about. Lamb is a great partner for other elements of healthy cooking such as salads, grilled vegetables, flavorful low-fat sauces and exciting spice blends."

O'Neil recommends the following tips and recipes for creating restaurant-inspired meals at home with lean lamb.

-- "Since many cuts of lamb are lean it lends itself to high heat quick cooking methods, such as searing in a skillet or grilling, which add flavor but keep the meat juicy and tender. The recipe for Adobo Crusted Lamb Loin Chops is a delicious example!" -- "Enjoy a world of healthy flavors at home by preparing lamb with internationally inspired dishes. Steam some jasmine rice to easily prepare a Thai meal at home with BBQ Ginger Lamb Satays with Thai Dipping sauce." -- "Lamb's versatility lends itself to so many healthy preparations including salads. Grilled lamb can elevate a salad of seasonal fruits and vegetables to entree status. The Lamb, Lime and Mango Salad is full of fresh flavors with tropical mangos complementing delicious, lean lamb."

For recipes, cooking tips and nutrition information, visit www.leanonlamb.com. In the meantime, elevate your plate with Adobo Crusted Lamb Loin Chops, BBQ Ginger Lamb Satays with Thai Dipping Sauce, or Lamb, Lime and Mango Salad. These delicious recipes highlight lamb's versatility with ethnic-inspired flavors.

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Contact: Allison Beadle, MS, RD, LD Fleishman-Hillard 512-495-7176 Email Contact