So, are pork chops heart healthy? Yes, they can be—with a few asterisks. Go for a loin chop or a center-cut chop. Trim the visible fat (yes, even that delicious ribbon around the edge). Keep your portion to 3–4 ounces, about the size of your palm for you—not your linebacker cousin Bob.
My personal Tuesday night victory? I grilled that bone-in chop with a rub of cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of smoked salt. I paired it with a giant pile of sautéed kale and roasted sweet potatoes. It was gloriously satisfying, and I didn’t feel like I was betraying my heart. In fact, I felt kind of smug. (And maybe a little proud that I didn’t deep-fry it.)
So go ahead, get that pork chop. Just give it a little respect—and a leaner, smarter treatment. Your heart might actually high-five you. Or at least, it won’t file for divorce. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a leftover chop calling my name from the fridge. No butter, I promise.
