| Protein yes, and certain amino acids that you can't get anywhere else. However, you need much less meat than you think, and there are many other sources of protein available. Beans, soybeans (tofu), fish, dairy (eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese) - just off the top of my head.
Protein in general takes a bit longer to digest than carbohydrates, up to 8 hours I've heard. So many athletes structure their diet around when they're going to need energy right away, and when they need to rest & let their muscles repair.
You don't need to steer completely away from meats, but replace some servings with an alternate protein. For example, have red meat only one night a week, and just a small portion. And stay away from ground meats (hamburger, sausage); pay a little more for a good cut.
In regards to saturated vs. unsaturated fats -- the villain of the day is "trans-fats," or partially hydrogenated oils. These are present in margarines, deep-fried foods (including french fries darn it), and many processed foods. Eat fresh food whenever possible.
__________________ "Pain can be a great teacher of compassion and humility."~ Unkotare-san
"Whatever the case, it proves that countless disasters can be prevented by simply assuming everyone you're working with is a moron." ~ Adam Brown, 5 Tiny Mistakes... | 
