New Year's resolutions often revolve around healthier lifestyles, and weight loss ranks high on the list for many Aussies. As we step into 2024, the quest for nutritious yet satisfying snacks to support our goals becomes more crucial than ever.
In this blog post, we'll explore whether beef jerky can be your ally in achieving your weight loss goals, and why it's a smart choice for those seeking high-protein, low-carb snacks.
The New Year's resolution journey
Every January, we embark on a fresh journey of self-improvement. We set goals, make resolutions, and, more often than not, pledge to shed those extra kilos gained over the holiday season. However, the key to success is choosing a balanced and sustainable approach. Extreme diets and deprivation rarely work in the long run, and they can be detrimental to your health.
Why is protein important?
One of the cornerstones of effective weight management is selecting the right snacks. High-protein, low-carb snacks can be your secret weapon in curbing cravings, maintaining muscle mass, and boosting your metabolism. Protein helps keep you feeling fuller for longer and can help you stay on track with your goals.
Redefine your snacking with beef jerky
At the Jerky Co, we believe beef jerky is not just a snack; it's a lifestyle choice! Our lean and flavourful jerky is the ideal companion for your weight loss journey. Let's take a closer look at why it's an excellent option for those seeking high-protein, low-carb snacks.
Nutritional profile of beef jerky
Beef jerky is loaded with protein, making it a perfect snack for muscle recovery and growth. Protein helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing the urge to indulge in unhealthy choices.
Our jerky is air-dried and free of any nasty preservatives. Drying beef through the process of air-drying can elevate its protein content to approximately 60 grams per 100 grams of beef. This increase occurs because the dehydration process effectively reduces moisture, leading to a more concentrated protein content. Additionally, our jerky is low in carbs and fat, making it an excellent fit for those on low-carb diets.
To read more: How Much Protein Is In Beef? & What Does Dry Aging Meat Do?
Busting the myths About jerky
We are well aware about some of the misconceptions there are about jerky being an unhealthy snack. The thing is, most people are referring to something we like to call ‘candy jerky’ – a less expensive jerky crafted from less expensive meat cuts that you often find lining the supermarket shelves and in petrol stations.
What’s wrong with ‘candy jerky’?
Unlike the real deal, candy jerky doesn't come from high-quality meat. It uses cheaper meat cuts, even the offcuts. The meat is then grinded up, and combined with artificial flavours and lots of sugar. That's why candy jerky ends up soft in texture and tasting mostly like the added flavours, not the meat itself. It looks identical in shape too because they push out this uniform paste, then chop it up after it dries. Nothing like the rugged, legit jerky we love.
And if you hold it against the light, it's translucent. They've mashed those muscle fibres so much that there's no natural 'grain' left. Real jerky can be torn along those muscle fibres, but candy jerky just tears into chunks.
Although candy jerky has a similar fat content to real jerky, the real killer is the sugar content. Certain sweeter jerky varieties may contain as much as 30 grams of sugar per 100 grams. It also contains much less protein, so it won’t keep you full.
To read more: Real Jerky vs Candy Jerky
The Jerky Co difference
Our beef jerky is Australian made from the highest quality topside beef, contains no artificial preservatives and additives. All our jerky contains is beef, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and natural herbs and spices. No unnatural stuff here!
It contains 60g of protein per 100g - making it a protein powerhouse.
How to incorporate beef jerky into your diet
Now that we've established the nutritional benefits of beef jerky, let's talk about how to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Snack wisely: Keep a stash of jerky in your bag or desk drawer. When those mid-afternoon cravings hit, reach for beef jerky instead of chips or chocolate.
- Post-workout fuel: After a workout, your muscles need protein for recovery. Grab some jerky for a quick, convenient source of protein.
- Salads and wraps: Add chopped jerky to your salads or wraps for an extra protein kick and a burst of flavour.
- Trail mix: Create your custom trail mix by mixing jerky pieces with nuts and dried fruits. Check out our recipe here.
Wanting to know what are some high protein low carb snacks? Check out our blog here.
Everything in moderation
Is jerky good for weight loss? While beef jerky can be a healthy snack, it's essential to remember that weight loss is a complex journey, and what works for one person might not work for another. It's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or a nutritionist for personalised advice tailored to your needs and goals.
Like every snack, our beef jerky is best consumed in alignment with the recommended serving size, and in combination with a healthy, balanced diet. Excessive consumption of anything can turn the healthiest of snacks into a potential health concern.
So, is beef jerky good for weight loss?
Absolutely! When combined with a healthy balanced diet, and a good exercise regime, healthy beef jerky can be a fantastic addition to your weight loss journey. Packed with protein, it will help keep you fuller for longer, so you’ll find yourself reaching for less junk.
Weight loss doesn't have to be a daunting task filled with deprivation and bland food. High-protein, low-carb snacks like beef jerky can make your journey enjoyable and delicious.
Shop our range of protein-packed beef jerky online and in-store now!
Want to try our delicious beef jerky for yourself? Browse our range of tasty flavours online, or pick some up in-store at one of our 20 locations today.