Well, it's that time of year again when we evaluate the last two months and judge ourselves on how well (or badly) we've stuck to our new year's resolutions. Each year we tell ourselves that this year will be the one that we stick with it and achieve our goals. Hopefully you are continuing along that path, but for many, it can be difficult. Once the routine sets back in as the festivities come to an end, it's pretty easy to fall back into old habits. But if you've set fitness and nutrition goals, there are plenty of dietary tips that can help you stick to the plan that don't mean having to make big sacrifices to the taste buds.
To help stick with your goals, it's important that you find suitable foods and snacks that satisfy your cravings without wreaking havoc on your diet. One of the best snacks to have when you're trying to cut down on junk food, is high protein beef jerky.
Protein
We hear a lot about the importance of protein in the health and fitness world. So is protein after a workout necessary? Protein contains amino acids, which form the building blocks of muscle. So if you're accompanying your new healthy diet with high intensity and/or resistance exercise, it is important to increase your protein intake to help with muscle growth and repair.
The common source of protein that we all generally think of is meat, however, there are some alternatives. Greek yoghurt, and hummus are good examples of other protein sources. Even a lot of plant-based meat alternatives contain high protein levels. With the fitness industry surging at the moment, there are so many healthy protein-enriched products on the market.
Carbohydrates
'Carbs' can be a bit of a dirty word these days. Many fad diets are low or even zero carb. While this can be good for short term weight loss, it is not a long term sustainable diet for most people. Carbohydrates are a valuable energy source stored in your muscles. They only become a problem when you start to consume a lot of highly processed carbs like white bread, white rice and of course, white sugar. If you can't bring yourself to eliminate carbs from your diet, then it is recommended that you opt for slow digesting carbs such as wholegrains, beans, legumes, fruit and veggies.
Fat
Fat has long been thought of as the thing to avoid when trying to eat more healthily, but similarly to carbs, it has its place in every balanced diet. As long as you favor the ‘good fats’ and not too much of them.
Fat helps the body absorb Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. These vitamins are fat soluble, meaning they can only be fully absorbed with the help of fats. Additionally, essential fatty acids and omega 3’s are crucial for cell health as they support cell function. It also provides your body with energy.
Healthy fat sources include avocado, nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil and oily fish.
High Protein Snacks
One of the best things about high protein snacks is that they tend to be low carb and low fat. In moderation, carbs and fat are necessary in any balanced diet, but excess consumption can hinder your weight loss goals.
There are plenty of high protein foods, including protein bars, protein powder, peanut butter and protein balls. Many of these are great for a quick bite in the afternoon, but you should also be wary, as some of them can contain a lot of added sugar.
Meanwhile, beef protein, along with chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and dairy, contains all 9 essential amino acids which help build lean muscle.
An added benefit of a high protein snack is that it tends to make you feel fuller, and for longer. So, if you're just trying to cut down on the calories on movie nights, you'll find beef jerky to be a much more satisfying snack.
Beef Jerky
There are many things that make beef jerky great. Firstly, the proper stuff from us here at The Jerky Co is delicious, and we are bound to stock a flavour which appeals to your taste buds.
The best beef jerky is made from high quality beef, naturally derived seasonings and free from fillers and additives. The Jerky Co beef jerky is made from 100% lean MSA topside beef, contains 33g of protein per 100g, and is flavoured with natural flavours and seasonings. The Jerky Co has a wide range of beef jerky flavours that do not compromise on nutritional benefits.
Beware of the low quality meat products on the market such as candy jerky that are made from poor quality meat and loaded with sugar. To read more about candy jerky, and why you should always opt for the real deal, check out our blog here.
The upshot of all this is that The Jerky Co makes some of the best high protein snacks in Australia. Whether you're committed to getting fit and losing weight, or if you're just trying to be a bit more conscious of what you put into your body, it is definitely worth moving away from high calorie processed snacks to guilt-free beef jerky. Once you try the best beef jerky, you probably won't ever find yourself reaching into the pantry for the naughty foods again (or maybe less often). Check out our range of beef jerky and get yourself on track to reach your 2022 nutrition goals!