Jerky in Sport and Fitness
We all know how hard it can be to find alternative foods with a good dose of protein. Did we say PROTEIN? Exactly... protein.
So sought after by anyone who plays sport at a serious level, but also by anyone simply following a low-calorie diet.
Every self-respecting fitness enthusiast eats anywhere from 5 to 7 meals a day, almost all containing significant amounts of protein. And that's where the problem comes in: breakfast, lunch and dinner don't require much thought, since the typical foods are eggs, chicken and legumes.
But when it comes to snacks, what's the best solution?
Traditional foods are hard to eat when you're not at home. A great alternative is jerky snacks, which contain up to 70% protein and are easy to carry around in convenient packs. What other characteristics does jerky have? Let's take a look in this article.
The characteristics of jerky for sport
Jerky doesn't need to be kept in the fridge because drying is a natural process that helps preserve the food. Another point worth highlighting is that 30 grams of jerky is roughly equivalent to about 100 grams of fresh meat. This last point helps make jerky the perfect food for athletes. The presence of protein and the absence of carbs round out the traits that make it just that.
When it comes to protein, it's worth pointing out that although it can also be found in alternative foods like beans and grains, these are 78% and 85% less efficient sources.
Carne Secca Italia jerky is made with the best lean cuts of beef, slowly cooked and smoked. No fat is added to the recipe and the calorie content is really limited. We never use artificial flavors, since our drying process comes from an ancient technique once used by nomadic populations.
During drying, the fresh meat isn't exposed to any heat treatment, so the dried product retains all its trace elements, vitamins and other natural components intact, which is important for protecting your health.
There are several types and flavors of jerky. These include pork, beef, turkey, venison, or even moose if you're after something a bit more unusual. If your tastes run a bit different, there are also “off-season” types of jerky, such as BBQ-sauce beef or dried bacon.
Jerky also provides small amounts of manganese, molybdenum and pantothenic acid. Thanks to its protein content and small amount of carbs, it has a healthier nutritional profile than many other snacks and suits a variety of diets.
It's also rich in various minerals, including zinc and iron, which are important for many functions, including supporting the immune system and energy levels.
As mentioned, jerky is portable, which makes it a great option for travel and other situations where you have limited access to fresh food but still need your daily protein intake. So there's no need to keep it in the fridge, and it can be taken anywhere: in a desk drawer, a gym bag or a backpack.
Conclusions
In most cases, jerky turns out to be a great option for your mid-morning or afternoon snacks. It's low in fat and calories, and rich in protein. It can help you recover faster, build muscle and feel full throughout the day.
Jerky is a great protein-rich snack and a good source of various minerals, including zinc and iron. The jerky varieties you find in stores are often high in sodium, which can be linked to health risks. So it's best to enjoy it in moderation, as part of a healthy diet.
Carne Secca Italia jerky uses the same ingredients you'd find in your own kitchen, completely natural. These include honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and herbs like oregano and thyme. It's also free from artificial colors and flavors.