Is Beef Jerky Keto friendly?
IS BEEF JERKY KETO FRIENDLY?
As part of a healthy balanced diet, beef jerky is absolutely a healthy and satisfying keto snack.
Here at Cav’s Beef Jerky, we hand-craft, premium air-dried meats, using quality lean cuts, with absolutely zero preservatives (excluding our Smokehouse Tennessee and Smokin Texas).
Our tasty jerky provides high protein and low carb snacks to help you stay on the keto track.
Beef Jerky not only provides an excellent and essential source of protein, it’s high in iron; essential for promoting normal blood production and keeping your immune system strong.
Beef Jerky provides B vitamins, helping to keep your nervous system working well and Vitamin A, which promotes good vision and supports healthy skin. Beef Jerky contains selenium, which is good for your heart and brain.
Studies have suggested the amino acids found in beef jerky, can help to promote the growth of muscle tissue.
WHAT IS A KETO DIET?
The core idea of this popular way of eating is to improve your body's capability for weight loss. The diet claims that you can train your body to burn its fat stores instead of burning glucose (carbohydrates) for energy. So instead of eating carbs, you fuel your body with whole foods that are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and other nutrients as your main source of energy. When there is a lack of glycogen sources available, the body has to burn fat for fuel, a metabolic state known as ketosis. In this state, the body produces acids called ketones that become your new energy tank and benefit your body in more ways than one.
With the many benefits that the keto lifestyle brings, there are all sorts of reasons that someone might choose to go on a ketogenic diet.
BENEFITS OF THE KETO DIET
The keto diet claims to help your body literally burn fat stores for energy. Research suggests that when ketones are present in the liver, your brain receives more energy. With less brain fog and a clearer state of mind, you'll be kicking all your #goals in no time.
WHO SHOULD NOT GO ON A KETO DIET?
While going keto may sound like the yellow brick road to weight loss, it's no magic formula. In fact, anybody with gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid, liver issues should not risk making their conditions worse on this diet. Nutrient deficiencies and low blood pressure are some of the common side effects for people whose bodies are not designed to handle the keto diet, or for those who overdo it. There are a number of different keto diets you can try and it’s always best to consult with a health professional before you adopt any major dietary changes.
WHAT CAN I EAT ON A KETO DIET?
If you're still wondering "can I eat beef jerky on keto diet?" this far along, boy do you need some brain fuel. Here's the high-fat diet you should eat to enter and maintain the state of ketosis. By eating the right food in moderation, you can enjoy most types of cuisines.
- pasteurised whole eggs, grass-fed butter, unprocessed cheese like blue, mozzarella, cheddar, and goat’s
- air-dried beef jerky, poultry, bacon, sausage, ham,
- blackberries, tomatoes, rhubarb, strawberries, watermelon, lemon, etc.
- non-starchy vegetables like onions, peppers, and okra, and most leafy greens.
- omega-3 rich fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
- extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil.
- olives, coconuts, avocados.
- pistachios, walnuts, flaxseeds, Josies, pepitas, nut butters without added sugar, etc.
- all the spices!
FOOD TO AVOID ON A KETO DIET
While there are lots of foods you can eat on a keto diet to help you maximise the health benefits, the following have been listed as avoiding:
- Starchy grains: Pasta, cereal, rice, and any wheat-based food, etc.
- Trans and saturated fats: processed oils, margarine, fast food, partially hydrogenated oils, cookies, etc.
- Fruit: Most fruits, as they are high in carbs.
- Starchy vegetables and tubers: potatoes, parsnips, carrots, etc.
- Sugary drinks: Store bought juice, lollies, ice cream, cake, soft drinks, alcohol, milk, etc.
- Sugary condiments and dressings: Anything with added sugar like tomato & BBQ sauce, (zero sugar are generally fine).
- Beans or legumes: Everything ranging from chickpeas to lentils.
Easy ways to include this tasty protein snack, as part of your healthy diet
- Add it to your salad
Salads are a great option for people on keto who are looking for a quick and healthy lunch. They're filling and provide you with plenty of nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day. Adding some chopped beef jerky to your salad is a great way to boost your protein intake and help you stay full longer. You can make a salad using beef jerky, kale, and arugula, or you can add beef jerky to a spinach salad for some added protein.
- Top your breakfast bowl with beef jerky
Breakfast bowls are another healthy and tasty option for breakfast lovers who want to stay on their keto meal plan. You can choose to serve yours with a variety of ingredients, including eggs, bacon, avocado, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Mix them together in a bowl and top with some chopped beef jerky for a nutritious and delicious start to your day.
- Enjoy it as a side dish for dinner
Meat is an important part of any well-rounded diet, which is why many people include it in their meal plans. If you often enjoy beef or other red meat dishes, adding beef jerky to your dinner can help satisfy your cravings and add variety to your meal.
- Eat it on its own as an afternoon snack
Eating healthy snacks between meals can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent overeating at mealtimes. Beef jerky is a great low-calorie alternative to processed snacks that are loaded with artificial ingredients and sugar. It's also high in protein, fibre and other nutrients that will help you stay fueled throughout the day.