For many years, beef jerky had a bad rap, but the tide has shifted in its favor. Ever since becoming a preferred snack of Paleo dieters and CrossFit enthusiasts, it's been reintroduced into the healthy mainstream, and many clean, low-carb eaters looking to shed a few pounds are singing jerky's praises.
Snacking on jerky in between meals is an ideal way to get protein in your diet, a must if you're trying to lose weight. One study published in The FASEB Journal shows that in addition to a regular exercise routine, doubling your protein intake may be the key to losing fat pounds without dropping muscle mass. In addition to offering 6.6 grams of protein per piece, beef jerky doesn't raise your level of insulin, one of the hormones that affects how your body stores fat.
With that said, not all jerky is created equally. The best option to ensure your jerky is free of artificial ingredients is to make your own. If you can't dedicate the kitchen time, just be sure to opt for a brand with all-natural ingredients that's free of preservatives and nitrates and isn't too high in sodium. And if you steer clear of beef, turkey jerky is a great option to help you reap these high-protein benefits. Krave Jerky and Epic Bites are two brands we love!
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