Jerky - Healthy snack or Junk food??

Many believe jerky is unhealthy because it is loaded with preservatives but actually many jerky varieties can be a great way to cure your afternoon hunger pangs. 

Jerky is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates.  Protein helps to satisfy by providing that feeling of fullness without the bloat from carbohydrates and weigh-down feeling from fats.  Be careful though because some beef-jerky brands are full of sodium, such as MSG and sodium nitrate.  There are many chemical-free products available.  You will want to choose brands that are made from all-natural ingredients.  Gourmet Natural Beef Jerky (americangrassfedbeef.com) has no preservatives and is made from lean, grass-fed beef.  Research shows that grass-fed beef contains healthy omega-3 fats.
The meat is cut into strips, trimmed of fat, marinated in a seasoned rub or liquid, and dried or smoked with low heat or is occasionally just salted and sun-dried. The result is a snack which can be eaten immediately or can be stored for months without refrigeration.

Jerky is an easy on-the-go snack that can be stored mostly anywhere and is always ready to eat.  It has a chewy texture and comes in a wide variety of flavors such as teriyaki, barbecue, spicy pepper and original smoky. 

Here is the nutrition facts panel for an old-fashioned beef jerky.  As you can see it is low in calories and fat and high in protein.  This product is also high in sodium so if you suffer from high blood pressure you will want to choose a different option. 

You can make your own low sodium jerky at home.  Check out this easy recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke for that hickory flavor
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients and marinate 1/4″ thick meat strips for at least an hour.
2. Dehydrate according to dehydrator manual OR cook in oven on the lowest temp. (175-200), for about 3-4 hours until it bends but does not break. Enjoy!

There are also meatless varieties available such as Primal strips made from soy, Seitan and Shiitake mushrooms.