When you’re thinking about snacks, it’s natural to reach for the bag of chips, but have you ever considered beef jerky? Though it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, this salty snack packs loads of protein, which will keep you satisfied on your next road trip. Plus, since it’s shelf-stable and doesn’t need refrigeration until opened, you can take as much as you want without worrying about spoiling it before reaching your destination.
Protein
Beef jerky has around 20-30g of protein per serving. The common misconception about protein is that we need to eat more of it to build muscle. This isn’t true at all. Consuming an adequate amount of protein on a daily basis can help your body maintain its existing muscle mass, so if you work out and do weight training regularly, beef jerky can be a great way to get enough protein in your diet!
And beef jerky is actually a great source of lean proteins, meaning there are fewer calories from fat. Beef jerky also has zero carbs and little sugar, making it perfect to munch on when you’re trying to lose or maintain your weight.
Weight and Space Saver
You can even freeze beef jerky if you want it to last longer. It’s very lightweight and takes up almost no space in a bag, which makes it perfect for packing on a road trip or carrying around campus. Whether you’re going away for one night or staying on campus for months, beef jerky is a great snack to pack. Just make sure to keep it out of your roommate’s hands—it might turn into their favourite snack as well!
Long Lasting
One of beef jerky’s main perks is its ability to last. That’s because beef jerky has a high-protein and low-fat content, making it incredibly calorie dense. In other words, a single serving will give you plenty of energy for your trip but won’t leave you feeling weighed down or bloated. Most importantly, there are no carbohydrates in beef jerky—just healthy fats that make it easy to digest.
It’s also gluten-free and boasts an impressive number of vitamins and minerals that can help stave off hunger pangs when travelling over an extended period of time (e.g., road trips). Finally, did we mention how convenient it is?
Convenient
Beef jerky makes an incredibly convenient snack. It’s easy to carry around and lasts a long time. You can eat it on the go without having to stop and waste time preparing a meal or snack. And beef jerky offers plenty of protein that will keep you feeling full until your next meal.
In fact, thanks to its low sodium and high protein content, beef jerky has been shown to reduce feelings of hunger in individuals who tend toward unhealthy snacking habits between meals. This can help reduce calorie intake throughout the day!
Conclusion
If you’re on a road trip, jerky can keep you from stopping at every greasy fast food joint on your way to your destination. To save time and money, make it yourself at home, where you know what ingredients are going in. Not only will it be healthier than pre-packaged options but it also tastes so much better. Find out how to make beef jerky today.
