The Keto diet has grown exponentially in the last few years. More than a fad, it's really a lifestyle change that dieters must make in order to reap the benefits. If you've started to follow a Keto diet, you're probably looking for tasty, healthy snacks that meet your dietary goals. For people who are considering starting the Keto diet but are concerned they won't be able to snack, we've got good news for you – many types of jerky are Keto-friendly.
What is the Keto Diet?
The Keto diet works by forcing the body to burn fat rather than carbohydrates which can lead to weight loss. The diet is often popular when treating children who suffer from epilepsy. It's also useful for controlling and preventing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
The Keto diet is structured around the idea that by replacing a high-carb diet with one that is high in fat, moderately high in protein, and extremely low in carbohydrates. When a person stays on a Keto diet, their body goes into a state known as ketosis in which fat is converted into energy. Most often, people who are on a Keto diet not only change the types of foods they eat, but also the time. Generally, periods of fasting up to 16 hours per day can increase the production of ketones, essential for the body to change the way it makes energy.
Benefits of Keto
A Keto diet can have several benefits for people willing to fully commit to the extensive lifestyle change, and beef jerky is a great Keto snack. Many studies show that Keto is an excellent way to safely lose weight while getting the necessary dietary nutrition. Many of the benefits of Keto are similar to those from the Atkins Diet and other low-carb diets.
Carbohydrates are considered to play a key role in fat accumulation, and numerous studies have shown that reducing carbohydrate intake is the fastest way to lose weight. Recent research indicates that not only do you lose fat, you lose abdominal fat that tends to accumulate around organs and can lead to diabetes.
A Keto diet is an effective way to reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. This can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. The Keto diet can also help to reduce and regulate blood pressure and circulation, important for reducing the risks of heart disease and heart attack.
Jerky is a great source of protein that is essential when you are working out. There is lots of science that shows the benefits of consuming protein post-workout and beef jerky is a convenient option.
Is Beef Jerky Keto-Friendly?
Many types of beef jerky are Keto-friendly, but you have to read the labels. Most Keto diets will restrict the amount of carbohydrates to around 20 or 30 grams daily. Lots of store-bought brands of beef jerky use brown sugar or molasses in their recipe which isn't a good choice for a Keto diet.
But there are brands that do not add sugar to their jerky, and these are an appropriate option for Keto diets. Check out our Bearded Butchers Beef Jerky, its got no added sugar and tastes amazing. We recently started making our jerky for customers to purchase after spending years tinkering in the kitchen to get the taste, texture, and ingredients just the way we want them to be. Ours is gluten-free, free of MSG, and has no added nitrates, sugar, or artificial ingredients.
What the Labels Mean
When you are shopping for beef jerky, you should always read labels. Keep an eye out for brands that use lots of teriyaki sauce and soy sauce. These products frequently include wheat flour which is high in carbohydrates. These products are also high-sodium, something you want to pay attention to no matter what diet you consume.
Look for natural ingredients with minimum extra ingredients. For instance, when you look at our Bearded Butcher jerky ingredients, you'll see dehydrated garlic rather than garlic powder. That's because we found that dehydrated garlic provides a better flavor. We use onion powder because the dehydrated onions don't provide the right flavor.
The Perfect Keto-Friendly Snack
Beef jerky is a great snack to add to a Keto diet. It offers a great source of healthy fats and protein and if you shop correctly you'll find brands that are low in sodium and don't include added carbohydrates, like our Bearded Butcher's Brand beef jerky. It's a delicious on-the-go snack that is easy to pack and carry. It's a fantastic way to get the most from your Keto diet and from your workout.
