If you have a penchant for snacking, beef jerky is certainly worth exploring. It's an exceptionally popular and convenient choice that works especially well when you're on the go.
But, you may be wondering, will beef jerky make you gain weight? With the abundance of conflicting insights on beef jerky, it may be overwhelming to determine if this snack is healthy or an unhealthy calorie-laden additive.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional content of beef jerky and whether it's likely to contribute to weight gain.
Will Beef Jerky Make You Gain Weight?
If you're concerned about weight gain, you might be asking yourself, "does beef jerky make you fat?" or "will beef jerky make you gain weight?". You don't have to put on extra pounds if you savor this delightful delicacy in moderation from the appropriate brands and with other nutrient-packed foods. With some self-control, you can still indulge without feeling regretful.
Beef jerky is a delicious and nutritious snack that can supply you with plenty of protein while being low in carbs.
That said, not all brands are created equal - some contain added sugars, excessive additives, and unhealthy fats which could sabotage your health goals if consumed too much. To make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck without compromising on taste or nutrition, select a premium beef jerky product made from minimal ingredients.
A Brief Explanation of the Nutritional Content in Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is an ideal snack for those looking to increase their protein intake without compromising on taste or overloading calories. It's made from lean cuts of marinated and dehydrated beef, containing high levels of protein with minimal fat and carbohydrates.
Additionally, it serves as a nutritious source of vitamins such as zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 - making it the perfect guilt-free indulgence. It's important to read the labels carefully and choose a brand that uses high-quality ingredients and minimal additives.
Beef Jerky Will Only Contribute to Weight Gain if…
Beef jerky, on its own, isn't typically associated with weight gain - as is the case with any food. If you're ingesting too many calories than what your body needs to stay at a healthy size, then it won’t matter how those calories are sourced; weight gain will occur. A balanced diet and active lifestyle remain essential if we want to maintain our optimal well-being.
Despite its reputation as a low-calorie snack, beef jerky can still contribute to weight gain in certain circumstances. Overindulging in this treat may cause you to inadvertently consume too many calories and lead to gradual weight gain over time.
Additionally, picking varieties that are high in calories and fat content could also result in an unexpected calorie bomb being unleashed into your diet, effectively causing extra pounds of flab to form around your body.
It is important to keep in mind that your eating habits and physical activities are the primary determiners of your weight. If you have a healthy diet with various foods and maintain an active lifestyle, then having beef jerky now and then should not lead to any major weight gain.
Your genetic makeup can influence your ability to maintain a healthy weight. Some individuals may have slower metabolisms or be more susceptible to accumulating extra pounds than others, even if they consume similar calorie amounts.
While jerky itself is unlikely to cause weight gain, you should observe portion sizes and read nutrition labels carefully when including it in your diet as part of an active lifestyle and balanced meals.
To learn more about protein in beef jerky, why is jerky so expensive, and how to store beef jerky, check out our guides.
How to Avoid Weight Gain from Beef Jerky
Beef jerky can be a satisfying and convenient snack, but as with any food, it's important to consume it in moderation to avoid weight gain. Since a lot of people are asking "Does beef jerky make you fat?", in this section, we'll explore some strategies for limiting your intake of beef jerky while still enjoying it as a part of a healthy diet.
Limit Your Serving Size/Frequency
To curb undesired weight gain from beef jerky, it's essential to keep track of your portion sizes and how often you're consuming the snack. While beef jerky is an excellent source of protein and low in calories, it can also contain considerable amounts of sodium as well as different additives. Therefore, by regulating your intake you can guarantee that you don't overindulge.
If you want to stay within the recommended serving size for beef jerky, pre-portion it into smaller bags or containers. This way it's easier to limit yourself and prevent excessive snacking throughout the day. Additionally, try spacing out your beef jerky consumption over multiple days of the week instead of eating it every single day.
To keep from eating too much, be aware of your body's hunger and fullness cues. As opposed to mindlessly stuffing yourself with beef jerky, take the time to truly savor every bite and tune in to how your stomach feels. If you feel satisfied, even if there is still food left on the plate, it's best to stop eating right away.
This raises the question: can beef jerky go bad? When following best practices, how long beef jerky lasts is normally around two months. So you shouldn't worry about it going bad even when eating in moderation.
Buy the Healthiest Beef Jerky Possible
While it's true that not all beef jerky is created equal, there are some general guidelines you can follow to find the healthiest options. When shopping for beef jerky, look for the best beef jerky online from companies that use high-quality ingredients, minimal additives, and is low in sodium.
Mahogany Smoked Meats is a great option for those looking to buy beef jerky online. Our beef jerky is made from high-quality, natural ingredients and is free from preservatives and artificial flavors.
Additionally, our jerky is often low in sodium and is a good source of protein, making it a healthy option for snacking. In addition, we prefer using the best cut of beef for jerky.
It's critical to take note of the sodium levels in your beef jerky. Excess salt can cause unwanted water retention, which may lead to weight gain.
To prevent this from happening, opt for low-sodium brands or pick out products that feature a lower sodium content than others. Furthermore, be sure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day; doing so will help flush any extra salts away.
Assess the Rest of Your Diet
Although consuming beef jerky in small amounts is an excellent, healthy snack option, you must take into account the entirety of your diet to make certain that you are not consuming more calories than necessary.
To become cognizant of this fact, try writing down all food and beverages consumed over a seven-day period in a food journal.
Having knowledge of your overall caloric intake will enable you to realize which sources are providing more calories than necessary. After assessing the components in your diet, identify areas where healthier choices can be made for a better lifestyle.
If you're noticing that your diet is filled with high-sugar snacks and beverages, why not switch them out for healthier alternatives like fruit or water? Furthermore, focus on incorporating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your meals to improve nutrition.
Consider Exercising
Exercise is paramount to maintaining a healthy weight, and with regular physical activity, you can even enjoy rich snacks such as beef jerky without worrying about excess weight gain.
By exercising regularly, your body will burn calories more efficiently while simultaneously raising your metabolism - allowing for the consumption of calorie-dense foods like beef jerky that won't wreak havoc on your desired physique.
You don't have to become an athlete or dedicate hours of your day in order to reap the benefits of exercise. Simple changes, such as going for a walk daily or performing a short workout at home can make drastic improvements in your physical health and weight control.
Exercise supports calorie burning, muscle build-up, and general fitness which are all valuable aspects when it comes down to maintaining a balanced weight.
Exercise not only improves physical health, but it also has positive psychological benefits. It can reduce stress levels and improve mood, which in turn may help to prevent emotional eating that could cause weight gain.
If you're just beginning your exercise journey, start off slowly and gradually build up the duration and intensity of your workouts.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercises such as brisk walking or cycling most days a week. Adding strength training activities like weightlifting or resistance bands can also be advantageous to fuel muscle growth while elevating metabolism.
Want to Enjoy a Healthier Jerky Option With Lower Fat Content?
If you’re looking for a healthier option with lower fat content, Mahogany Smoked Meats has you covered. With our impressive selection of premium jerky online, you can find all sorts of deliciousness.
We carry all kinds of smoked meats including elk jerky, buffalo jerky, wild boar jerky, fish jerky, and turkey jerky. There's something extra special about turkey jerky for losing weight. See our guide on "Is Turkey Jerky Good for Weight Loss?".
Wrapping Up Our Conversation on Beef Jerky and Weight Gain
Beef jerky can be enjoyed as a part of any balanced diet, but it's essential to practice mindful portion control while also inspecting the sodium count per serving.
To help offset potential weight gain due to dietary indulgences, incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. This will assist with burning calories and preserving overall healthiness!
At Mahogany Smoked Meats, we have a wide selection of mouth-watering smoked meats for sale. Take a look today to find the perfect jerky for your diet and weight-loss goals!
