Given the sheer popularity of the Ketogenic and Paleo diets, there’s arguably no better time to consider a back to basics diet than now. Seriously! The number of keto and paleo-friendly, meat-based snacks available on the market now is insane!
Not only are meat-based snacks amazing for a high protein diet, they also contain key nutrients our bodies need to stay fit and healthy and help us stay fuller for longer. As great as meat-based snacks are, though, most of us face the incredible challenge of finding a meat-based snack that is equal parts healthy as it is delicious. Here are Top 5 High-Protein Meat Snacks!
1. Beef Biltong
Perhaps one of the best grab-and-go options there is, beef biltong is delicious and requires absolutely no preparation on your end. The great thing about beef biltong is that you can find it in a variety of delicious flavours to keep your mouth entertained. Peri-Peri? Check! Garlic? Check! Black Pepper? Check! And we’re only just scratching the surface of what’s available.
As well as all the delicious flavours, beef biltong is one of the best exercise recovery foods you can have in your gym bag. As it comes from red meat (one of the best protein sources), it delivers your body with all the fuel it needs to recover after an intense session. A 35g bag typically contains around 20g of protein (almost half of a regular adult’s daily allowance), it also contains no sugar, is relatively low in saturated fats and is suitable for people who have many food intolerances.
2. Venison Biltong
Venison may not make a regular appearance in your weekly meal planner, but the demand for it is growing – and it’s not surprising considering the health benefits of eating it! Like beef biltong, venison biltong is one of the best exercise recovery foods you can have in your gym bag. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to repair and recover after a gym session.
The great thing about venison is that it tends to have more protein than any other red meat, with around 50g of protein for every 100g – pretty impressive!
3. Turkey Jerky
Turkey Jerky makes a great addition to a whole range of diets. It’s high in protein, lower in fat and calories than many other meats and makes for a healthy snack for adults and kids alike. Because of how Jerky is made (using lots of spices and marinades to compensate for the dehydration process) it can contain a lot of salt, so if you’re trying to cut-back on salt or have high blood pressure this may not be the snack for you.
4. Turkey Sticks
Turkey sticks are a delicious and nutritious high-protein snack consisting of turkey that has been compacted into thin stick shapes. Snacks high in protein and low in carbohydrates such as turkey sticks have been shown to improve blood sugar levels which is incredibly important for people with diabetes and those looking to shred the pounds as it helps to keep snacking at bay by reasonably satiating the appetite!
As well as being a great source of protein, turkey sticks are also rich in Vitamins B3 and B6, which are essential for brain health and the producing of energy. And, if that wasn’t enough, Turkey sticks are also high in magnesium and zinc, which help to boost the immune system and keep skin looking fresh.
5. Deli Meats
Roast turkey? Roast Beef? Roast Chicken? The choice is yours! Deli meats may get a bad reputation, but they make for a pretty impressive protein-filled snack.
Turkey and chicken breast reign supreme amongst the deli meats on offer as they’re low in calories, high in protein, low in saturated fats and salts, meaning you get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to correctly refuel but lean cuts of ham and roast beef can also be good options.
Place a slice of deli meat onto some whole grain bread for a post-workout snack that is as balanced as it is fulfilling.
What is your view on meat these days? Do you think it’s the easier assimilated type of protein source? Or is it better to go veggie/vegan? Do let us know in the comments below and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
