There have been many dieting fads that have come and gone, since the dawn of time. However, there are some dieting plans that seem to pass the test of time. One of the more popular diets, known as the Keto diet, comes to mind as one that’s worth-a-try. However, like many dieting plans it can be tough to determine what you can and can’t eat. Especially when you’re just starting your keto diet out. So, whether you’re looking for some delicious snacks you can enjoy at the start of your Keto journey or you’re looking to mix it up - we have something for you.
What Is The Keto Diet?
For those of you who are new to the Keto diet we’re going to be breaking it done for you. This way you’ll leave with powerful protein packed snack ideas and a better understanding of Keto. The Keto diet places focus on your macro nutrients which are carbs, fats, and proteins. All your food contains a percentage mix of these macronutrients. Some have all three macronutrients, some have two of the three macronutrients.
When it comes to Keto you should be on the lookout for consuming foods that are higher in fats and protein, and less in carbs. According to healthline the standard macronutrient breakdown for ketogenic diet (SKD) is 70% Fat, 20% Protein, and only 10% Carbs.
I know what you’re thinking. 70% Fat? On a daily basis… that can’t be right. Well, hold on to your holy jerky for a second there. When your diet consists of 70% fat, 20% protein, and 10% carbs you’re forcing your body to enter Ketosis (This is where it gets good). Normally, the body uses carbs as the main source of energy, then it starts breaking down fats and converting that into energy (science).
However, when your metabolism enters a state of ketosis you’re lacking the necessary carbs normally used as your source of energy. Now, you’re directly using fat. But wait, that’s 70% fat, isn’t that enough energy? Here’s the trick. There are good fats and bad fats. I’m not going to break down every food here, because that could take forever - literally. However, an example of goods fats would be sweet potato as opposed to regular potatoes, and brown rice instead of white rice.
Good fats are broken down faster and consumed for energy a lot quicker than bad fats, which are quickly stored on your stomach, thighs, and arms. So, when you eat 70% good fats you use it up for energy quickly, then your body is forced to take the stored fat and start burning that and converting it into energy. Holy Jerky, we did it. We broke down the Keto diet idea.
So Tell Me Is Beef Jerky Keto Friendly
Finally, the answer we’ve all been waiting for, “is beef jerky keto friendly?” I’m glad you’ve read this far because you’re in for a treat of many. I’m going to break down beef jerky to you in terms of macronutrients. This way, you have a good idea of how keto friendly beef jerky really is, Using an example of 28 grams of beef jerky.
Beef Jerky is generally made up of 7.3 grams of fat, 9.4 grams of protein, and 3.1 grams of carbs.
We’ve done the science. Now, let’s take a look at the math.
7.3+9.4+3.1 = 19.8
We can then divide each individual measurement by the total and multiply it by 100 to get the percentage breakdowns.
37% Fat
48% Protein
16% Carbs
Typically you want to be much higher in fat, but of course if you could trade off fat for protein and still keep your carbs low now you’re really talking about something special, especially when it comes to ketosis. Losing weight is only one of the many keto diet benefits.
I don’t recommend eating beef jerky all day every day while you’re on your keto diet journey. But it does make a great mid day and late night snack if you need a little pick me up. Plus, there’s no need to sacrifice amazing taste either. Have you seen our variety of flavors? Get rid of the soda and pick up our Dr. Pepper Jerky or get things kickin with our Sriracha Lime Jerky. Of course, we carry a range of ¼ lb options and flavors for you to choose from. But if you’re planning on kicking off your Keto diet with a Keto Party you can always check out our whole muscle beef jerky platters and choose up to 8 flavors.
If you're starting your Keto diet you can checkout this crash course by Texas Real Foods Here.
