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Are you a 3pm ‘slumper’?
The mid-afternoon slump is that dead zone between lunch and supper when our energy levels drop, we feel lethargic and can’t focus properly – and when it happens, our natural instinct is to fuel up with a snack to get back on track. But that’s where danger lurks.
The snacks we commonly choose to beat the 3pm slump can actually make matters worse.
It’s quick and easy (and tempting) to reach for a couple of biscuits, a chocolate bar, a bag of chips, a muffin, a muesli bar or some crackers when we need a pick-me-up, but it’s actually not the best decision. Many pre-packaged convenience snacks are full of carbohydrates and refined sugar – and while it feels like your body needs the quick boost that you know you’ll be getting from your sweet treat – the reality is that the benefits will be short-lived and the slump symptoms will return along with the sugar cravings.
On the other hand, a protein-rich snack like jerky is a much more effective option, providing consistent energy over a longer period and helping you avoid those nasty highs and lows.
Another thing to remember about sugary snacks is that over-reliance on them can lead to longer-term health issues including excess weight gain, blood sugar instability issues, insulin resistance, tooth decay and an increased risk of heart disease.
The reason for the well-documented sugar peaks and troughs is because sugar and simple carbs are digested quickly which causes a rapid spike in blood glucose. This triggers the body to release large amounts of insulin to clear the blood sugar, with the result that blood glucose levels then often drop lower than where they started. And so the cycle begins again. Slump, sugary snack, sugar spike, sugar low, slump, sugar craving….
The flipside is that protein is digested at a much slower rate than sugar. This results in a more consistent and sustained release of energy with no debilitating highs and lows.
And that’s why protein-rich jerky is the smart snack choice to beat the mid-afternoon dip.
Jerky keeps you feeling full and satisfied, it powers you up, it avoids the blood sugar roller-coaster and it supports weight management. And it’s a healthier choice too. Want more info? Have a read of this article on Why Beef Jerky Is So Good For You.
Jerky is made from marinated strips of lean beef (although it can be made from turkey, chicken, pork, game and even fish) which are then dried over heat, making it a highly concentrated form of protein. And as mentioned, protein is digested slowly, so it keeps the body fuelled up for longer plus it actually helps stabilise blood sugars by moderating the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars.
Eating protein like a stick of jerky when you feel the onset of a mid-afternoon slump will keep you feeling fuller and satisfied for longer, so you won’t get that urge to snack so often (although we know jerky is so moreish that it can be hard to resist!)
To illustrate the power of jerky, a 100g serving of our delicious DJays Gourmet beef jerky contains 67g of protein and only 2g of carbs and 2g of sugars – while delivering a whopping 1320kj of energy!
There are plenty of other reasons why beef jerky is good for you and why it trumps sugar – and not only at 3pm in the afternoon either!
Let’s take a closer look at this popular snack and reveal just why it’s a must for every pantry, lunch box, desk draw, car console and sports bag.
We’ve talked about why jerky helps to maintain stable and more consistent energy over longer periods, but it’s also worth mentioning its nutritional benefits.
The lean protein contains amino acids which support brain function and neurotransmitter activity – so it’s great for concentration and mental fitness. Protein is also vital for muscle growth and recovery, making jerky an excellent snack choice for active busy bodies.
Jerky also contains a number of vitamins and minerals including iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B9 (folate), Choline, Zinc and Phosphorous. These provide essential support for our vital metabolic functions such as oxygen transport, the manufacture of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, nerve function and the formation of cell membranes and can play an important role in our mental and emotional wellbeing too. (Learn more about the nutritional profile of jerky here).
The mid-afternoon slump often comes at a time when you really need to be on top of your game. Whether you’re in a meeting, studying, getting ready to exercise, doing the school run, preparing for the family’s homecoming, trying to clinch a deal or anything in between – you don’t need that dreaded 3pm nosedive to derail your effectiveness.
And that’s exactly why you need to reach for the jerky and not the jam doughnut when you feel yourself starting to slump. Protein satisfies body and mind. It’s as simple as that.
Eating a sugary snack when the 3pm slump hits may be tempting, but the reality is that it’s not going to provide the solution that your body (and your mind) needs. You’re likely to feel hungrier shortly after you’ve snacked, you’re likely to crave even more carbs and sugar-heavy foods and you’re likely to feel tired, lethargic and brain foggy for the rest of the day.
On the other hand, eating jerky mid-afternoon has the opposite effect. You’ll feel energised and satisfied for longer, plus you’ll be doing your body a favour. And it’s good for people of all ages and stages.
Jerky is one of the most convenient and satisfying protein snacks you can get, but it’s important to choose a high-quality product that is low in added sugar, low in sodium and preservative-free – like our DJays Gourmet premium beef jerky. It’s Australia’s best beef jerky for a reason (a whole lot of reasons actually) and you can order your jerky online for fast, efficient door-to-door delivery.
Say cheerio to the 3pm sugar crash and cheers to feeling good for longer with protein-powered beef jerky!
Arron Zamel has been General Manager of DJays Gourmet since 2015 and under his expert leadership, the company has cemented its reputation as Australia’s leading supplier of packaged jerky and biltong.
His strong family connection to South Africa, his marketing and management degree from Monash University, his technical expertise plus his experience as a successful entrepreneur and import/export business owner made him the ideal candidate for the challenging position.
Additionally, Arron’s innovative approach to management, his proven brand-building credentials, his strong customer focus and youthful energy have ensured that DJays Gourmet’s high-quality biltong and jerky have become Australia's dried meat treats of choice.
He understands traditional South African flavours and the precision techniques required to create truly authentic biltong, jerky and droewors (dried sausage). Part of his job is overseeing operations at DJays' purpose-built facility in Perth, WA where tons of Australian beef goes into making premium dried meat products each month for distribution to retail and wholesale customers across Australia.
For more insights into Arron’s world, visit the DJays Gourmet website, check out their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram @djaysgourmet.
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