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Serious lifters know all about heavy weights and when it comes to heavyweight snacks to support their workouts – beef jerky is a favourite.
Protein-rich jerky isn’t just a fuel source.
Gym-goers know that jerky not only provides fuel, it plays a key role in supporting muscle recovery and repair, reducing post-workout soreness and helping to stabilise their energy levels and food cravings.
Read on to learn why jerky is a gym goer’s favourite and what makes it a ‘must-have’ in every sports bag.
Weight training is a lifestyle choice, designed to benefit muscle and bone health, support weight loss goals and boost self-confidence – and appropriate nutrition is an essential aspect of how effective the workouts are.
But weight training isn’t just about what you do while you’re in the gym. What you do before and after your gym session is just as important as pushing through those deadlifts, rows, pulldowns and bench presses.
Enter protein. If you’re serious about lifting and you want to feel and look your best on and off the field, you need to take your protein intake seriously.
This powerful macronutrient plays a massive role in your performance in the gym, in your recovery and in your optimum prep for your next weights session – which is why protein-rich beef jerky is such a winner for gym bags (as well as pantries, car consoles, work desks, backpacks etc!)
Protein is a macronutrient comprised primarily of amino acids. Amino acids act like little Lego blocks – binding together to form a strong and sturdy structure in the body – and they are crucially important for supporting muscle and tissue recovery and for maintaining and building lean muscle.
Weight training puts strain and stress on your muscles – especially when you’re pushing your limits in the gym – and this can lead to tiny tears in the muscle tissue as well as inflammation. The amino acids found in protein are crucial to muscle repair – and so if you don’t eat sufficient amounts of lean protein when you’re lifting, your body will struggle to perform and recover strongly.
Protein is also a good source of slow-release energy, so when it’s paired with carbohydrates which deliver a faster energy boost, it can help you perform better during extended sessions.
Eating protein before and after a workout is also important. The trick is to choose protein which is light and easily digestible especially if you are snacking just before hitting the gym.
Prioritising protein after your session obviously helps with muscle repair and rebuilding and can reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, but it can also help you manage those post-session hunger pangs and help you avoid unhealthy temptations! (Check out this article on why jerky beats sugar for the 3pm slump).
In a nutshell, protein:
If you’re doing a regular weightlifting workout, you need to make sure you’re taking in sufficient protein at the right times. Educated nutrition is an important factor in achieving your fitness and health goals – and it may be helpful to talk to a professional to make sure you’re getting everything your body needs.
Another good article to read on this topic is this one on why jerky is good to snack on during sports as it gives a comprehensive overview of the role this protein-powered snack can play in active lifestyles.
Jerky can be a good friend when it comes to effective weight training.
Not only is it packed with protein for repairing and building muscle fibres, tissue and bone cells, maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health and wellness, it’s a good source of many other nutrients that support a range of physical and cognitive functions.
Beef jerky contains:
The quality and nutritional profile of jerky varies depending on the ingredients used and the jerky manufacturing process. Some brands are healthier than others and if you’re serious about what you’re putting into your body, it’s really important to buy jerky from a reputable supplier.
Choosing DJays Gourmet for your jerky will ensure you get a consistently high-quality product made from all-natural ingredients and 100% premium grass-fed Australian beef with no added nasties like preservatives or MSG. Click here to see how beef jerky is made.
For a deeper dive into beef jerky, its nutritional profile and its benefits, have a read of this article on the science behind the snacks.
As you now know, jerky is a healthier choice to power up your weight lifting and help you recover faster and stronger, but it’s also primo in terms of convenience.
It’s the ultimate no-mess, no fuss snack. No refrigeration is required, you won’t get a crumbly, sticky or mouldy mess lurking in your gym bag, it’s lightweight and easily transportable plus it’s totally delicious – making it the perfect snack before, during and after a weights session. No wonder heavy lifters are such avid fans of jerky!
Leave the workout for the gym – getting your hands on Australia’s best beef jerky is effortless, quick and simple! All it takes is a few clicks on our DJays Gourmet website to order your jerky online – and your protein powered pack will be on its way to your door in a flash.
DJays is known for its high-quality protein-rich dried meat products which hit the mark every time. Taste, texture, convenience and simple, healthy goodness – all in one lightweight packet. Too easy!
Choose from our extensive flavour range including traditional jerky, chilli jerky, extra hot jerky, smokey jerky and mango chilli jerky – or order our jerky sampler to find your favourite.
Remember, protein fuels strong performance as well as strong muscle recovery, so if you’re lifting weights in the gym, power up your body with the healthy goodness of 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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