Why Jerky/Biltong Is Good To Snack On During Sports

Whatever your chosen activity – be it a high energy sport like footy, rugby and netball or a more sedate endeavour like golf or bowls – your body needs the right fuel for peak performance (even if you’re just in the game for fun, not fame!) 

Why are healthy snacks during sport important?

Athletes and active people use up more calories and nutrients than those who don’t participate in sports or who don’t exercise regularly.  They need to replenish lost nutrients and bolster their bodies’ reserves to give their hard-working muscles a boost while they’re on the field, in the water, on the road, in the gym or on the court. 

Healthy snacks can provide these additional nutrients and calories during sport and exercise – plus they give the body some important reserves to enable a faster and fuller recovery.

In case you haven’t already discovered the healthy deliciousness of jerky or biltong, here’s why these meaty treats are a great snack choice for sportspeople.

A quick snapshot on how biltong and jerky are made

Jerky is made by heat drying strips of very lean meat (usually beef) which have been marinated in a variety of sauces and flavours.  This results in the end products having differing sugar and salt contents. 

Biltong on the other hand, is made from air drying cuts of meat (usually beef) flavoured with a much simpler mix of vinegar, spices and salt.  The cuts of meat used in making beef biltong can be either lean or fatty. 

Why jerky and biltong are great choices for athletes’ snacks

Although their origins and their production methods differ, both biltong and jerky are powerhouses of protein-packed tasty goodness.  If you’re keen to discover more about how the two snacks differ, you should read this article on the difference between biltong and jerky.

Here’s a snapshot of why these meaty treats have become such popular snacks for sport:

• High nutritional value
• Protein-rich and low in carbohydrates
• Packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, magnesium and zinc
• No artificial preservatives
• Easy to digest and won’t leave you feeling full or lethargic
• Lightweight and convenient (no mess, no fuss!)
• Can be eaten ‘on the run’
• Long shelf-life and no refrigeration required
• Natural creatine content
• Suitable for people with gluten intolerances

The health benefits of biltong and jerky for athletes

Whether you’re a professional or amateur athlete, you need to give your body the best chance of a strong performance.  And you need to give your body the best chance of a strong recovery.

The high protein content of jerky and biltong help support muscle growth and repair and the good news is that if you’re picky about calories and the ratios of protein to fat, there are plenty of different options to choose from.

Both jerky and biltong are protein-rich with a variety of other immune-busting and body-building nutrients including zinc and iron – plus there are no nasty artificial preservatives so you know you’re being good to your body.

And because these dried snacks are lightweight and so easy to throw in a sports bag, mess-free (no crumbs or sticky fingers) and don’t have any special storage requirements like an eski, fridge or airtight container, they’re fantastic for people on the move.  When eaten in the right proportions, beef biltong and jerky are perfect partners for sportspeople.  Check out our range of mouthwatering and healthy meaty treats at DJays Gourmet and order yours online today!