Turkey: the other white meat.

Love it or hate it, we all grew up with it on our family’s Thanksgiving table. Whether you battled your siblings for the turkey breast or waited in quiet anticipation hoping Uncle Frank wouldn’t take all of the dark meat again this year… or you bucked tradition and went with a nice Easter – err Thanksgiving – ham… it’s safe to say you have some opinions about the other white meat.

And while the healthiness of the traditional Thanksgiving meal – or the traditional American diet, for that matter – is up for debate, there is one fact that is certain: quality turkey is a healthy snack all year long.

Healthy Turkey Jerky

Cooking a Thanksgiving bird every time you want a quick hit of turkey is simply not an option for 99.99% of the population. And turkey cold cuts from your childhood deli just don’t cut it anymore (pun intended).

So, what is a turkey-lover to do once all of the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone?

Answer: turkey jerky.

The perfect treat for when you’re on the go, turkey jerky is a healthy way to get your snack on. Don’t let those funny Snickers commercials fool you: when you’re feeling a little peckish, jerky is the way to go.

Turkey Jerky Health Benefits

Lean Protein

First and foremost, turkey jerky is a healthy source of lean protein. Whether you’re looking to slim down, bulk up or simply eat cleaner, turkey is one of the best proteins you can eat. With an upwards of 10 grams of protein per serving, turkey jerky is a great pre or post-gym snack – and it tastes just as good while running errands as the running trails.

As a lean protein, turkey jerky digests much slower than carbohydrates like chips or pasta. That means turkey jerky keeps you fuller longer without spiking your insulin levels and sending you on a rollercoaster ride of hunger for the rest of the day.

Low Sodium Jerky

Not all turkey jerky is low sodium, as many commercial manufactures load their jerky with salt and preservatives to cheaply enhance flavor and increase shelf life. That is why, if you’re looking for healthy turkey jerky, it’s important to find a quality, handmade jerky without all of the fillers and additives.

Low-Fat, Low-Calorie Turkey Jerky

While there is a little fat in all meats, turkey is by far one of the leanest meats you can eat. Low in saturated fat and with only four calories per gram – or about 100 calories per serving – turkey jerky is both low-fat and low-carb… just in case you were counting.

So, while turkey might not be your favorite thing on the dinner table this Thanksgiving (did anyone say stuffing and gravy?), turkey jerky is a healthy snack you can indulge in all year long!