High Protein Snacks

Yes, this registered dietitian is giving you full permission to enjoy processed meats and here’s why! First off, we really need to look at the term “processed”. 

“Processed” is literally just another term for “prepared”. Just as you would buy a pre-chopped bag of mixed greens (read “processed salad”), you can purchase a “processed meat” like beef jerky, seasoned and cooked pastrami or a cut and trimmed beef roast at the market. 

Whether preparation occurs at home or in a large scale manufacturing plant, the similar processes like cutting, chopping, seasoning and cooking are involved. 

From a nutrition standpoint, not only does processed beef provide a convenient source of protein (especially for busy people on the go), it’s also a great way to provide your body with important vitamins and minerals, like iron and zinc.

Everything in moderation has always been my mentality so if you’re a fan of meat, you can rest easy knowing enjoying your high protein snack box below will not derail your health! 

In fact, prepared meats have been a significant staple of global food cultures for centuries. According to studies evaluated by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, followers of the highly regarded Mediterranean diet eat twice as much red and processed meat than followers of USDA Food Patterns.

You may be asking yourself, how can I eat like a Mediterranean and still eat processed meats? It’s actually quite simple! Balance your plate (or box) with at least 50% of volumizing fruits and vegetables! These foods add fiber, antioxidants and other phytonutrients that embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle.

These High Protein Snacks below are excellent examples of incorporating the Mediterranean emphasis of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats with a little added protein from the processed meats (read prepared meats!) 

When purchasing processed meats, you can rest easy knowing that the options available to you at your local market have all been inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) before they are sold. 

Depending on the type of processing that is done to the beef (read cooking, seasoning, etc.), certain additives may be included in the ingredient list to increase the safety and shelf stability of the product. 

In the Shaw Kitchen, we purchase products (like the beef pastrami and beef jerky above) with natural nitrite sources, like celery powder. But, that doesn’t mean if you’re a fan of a product that uses a more traditional nitrite source you’re at risk of anything other than a safe, bacteria free product. Though many brands are now making their products using the natural alternatives, it’s totally up to you as the consumer in making the choice that is best for you. 

The government also regulates the use of nitrite to ensure it is used at the proper levels that have been scientifically shown to control harmful bacteria. Nitrite has been studied carefully by the National Institutes of Health and other government researchers and deemed safe at the levels used.