i just started the diet today, but i have a question about beef jerky. i love the stuff, but i am not talking about store bought chopped and formed beef jerky. i am talking about beef jerky that is spiced cured smoked (whatever) dried beef brisket. there is no added fillers etc., no chopped anything simply brisket cured and sliced whole. it is guaranteed made from solid beef brisket. can this be counted as a free food (beef) in the induction diet? dont want to stuck before i start! please help.

Ask if they put any sugar in it. If the answer is no, go for it. Just remember it is a concentrated product and be reasonable in amounts.

I love beef jerky for an emergency stash.

Hi there jedswife, welcome aboard. Is there any way you can find out the ingredients in the curing/ brining mixture? Very often sugar or dextrose is used to flavour and tenderize. It may not be very much, but it would be good to know -- 0.5g or 1.0g per piece can add up way too fast if you think it's a "free" food.

I make my own home-made jerky in a dehydrator .. but it still has carbs from the marinade ingredients, even without added sugar.

Doreen

Jerky varies widely...some things to watch:

1. Some jerkys use various sugars in curing...watch labels if possible...if you don't have access to nutritional info, you can't consider it a "free food"...it's still probably not *too* bad in moderation.

2. Look out for the nitrates...freshly made jerky usually doesn't have 'em, but manufactured/packaged beef almost always does for shelf life.

Making your own in a dehydrator or overnight in the oven lets you control the nutritional profile...so if you have the time and patience, thats the way to go.

In spite of all this, jerky is definitely a good portable snack food for LC...I travel on business a lot and always take a batch...it's a lifesaver when you get stuck in an airport!

Brian