Biltong is a healthy snack!

The Football World Cup has kicked off in South Africa and runs through to the 11th July. While a number of us dream of sitting in the stadiums across South Africa supporting our team hoping they make it through to the finals, our place in front of the TV is sure to be guaranteed. To all avid football supporters, a month watching the World Cup progress to the finals will mean a lot of sitting, potentially getting less exercise and more chance of wanting to snack on a few readily available foods. Snacking can result in weight gain, unless the correct foods are chosen to eat. Biltong, a type of air cured meat traditional to South Africa made by adding other ingredients like coriander, vinegar, sugar, garlic, onion, salt and pepper, offers a healthy and convenient snack.

Biltong is high in protein, low in fat and carbohydrates. There is no preparation time required in preparing this snack, other than going on line to order a supply or buying it from a known biltong (also know as Beef Jerky) retailer. Just rip open the packet and start eating.

Biltong is the latest in healthy alternatives to crisps, chocolates and biscuits. The air-cured dried meat fits in with the modern lifestyle of convenience, yet it is a healthy food for on the go. It is packed with protein and iron; all the concentrated goodness is trapped inside. Protein is known to give greater satiety (feeling of fullness) than fats and carbohydrates. Protein has a lower energy density than fat and contains a lower amount of calories than an equal weight of a higher fat snack.

Rather than reaching for the chocolate bar at half time, try snacking on biltong instead. Breakfast, lunch, tea or dinner, biltong makes a refreshing change to the typical options that are on the supermarket shelves. There are also no limits on how to enjoy this meat option. If you are having friends around to enjoy a few of the Football games with you, why not get adventurous with preparing some healthier snacks.

One idea is a Biltong and mushroom dip. This is an ideal recipe to make for a social gathering. The recipe requires: 2 spring onions, 250g button mushrooms, 30ml butter or cooking oil, 250ml mayonnaise, 125ml sour cream, 15ml lemon juice, 250ml grated biltong. To make, saute the spring onions and mushrooms in heated oil or butter. Place all ingredients except the grated dried meat, into a liquidiser and mix to a smooth, creamy texture. Add the grated biltong and mix well. Serve with whole grain bread, melba toast or carrot sticks.

visit www.bigjacksbiltong.com for more information or email at info@forsterorganicmeats.com