Michael Smith

The once sodium and MSG laden snack has been adopted by many a health food company to introduce a macro friendly, high protein and tasty on-the-go snack. Although it's easy to get in the habit of reaching for the item with the highest total protein value, take a second to consider the food's protein to carb/fat ratio. Take time to flip over the package and look for nutritional red flags such as MSG, cholesterol, saturated fat, nitrates, high sugar content, high sodium content and a high carb to fat ratio. At only 70 calories per serving and 0g of total fat, Field Trip Turkey Jerky is an awesome pick for anyone looking to get in a lean, non-beef protein snack.

Original Ingredients: 100% grass fed beef, water, unprocessed sea salt, organic dextrose from tapioca (used to initiate the fermentation process), celery juice, organic black pepper, organic red pepper, organic garlic powder, organic coriander, lactic acid starter culture from non-GMO beets, wrapped in a dye-free collagen casing. Summer Sausage Ingredients: 100% grass fed beef, water, unprocessed sea salt, organic dextrose from tapioca (used to initiate the fermentation process), celery juice, organic allspice, organic coriander, organic nutmeg, organic white pepper, organic black pepper, organic mustard seed, organic paprika, lactic acid starter culture from non-GMO beets, wrapped in a dye-free collagen casing. Jalapeño Ingredients: 100% grass fed beef, water, unprocessed sea salt, organic dextrose from tapioca (used to initiate the fermentation process), celery juice, organic jalapeño powder, organic chopped jalapeño, organic black pepper, organic red pepper, organic garlic powder, organic coriander, lactic acid starter culture from non-GMO beets, wrapped in a dye-free collagen casing. Garlic Summer Sausage Ingredients: 100% grass fed beef, water, unprocessed sea salt, organic dextrose from tapioca (used to initiate the fermentation process), celery juice, organic allspice, organic coriander, organic nutmeg, organic white pepper, organic black pepper, organic mustard seed, organic paprika, organic garlic powder, lactic acid starter culture from non-GMO beets, wrapped in a dye-free collagen casing.

- stay away from packaged meats with nitrates and MSG - buy meats that are preservative and additive free - check protein bar labels- - pick meats with less than 10% fat content Tips for buying healthy vegetables - vary your veggies- different colors can indicate different micronutrients - look for items that have been on the shelf for the shortest duration - try to buy seasonal vegetables and avoid items in cans - don't go overboard- sugar content in fruit adds up If you like the Merkel Fitness community and would like to help increase the power of our message through broadening our community, please consider sharing with your friends. is in no way promoting the purchase or use of any particular supplement and is in no way responsible for personal injuries or health outcomes resulting from the practice or consumption of anything mentioned in this article. *Merkel Fitness LLC is not responsible for any negative outcomes or health consequences that result from taking supplements mentioned on our website or social media outlets.

As you would expect from a Quest product, these protein chips can be described as high protein, low carb. As a comparison, the macronutrient profile of a bag of original Lay's potato chips is: 2g protein, 15g net carb, 10g fat. Despite lacking many of the bad qualities of a real potato chip, Quest protein chips also lack the good qualities of a well-rounded meal. In addition, if you choose to eat a bag of chips, even protein chips, as meal then you will likely not be satiated as long after.