When it comes to snacking there is a lot to choose from and those supermarket aisles are filled with sugary and salty snacks that do not do you any flavours. Naturally, we all tend to go for taste first and then think about the consequences later. But our bodies deserve more. You deserve better. Believe it or not, there is one snack that checks all the boxes and is not only very tasty but is also highly nutritious. This snack is biltong and it's more than just a treat, it's a nutrient-dense powerhouse. Here, we tell you about the multitude of health benefits of biltong.
For the uninitiated, biltong is a cured meat snack made from premium, grass-fed beef. The biltong meat is cut into strips before being marinated in a blend of healthy spices and cider vinegar and then hung dry for 3-4 days in a temperature-controlled setting. This process produces a highly nourishing snack that keeps those hunger pangs away. Good biltong is made according to a 400-year-old recipe that calls for a base spice mix of salt, black pepper, coriander and apple cider vinegar to accompany your choice of red meat. These ingredients combine to give you both taste and alimentary benefits. Other natural spices can also be added to create a wide variety flavours - from fresh garlic, to peri peri peppers, to BBQ glazes or even chilli chutney (a British favourite). What is important to note is that you do not need a lot of extra ingredients to produce high-quality biltong. As a general rule, ingredients should complement both nutritional value and taste and not just prolong a product's shelf life. Good biltong can last up to 6 months in a sealed, air-tight packet/container. If the biltong you buy has a shelf life of 12-18 months then you should know that extra preservatives have been used to keep the product "safe" to eat over longer periods.
So what are the health benefits of biltong? This is a much-discussed topic but it really only boils down to a few key aspects.
Biltong made from good quality meat contains high levels of muscle-repairing protein. What's more striking is that biltong made from venison can contain more protein per 100g than beef. Regardless of what meat your biltong is made from, the protein it contains is a fundamental building block for your body and should be consumed daily (in any form - pulses, meat, fish, eggs, etc).
High protein foods not only aid in quicker muscle recovery but also tend to keep you fuller for longer. This means you end up snacking less. We all need protein in order to maintain optimal health levels but if you are someone who is on a keto diet or are working on your strength training, then biltong is the next best thing for you.
There's often a misguided aversion to carbohydrates these days. But what is important is that your body requires a balanced diet. Even so, biltong is naturally low in carbs simply due to the fact that the predominant ingredient is high quality meat.
While you can get both the lean and fatty variety of biltong, it all depends on the preparation the crafter uses when making their version. Generally, premium silverside, grass-fed beef is trimmed of nearly all its fat before being marinaded and sent to dry. For this reason, biltong is generally quite lean. If you follow a ketogenic diet you may prefer the "fattier" versions of biltong as you will need good fats to complement your protein intake. If you're a venison fan then you'll be happy to note that venison biltong contains much less saturated fat than other red meat.
Dried beef is an especially good source of essential nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and B-Vitamins. Additionally, it is particularly rich in iron. Biltong made from venison is similar in this regard and is a great alternative to beef biltong.
The process of building and repairing muscles requires amino acids. In particular, the amino acid known as "taurine" is incredibly important for cardiovascular health as well as for proper nervous system functioning. "Carnitine" is another amino acid that helps the body process fats as energy and also encourages the body to expend more energy. All this to say that, if you are strength conditioning then you will see greater benefits if you consume good quality biltong.
Those protein/peanut/chocolate-coated bars are definitely tasty but their refined sugar content is high enough to cause governments around the world to think about creating a sugar tax on junk food. Their packaging is designed to sway you into thinking that they are natural and good for you. This, sadly, is not true in most cases. Even when it comes to meat snacks there's a spectrum. You'll find that jerky is often cooked with added sugar to enhance the flavour. This can mask the taste low-quality meat and prolong its shelflife. Good biltong should not have any added sugar unless it comes from some of the spice mix. Even so, only 3.5kg of ingredients are used for 100kg of raw meat, meaning that the concentrations of sugar should be very low indeed.
Biltong was first created almost half a century ago to help keep settlers sustained over long periods of travel. As such, it was naturally designed to be a highly portable snack that you could tuck into whenever you felt the need for it. This portability also translates very nicely into versatility. You can have it in the office or soon after a workout to complement your shake. You can even add biltong to your salads, pizza, omelettes or savoury breakfast routine. If you’re hosting, pair it with wine, bread and cheese for a super charcuterie platter.
When it comes to snacking there's a lot available to you as a consumer but you owe it to yourself to try something that both tastes amazing and is nourishing. Give biltong a go!
]]>Although biltong can be made from a wide variety of different meats, you'll most commonly find it made from beef as it is easy to source and wholly nutritious. The best biltong is made using sirloin, silverside, or topside. You can use other cuts, but this often results in a chewier snack. This beef is then tenderised in spices that are rich in coriander, salt, pepper, and vinegar before being slowly dried for three days. These strings of beef are then sliced and ready to eat. The best biltong should be made without over-drying. Getting that right is both an art and a science.
Unlike traditional jerky, good quality biltong is made from pure, grass-fed beef that is cured in natural spices, salt, and vinegar and naturally air-dried for 3 days. This drying time allows biltong to retain the meat's core nutrients making it highly nutritional. Jerky, on the other hand, tends to be cooked by using cheaper and lower-quality cuts of meat. Jerky is also cooked with added sugar which can mask the flavor of lower quality meat.
This is an important one. While both jerky and biltong share beef as their main ingredient, the cuts used for each differ and the process by which they are made are poles apart. Biltong allows for more versatility, using a range of lean or fatty cuts depending on the desired texture, whereas jerky often uses cheaper cuts of beef which are then cooked.
While they are both made from various spices, good biltong uses apple cider vinegar, salt, and spices to cure and marinate the meat before it's hung up to dry. In contrast, jerky is marinated in spices, sugar, and sauces and is immediately cooked in ovens, often resulting in a saltier snack to heighten the taste of lower quality. What is important to note is that you will often find that jerky will have a lot more unhealthy preservatives and flavour enhancers. You do not want those nasties in your diet - keep it clean and eat biltong instead. Good biltong should last up to 6 months if left unopened and kept in a cool, dry place. Jerky, however, is generally cooked with a lot of added preservatives in order to extend the shelf life of the product.
Good quality biltong is made from pure, premium, grass-fed beef that has been cured and dried causing it to lose around 55% of its weight in the process. Crucially, none of the protein content is lost in the drying. So, while a lean steak typically contains 25g of protein for each 100g, biltong gives you a double-concentrated protein boost, when you need it and all in small, bite-sized slices. Protein aids both muscle recovery and the muscle-building process, so it’s a fantastic post-workout snack, without the chalky taste of those whey powder shakes. You can try to figure out which protein powder is the best in the market, but you're better off looking at biltong if you need both a snack or a protein powder substitute.
Building or repairing muscles also requires amino acids which are found plenty in biltong. The amino acid taurine is particularly important in cardiovascular function as it helps with the development and function of skeletal muscle and the nervous system. The amino acid carnitine helps the body process fats as energy and encourages the use of more energy. In simpler terms, this means that you will see greater improvements after consistent workouts.
Furthermore, biltong is a great source of B vitamins and B12, in particular, which is responsible for the production of red blood cells. It also helps keep the nervous system healthy. B12 also processes folic acid whilst helping to release energy from the food we eat. Lastly, you'll find that is also rich in Isoleucine, Leucine, and Valine which your body needs.
Dried beef is a great source of iron and zinc. Anyone who has experienced anemia will know the importance of iron in their diet. It's an essential mineral that helps nurture red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. Zinc assists in the production of enzymes which in turn help process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
So, all in all, it would be fair to say that biltong is a powerhouse of nutrients that are essential for good health and wellbeing. Adding just 100 grams to your post-workout routine, daily recipes or simply enjoying it as a snack can release immense benefits for your body.
If you’re following a paleo diet or weight loss plans such as the popular ketogenic diets, Whole 30, etc, biltong is a great, nutritional way to get you through the day, staying full for longer. Have biltong after a workout, as a salad topper, or as a part of your paleo breakfast routine. When those hunger pangs hit at 3 pm, and you're stuck in the office it'll be more beneficial to have a few slices of biltong than those sugary snacks.
Biltong is the perfect snack and more and more people are finding out about it. At m-eat! biltong we have thousands of subscribers all over the UK and have focussed on making the most nutritious and tastiest biltong around.
]]>It’s easy for us, as Biltong crazies, to say that we are certain of the properties and goodness of our M-EAT! A lot of research and development has gone into making your favourite meat snack what it is today – tasty, healthy and nutritious. We pride ourselves on the quality of our biltong and we’re here to tell you why you should buy our M-EAT!
Whilst our range of M-EAT! biltong snacks can be consumed at will, whether as a daytime snack or a post workout feed, it’s also rather useful to know what is being consumed. Much of what is available to us nowadays is full of additives and preservatives. Naturally, we were not happy with what the market had to offer so we took it upon us to do better and we love what we do.
Knowing how important ethically sourced and produced products are and their impact on social, economic and nutritional aspects has made our choices a lot easier.
Ethically Treated Animals
When it comes to sourcing ethically produced meat for our biltong, we don’t cut corners or compromise. Animal welfare is a key factor in the quality of the meat it produces and the farms that we work with have a vet on staff. We all know that you are what you eat, and this coupled with exercise healthy lifestyle will keep you more energetic and leaner. Junk foods and a lack of regular movement will cause you to feel slow, lethargic and frumpy. The same goes for our beef.
Farming is as old as the hills but the way in which meat has been produced has changed substantially since the industrialisation and mechanised methods of farming at large scales in the nineteenth century took a ginormous leap. Industrialised food took its toll on our environment and wildlife, not sparing our health either.
Our ethically sourced beef is raised and nurtured on farms of vast green lands where they graze on the grass beneath their hooves, rather than grain. Natural grass is high in key nutrients such as Omega-3s and B vitamins which are then found in the meat itself amongst other nutrients that contribute to good health.
Such farms, better known as organic or biodynamic farms are also prudent with their impact on the environment and are careful to minimise any adverse effects their methods may have. They do so by avoiding the use of oil-based chemicals which sit in the soils for a much longer period thus impacting the nutrients of the grass and therefore the meat. This also preserves the quality of the soil and that new shoots of fresh green grass are not congested with chemicals or undesirable substances.
Put simply, eating 100% grass-fed (or pasture fed), outdoor-reared, free range meat, is better for us, the animals and helps to support a more biodiverse, natural, ecology.
Ethically Sourced
We source British and get our meat directly from certified U.K. farms that produce beef that is fully traceable.
Farming in the U.K means that animals graze on plush green pastures that are produced by all the wonderful rain we have. Farming in harmony with nature also means meat is happier and healthier whilst being nourished on their natural diets.
It goes without saying that eating any meat involves the slaughter of animals. It’s one stage that is inevitable in the life cycle of animals that are farmed for human consumption. In the U.K., animal welfare is heavily monitored by organisations such as the RSPCA and The Food Standards Agency. These organisations, more specifically the FSA, employ vets in all abattoirs to ensure a minimum standard of animal welfare whereby animals must be kept calm in holding pens, moved through the system without excessive force and rendered unconscious before a swift slaughter. We wouldn’t want the beautiful beasts to suffer.
Changing the world
Average daily consumption of meat in the U.K per person amounts to 226g and remains a core element of the British diet. Last year alone, there was a rise in the consumption of beef specifically as it proved to be a favourite for delivery and take-aways during the pandemic, rising by +28%. No wonder more and more of the population want to know how their favourite meat is farmed.
Food ethics and sustainability are topics which are increasingly important to the British public, and rightly so. The demand for ethically sourced, produced and labelled products has had a snowball effect and Britain has become more invested in its fitness, health and overall nutrition over recent years. We’ve heard it recently all over the news – no more junk food ads on the T.V. before 9pm soon and there are constant incentives and ideas to eat well and get moving.
A study was carried out by Harper Adams Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Lee to show the role of responsible consumption of beef can play in delivering key nutrients which we need and are less available from plant proteins. It suggests that “beef can be part of a balanced diet – even though it may have a larger environmental footprint per unit of mass, it may still form part of a sustainable diet due to the key nutrients it provides.”
It’s been proven that protein content and the general nutritional value in biltong is far superior to that of many other supposed healthy snacks and the direct health impacts are more recognizable.
At M-EAT!, if you don’t know it already, we’re all about promoting health, fitness and of course, good nutrition. We’re passionate about bringing you a quality product that contributes to a healthier way of life and that is enjoyable too. 50 per cent of our M-EAT! biltong is protein. It’s low in carbs and fat too. We only add a bit of flavour with all natural ingredients to bring you some variety and these are prepared in the same way they always have been – with the 400 year old South African technique that preserves all the goodness of the meat.
So there you have it - our reasons for choosing us as your favourite supplier of a wholesome, yummy and ethical biltong snack. We do our best to make sure we’re in line with regulations throughout our processes so that we can bring you the best of the best – no faff, no additives, just great tasting M-EAT! biltong.
Biltong Fried Rice
Ingredients:
60g M-EAT! Garlic Biltong
130g chilled rice, (day-old is best)
20g curry Paste
35g butter
1/2 lime
20g grapeseed or vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Thai fried onion
Method:
In a large skillet over med-high heat fry the garlic until golden, remove with a slotted spoon. Add the biltong and fry until crispy, about 2 minutes. Stir in curry paste and cook for 1 more minute.
Stir in rice and spread into an even layer, pressing down on rice with a spatula to get good contact with the pan. Let the rice crisp for about 4-5 minutes, don't stir or you will lose crunch!
Add a knob of butter and stir, the butter will help crisp the rice and gives a nice nuttiness. Crisp rice a couple more minutes until brown and toasted.
Add the garlic back in, pack into a bowl and turn out on a plate (put the plate on top of filled bowl and flip). Serve with plenty of fresh lime and crispy shallots on top.
Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure crispy rice.
Sweet Potato, leek and biltong soup
Ingredients:
50 g butter
100 g finely sliced biltong
6 leeks, thinly sliced
1/2 t freshly ground coriander seeds
1 ml nutmeg
3 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1 medium potato, peeled and cut into cubes (replace with another sweet potato, if you are banting – also try our keto recipes)
25 L cold* vegetable stock
+- 125 ml cream
Salt and pepper to taste (easy on the salt)
Biltong shavings for garnish
Method
In a large pot, heat the butter until it bubbles. Add 1/2 the biltong, the leeks and spices and sauté until fragrant.
Add the cubed sweet potatoes/potatoes and sauté for a minute, then add the cold stock.
Cover and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer gently for 35 -40 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
Place in blender with the cream and remaining biltong and blitz until smooth. Add more cream or stock for a thinner consistency.
Season to taste.
Serve hot with crumbled blue cheese and crusty bread. Garnish with some biltong shavings
* Although cold stock takes longer to get to the boil, it draws out the flavour from the ingredients(biltong, leeks etc.) into the liquid(stock) making a more flavoursome soup.
Biltong Tart
Ingredients
90g multi-seed crackers/ Ryvita biscuits, finely crushed
100g grated cheddar cheese
60g melted butter
2 sliced leeks
300g spinach
6 eggs
Splash of Milk
100g finely sliced biltong of choice
1Tbsp olive oil
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180 deg and grease a tart tin.
2. Mix the crackers, melted butter and half of the cheese and press into the tart tin.
3. Add the olive oil to a saucepan and fry the leeks until softened. Add the spinach and heat until wilted.
4. Whisk the eggs with a splash of milk and stir into the veg.
5. Stir in the biltong and season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour the mixture into the tart tin and cook for 40mins until the mixture has set and the top is just starting to brown.
7. Serve warm or cold with a green salad.
Crostini with Biltong, Camembert and Caramelised onions
Ingredients
The quantities aren’t specific, add as much or as little of everything as you please.
1 Baguette, sliced into 1.5cm slices
1 Camembert, thinly sliced
A few handfuls of biltong
2 onions, thinly sliced and caramelized
Method
Preheat the grill of the oven.
Drizzle the slices of baguette with some olive oil and place under the grill to toast slightly on each side.
Remove from the oven and top with a few slices of camembert. Place back under the grill for the Camembert to melt slightly, remove from the oven and top with a few pieces of biltong and some of the caramelised onions.
Serve immediately. A cheeky beer goes really well with this but we didn’t tell you to do it!
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Even today, 70% of men say they would rather cut their life expectancy than ditch meat. Data commissioned by No Meat May shows that 1 in 10 British men would rather go to jail than stop eating meat. It’s a “real men eat meat” attitude. However, physiological research indicates that it is actually a subconscious decision and is more a status symbol.
Dr Natalina Zlatevska of the University of Technology, Sydney issued a statement after conducting research saying “There is a symbolic association between eating meat and strength, power and masculinity.” She continues, "It is traditionally a high-status food, brought out for guests or as the centrepiece of festive occasions, so we wanted to better understand this link to status.”
Immediately, we think of the popular Sunday roast or Christmas dinner which would be traditionally celebrated with a rare purchase of good meat just for the occasion.
This is all well, however times have changed tremendously, and meat is ever more accessible. It’s no longer unattainable or overpriced, nor consumed only occasionally. Meat or protein has become a staple element in the majority of meals and with growing awareness for our well-being and of our regular diet, the health benefits of consuming meat as part of a healthy one are more and more appreciated.
Meat carries nine essential amino acids that are crucial to rebuilding the cells in your body. It’s high protein content and levels of vitamin B12 not only provide much needed energy to the body and immunity support but also help build lean muscle. Meat eaters may also notice a reduced appetite and increased metabolism which is ideal for weight loss programmes and general health. As well as this, it promotes fullness, keeping you fuller for longer.
Our bones benefit massively from meat consumption as animal protein may help improve bone density and strength. A study carried out by the National Institutes of Health showed that older women with the highest intake of animal protein had a 69% decreased risk of hip fractures.
Did you know that our colourful packets of M-EAT! biltong contain on average 54g of protein per 100g ? Or that the nutrients found in premium beef meat is the same as in our M-EAT!, if not better? We’re big on health and promoting the health benefits of biltong because it’s so good overall, but don’t just take our word for it.
]]>Most mass meat production facilities do not put animal welfare first and really only produce meat for the sake of producing food. You should not be consuming from these sources.
Sickly and stressed animals, as often found in mass production farms, can be expected to be highly gorged with antibiotics and other drugs to keep them “healthy” however consuming large quantities of meat regularly with antibiotics can be very unhealthy. When it comes to healthy biltong, M-EAT! sources directly from 4 farms that produce the best quality meat. These farms put animal welfare first and even have vets on staff. We wouldn’t have it any other way and you’ll be happy to know that all our beef comes from fully traceable prime cattle from certified UK farms.
M-EAT! uses premium GRASS-FED beef. What does this mean? It means our meat animals are free to roam and feed as they please. It means they are not consuming food that is processed or grass that is covered with pesticides.
To add to that, grass-fed meat contains fewer calories which is a huge benefit when trying to control your overall calorie consumption. It contains more healthy fats such as omega-3 which helps in the prevention of heart attack, stroke, depression but also promotes focus. If you’re following the keto diet, and have had the keto flu then you’ll know a thing or two about low electrolytes and how grass-fed meats are the perfect source of the three essential electrolytes (potassium, magnesium and sodium) you need to replenish.
Biltong beef should come from good quality meat with the following characteristics:
The first and most basic observation that can be made when buying meat is to check the colour. There should be no discolouration in the pink colour of the meat. Green-ness at the joints or any blotches are a sign that the meat has not been handled properly. Dark brown or purple tones means that the animal was old or the meat is spoiling.
Look for the Food Safety Standards label. It’s the best way of knowing if the meat has passed the criteria which ensures that it is safe for consumption.
Check firmness and smell. These are two of the best tell-tale signs of meat that is not fresh as well as checking the colour. Poke it and prod it. If it doesn’t bounce back to its original form, then be cautious of its consumption. Firmness is a sign of freshness.
Finally, if it smells bad then it’s likely that it’s not fresh. There are no two ways about it.
]]>Our best seller yet and winner of the Great Taste Award 2017, The Original is nothing but pure beef. Dried and cured with a pinch of salt, pepper, a dash of vinegar and some coriander to enhance the taste, this flavour uses the same 400 year old preparation method initially adopted in the southern regions of Africa. A recipe so good and so simple that we’ve not changed it one bit.
Fancy some sausage with that? Another Great Taste Award Winner 2017, our Original Drywors Cured Beef Sausage will tickle everyone’s fancy. It’s meaty, it’s beefy and is still a great source of protein with over 55% worth or nearly 53 grams per 100 grams consumed. This flavour is seasoned lightly with salt, black pepper and some coriander but it’s 90% beef so grab yourself a bag and let us know what you make of it.
A tasty and healthy treat without the bad breath. Garlic is known to have several health benefits such as helping to lower blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels and aiding in the combat against the common cold or flu. It’s also highly nutritious but with very few calories so we thought we’d add it to our M-EAT! snacks as we’re all about promoting the health benefits of biltong.
Sugar and spice, and all things nice in a bag of Chilli Chutney Biltong. Mmm ! This flavour has won us a double Great Taste Award in 2014 and 2020. No wonder it’s a customer favourite. The tender beef cuts are marinated and slow dried for over 3 days, so the flavours really sink deep into the meat, removing all saturated fats in the process.
Perhaps it’s the slight tingle of the sweat or the gentle chilli rush that doesn’t set your mouth on fire that makes our Peri-Peri flavoured biltong yet another popular choice amongst our loyal customers. Neither too spicy nor too mild, it packs a punch full of magnificently marinated M-EAT! flavour whilst still providing you with those all-important nutrients that contribute to a diet and healthy lifestyle.
BAR-BE-QUE! Yes, we did it. Our BBQ biltong is one of our most recent flavours and a strong contender for, you guessed it, another Great Taste Award. This wonderfully smokey taste is achieved by adding a mix of barbeque spices to the marinade, including mustard, celery and sesame, and leaving it to go through the same traditional process of curing as all our other M-EAT! flavours.
This, friends, is our limited edition biltong using premium wild venison. Marinated and cured with the same process and attention as our beef biltong, our venison edition is a complete source of protein but has more muscle-building power than any other red meat. Whilst the health benefits of venison and beef have some similarities, it can be argued that venison biltong is even better for you.
Why not explore our range of deliciously marinated and cured healthy M-EAT! snacks and pick up a box now.
]]>Fitness fanatics and salty-snack lusters alike all have their reasons for loving biltong, and we find it to be a hot topic amongst nutritionists, dieticians, food critics. There are even recipe books dedicated to biltong! But, what makes it so special? Why is everyone on the internet talking about Biltong?
The nutritional benefits of biltong are no secret.
It’s naturally high levels of protein make it a tough competitor when choosing between biltong and a protein bar or protein shake. That’s a lot of protein. Let’s take a minute to compare these. We’ll use our smallest pack size of 35 grams Original Biltong to keep it equal.
So, whey protein is essentially the protein contained in the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese. Milk actually contains two main types of protein: casein (80%) and whey (20%). The average scoop of regular whey protein powder which can be purchased in high street health shops or online delivers between 20 to 25 grams of protein. That’s already a significant amount however for 100 grams of Premium Beef biltong, you’re looking at receiving 61.2 grams. We know realistically, you won’t consume that in one sitting regardless of how much you might like it but that’s at least 21 grams per 35 gram pack. If that’s not an eye-opener, we don’t know what is.
We’d rather not have to tell you either that the consumption of whey protein may cause side effects and digestive issues. Though fast absorbing, some people may experience bloating, gas, stomach cramps and diarrhoea often related to lactose intolerance but not just. Biltong removes that anguish as it’s completely gluten free, therefore curbing bloating and digestive discomfort whilst still bringing you high levels of nutrient goodness.
To compare with protein bars which are the easier, more practical alternative to a shake, most bars contain whey, soy or pea protein as their protein source. We’ve touched on whey above and similarly; soy and pea protein can also have detrimental effects to our bodies. Whilst pea protein isn’t absorbed particularly well or fast by the body, soy is sometimes genetically modified (GMO) and can negatively affect the thyroid and production of hormones.
Those aside, you may be surprised to know that the problem isn’t in the choice of protein that goes into these bars but more so everything else.
Yes, some bars can contain 30 grams or more of protein however add that to the artificial thickeners, fillers (we don’t mean botox), sweeteners or sugar alcohols and you’ve got a concoction for disguised candy bars dressed up as a healthy snack!
The genuinely healthier options usually contain dried fruits, more often than not, dates. Although highly nutritious and dense in fibres, they are still highly calorific with a sugar content of over 40 percent therefore pushing your controlled sugar levels through the roof. If you’re trying to ditch sugar, snacking on protein bars won’t help you with your goals much.
It could be argued that we, as ardent M-EAT! lovers, are biased and maybe we are a tiny bit. Looking at the facts and considering how health representatives talk about biltong, we can’t help but share what’s good about biltong. We’re convinced that biltong is the new replacement for protein bars and shakes. Aren’t you?
]]>As an example, there’s no question about it that fast foods aren’t exactly great when consumed in high quantities or regularly (or even at all!). At the other end of the spectrum, you would expect that consuming just salads all day, everyday would be considered super healthy. There are many misconceptions when it comes to food and biltong is no exception.
Whilst it is undoubtedly a delicious snack, some of you may be asking “What does biltong do to your body?”
Let’s dive deep into the nitty-gritty and get this answered.
First thing’s first, M-EAT! only uses premium beef and wild venison. With both being so naturally high in protein value, consuming 25 grams of lean biltong can amount to half of your recommended daily protein requirement. What does this mean? Essentially, it means that you are restoring your supply of amino acids through good protein which in turn helps to maintain muscle mass or build them depending on your personal goals.
Conjointly, as a great source of vitamin B12 which helps to make red blood cells, you can be sure that all that goodness is being carried around your body where it’s needed. A direct consequence is maintained and healthy nerve tissue, cell replication and good function of the brain. Externally, the results are apparent in the quality and strength of hair and nails as well as better and more radiant looking skin.
Biltong’s naturally low levels of fat and carbohydrates make it an excellent additive to all meals without too much damage to the calorie count. Averaging 4 grams of fat and 0.9 grams of carbs per 100 grams, M-EAT! biltong can contribute to weight-loss programmes and is also gluten free. Whether you’re on the keto diet or just running out of ideas in the kitchen, biltong can be added to your meals effortlessly.
If you suffer with fatigue and an increased heart rate, you may be surprised to know that these are typical symptoms of iron deficiency. The World health Organization published statistics (Source: WHO) showing that approximately 25% of the world’s population suffered with anaemia and dieticians have been known to recommend the intake of foods such as biltong to increase levels in their clients.
It keeps colds at bay! We know how season changes and inconsistent British weather brings about those nasty colds and flus. Biltong provides significant levels of zinc – a property that is essential in boosting the immune system. The recommended daily allowance of Zinc for humans is 15mg and you can receive part of that from consuming biltong.
One final fact for fitness addicts – biltong contains creatine. Creatine is a popular sports supplement that many athletes use to encourage the body to produce and to use more energy. It’s reported to assist with building muscle, increasing strength and to help muscles to recover more quickly after exercise. Combined with all the above properties, what’s not to love about biltong?
In a nutshell, it really is one of the better snacks to enjoy.
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When it comes to healthy snacking, you might often hear that there is no such thing. The general consensus is that snacking is the biggest dietary no-no and you should stick to the intake of proportionately balanced meals, 3 times a day. This understanding has changed significantly over the years with nutritionists and dietician’s revisiting the misconception and introducing snacks that are healthy and supportive to the dietary goal.
With that said, it’s often difficult to ascertain which healthy snacks are accessible for our consumption and which one’s provide substantial nutritional value over others. When it comes to healthy snacking, biltong is good for you and the health benefits are numerous.
Let’s start with the bit that everyone wants to know about – Protein! Protein is a fundamental element to any diet whether you’re losing weight or gaining mass. It helps with restoring muscles after a workout or injury but also in growing the muscle. Biltong is a natural source of good protein which, when consumed, also helps you feel fuller for longer thus curbing your hunger and preventing you from snacking unnecessarily further. Clever, right!
Protein also aids in regulating hormones within our complex bodies and enabling communication between organs, cells and systems.
If you do however fancy something to pick at, rather than reach for potato crisps or a bar of your favourite chocolate, do yourself a serious favour and opt instead for a bag of biltong With only 87 calories per 35g pack or 187 calories per 75g pack, we guarantee there’s not much to feel guilty about.
A highly overlooked health benefit of biltong is how low in fat it is and the fact that it’s also naturally gluten-free. Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of sensitivity to gluten. Those who are gluten intolerant will be happy to know that biltong can be consumed without too much risk of suffering those all too embarrassing bodily indiscretions. Moving on…
With on average 4% fat per 100g, it’s definitely an ideal weight-reducing diet choice. Some of the most effective diets require the intake of moderate to high levels of protein and little to no carbohydrates, so biltong is your all-rounder.
When working out or dieting, it’s essential to understand your body’s nutritional requirements at different points in time. In the early stages, you’re likely to be consuming more as you ease your way to a calorie deficit when trying to lose weight and conversely, you would build to a high caloric intake if you’re on the bulk route. Either way, you’ll need good levels of vitamins and minerals to keep your blood pumping nutrients to the different areas of your body which will ensure the healthy functioning of organs and systems. Vitamin B12 and Iron do just that. Not only are they essential for healthy blood but also the nervous system and cell reproduction.
As with most consumables, it’s important to keep the right balance. Generally, too much of anything isn’t that great for you but when consumed alongside a healthy lifestyle, it can literally change your life. Our M-EAT! biltong is high in protein and low in carbs, making it a popular option for muscle-builders and health enthusiasts. With its combination of vitamins and minerals, not to mention the practicality of our packet sizes, you’ve already got what you need to be healthy and fit.
]]>The UK is home to 6 species of wild deer and is the finest wild, sustainable meat our British landscape has to offer. Their wild nature means that they are pasture-fed and produce some of the leanest meat around. Beef biltong is obviously a very healthy, keto-friendly snack but venison biltong can be even better for you.
Traditionally, great biltong is made from the silverside cut of pure, grass fed beef and cured using salt, vinegar and other spices. These cured strips of meat are then air-dried for three to five days to produce a succulent, very healthy and high protein snack. Wild venison biltong is made the exact same way but, as the meat is leaner, drying times are usually shorter. Venison biltong is slightly more earthy in taste than regular beef biltong but is packed with similar levels of protein and health benefits.
Venison, like beef, is a complete source of protein but has more of this muscle-building nutrient than any other red meat. This means that it will not only satiate you for longer but also dampen those hunger cravings easily. It also contains higher concentrations of iron than beef, which is particularly important for preventing anemia and keeping energy levels elevated. Venison protein is a "complete protein" because it contains all the essential amino acids our bodies are unable to make on their own.
Protein goes beyond muscle building and repair. It is also crucial for things like supporting your immune system, supporting hormonal production, and for building important enzymes.
These B-vitamins are very important for energy production and can influence everything from our hair to our digestion. With venison biltong you get:
As you can imagine, wild deer tend to be naturally pasture-fed as they graze on grasslands. This means that venison is not only leaner, but also contains high levels of conjugated linoleic acid. This is known to guard against heart disease and cancer.
If you're determined to get your lean, healthy protein fix and prefer not to eat beef, then *venison biltong* is the perfect substitute. Venison is not only a complete protein source but it's also leaner, contains more iron and still tastes amazing.
We all need to hold ourselves to a higher standard when it comes to what we put into our bodies. The health benefits of venison biltong make it a truly great snack.
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Our biltong boasts a whopping 54g of protein per pack and can be added to any recipe. Combined with healthy fats and a healthy lifestyle, you’re well on your way to a healthier you. We’ve got a few recipes to help get you started. All the biltong you need is made using the best biltong recipe ever (we've got multiple Great Taste Awards to prove it)
The perfect movie night dish – these Biltong Jalapeno Poppers will leave you salivating for days and the best part is, they’re low-carb and protein packed, just how we like it.
· 230g ground turkey
· 1 clove garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons chopped onion
· 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
· 1/2 tsp garlic powder
· 1/2 tsp cumin powder
· 1/4 tsp kosher salt
· 1 tbsp organic tomato paste
· 2 tbsp water
· 8 jalapeno peppers: halved, seeded & membranes removed
· 170g organic cream cheese
· 1 large spring onion, green part only, sliced
· 15g organic shredded mature cheddar cheese
· Your favourite M-EAT! Biltong, diced for garnish
· 1/2 cup organic shredded mature cheddar cheese
· Spring onion and coriander, finely chopped
· 1/2 cup salsa fresco
· 2 tbsp sliced black olives
Preheat oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with foil. Cook onion, coriander and garlic in a pan until soft. Add ground turkey, salt, garlic powder, and cumin and simmer until cooked through. Mix in tomato paste and water. Combine cream cheese, cheddar and spring onion in a bowl, then spoon 1 tsp of filling into the peppers. Arrange peppers in a single layer, cut side up. Bake until soft, about 12-15 minutes. Top with meat and cheese and bake 3 minutes until melted. Top with Biltong, salsa fresco, olives and drizzle with sour cream. Garnish with coriander and spring onion, serve immediately.
Super quick and easy to make, this yummy protein and fat-packed snack is great when entertaining guests… or just when you’re hangry!
· 4–6 eggs
· 1 avocado
· ¼ teaspoon sea salt
· ¼ teaspoon pepper
· ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
· ¼ teaspoon chilli powder
· ¼ teaspoon cumin
· ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
· 2 tablespoons coriander, diced
· ½ bag of your M-EAT! Biltong, diced
Hard boil eggs and chill in an ice bath for 5 minutes. Remove eggs’ shell and slice in half lengthwise, removing the yolk. Add the yolk, the avocado, and spices to a bowl, mixing together until well combined. Spoon the mixture into the egg halves. Drizzle with lime juice and top with coriander and diced Biltong.
Simple and no fuss. This recipe is ready in a jiffy – perfect for those who tend to lay in after snoozing the alarm 5 times.
· 2 tablespoons butter
· 3 large eggs whisked
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
· 1/2 cup sliced biltong
· 3 tablespoons cream cheese
· Chives to garnish
· Buttered onions to serve
Heat the butter in a non-stick frying pan, and add the eggs, leave it to bubble. Turn it over, season, and allow to cook through. Remove from the pan to a plate, add the cheddar cheese, biltong and cream cheese to one side. Garnish with chives and serve with buttered onions.
A bowl full of summer freshness and oozing with flavour. You can’t go wrong with this one.
· 280g Romaine lettuce, chopped into pieces
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
· 140g (1¼ cups) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced in small pieces
· 85g your favourite M-EAT! biltong
· 85g parma Ham
· 140g canned artichokes in water, drained and quartered
· 85g canned roasted red peppers, drained
· 30g (4 tbsp) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, strained and chopped
· 30g (31⁄3 tbsp) olives, whole and pitted, or sliced
· 1⁄3 cup (15g) fresh basil
· 1 red chilli pepper, finely chopped
· ½ tbsp sea salt
· 4 tbsp olive oil
Chop or tear the lettuce into smaller pieces. Distribute it on plates or a large platter. Add the parsley. Layer the antipasto ingredients on top. In a mortar or small bowl, add basil, finely chopped chilli, and salt. Crush with a wooden spoon or use the mortar and pestle. Sprinkle over salad and drizzle with olive oil.
This salad with a slight French twist packs a right punch. Enjoy whilst sitting in the sun and taking in some rays.
· 450g green asparagus, ends trimmed
· 85g your favourite biltong
· 4 large, hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
· 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
· 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
· 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
· 1 tbsp sesame oil
· 1 garlic clove, minced
· 1 pinch sea salt
· 1 pinch red chilli flakes
Cut the trimmed asparagus into 1 to 2" (3-5 cm) segments. Bring a large salted pot of water to a boil. Once the water has come to a rolling boil, drop the asparagus in and boil for 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the asparagus from the boiling water and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and lock in the colour. In a small mixing bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, mustard, sesame oil, garlic, salt, and pepper flakes. Whisk to combine. Plate the asparagus in a large serving dish. Sprinkle the biltong over top and arrange the hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve any remaining vinaigrette on the side.
Let us know if you tried any of these recipes by tagging us on social media!
]]>We previously shared some home workouts that are available on the web and through subscriptions, but we thought we’d share our own exercises to do in the comfort of your own home.
A well-planned 10 minute workout is generally all you need to get started, get your blood pumping and your heart racing. An effective workout will incorporate exercises and movements that target your entire body and if done with the right level of intensity, you’ll burn fat, build muscle and increase endurance. Be sure to warm up by stretching your muscles and at the joints before tackling our no-fuss workout below and remember to sip water throughout.
1. Begin in a pushup position, planting your hands and toes firmly on the ground.
2. Keeping your core tight and chin tucked slightly, ensure your there is no strain on your back.
3. Engage the glute muscles so the hips don’t sag and hold for 30 seconds.
4. Repeat another 2-3 times, increasing the hold time if comfortable.
1. Lying on one side, stack the top leg and foot atop the other. Placing the bottom forearm on the ground with your elbow directly in line with your shoulder, gently lift yourself up, raising your top arm above you.
2. Tighten your core, lifting your hips and knees off the ground to form a straight line with your body and hold for a few seconds.
3. Gently lower your hips and knees to the ground again, keeping the core fully engaged.
4. Repeat for 10 reps, 3 sets, then switch sides.
1. Similar to the starting plank position, hold your core tight, shoulders should be relaxed and pushed back with no strain on the neck.
2. Bending your elbows and keeping them close to your body, lower yourself to the floor, just brushing the surface.
3. Gently push yourself back up by extending the elbows, returning to your start position.
4. Repeat 3 sets of 5 to begin with and increase this as you feel more comfortable.
1. Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, holding your arms out in front of you
2. Keeping the back straight, gently lower yourself into a seat position, ensuring your knees do not bow inward or outward and they do not pass the front of your feet.
3. Hold for a second and ease yourself back into a standing position, still with the core fully engaged.
4. Complete 3 sets of 20
1. Lying on the floor, arms by your sides, bend your knees upwards and bring your feet in
2. As you push through your heels, raise your hips whilst tightening your core, glutes and hamstrings. The upper part of your body should remain in contact with the ground and form a line with your knees.
3. Hold for 1-2 seconds before returning to your starting position
4. Repeat 3 sets of 10 reps
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms by your sides.
2. Bring your hands comfortably in front of you and begin to lower your body to a squat position. Once squatted, place your hands on the ground and push your legs out behind you into a plank position.
3. Frog-jump the feet forward again, getting them as close as you can to your hands then jump up, raising your hands above your head.
4. Repeat for 10 reps, 3 sets
You know you’ve had a good workout when you’ve worked up a sweat and can feel your heart pounding. Keep sipping water to rehydrate your body and snack on a pack of M-EAT! to fill those exhausted muscles with good protein and build muscle mass
]]>A superfood, by definition, is “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being”. Whilst there is no scientific or regulated definition of the term, superfoods generally hold higher levels of nutritional value. They can be associated with the prevention of certain diseases and infection as well as offer several health benefits outside the existing nutrients. Foods that are rich in compounds, such as antioxidants, fiber or fatty acids are considered to be beneficial to a person’s health. For those of us looking to improve our overall health, superfoods can be very appealing. The convenience of being so dense in good nutritional value means that most superfoods are perfect for the busy lifestyles we lead today. This is why biltong is a superfood.
Biltong, as a naturally high-protein, low-calorie snack offers all the above and more.
Health coaches, Max Bridger & Jase Stuart and Nutritionist Ed Tooley all recommend biltong as part of a balanced health regimen. They go as far as to call it "An amazing snack packed with protein that tastes delicious".
Reducing your overall intake of saturated fat will help to reduce the risk heart related diseases and health complications. Meat that is properly sourced and cut from the leaner parts is a much healthier option. This is why biltong is such a great option.
During the drying process biltong loses as much as 50% of its water content. The reason this is noteworthy is that each 100 grams of finished biltong contains the equivalent protein of 200g of steak. Our packs of M-EAT! are filled with 54 grams of protein per 100 grams serving which is perfect for muscle maintenance, repair and growth. Health experts even suggest that biltong is healthier than those supermarket protein bars which contain too much sugar or sugar substitutes.
Our bodies require a balanced intake of essential micronutrients for its proper functioning however these requirements change throughout the year and the seasons. The consumption of whole foods, leafy greens, and fruit is vital to maintaining a healthy digestive system also. Biltong provides you with significant levels of Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, taurine, carnitine, creatine and much more.
One serving can help boost your metabolism by up to 30%. Biltong gives you a daily dose of protein that can help boost your energy levels. Furthermore, you can rest easy that you are consuming something that is fundamentally good for you. Combined with healthy eating habits, it’s no wonder that biltong is the new superfood.
So, there you have it - all the reasons why M-EAT! biltong is the perfect addition to any pantry or snack cupboard. Whether you want to upgrade your snacking game or just need real protein after your gym session M-EAT! biltong is the superfood you need.
]]>High protein snacks are becoming increasingly popular as we have become more health conscious. We no longer pack bags of carbohydrate-laden crisps or sugar-saturated sweets for road trips. No more soggy cheese and tomato sandwiches. Parents are looking for healthier options for their kids. Dieters are seeking variety and versatility of nutritional foods to keep food fun. Here are 10 health benefits of biltong you need to know now!
Why biltong is so healthy for you:
1. It’s low in fat
Did you know that unlike other dried meats, Biltong is very low in fat with a mere 3% in a 25 gram serving? Per 100grams, that means as little as 4grams of fat and 253 calories in Biltong.
2. It’s Protein packed
Any fitness freak or nutritional geek will tell you protein is key to help grow and maintain muscle mass. One serving of Biltong provides 50% of your daily protein nutritional requirement.
3. The perfect post workout snack
After a tough training session, the body needs to replenish the nutrients it burned as an energy source during your workout. Being so high in natural protein, biltong is the ideal post workout snack.
4. High in essential Vitamin B12
Biltong is a natural source of Vitamin B12 which means that consuming it contributes to the production of red blood cells. This helps to keep your nervous system healthy and responsive. It also helps release energy from other consumed nutrients.
5. High in minerals
Combined with Vitamin B12, Iron encourages healthy red blood cells which are essential to carrying oxygen around the body. This is particularly important for muscle growth and ensuring their recovery after a tough gym session. Zinc is another mineral found in Biltong which produces enzymes to help the body process carbs, fats and proteins.
6. Fully of Amino Acids
Taurine, Carnitine, Creatine. Words which will speak to fitness fans everywhere. Combined, these amino acids contribute to the development and function of your skeletal muscle and your nervous system. They encourage your body to use more energy and effectively, pumping nutrients to the areas of your body that need them the most.
7. It’s healthier than jerky
Did you know that our method of slow drying helps retain the meat’s core nutrients? There’s no missing out on the good stuff here. Drenched in vinegar, then rubbed with salt, pepper, coriander and other spices prevents the meat from turning chewy.
8. Take biltong anywhere
As a dried meat, Biltong is naturally well preserved. Light and easy to carry, you can literally take it anywhere without the worry of it spoiling in the bottom of your bag.
9. A complimentary ingredient
Biltong is a perfect, tasty snack on its own but it is also a fantastic ingredient to add to other dishes. Add M-EAT! to your salads, pizza, omelettes, bruschetta, avocado toast or cornbread muffins. If you’re hosting, pair it with wine, bread and cheese for a super charcuterie platter.
10. Great for your kids
For the parents out there, this is the one! Pack some M-EAT! in to your children's lunchboxes. The unique meat flavour of Biltong and its firm texture appeals to most children. Is biltong healthy for children? Yes! Since it’s just good beef, it’s healthy and safe for children to consume, especially those who burn more energy than others.
]]>Ingredients:
● 100g M-EAT!
● 1 whole Romaine lettuce
● 10 cherry tomatoes
● 15 whole Olives
● 1 block Feta cheese
● 1 large Avocado
Method:
Wash all the dry ingredients. Slice the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes and cube your avocado. Mix them well together and add M-EAT!. Crumble feta cheese over the salad. Serve in individual portions with a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients:
● One cucumber of any size, sliced.
● 100 grams M-EAT!
● Four vine-ripened tomatoes, wedged.
● One green pepper, seeded and sliced.
● One red onion, sliced.
● A handful of olives
● 100 grams feta cheese, cubed
Method:
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Set aside. Create a dressing with a quarter of a cup of olive oil, two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, minced garlic, some salt to taste and 2 teaspoons of oregano. Pour over the salad, mix well and serve.
Ingredients:
● 100 grams Mozzarella cheese
● One large salad tomato
● Olive oil to taste
● Handful Basil leaves
● 100 grams M-EAT!
Method:
Slice mozzarella and tomatoes and layer one on top of the other. Add a whole basil leaf to the top. Pour olive oil into the salad. Add fresh black pepper and spinkle the M-EAT! over the salad.
Ingredients:
● Sliced grapefruit
● A handful of watercress
● Two tablespoons of avocado oil
● 100 grams M-EAT!
● 50 grams of goats cheese
● Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Mix all ingredients together apart from avocado oil. Once mixed, pour over the oil and mix together well. Serve and enjoy!
Ingredients:
● 100grams M-EAT!
● Half a pack of mixed green leaves
● 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
● Handful of blueberries
● Handful of dried cranberries
Method:
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Then dress the salad with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and juice of one lemon. Serve immediately.
]]>Biltong is particularly useful in this instance as it requires little or no effort in this endeavour. It is naturally full of protein. Just 100grams of M-EAT! can provide as much as 54% protein. That is more than 50% of an adult’s daily requirement. At M-EAT! we are able to achieve this because 100 grams of our biltong is as much as 200 grams of lean British beef giving you twice as much protein for just half of the serving.
The human body also digests protein from red meat more efficiently. It may digest 94% of protein from red meat against 78% from beans and 86% from whole wheat. So if you are looking for a snack, biltong is a great choice as it can stave off hunger in-between meals due to its high protein content. Similarly, it can work post or pre-workout. It is a fitting choice for gaining lean muscle with little less effort.
Furthermore, if you consider cured meats a convenient way to increase protein in your diet you might need to relook at what else is contained in them. They contain very high amounts of fat per gram. M-EAT! Contains less than 1% fat in 100 grams making it a far healthier way to increase nutrients than conventional food.
M-EAT! is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. From B12, zinc, magnesium and iron biltong contains all that is necessary for increasing red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Minerals in biltong replenish and repair muscles after any form of exercise that you might undertake.
The most useful aspect when trying to build lean muscle with biltong is the convenience of having a highly-nutritious, tasty snack that is ready to eat wherever you are. This means you are unlikely to give into unhealthy cravings whilst you focus on building lean muscle. If you can do that, surely half the battle is won!
So, grab yourself your favourite M-EAT! flavour and begin the journey of attaining your goals. There are seven flavours to choose from and you can even bulk-buy M-EAT! so that you never have to run out.
]]>A balanced diet is said to be the best way to ensure the body is provided with all the nutrients it needs to take care of itself. Whilst foods such as poultry, lean beef and eggs are a great source of protein their preparation may not always be convenient or compatible with busy lifestyles. Hence why we recommend healthy and convenient M-EAT! biltong.
We source only the finest cuts of lean British beef for our biltong from farmers that we’ve long established relationships with. This in turn makes our beef entirely traceable; adding value to our biltong. However, as we are here discussing the importance of protein for a healthy immune system let us add that M-EAT! contains an average 54% protein per 100 grams. In fact, our Original and Peri Peri flavours contain as much as 60% protein per 100 grams. Quite impressive. Even if we do say so ourselves.
For convenience and a variety of ways to increase protein in your balanced diet you will find easy to follow recipes which are regularly uploaded to our website. There is also a wealth of information on the nutritional value of M-EAT! included in our blog. We do this because we value the benefits of the biltong we offer you. Whilst it may be a tasty snack or a welcome addition to spice up an otherwise dull dish, M-EAT! (much like protein) serves a critical function in your diet. It contains the protein you need daily to keep your immune system healthy and working at its best. We’ve made things simpler and easier by creating award-winning flavours you love and delivering your delicious biltong order free of charge, anywhere in the UK. So, all that is left for you to do is enjoy it!
]]>Cauliflower, sweetcorn and Peri Peri M-EAT! Biltong tacos
Ingredients:
For the tomato dressing:
Method:
Steam the cauliflower and place in a baking tray. Drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper and roast for 10 minutes. Add the sweetcorn and onion and cook for a further 10 minutes. Take out of the oven and mix in M-EAT! biltong.
To make the tomato dressing blend all the ingredients together. Gently heat the tortillas in the oven. Assemble them by adding the cauliflower and sweet corn. Top with tomato dressing and garnish with mint leaves before serving.
Biltong and potato tray bake
Ingredients:
Method:
Preheat the oven at 220C. Toss all the ingredients, except Drywors, in a bowl and ensure they’re all coated in olive oil. Place in the oven and cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and toss in M-EAT! Drywors. Place the tray back in the oven for a further five to ten minutes. Remove and serve with mustard.
Cheesy spinach and biltong flatbreads
Ingredients:
Method:
Preheat the oven to 220C. Spread the pesto evenly over the naan breads. Sprinkle mozzarella, biltong, spinach and red pepper flakes. Bake for ten minutes until the cheese bubbles. Remove, slice and enjoy when cool.
]]>Set yourself a goal of running a distance throughout the month of January. It could be 10km, 20km or even just 5km. Spread the distance over the entire month so you can fit in your run around your work schedule. Log your distance until you hit your goal. Come February, up the stakes and increase your distance. March? Increase it a little more. April...you get the picture. Life is a marathon. Not a sprint.
If running isn’t for you then set yourself a goal of doing at least one physical activity a day. Brisk walk, cycling, swimming, dance, pilates - the possibilities are endless. Keeping active needn’t be a chore. Make it fun. You’re more likely to stick to it and will miss it when you don’t do it.
There are plenty of ways to join a tribe online for virtual aerobics, yoga or even meditation classes. Not only will joining a community keep you connected to others but it will inspire you to keep working harder. When exercising becomes socialising it’s a great deal easier to keep up the habit.
No one blames you for indulging a little over the Christmas period. So, now give dry January a chance. It will help boost your energy and immunity. If you slip up get right back on the wagon instead of falling clean off of it. That’s why we’ve called it a challenge. It ain’t meant to be easy.
Just like the booze your diet may have taken a beating over Christmas. So now clean it all up. Take easy steps such as replacing your snacks with healthy options. Fruit, nuts and M-EAT! biltong are excellent replacements for high calorie, high fat and high sugar snacks that provide little nutritional value. M-EAT! biltong, for example, contains 54% protein, less than 1% fat or salt and is brimming with nutrients and minerals such as iron, zinc and potassium. Buy in bulk so you’re not tempted to go back to bad snacking habits.
Try any one of the challenges above and tag us in your social posts with @meat_biltong. We love to share your triumphs.
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They say necessity is the mother of invention. That couldn't be more true of the humble home-workout, once frowned upon, yet which soared in popularity over the last year. With gyms closing at least three times in the past 12 months we were forced to retreat indoors to keep fit. And keep fit indoors we did; in our droves. To keep the spirit of the home workout alive here are our pick of the best home workouts to suit every ability. So grab your dumbbells, lay out your mat, put on your lycra and let's do this.
Our very own wonderful NHS has a great workout for beginners to get us off our couches. The 12 week fitness plan has varied exercise tips and fitness guides. From gentle exercises for balance, strength and endurance this is a great way to kick off the new year.
If you like your exercise slow and steady then follow GQ magazine’s stress-busting workouts. There are two routines to follow. The first is a yoga flow with controlled breathing. The second allows you to sweat it out. So pick your workout to suit your mood and get moving.
We love this home workout by Coach magazine. With short reps and rests in between this workout can be done with light or heavy weights to suit your ability. It lays out a plan for the week, easy to follow and once you get the hang of it you can mix and match components of the plan to suit you.
Freeletics is the workout app that uses only body weight in its HIT and HIIT plans. It requires no equipment which means you can do this anywhere and not just at home. There is a real sense of community in the way Freeletics works and you can post your workouts for others to see, get advice on nutrition and your own coach. Of course it’s a paid subscription service so this one’s not free.
No listicle of home workouts would be complete without a mention of Peloton. It’s the subscription home cycling workout that doesn’t require a bike. The app offers streamable workouts which include yoga, meditation, cardio and of course, cycling. There is a good mix of live classes as well as a backlog of on-demand exercises. Whatever you choose it gets you moving and shaking in your own home.
So put on your best lycra, grab your bag of post-work out M-EAT! Biltong and get fit!
]]>It may be fair to say that most of us give a great deal of thought to what we eat before we work out. Afterall, we need energy to get the best out of every minute spent on exercise. However, refueling is just as important as fuelling. What we eat post-workout is pivotal in our fitness journey. This is something that many overlook and yet it is vital to not only our workout regime but also to our overall health and wellbeing.
Whichever exercise you may choose whether it be intense weight resistance or lighter aerobics, energy stores are depleted during an exercise session. Fluids and electrolytes are lost through sweating and there is likely to be damage to muscle tissue. Post-workout nutrients are essential for repairing and replenishing what is lost during each workout. Eating the correct amount of carbohydrates and protein is particularly important after exercise. And what you eat is far more decisive than when you eat.
Drinking plenty of water and topping up carbohydrates and protein should be the main focus. On average we lose up to two litres of sweat per hour during exercise. So, in order to avoid dehydration it is essential to drink water in abundance after a workout. Consuming carbohydrates with protein immediately after exercising is best for restoring energy to muscles. Eating any additional protein within an hour is shown to improve muscle glycogen.
M-EAT! provides 54% lean protein in every 100grams. Whichever flavour you choose you can be assured that your essential post-workout nutrients are being met with every bite. With no artificial colour, flavouring or additives M-EAT! is one of the cleanest foods you can consume whether before or after exercise. We use grass-fed British beef to ensure the highest quality lean beef. To retain all the macronutrients we use only natural spices: salt, black pepper, malt vinegar and coriander. The meat is cured and air-dried according to a South African recipe that is four centuries old. You can also try biltong in Keto or Atkins recipes.
What’s more is that there are six award-winning flavours to choose from. A convenient subscription service and free UK delivery makes M-EAT! biltong your perfect workout partner. Choose from the Snack Selection Box, the Classic Box or the Big Sharing Box. You can mix and match your flavours each month. We hope you will appreciate that we really have thought of everything so you don’t have to!
]]>Lockdown 2 has ended and we can once again hit the gyms and take up a few of our physical exercise routines. Of course there are guidelines to be followed but at long last it’s beginning to look a lot like a Christmas unlike any other. As we venture outdoors once more there’s never been a better time to ensure our immunity is strong and our nutrients are topped up every day.
We will continue to drive home the message that there is no substitute for healthy eating. Clean, nutritious food, as part of our daily routine, is far more valuable in the long run than unsustainable fad diets. It is why we show creative ways to add M-EAT! biltong in recipes to increase the nutritional value of every day meals. Of course, you can also eat our biltong as a snack. It’s the reason we have six flavours to choose from. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
Each pack of M-EAT! contains nutrients that can strengthen you and your immunity. We do this from the very start. Working with British farmers, only grass-fed lean British beef is used in M-EAT! This ensures that each bag of M-EAT! contains the highest quality beef we can get our hands on and it’s not had to cross oceans and travel for days before it reaches you.
Every 100grams of M-EAT! Is over 54% protein so if you’re back in the gym, muscle building, this is great news. Then it has less than 5% fat and less than 1% sugar and each bag is GMO free. How do we achieve this? As we said earlier, we start with lean beef. So it makes the rest of the process a whole lot easier. Whatever little fat we find is trimmed off before we season the beef with only natural spices from a South African recipe that is four centuries old. Salt, black pepper, coriander seeds and cider vinegar are the base for all six of our award-winning flavours. That is what gives M-EAT! biltong its unique taste.
So, if you’re heading back to the gym be sure to include a bag or two of our traditional biltong in your kit. It will keep you in good stead as you adjust to the new normal.
]]>So, what’s to be done about it? Plenty. Whilst breaking habits entirely can be a challenge it’s easier to form better ones. Switching from sweet to savoury snacking is a step in the right direction. But often savoury foods such as crisps carry high fat and salt content which you can become equally reliant on.
We humbly suggest that you take small steps daily towards weakening bad habits. Firstly, we recommend not buying high-sugar foods if you’re attempting to break away from them. If it’s not within easy reach you cannot eat it. However, we don’t recommend that you skip meals and eat less than you need. We are simply enforcing that you eat better and snack better.
Here at M-EAT! The lean beef in our biltong comes only from grass-fed cattle. Our processes are traditional and we use no MSG in our flavouring - only natural ingredients such as coriander, black pepper and cinnamon. What’s more is that 100 grams of M-EAT! contains less than 3% sugar and salt and an eye-watering 54% protein. Oh, and less than 1% is fat.
As for those cravings? Well, there are six different flavours to choose from which should satisfy either sweet or savoury palate. Our original flavour biltong is perfect for those savoury cravings. It’s flavoured with cider vinegar. For a little more kick try the Chilli Chutney flavour. The spices in it are sure to help your tastebuds forget all about your sugar craving. We would say much the same about our Peri Peri flavour and add that it has a balance of sweet and savoury if you want both in one bag. For the perfect umami try the Garlic flavour. Our naturally dried Drywors might tickle the fancy of those wanting to up their snack game.
Hey, if you fancy them all we’ve just launched our five flavour snack box and it’s all yours for under £10!
]]>Healthy snacking has become a minefield. Big-budget marketing campaigns have got us convinced that high-sugar, calorific snacks are healthy. With so much information imposed on us daily it's easy to lose our way. However, eating clean and healthy is possible. Read on to find out how we compared a generic protein bar to M-EAT! biltong. You might be surprised at the outcome.
First, we ask why you would reach for a bar when you could eat protein from a natural source of food. M-EAT contains 60% protein and less than 5% fat compared to a market-leading protein bar. A typical protein bar can contain as much as 10% fat and only 35% protein. We think the numbers speak for themselves. So we'll spare you our gloating.
M-EAT biltong is a high-protein super food created to feed and rebuild muscles. Our air-dried, grass-fed, British beef is the leanest, cleanest protein powerhouse that you are likely to get your hands on. The thin slices packed with big punch make them an ideal on-the-move snack that will provide you with all the nutrients you need for a healthy workout and lifestyle.
Unlike a bar that you will have to finish all at once we have packed our biltong in resealable packs. So they're good for a few days after you first open them. Leave them in your gym bag, car or desk drawer for convenience.
Which brings us next to taste. Ever tasted a protein bar that you've actually loved the taste of? Us neither. In fact, a show of hands at M-EAT! HQ said no one had ever tasted a protein bar they liked. You'll be pleased to know that M-EAT! biltong comes in six different flavours: Original, Drywors, Chilli Chutney, Garlic, Peri Peri and Go M-EAT! You could say that we've got something for everyone. It would be true. You don't need to take our word for it. But it might impress you to know that we've been awarded the Great Taste Award no less than five times. In fact, the judges loved our Chilli Chutney so much they awarded it twice!
How do we make our biltong so tasty? Traditional South African recipes using natural spices. Coriander, black pepper, cider vinegar. We use no MSG to enhance flavours and add nothing that might harm your body. So, next time you reach for that protein bar perhaps you might consider if it's as good for you as our lovingly prepared M-EAT! You know the answer.
]]>When it comes to COVID-19, let us clarify that there is no evidence that dietary supplements or nutrients can protect you from this awful virus. To keep yourself safe continue physically distancing and ensure good hygiene practice. What we want to discuss here is general immune health, especially during the autumn and winter months.
Sleep is crucial for health and wellbeing. Inadequate sleep is linked to vulnerability to sickness. Aim to get at the very least, seven hours of sleep every night. Do everything to aid your sleep from turning off screens, removing laptops or TVs from your bedroom and anything else that might be hindering a good night's rest. Wind down by reading or a warm bath before bed to prepare your body for rest.
Exercising not only keeps you healthy and active but it's a great stress relief for the body. However, to boost immunity try exercises which are non-competitive as over-training can suppress immunity. Gentle yet effective forms of exercise such as yoga, pilates and even jogging will keep the body in great condition during the colder months. Needless to say that exercise aids sleep.
Eat clean nutritious food that provides vitamins B, C, D and E and minerals such as iron and zinc. Citrus fruit, leafy greens, spinach, broccoli, almonds, bananas and chickpeas are just some of the long list of foods that are vitamin-rich. With fewer hours of sunlight in autumn and winter it may be beneficial to add a daily vitamin D supplement to your diet.
Your favourite M-EAT! biltong is rich in both iron and zinc. In general biltong provides the 8 to 12 mg of zinc that we require each day to help with effective immune function. Just 100grams of lean beef as found in M-EAT! biltong contains as much as 2.6mg of iron because it is made from pure, grass-fed beef. You can also increase biltong in your diet creatively by adding it to meals or simply eating it as a snack.
Drinking alcohol only moderately will also help keep the body's immunity in good shape. Staying hydrated with at least three litres of water a day has immeasurable health benefits.
Make small lifestyle tweaks to reduce your exposure to stress and anxiety which have a negative effect on natural defences. Whilst it may not be as easy to avoid stress altogether, particularly at present, there are plenty of ways to minimise it. If your supermarket delivery slots are filling up too fast, switch over to M-EAT! deliveries. We have plenty of them available stress-free! Jesting aside, you can also try breathing techniques, yoga and meditation at home which are wonderful and enjoyable ways to relieve stress.
]]>As a consumer you have way too many “healthy” snacks to choose from. And then there’s the confusing jargon, outlandish claims and impossibly perfect models. Well, we're here to clear something up once and for all. A question that is often asked is what is the difference between jerky and biltong? Surely, they're the same thing? They look the same. Well, looks can be deceiving. Let us explain how.
Jerky and biltong come from very different parts of the world. Beef jerky originates from the Native American Quechua tribe of South America. However, commercial production of jerky does not use the methods of Native Americans. Mass-produced beef jerky is made using altogether more industrial processes.
Biltong's origins are rooted in Southern Africa; inherited from pioneering South African forefathers who sun-dried meat during their treks across the subcontinent. The word biltong is thought to derive from the blend of the words bil (rump) and tong, meaning strip.
Commercial beef jerky lends itself to any cut of meat. So there is little need to use the best meat that is available for it. When producing jerky the beef is separated from the bone, stripped of fat and salt and large amounts of sugar are added. It's cured either by injecting a curing solution or dipping meat in the solution. Tenderising happens in industrial machines before being cut into strips, heated and dried. The aim of which is to bring the product to market as quickly as possible. The addition of extra heat and sugar means that any old cut of poor quality meat can be used. Even if you still want to go down the jerky route make sure that you check the sources – it has to be grass fed and certified prime. Anything else would be subpar. Your body deserves better so should demand more.
In comparison, M-EAT! biltong is produced at a much slower pace as our ancestors would have wanted it. We use only the best, grass-fed British beef which is flavoursome, rich in texture and lean. Nothing other than traditional natural spices such as coriander seeds, cider vinegar and black pepper go into curing M-EAT! Once seasoned our biltong is air-dried. It is only then cut into strips and then put into packets for you to tear open. The process of producing M-EAT! honours traditional South African methods. It’s a superfood – pure, succulent beef rich in minerals and nutrients.
As far as taste and texture goes you will find that biltong is cut thicker, tender and tastes more succulent. Jerky most certainly is drier and tougher having been cut into far thinner strips. Nutritionally, biltong packs a bigger punch too with M-EAT! containing a whopping 60% protein and less than 4% salt and zero added sugar.
Finally, we'd like to add that we will deliver our award-winning biltong straight to your door with free delivery in the UK and great global rates. One bite into our heavenly biltong and you’ll never want to try jerky again.
]]>There's no two ways about it: zinc is vital and this unassuming metal has great significance in the human body. It plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing and cell division amongst many other things. It is also required for a proper sense of taste and smell. We need a daily intake of zinc to maintain a balanced state because the human body has no natural system for storing it. We must simply find it in our diet each day.
Not having the adequate amounts of zinc in our diet can cause loss of appetite and an impaired immune function. At the extreme end of the spectrum it can cause hair loss, eye and skin lesions according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
On a more positive note, studies also suggest that zinc may play a role in delaying the progression of age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. In simpler terms, it may keep our bodies younger for longer. Now there's something we are happy to buy in to.
Cue biltong which can contribute to the 8 to 12mg of zinc humans require each day (RDA). Why? Because red meat is one of the richest sources of it. Whilst many supplements exist to boost our intake of zinc, it is proven that our nutritional needs must primarily be from the food we eat (Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020). As we always use grass-fed lean British beef in M-EAT! biltong you can be assured that you're getting all of the nutrients contained in it, including zinc, without artificial additives.
Our processes never compromise the integrity of the food we deliver to you. Tender cuts of lean beef marinated with natural spices produced right here in Wimbledon. Using only ancient, traditional South African methods of curing we consider our biltong food for the soul as much as for the body.
So, go ahead and zinc up with M-EAT! We promise that each pack is filled with all the nutrients as nature intended. Simply adding biltong to your salad, eggs or pasta dish is the easiest way to increase the nutritional value of every day food. You can also simply enjoy M-EAT! as a snack in its own right. With six flavours to satisfy the most discerning palates upping your daily zinc intake should be a walk in the park. Start with our snack selection box and work your way through all of it. Best of all, we will deliver it straight to your door!
If for any reason you have removed gluten from your diet you might feel restricted in the way you enjoy food. Well, what if we said that things needn't be that way? Your meals can be as colourful as you wish by simply adding our award-winning M-EAT! to your diet.
You already know that 100 grams of M-EAT! contains an astonishing 54% protein and less than 2% sugar. However, it might surprise you to know that biltong is a naturally gluten-free food. As we use no artificial flavouring and only natural spices to flavour Original M-EAT! there is zero gluten. Yep, zilch. All the flavour and none of the nasties.
So go ahead and treat your tastebuds to a plethora of flavours. Our Original, Garlic, Peri-Peri, and Original Drywors are all bursting with the great South African flavours we all love. Three of the four are winners of the Great Taste Awards; another box ticked. All of this simply means that your gluten-free diet game was just raised.
M-EAT! is the perfect guilt-free treat full of macronutrients. Add it to your pre or post workout, gluten-free meal plans or simply eat it as a tasty snack between meals. Whichever way you choose to include M-EAT! you can be assured that you are eating premium grass-fed, lean British beef. As we've added nothing to it in the process of naturally air-drying it, according to 400 year old South African tradition, it remains one of the cleanest foods you will get your hands on.
If you'd resigned yourself to unimaginative food due to a gluten intolerance we hope we've brightened up your day. Go ahead and order your first pack or introduce M-EAT! to your loved ones who might benefit from a great food that is not only kinder to their body but also light on their pockets. There's a whopping 25% off the first subscription box and UK delivery is absolutely free to your door. We also deliver in the EU at very low rates. Could it get any better? Possibly not! All that is left is for you to pick your flavour and place an order. Log back in and change your flavours whenever you feel the need. We've done all the hard work for you.
To your health!
]]>Lowering your carbohydrate intake is one of the most popular ways that many control their weight. Practiced with advice and correct knowledge it can help gain weight, maintain body weight or lose weight and fat. However, with so much information around it might prove an overwhelming task to figure out exactly how you can control your carb intake. To make things a little simpler here are three ways you can enter the low-carb life.
This eating plan involves reducing carbs to induce a metabolic state called ketosis. It's a very dynamic way of losing fat. When in a state of ketosis insulin levels are lowered and the body releases fatty acids, from its fat stores, which transfer to the liver. The liver then works to turn the fats in to ketones which are water-soluble molecules that can supply energy to the brain. Therefore, instead of carbs, the brain begins to rely largely on ketones.
There are thousands of healthy Keto recipes that you can follow for reducing, maintaining for gaining body weight in this way. Most of all, M-EAT! biltong fits perfectly with the Keto lifestyle and can be invaluable in adding flavour and texture to your recipes.
The Paleo is another popular way of eating healthily for achieving weight goals. This lifestyle encourages eating foods that were available in the Paleolithic era. Yep, you read that right! According to this system of eating, returning to the diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors will improve our health and wellbeing and strengthen our immune systems.
A paleo diet is not low-carb by definition but is definitely so in practice. It consists mainly of whole foods with emphasis on meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. The diet eliminates processed foods, added sugar, grains and dairy products. It is however, still possible to eat exciting meals ideas that follow the rules. Furthermore, you will still be able to enjoy M-EAT! biltong should you choose to honour our ancestors through food. Biltong after all is the food of ancient South African travellers. It kept them satiated and gave them enough protein to help them keep up.
Perhaps the best known of all low-carb diets is The Atkins eating plan. It's a safe, tried and tested method that has been over 40 years in the making. It involves reducing all high-carb foods and eating protein and fat as desired. The diet is introduced to your life in stages:
Followers of the Atkins method swear by it and the lifestyle counts many a famous name as devotees. As with most low-carb lifestyles biltong can be easily and effectively incorporated in to the Atkins diet. With as much as 61% protein in every 100 grams M-EAT! is in fact a perfect fit for it.
Happy m-eating one and all!
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