National BBQ Month is a Protein Power Celebration!

by Christina Meyer-Jax, Tastemaker in Residence

National BBQ Month is a Protein Power Celebration!

Just as the infamous movie character Ferris Bueller profoundly says,  “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” One of the great celebrations of summer I don’t want to miss is BBQ season! Fresh food and long days of sunlight are an ideal set up for great eating. It’s also the perfect platform for the powerhouse of a nutrient…protein!

Outdoor cooking and eating, paired with protein rich foods, really is a perfect match for the active moments of the warm weather season. Powering through your day requires the right building blocks to do it.  There’s a reason protein is the darling of the nutrition world right now.  It supports muscle growth and retention, but also helps you feel fuller longer! Added bonus protein can help control swings in blood sugar, which can ultimately affect your energy.

Protein can be found in most foods at some level, but not all food has a protein profile that is equal.  Animal based protein is a high quality complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids needed to fuel your active days.  

Now let’s talk taste!  Why are meat-based foods synonymous with BBQ season? Meat based protein when grilled or smoked take on a series of chemical reactions (Maillard Reaction) that bring out next level crave-able flavor. 

That’s just the start! These processes, and other preparation methods, like seasoning and marinating enhance the flavor profiles that you experience when eating.

So to celebrate National BBQ Month, I’m sharing my new favorite marinade/sauce Bourbon Jalapeño BBQ Sauce. I love that it is adaptable and goes great with beef, chicken, or pork.

When on the go and grilling isn’t in the game plan, my protein partner to power thorough is Jack Link’s jerky.  Your right Ferris, life does move fast, so I need a real food portable protein that’s packed with flavor!  I also love Jack Link’s jerky because it is lower in fat, calories, and sugar than many other protein snacks. I pair it with a piece of fruit for a nutrient dense mini-meal that’s ideal for: the afternoon workday energy slump, before a workout, outdoor adventures, or for my teenager’s sports activities.

Cheers to fueling a power packed summer ahead! ———