Do you know some junk foods are perfect for your weight loss journey? The yellow and orange contrast of Slim Jim boxes is bound to catch anyone’s attention on a stoppage at a convenience store—and that is exactly what happened to me. I got some, tried it, and it turned out to be one of my favorite junk foods besides Quest protein bars. But is this a wise choice when aiming to maintain or cut down weight?
While Smil Jims are made with beef, it is essential to know that the quality of this beef is not as great as the steak you may have at Barclay Prime or the like. Conagra is not forthcoming about the integrity of its ingredients and how they’re sourced, and that leads us to the next question:
What exactly are the constituents of a Slim Jim?
Slim Jims are processed meats—produced with lower-quality beef compared to what you’d have gotten from the grocery stores. Processed meats are usually derived from three categories of meat: utility, canner, and cutter—derived from the least desirable older cow meats.
Utility meat is commonly used for canned or frozen meals. Being a dog owner has taught me that canned and cutter meats are common features in my Rover’s dry or wet foods. To top it off, we don’t know which exact category is used in Slim Jim.
Further, the beef is augmented with small portions of pork and mechanically separated chicken (a process of forcing out bones from the meat and then forcing the resulting product through a sieve to form a paste-like substance commonly used in nuggets, hot dogs, and Slim Jims).
Other constituents include the addition of other kinds of amino acids and proteins, such as wheat, corn, and soy. Garlic and chili pepper, and preservatives like sodium nitrate (to prevent the sticks from turning grey)–blended to create those irresistible sticks of salty Slim Jims.
Are Slim Jims healthy?
Each Slim Jim snack stick contains about 130 calories, which is quite fair—making them a great source of energy. Despite the bright side of having over 6 grams of protein, it contains 500 mg of sodium, which is over 21% of our daily value–and could lead to sodium-related diseases if consumed excessively.
The sodium nitrate used in preserving the meat and preventing it from turning grey is linked to an increased risk of cancer, according to PubMed. Other additives, such as corn syrup, and hydrolyzed soy protein could cause inflammation and trigger digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
From a holistic nutritionist’s point of view, Slim Jims may have more disadvantages than advantages. Also, they lack essential minerals and vitamins and cannot be compared to healthier protein sources like legumes, nuts, and lean meats.
Are Slim Jims good for weight loss?
As an occasional snack, you could have some Slim Jims as a measured inclusion in your diet. However, as a consistent weight loss snack, Slim Jims is not the right fit, as it contains processed meats and artificial fillers, which could hamper your weight loss goals.
From my observations, Slim Jims tend to increase cravings instead of satisfying hunger—causing you to overeat. If it were to be more quality sources of proteins like Greek yogurt, eggs, lean meats, or plant-based proteins, one could stay fuller for longer while also maintaining muscle mass.
I enjoy Slim Jims as a snack, but I may only have them once or twice a month. I prioritized other snacks like Quest protein chips, which boast a better macronutrient profile.
Healthier Alternatives to Slim Jims
Quest Protein Chips
This amazing bag of protein chips is derived from milk and whey protein isolates, dried potatoes, corn starch, and sunflower oil. Quest has a plethora of flavor options to choose from.
Each bag of these chips contains about 120 calories, 5 grams of carbs, a whopping 14 grams of dietary fiber, and 21 grams of protein. It is guaranteed to keep you fuller for longer—eliminating unnecessary cravings.
Unlike the 500 mg of sodium in Slim Jim, Quest only contains 200 mg of sodium, which is why we crown it as a smarter choice for those trying to lose weight.
Bottom Line
Slim Jims are great occasional snacks, as their salty taste is always a pleasure to the taste buds, but they don’t fit in as a regular treat for persons aiming to cut down on their weight. If you are seeking a more sustainable snacking option that will keep you fuller for longer while also helping you maintain muscle mass, then look to Quest protein chips.
