Protein bars? Snack crackers? Which snack do you think Golf Fitness Expert Kristy Breuler recommends for your round of 18? As you can imagine, it’s far from traditional carb- and sugar-heavy snacks, but her preferred snack may surprise you.

“Grab and go! Beef jerky is an easy snack to throw in your golf bag. No worries about keeping it on ice. No food prep time. And you can eat it as you drive or walk to your next hole. My favorite is the OBERTO brand because it’s ‘all natural’ and comes in many varieties including beef, bacon and turkey,” says Breuler.

In an April 2015 LiveStrong.com article about the benefits of beef jerky, writer Tara Carson notes, “A 1-ounce piece of beef jerky provides 9.4 grams of protein. The Institute of Medicine, also known as the IOM, recommends 46 daily grams of protein for adult females and 56 daily grams of protein for males. Protein breaks down in the intestines into amino acids, which your body uses to build tissues and enzymes involved in the functioning of all body systems.”

In the past, beef jerky has had a bad rap on account of preservatives and sodium, but now there are many organic and grass-fed options available as suggested in Huffington Post article, Genius Junk Food: 6 Snacks That Are Actually Good For You. “Beef jerky is high in protein and doesn’t raise your level of insulin – a hormone that signals your body to store fat. That makes it an ideal between-meals snack.”

“So when you’re dragging on the back 9,” says Breuler, “feed your brain and body a snack that’s high in protein, and watch your performance and energy soar.”

Kristy Breuler is a TPI-certified golf fitness and Pilates instructor at Kensington Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida. She has 10 years of experience in golf conditioning, and is a dynamic resource for both pro and amateur golfers. Kristy is deliberate about making smart choices for her body, which is why she is passionate about P4 and proud to be a regular editorial contributor for the Proven4 team.