Fueling your body is one of the first steps to ensuring a great round of golf. It may be tempting to grab a candy bar or a hot dog at the turn, but keeping some healthy snacks in your golf bag will not only help you feel energized and focused but will give your body the nutrients it needs to perform.
Something to keep in mind when packing snacks is how portable they are. Whether you are carrying your bag, using a pushcart, or driving a golf cart, picking snacks that are easy to eat will help you focus on your game.
1. Mixed Nuts
Packing a bag of mixed nuts is an easy, nutritious snack. And the great thing about nuts is there is a huge variety to choose from with almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, or walnuts just to name a few. Nuts are great sources of proteins, loaded with antioxidants, and help keep you full.
2. Banana
When it comes to portable fruit, a banana is as easy as it gets. Bananas are rich in Vitamin B6, which helps your body produce red blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system. They also are a good source of Vitamin C, the key to immune health and absorbing iron. Another plus is bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose, and glucose - providing a fat- and cholesterol-free source of energy.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
A classic sandwich, the PB&J is not just comfort food, it’s a great snack too! This sandwich is jam-packed with protein, unsaturated fat, and fiber plus a dose of sugar from the jelly that provides a quick release of energy. To get even more out of this sandwich, choose whole grain bread as it provides more protein and fiber than white bread.
4. Beef Jerky
If you’re looking for a low-fat, high protein snack, then try packing some beef jerky ahead of your next round. Beef jerky usually comes in a re-sealable bag, perfect to snack on throughout your round. When choosing your beef jerky, look for one that is low in sodium and sugar.
5. Protein Bar
A round of golf can be quite demanding; between walking three to six miles or burning up to 2,000 calories keeping your energy up is key. A protein bar is an easy way to stay fueled. There are a ton of options out there but look for wholesome, premium-quality ingredients like rolled oats or dried fruit.
6. Apple
Apples make for a super easy snack to eat between holes or walking from shot to shot. They are a good source of fiber, helping you feel fuller, in addition to Vitamin C and other vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Add some peanut butter for extra flavor and energy.
7. Trail Mix
If you want to add some variety to your snack, try trail mix. A well-made trail mix will contain a balance of protein-rich ingredients like nuts with moderately sugary ingredients like dried fruit or dark chocolate. Together, these ingredients provide a flavorful energy boost.
Aside from these snacks, it’s also crucial to stay hydrated throughout your round. Sipping water on every tee is a great habit to get into. You lose more than water when you sweat, you lose electrolytes as well. Consider a low-sugar sports drink to help keep your body hydrated and healthy.