Jim Furyk is a fan of Larabars.So I've asked Ron Kaspriske, our resident nutrition expert, to weigh in on 10 of your snack choices. Turns out, even those of you who think you're choosing healthy options are falling for marketing ploys and less-than-ideal nutrition. Hold on tight: Ron only knows how to be brutally honest.
Jack Syroid: PureProtein bar (19 grams of protein) and a G2 drink (20 calories).
Kaspriske: Don’t be fooled by the low-sugar advertising on PureProtein bars. It contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener that can have the same initial effect of a high-sugar snack by spiking your energy level followed by a noticeable crash. Your body tries to process it as sugar before realizing it’s not. Gatorade G2 is nothing more than sugary water fortified with vitamins and salts (electrolytes). You would be much better off with a few slices of lean turkey meat to get your protein and some water to avoid cramping. The sodium content in the turkey is all you need.
Mike Mattox: Clif Bars and a muscle milk shake.
Kaspriske: Protein supplements such as Muscle Milk always make me cringe because cheaper, healthier, better protein can be found in nature. If you must have something that’s processed, go with natural beef or turkey jerky and some water. Clif Bars tout that they contain “70 percent natural ingredients.” You know what that means? The other 30 is chemical crap. Furthermore, the average bar has roughly 24 grams of sugar.
Sune Kaern: Bananas, fruit bars, water. Lots of water.
Kaspriske: Not sure what constitutes a “fruit bar,” but sounds like something that could survive a nuclear winter. Stick with the banana and the water.
Dave: Kashi GoLean bars
Kaspriske: The fiber content (6 grams) makes it one of the better choices in the energy-bar market, but it’s still can’t compare to eating a handful of almonds with an apple.
Adam Fair: Nature Valley granola bars
Kaspriske: You’re basically eating a candy bar. You’ll have a lot of energy for about a hole or two and then you’ll be ready for bed.
Robbie Fell: Sunflower seeds
Kaspriske: A good source of fiber, healthy fat, protein and iron. Just don’t buy the salted or oil-roasted varieties.
Riley Martin: Salted nut rolls
Kaspriske: If I was starving, I still might think twice before eating this. Really? Too much sugar. Too much sodium. Too much crap.
Matt Waller: Beer, twinkies and whiskey
Kaspriske: When you look down to putt, does your belly block your view of your feet?
Bryan Pratt: Does tequila count as a snack?
Kaspriske: Sure, if you’re playing me for money. I’ll grab the lime and the salt.
Erik Weiss: Die Dew and Snickers
Kaspriske: Talk about a sugar bomb. Please make sure you eat and drink this about 10 minutes before you have a make-or-break putt in our match.
--Ashley Mayo
Follow @AshleyKMayo
