Physical Fitness with The Old Trapper

My Fitness Hack is Made From Zero Sugar Beef Jerky

I’m often asked by friends, fans, and random strangers on the trail how I manage to stay so fit, especially considering my advanced age. Now, I won’t lie; I’m blessed with a superior set of genes, handed down by Mr. and Mrs. Trapper who both aged gracefully in their own rights. I’m certain no little bit of their fortune has fallen onto my own broad shoulders.

But let’s get one thing clear: even the finest lineage is worthless without discipline. And if I’m known for one thing above all else, well, it’s my delicious beef jerky—but discipline would be a close second on the list. The key to maintaining ironclad self-control goes beyond the ability to crack walnuts between the furrows of your brow: you need the proper tools and, above all, the proper fuel. And when it comes to physical fitness, you can’t do much better than my zero sugar beef jerky.

I’m not one to chase after healthy snack trends when I could be chasing after the cougar that ran off with my buckskin moccasins, but I’ll pursue the goal of the ultimate beef snacks with everything I have. So while I don’t believe in shortcuts, my zero sugar beef jerky is the ideal snack for people looking to supercharge their daily fitness practice.

Exercise Everyday with Precision

I’m fortunate in that my line of work is physically demanding. On a normal day I might hike 50 miles across lines laid between two of what you might call “states.” I simply call them “outdoors.” Anyway, hiking is what I do, plus lifting all manner of large rocks, logs, bears, and gold nuggets. What can I say? My work is varied and interesting.

But not every day demands this level of outdoor exertion. When hiking isn’t on the agenda, I make it a point to stress my body in other ways. On those days, I typically go for a jog of anywhere between 26.2 and 52.4 miles, depending on how I feel. I know those numbers are oddly precise and I can offer no other explanation than they just feel right. If you’re first starting out with an exercise program•, you might consider beginning with an easy 13.1 and then working your way up.

And before you get started on your 4.3 mile warm-up, don’t forget to grab a fistful of zero sugar beef jerky. When it comes to low-sugar snack alternatives, my jerky takes the cake and throws it off a waterfall: all that sugar, you see. It’ll keep your muscles jam-packed with natural protein, so you can develop the same shapely calves that allow me to leap over the height of a grown elk’s antlers. Plus, it has all the delicious, authentic wood-smoked taste that my traditional beef jerky provides in spades.

Eat Right With Zero Sugar Beef Jerky

Another important part of keeping fit is watching what you stuff in your gullet. I make it a habit to eat nothing but lean beef. It’s low fat, low calorie, and high protein, everything a growing trapper needs.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What about variety? What about flavor?” Well, my secret weapon in the culinary department is zero sugar beef jerky. This marvel of modern snackery combines portability, nutrition, and taste in a way that’s hard to beat. Whether I’m deep in the woods or resting back at camp, a hefty piece of zero sugar beef jerky keeps me fueled without unnecessary carbs or sugars weighing me down.

Keep at It: That’s the Meaning of Discipline

At first, maintaining a routine of exercise and clean eating might feel like an insurmountable task. Believe me, I’ve faced mountains that seemed less daunting. But here’s the truth: your body and mind thrive on routine. Each day you stick to your plan, you build momentum, and soon, the habits you once struggled to form become second nature.

This discipline extends beyond physical health—it’s a mindset. Whether I’m outsmarting a particularly wily beaver or bracing myself for an unexpected snowstorm, the mental toughness I’ve developed through consistent effort keeps me alive and thriving.

Zero Sugar Beef Jerky: The Ultimate Trail Companion

Let me circle back to the glory of zero sugar beef jerky. If you’ve never had the pleasure of biting into this chewy, savory wonder, you’re missing out. It’s compact, shelf-stable, and packed with the kind of protein that powers long hikes, late nights, and battles with territorial bears.

Unlike traditional snacks, which might weigh you down with processed nonsense and empty calories, sugar-free jerky keeps things simple. It’s pure, unadulterated sustenance that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking. And for a constantly roaming trapper such as myself, that’s invaluable.

Nature is the Ultimate Gym

The wilderness isn’t just my workplace—it’s my gym, my refuge, and my teacher. There’s something about the rhythm of the forest, the quiet hum of the river, and the vicious, man-eating tendencies of the local wildlife that keeps me sharp, both physically and mentally.

You don’t need to be a full-time trapper to reap these benefits. Even a short walk in your local park can invigorate your senses and let you test your mettle against a feral raccoon. With discipline in your mind and a hunk of zero sugar beef jerky in your hand, you’ll be roaming the woods and battling bears alongside yours truly in no time. I look forward to seeing you, as I could use someone watching my back. The grizzlies get more vicious by the day.

• While I hold an honorary doctorate in meat sciences from SMU (Smoked Meats University), I am not, nor have I ever been, a medical professional. Before beginning any new exercise program, consult a real doctor.