10 Ways to Increase Your Energy Instantly with a Golf Performance Diet

A golf conditioning program should always be accompanied by a solid golf nutrition plan. In essence, what you eat determines how you play. So, which foods produce champions and which foods hinder play? Let me give you a few hints.

It goes without saying that proper nutrition is important for all of us. But, if you are serious about shaving valuable strokes off your scorecard, you need to make some tough decisions on seeing your diet through. If you travel for golf, or play in frequent tournaments, it is important not to fall into the trap of 'settling' for fast food or a quick bag of chips or chocolate bar. Make a commitment to use some or all of the following tips and your energy will reach new heights in your next round.

? Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both of these are diuretics and cause fluid loss. They also both affect performance. Coffee can over stimulate your mind or your muscles, making your performance uncontrolled. Excessive consumption of alcohol severely affects your coordination.

? Avoid large amounts of food in the two hours leading up to tee time. Food in your digestive system diverts blood away from your brain and muscles, affecting concentration and physical performance. A meal two to three hours before play is preferred.

? Don't skip meals. Golfers need that slow and steady release of energy to see them through difficult or long hours of play. Smaller meals are better to help increase metabolism.

? Eat 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day. This gives your body the nutrition it needs to last.

? Drink lots of water. Think in terms of 8 to 10 glasses each day. Continue throughout your round to stay hydrated especially during the summer months.

? Combine carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal. This aides in overall digestion and ensures you are getting the proper nutrients.

? Bring a snack or bag lunch. Beverage carts are not known for healthy choices, so don't put yourself in a position to feel forced to rely on them.

? Avoid high processed foods or sugar based foods. They tend to raise blood sugar levels quickly and, then, drop rapidly causing fatigue.

? Stick with the basics. Don't try new foods just before you play. Stick with what you know your body responds well to.

? Keep it simple. There is no need to make elaborate meals or go to great extent in preparation. A piece of fruit and bag of nuts will go a long way in replenishing energy when you need it.

As a golfer, especially if you are of a championship caliber, it is essential to have a wide variety of complex carbohydrates to maintain your energy through an 18-hole match or a 72-hole tournament.

Mentally your brain needs to stay conditioned to tell your body what to do, not to mention calculating distances, swing strength and maintaining focus. Follow these 10 tips and watch your scorecard drop to new lows.

Susan Hill is a CHEK Golf Biomechanic, Sports Nutritionist and President of FitnessforGolf.com, a private, member's only, online golf fitness website dedicated to the improvement of golfers worldwide. If you are looking for ways to increase your endurance on the course, then visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


How A Female Golfer Can Quickly And Easily Improve Distance And Accuracy?

Female golfers, like their male counter parts are looking for... Read More

Golf Grub

GOLO GOLF GRUB Fuel for the golfer."A good diet can... Read More

The Most Common Backswing Flaw

One of the most confusing terms in golf instruction is... Read More

Getting Your Pro Golf Swing Right

Achieving a correct pro golf swing will not only help... Read More

The Top 10 Life Lessons from Golf

Golf is an amazing mirror of life. Yes, other sports... Read More

5 Golf Fitness Tips That Work

If you have turned on the television to watch any... Read More

The Jet-Lagged Golf Swing

The golf travel industry is huge. Destination resorts such as... Read More

Golf and Life, A Story About Your Future Success

Preparing to tee-off on the par 4 tenth. (Internal dialogue,... Read More

Golf Clubs - Your Golf Putting - Use These Putting Practice Tips

To begin a golf game, your golf practice game or... Read More

How To Improve Your Golf Swing Timing

Golf swing timing is a key factor in being able... Read More

What is Golf Exercise Equipment And How Can It Help

Golf exercise equipment can be a variety of pieces; but... Read More

What Does Annika Know About Exercise That You Don?t?

Think of your golf game. Visualize connecting with your drive... Read More

Components Of A Golf Exercise Program

Golf exercise program - with the exploding number of so-called... Read More

Exercise For A Golfer - Dont Fear it

Exercise for a golfer is widely used. Despite the success... Read More

The Mental Side of Match Play

Many of us might assume that there isn't too much... Read More

Do You Dream Of A Golf Swing With Power

If you are one of those golfers whose idea of... Read More

Golf Flexibility For The Senior Golfer

Golf flexibility is the biggest term you hear when the... Read More

Golfer? Back Exercise Can Eliminate Back Pain

'Golfer' back exercise is a key part of any golf-specific... Read More

Why Exercise Is The Key To The Correct Golf Swing Release

A poor golf swing release has been one of the... Read More

Getting To The Core Of Your Golf Swing

At some point, almost all of us struggle with efforts... Read More

How To Improve Your Golf Swing

So you need a little help with your golf swing.... Read More

Golf Fitness DVD: Improve Your Game In Your Living Room

Plugging in a golf fitness dvd is a great alternative... Read More

Golf Stretching Exercises Have A Direct Impact On Your Drives

Golf stretching exercises have been known to have such a... Read More

Your Putter Fitted Perfectly in 5 Easy Steps

Ever wonder why putting is so difficult for you? Want... Read More

Golf Exercise And Stretch Program For Total Golf Performance

Golf exercise and stretch. This is a combination I use... Read More

3 Ways To Maximize On The Effectiveness Of A Golf Instruction Video

Golf instruction videos featuring techniques and tips from leading world... Read More

Golf Nutrition On And Off The Course

For best competition performance on the golf course, maintaining proper... Read More

Returning Home: Scottish Golf Breaks

July 2005 sees the return of the world's greatest golf... Read More

The Worlds Elite Golf Courses

We all here different opinions of great challenging golf courses... Read More

Does Your Junior Golfer Need A Sport Psychologist?

"My son gets so angry on the golf course that... Read More

Golf Fitness Evaluation Is The First Step Towards Improving Your Game

Golf fitness evaluation can be an invaluable tool in helping... Read More

The One Lever Golf Swing Involves Chipping And Putting

The one lever golf swing involves chipping and putting. To... Read More

Flexibility For Golf Will Not Be Lost With Weight Training

There is no doubt that body flexibility is extremely important... Read More