Golf Grub

GOLO GOLF GRUB
Fuel for the golfer.

"A good diet can not make an average athlete great, but a poor diet can make a great athlete average."
-David Costill, Ball State University, Indiana

Golf is a lifetime sport that both men and women of all ages enjoy participating in. However, for the competitive golfer, it is a test of the athlete's physical and mental endurance. While equipment and physical fitness are important to the game, a balanced diet is often the most overlooked aspect that all serious golfers must consider.

DEFINING A BALANCED DIET

For golfers, a balanced diet begins with eating at least 50% of your total caloric intake from carbohydrates such as whole grains, breads, pastas, rice, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source during activity. It fuels the brain and nervous system, preserves protein while helping to burn fat. Consuming carbohydrates during activity helps maintain blood glucose levels, allowing the golfer to have improved concentration.

Protein is another important macronutrient to incorporate into the balanced diet. Have 6 to 8 ounces of protein daily, and choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, round or loin cuts of beef, beans or legumes. Protein is needed for growth and repair of muscles, and helps regulate body processes as enzymes and hormones.

Fat is the final macronutrient in the balanced diet. Fat, like carbohydrate, provides fuel for working muscles, but it is a more concentrated fuel source. Recommended fat intake is the same for athletes as for all healthy people ? no more than 30% of your total calories coming from fat. This is approximately 4-5 servings of fat (based on 2000 calories). One serving of fat equals 1 teaspoon of oil or margarine, 6 nuts, or 2 teaspoons of peanut butter.

FILL UP ON FLUIDS

Hydration is an imperative component in the successful golfers game. Consuming adequate fluids before, during and after playing golf is beneficial. Even a slight decrease in bodyweight due to dehydration can affect your performance and result in fatigue & mental dullness. Consume approximately 8 oz of fluid before tee time. While golfing consume 4-8 oz of fluid every15-20 minutes or at every hole. If celebrating with alcoholic beverages is planned at the 19th hole, alternate fluid (nonalcoholic) with alcoholic drinks. Alcohol acts as a diuretic and actually increases fluid loss, so it is not a good choice for the replacement of fluids lost during the round of golf.

To help your performance try these nutrition tips as you eat for "peak performance!"

BEFORE THE MORNING ROUND

  • 1 cup oatmeal

  • 1 banana or 1 cup orange juice

  • 1 cup skim milk or 1 cup nonfat yogurt

  • 2 slices whole-wheat toast

  • 2 teaspoons margarine

AFTER THE 9TH HOLE

  • 12 ounces Sports Drink

  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter and crackers

  • or

  • 1 piece of fruit

  • or

  • 1 granola or cereal bar

POST GAME

  • Don't forget to re-hydrate as mentioned above!

  • 3-4 ounces grilled chicken breast

  • 1 cup brown rice

  • 1 cup steamed broccoli

  • 1 cup mixed greens salad

  • 2 teaspoons low fat dressing

  • 1 cup fruit salad

These are just a few tips to jump start proper fueling as an important and integral part of your training program. Each athlete is unique and has different training schedules, food preferences, lifestyle factors, and weight concerns. For a more individualized assessment and recommendations for your needs submit a rquest at: www.GoLoGolFitness.com

About The Author

William Breland has been a Physical Therapist for over 25 years. He is the ONLY Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Therapy and Touring Golf Professional in the United States.

GoLo Golf Grub is a trademark of GoLo Golf, LLC, www.GoLoGolFitness.com

william@gologolfitness.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Golf Exercise Tip ? How To Warm Up

A useful golf exercise tip to take into consideration is... Read More

Increase Golf Swing Speed Easily

Golf swing speed is an elusive term for most amateur... Read More

Sports Psychology for Golfers: 4 Tips for Beating the Yips

When players labels themselves as having the putting yips, they... Read More

Improving Your Golf Game, the Optimal Recipe

There are hundreds, probably thousands, of articles about how to... Read More

5 Keys to Mental Toughness for Junior Golfers

If you have any interest in seeing first hand the... Read More

Shoulder Exercises To Improve Your Game

Your shoulder strength and flexibility are essential to producing an... Read More

Getting Your Pro Golf Swing Right

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

Increase your Flexibility with These 3 Key Golf Stretches

Why is it a golfer rarely asks for a full... Read More

What Do the Core and the Golf Swing Have in Common?

The concept of "core training" is a "buzz word" in... Read More

Back Exercise And Golf Are Synonymous

Back exercise and golf. Doesn't that sound like a common... Read More

The Proper Golf Swing Technique

There is no doubt that the proper golf swing technique... Read More

Golf Tips ? The Secret and Crucial Role of Alignment in Supercharging Your Game!

The alignment is an absolutely crucial and vital part to... Read More

How Timing The Golf Swing Is So Critical To Consistent Shots

Timing the golf swing is extremely critical. It is not... Read More

How A Golf Workout Routine Can Crush Your Competitors

A golf workout routine can be as simple as using... Read More

Golf Flexibility For The Senior Golfer

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

The Power of A Golf Training Club

Some golfer's idea of a golf training club is using... Read More

How A Simple Golf Stretch Can Add 20 Yards To Your Drives

To quickly improve your golf, stretch your golf muscles regularly!What's... Read More

Returning Home: Scottish Golf Breaks

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

5 Golf Fitness Tips That Work

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

Do You Understand Golf Club Swing Weight

Golf club swing weight. Have you heard that term before?A... Read More

Par and Beyond: Secrets to Better Golf

You've bogeyed your last hole, you are about to hit... Read More

The One Lever Golf Swing Involves Chipping And Putting

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

How To Play Better Golf... It?s Not What You Think

Playing better golf is the lifelong pursuit of every golfer... Read More

Try Developing Your Own Golf Style

Some golf beginners think that all they have to do... Read More

Using A Golf Fitness Video Will Save Time And Improve Your Game

Using a golf fitness video is a great alternative to... Read More

Finding A Good Golf Product Is A Lot Easier With The Net

The World Wide Web has made life a lot easier... Read More

Periodization Training For Golf

The idea of periodization has been around a very long... Read More

Improve Your Golf Swing Timing

Golf swing timing is an important aspect of the game.... Read More

The Mental Side of Match Play

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

How To Choose The Best golf clubs For Your Game

Wilson , Callaway, Titleist, Adams , King Cobra, Yonex, Ping... Read More

Why Golf Fitness Should Be A Priority

Golf fitness should be a priority for any golfer in... Read More