Golf Nutrition On And Off The Course

For best competition performance on the golf course, maintaining proper nutrition is very important. There's no one specific food or diet that will fit every golfer's needs. A golfer's nutrition plan should be individualized to meet the needs of training and competition or recreational play. Since carbohydrates are the primary fuel for performance related activities, they should be the primary consideration of a golfer's diet.

Listed below is a breakdown of the amounts of food sources a golfer should have to maintain optimal performance on the course.

? 20-30% of daily calories from proteins.

? 20-25% of daily calories from fats.

? 50-60% of daily calories from carbohydrates.

These ranges leave you some room to create the ratio that works best for you. Here are some common ratios. They are listed in the order of carbohydrates, protein, then fat: 50-30-20, 55-25-20, 60-20-20. Each of these combinations promotes balance, while favoring carbohydrates to promote better energy. Whether eating for weight loss or to improve performance, here are 3 rules to follow which will guide you to a greater level of success.

1. Eat 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day.

2. Eat every couple of hours to increase your metabolism and keep energy levels constant.

3. Eat well balanced meals containing some carbohydrates, proteins and fat.

Other healthy eating tips include drinking plenty of water, taking a daily multi vitamin/mineral, limiting or eliminating alcohol from your diet and choosing whole, unrefined grain products over highly processed options. Sweat losses may be considerable especially when tournaments are played in hot and humid conditions. While you can always pick up drinks or snacks on the course, they may be at lengthy intervals and not allow sufficient opportunity for fluid replacement during a round.

Since players will usually miss a meal while playing a round, they may be faced with no carbohydrate intake for five or six hours. Combined with exercise and nervous stress, this situation may cause a drop in blood-sugar levels in susceptible individuals affecting brain function and skill. Packing a small snack in your golf bag will help to prevent this problem.

Susan Hill is a nationally recognized fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For more information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

---

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

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

Understanding The Rotary Nature Of A Golf Swing

A careful and close study of the golf swing will... Read More

Play Exclusive Las Vegas Golf Courses ? The Not-So-Secret Secret

Experience the luxury of tour-class caddies. Play the private golf... Read More

What Are Custom Golf Clubs

Custom golf clubs are anything from a single club to... Read More

Effective Golf Training Equipment Isn?t What You Think

If you are like most golfers, you have purchased hundreds... 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 Fitness Training Equals Better Golf

If you've watched any golf on the television you've no... Read More

The One Lever Golf Swing Involves Chipping And Putting

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

Returning Home: Scottish Golf Breaks

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

Confusion Feeds the Golf Industry

The policeman drops his paycheck on the kitchen table so... Read More

2005 US Open Winner - What Does It Take?

As the 2005 US Open began in Pinehurst, NC, the... Read More

5 Easy Steps to Cleaning Your Golf Clubs and Improving Your Game

How can you lower your scores by simply cleaning your... Read More

Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure.... Read More

Golf Swing Technique And How To Improve It

There are two approaches to achieving a better golf swing.... Read More

Ratings and Ranking Golfers

Who's the best?Who's the best golfer in the world? Not... Read More

Teenagers Top The Leader Board At The Womens US Open

Determination, poise, focus and talent were abundant, as teens topped... Read More

Simple Golf Warm Up Exercise

Golf warm up you say? Aren't you supposed to rush... Read More

The Reason Why Clone Golf Clubs Are Worth It

When it comes to choosing a new set up of... Read More

What a Load of Golf Balls

Through out the history of golf the golf ball has... Read More

A Golf Fitness Exercise Program Will End Your Frustration On The Course

Even as you read this article, golf fitness exercise programs... Read More

Three Golf Tips For Balance During Your Golf Swing

Balance is very essential in executing the right golf swing... Read More

Perform Better Golf With These Fitness Tips

Everyone wants to be able to perform better golf, and... Read More

Senior Golf Can Be Your Best Years?Here?s How

Senior golf is accepted by the golfing community as a... Read More

Natural Golf Tips

Golf tips are often welcomed by the most avid of... Read More

Improve your Golf Game by Learning The Secrets of The Golf Club Grip

Grips are the least expensive yet one of the most... Read More

How Different Courses Can Help You Become a Good Golf Player

Golf is an fulfilling and absorbing sport but, even so,... Read More

Fix Your Slice: The Cause & Simple Cures For The Beginner Golfer

Are you slicing all or some of your tee shots?... 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 Know What Defines the Best Golf Drivers

Why is it considered the most electrifying club in your... Read More

Understanding The Physics Of The Golf Swing

Some golf players have been able to increase their game... Read More

What You Should Know About Plyometrics And How It Will Help You Get Longer Drives

One of the main problems for golfers is power. Yep,... Read More

Is Golf Conditioning Exercise Too Strenuous

Is golf conditioning exercise so strenuous that most people will... Read More

The Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Your Reach

The perfect golf swing IS achievable for any senior golfer!Actually... Read More