Not sure what to reach for when hunger strikes while out on the course?
A balanced lifestyle can prevent illness, increase energy, help you to manage your weight, and reduce your overall risk of injury and the need for pain killers or surgery. Nutrition is a key component of your long-term wellness and translates into success on the green as well.
With the help of our friends at Regenexx Cayman, today we have some top tips to help our golfers with nutrition on the go, plus a free nutrition eBook written by an expert interventional orthopedic physician, for you to look at in more detail.
How are you fuelling your game?
If you find yourself getting hungry mid-game or are looking to improve your energy levels, then we have some good news eating more often can help keep your metabolism up. Regenexx Cayman physicians suggest eating 2-3 small or moderate-sized meals, in addition to 2–3 low-glycemic index (non-sugary) snacks throughout the day. Alongside proper nutrition, maintaining hydration is crucial for your golf game, especially in warmer conditions. Learn more in our article on Tips to Golfing in the Summer Heat.
Need some healthy snack ideas? Get your cooler bag at the ready…
- Eat plenty of raw vegetables, as these have a lot of nutrients. Crunchy bell peppers, carrot sticks, or fresh tomatoes are quick to prepare and refreshing to eat on a sunny day.
- You can’t go wrong with fruit (apple, banana, grapes, berries, peach, pear, plum, nectarine) and almond butter.
- Smoothies made with whole fruit and juiced vegetables are also a great way to get in your “five a day”. But try to use water, almond milk, fresh juice, or watered-down juice as the liquid in smoothies instead of store-bought juice.
- Treat yourself to 2 small pieces of dark chocolate (>70 percent cocoa) a day. The flavonoids, or antioxidants, in dark chocolate are great for improving cardiovascular health.
- Looking for a protein kick? Try snacking on grass-fed boiled eggs or natural beef or fish jerky.
- Try a simple swap of regular peanut butter for almond butter, or natural peanut butter with no hydrogenated oil.
- Need something to replace your candy craving? Why not try trail mix, dark chocolate, low-GI health bars, walnuts, almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts.
TOP TIP: Be careful of “low fat,” “all natural,” “diet,” and “organic” labelled snacks as they may still have very poor nutrition content due to processing, the addition of extra sugar, chemical additives, and even the removal of natural components.
We like to see our golfers happy and healthy, so we know they’ll be able to enjoy the Owl’s Nest course for many years to come.
To complement your nutritional efforts for a better game, consider incorporating yoga into your routine as explained in Improve Your Golf Game by Incorporating Yoga into Your Routine.