Boost Your Golf Through Healthy Eating

You do not have to be a doctor to know that eating fruit and vegetables is good for you. However, do you know what foods are best to eat and when, in order to play better golf?

In simple terms, your body needs food before, during and after golf for optimum results, and preferably foods that release energy slowly. Choose from oats, fruit, vegetables, pasta, fish or chicken in small portions and try to eat something every couple of hours.

When compared to most sports, golf takes quite a long time to play, usually around four hours, so you will need a snack while out on the course to sustain energy and mental alertness. Choose from nuts, fruit, oat bars, or even milk, which you can keep cold in a lightweight hydro drinking bottle designed for the purpose.

On completion of your round of golf, if possible eat within 45 minutes of play, as this reduces fat retention and re-establishes energy levels.

Familiar foods to energise you

Baked beans - although it might be awkward to eat baked beans out on the golf course, they are a great source of energy before or after, full of fibre, protein, iron and calcium and provide a slow release of energy. Even the tomato sauce they come in is beneficial. They are also inexpensive, and an even healthier combination, when served with wholemeal toast.

Oats - another nutritional megastar, which in a balanced diet has the additional benefit that it may help to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL - Low Density Lipoproteins). LDLs are hereditary and can increase from consumption of foods containing saturated fats. Exercise helps to reduce LDL levels and increases HDL ( High Density Lipoproteins) levels, which are beneficial to us. Common sources of oats are oat bread, oat cakes, porridge and muesli.

Bananas - probably the most popular source of energy you will see out on the golf course. The humble banana is high in potassium, healthy, satisfying and comes in its own wrapper. It is the ideal activity snack. Bare in mind that unripe bananas are harder to digest, so make sure they are ripe - they will taste better too. Also, try dates, raisins and dried fruit such as apricots for a quick boost of energy.

Bread - is a healthy source of protein and energy and an important part of our daily diet. It is rich in iron, fibre, vitamins and calcium that we also require for healthy bones and teeth. Some people think bread is fattening, but it is not, it depend what you put on it. Both white and brown bread is good for you, however, wholemeal is better as it contains more vitamins.

Why are fruit and vegetables so important?

In simple terms they are a good source of fibre and crammed with nutrients, which keep us healthy and alert. As fruit and vegetables contain few calories, you can eat as much as you like. Aim to eat as many different colours as possible for maximum nutritional value.

So as a plan for this year, try eating your way to better golf. Combine carbohydrates, protein and nutrients to energise your golf through a balanced diet. Moreover, if you really want to improve your golf, add regular exercise and golf practice to your new healthy eating habits.