NUTRITION

     Do you think it is possible to eat your way to lower scores? I am a believer, and let me tell you why! Remember, as you read this tip that I am not a nutritionist or a dietician, but I have been counseled with open ears and the results are awesome. This will take minimal planning and lots of commitment, but improved daily golf performance will follow. I know many of you have heard the expressions, "You are what you eat," and "Treat your body like it is a temple." Now let's talk about why and the effects.

     In the world of golf, nutrition is a hot topic! You can augment endurance and strength and improve your focus and concentration through what you eat. Golfers must adapt to intense heat, cold, and rain, as well as, long hours. Your golf game diet should address issues such as hydration, pre-game meals, and power snacks. Without getting too complicated, the following is some pertinent information to preparing your new enhanced golf diet.

     There are six basic nutrients that support the human body; carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. They meet three basic needs of the body: to provide energy, to support new tissue growth and tissue repair, and to regulate metabolism. Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for your muscles and are derived from the sugars and starches in foods we consume everyday. To keep our mind alert and muscles energized, we should eat foods high in complex carbohydrates such as rice, breads, pasta, vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, cereals, and grains.

 
Ted Frick

Protein, a component of all body tissues, is necessary for repairing and rebuilding muscles that break down during physical activity. Protein comes from both animal and plant sources: fish, chicken, red meat, eggs, nuts, etc. Protein does have calories, but it is used for energy only if you run out of carbohydrates. Contrary to popular belief, vitamins and minerals do not provide calories or energy. And by the way, 55% of our body weight is water, which is often called the most essential of all the nutrients.

 
 

     So here is my food for thought. Keep your daily intake of food diverse, mix it up. Do not fall in love with any one food group because your ability to recover and refocus is limited when you eat a single food or single food group. Endurance is a key factor in golf, therefore in order to maintain concentration and focus we need to keep our energy level high. Your body will appreciate it and so will your scores!!

     Next month I will focus on some good examples of what to eat before during and after the round.

 
 
Ted Frick

Ted Frick
2005 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year
Owner / Director of Instruction
Classic Swing Golf School (Located at Legends Resort)
P.O. Box 50955 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-5560
1-800-827-2656
[email protected]
www.classicswing.com

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