Every morning I get up with single-minded vision to make every human perform better. As one of India’s leading nutritionists, it is my job to change the way people eat. Over two decades, I have successfully managed healthy eating for numerous clients that include Golfers to improve their performances.
Of course, there’s definitely no certainty that this will lower your scores but ignoring Golf nutrition can severely impact your game. After networking with several Golfers, Golf coaches and academies, I understood that Golf calls for a lot of physical fitness and it can actually punish your body if not properly taken care of.
So, here are my 3 Power Nutrition tips I feel every Golfer should follow:
A typical round of golf (18 holes) takes 3 to 5 hours to complete, depending on the skill level of the golfer. While the average length of a course is 7km, a golfer could walk 10 to 20 km (depending on the accuracy of shots) to complete a round. Eating right at the right time and in right quantity is the key to success. A high-driven Golfer consuming the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat will have the ideal energy levels drive 250 balls during practice or walk 10 kilometers to play 18 holes and come back the next day to repeat it over. Focusing on quality nutrition persistently can enhance your Golf performance. The right fuel results in a better performing individual.
Most athletes including Golfers forget to hydrate themselves. You are made up of water more than 60%. When you effectively learn how to feed your muscles and brains, you allow your body to go the extra mile. A lot of Golfers understand that hydrating is the key to a good game. The practice is not only for matches but even in practice and at the gym. Also, a well-hydrated muscle will be less prone to injury. Golf is a sport of composure of thought and execution. So avoid energy drinks with caffeine on the course. Opt for sports drinks that have 6% isotonic carb balance and 5:1 sodium to potassium balance on electrolytes.
As a round of golf can last for several hours it is necessary to refuel throughout the round. Imagine you are a car driving to 18 holes. The car has fuel only for eight holes. After that it needs a break to refuel. So, you don’t stop so that your body breaks down muscle and fat. This breakdown causes your brain and heart rate to unbalance. If you eat small snacks and hydrate, it’s like you are getting a pit stop that balances your brain, muscles and heart rate so that you are as fresh as ever.
Whether you’re an athlete or a fitness warrior or a recreational Gymer, food will be thy medicine and it could be poison too. Learning how to eat with a plan can help you give a fillip to your game and ride the crest of success.
Ryan Fernando is an award-winning celebrity sports nutrition coach & Chief Nutritionist at Qua Nutrition Signature Clinics. Visit www.quanutrition.com and www.ryanfernando.in.