Millions of golfers love to tee off like a pro on expansive golf courses in the United States. They look forward to some of the top golf courses in Texas where they can stay, play, eat and relax. If you are one of them and want to stay ahead of other players, you need to eat and drink the right kind of food before and during an exciting round of the game. Here is a deeper insight into the ideal golfing diet:
Eat Food that Improves Your Focus
Certain kinds of food item improve your mental performance on a golf course. For instance, avocados and dark chocolates, improve a player’s blood circulation. Spinach, which is rich in lutein, an antioxidant, enhances cognitive functions.
Eat Enough to Feel Healthy
Have a meal that neither makes you feel hungry or too filled. Vegetable omelet with fruit, grilled chicken sandwich with soup, grilled chicken or fish with salad and vegetables or whole wheat spaghetti and pasta sauce are some yummy options.
Eat Healthy Before a Long Round
Stick to a healthy diet if you’re going to play a long round of the game. Include fresh vegetables and fruits in your platter because they have antioxidants that protect your body cells from damaging chemical reactions. Avoid excess fat or empty calories in your meal prior to a long round of golf. Do not make the mistake of savoring a full pasta bowl coupled with pieces of white bread just before a golf match. Instead, consider eating pasta made from whole wheat or slices of brown bread with little servings of fish or chicken.
Take your meal at least 2-3 hours before a round. You can even go for a light snack an hour prior to your first tee. Studies show that a meal rich in 200 or 300 grams of carbohydrate consumed 2 to 3 hours before a match enhances athletic performance on a golf course. If you are to tee off early in the morning, stick to a healthy breakfast. Consider whole-wheat toast with scrambled eggs. Avoid bad carbohydrates such as pancakes, bagels or donuts that result in increased insulin levels, making you feel tired before a round. Remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid Alcohol the Night before the Match
Though alcohol helps you doze off quickly, it’s established that it hampers sleep quality. Avoid it if you want to wake up fresh and well rested, ready for great golfing.
What to Eat During a Round
Make sure you have the right snacks during a round to retain your energy level. Opt for healthy snacks such as jerky and nuts, which are natural sources of fat and proteins, and whole grains. Avoid soda or beer, both before or after a match. Also, do not have energy bars, potato chips (they contain trans fats) and avoid sports beverages rich in sugar.
After the Match
As a rule, athletes must eat something within 45 minutes of physical activity. A golfer is no exception. During this time, muscle replenishing enzymes, including insulin, are at their highest levels. Have a diet that’s rich in carbohydrate and protein. Food such as bagel with cream cheese, peanut butter sandwich, nuts and yogurt with fruits will help you refill glycogen, maintain muscle strength and cut back on the fat stored in your body.
Heading to one of the top golf courses in Texas or any other highly rated places is exciting. Make sure you are in good shape and ready to enjoy the game to the fullest. Eating healthy and staying hydrated should be your mantra before, during, and after the game. It might need a few adjustments to your diet, but a great round will justify all the effort.