Fitness for Your Game

It goes without saying that proper nutrition is important for all of us. But, if you are serious about shaving valuable strokes off your scorecard, you need to make some tough decisions on seeing your diet through. If you travel for golf, or are on tour, it is important not to fall into the trap of 'settling' for fast food as an excuse for poor nutrition. You need to be committed to your diet each and every step of the way to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need.

Make a commitment to a diet full of carbohydrates, proteins and fats along with a wealth of water and watch your score start to drop! For some time, golfers have been neglecting their diets, but today, more professional golfers are turning to a healthy lifestyle to help bring home a healthy paycheck.

Eating a balanced diet will help your body and your mind operate at peak performance whenever called upon. You can condition your body to fend off fatigue by ensuring it has the energy stores it needs to keeps your muscles and your mind on the same page. Providing carbohydrates to build up the glycogen stores in your muscles and liver will make sure you have enough energy to compete.

Here are a few quick nutrition tips so you can compete at the highest levels.

• Avoid large amounts of food in the two hours leading up to tee time. Food in your digestive system diverts blood away from your brain and muscles, affecting concentration and physical performance. A meal two to three hours before play is preferred.
• Don't skip meals. Golfers need that slow and steady release of energy to see them through difficult or long hours of play. Smaller meals are better to help increase metabolism.
• Drink lots of water. Think in terms of 8 to 10 glasses each day. Continue throughout your round to stay hydrated especially during the summer months.
• Combine carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal. This aids in overall digestion and ensures you are getting the proper nutrients.
• Avoid highly processed foods or sugar based foods. They tend to raise blood sugar levels quickly and, then, drop rapidly causing fatigue.
• Keep it simple. There is no need to make elaborate meals or go to great extent in preparation. A piece of fruit and bag of nuts will go a long way in replenishing energy when you need it.

For more information on golf nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com/.