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Fitness
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 Knowing what — and when — to eat is key to playing a stellar round of golf, said Dr. Frank Storts of Body Balance for Performance in Whittier and Burbank. “People eat more than they normally eat at buffets, which slows them down,” said Storts, who recommends light, well-balanced meals with minimal carbs before and after a round. And whatever you do, don’t skip a meal. “Your blood sugar level drops and you could get hypoglycemia,” Storts said. Mark Nowlin, golf fitness specialist with Body Balance for Performance in Lake Forest, warns against playing too soon after meals. He says golfers should wait at least an hour or two before hitting the course to allow food to digest. While on the course, Nowlin recommends a nutrition bar, energy drink or some fruit between nines. “One of the worst things I see at the turn is golfers walking around with a greasy burger or chili dog, oily potato chips, a Coke or a couple of beers, which are hard to digest,” Nowlin said. “These things might taste good but as you’re finishing up your round it will be harder to maintain your focus and concentration.” Storts recommends skipping food altogether at turn. “Golfers think they need to fill up after nine holes,” he said. “But that is a misconception.” When it comes to drinking, Nowlin and Storts advise golfers to stay away from alcohol, coffee and sodas and increase their water consumption. “For the serious golfer who wants to do well, alcohol is not the way to go. The body needs lots of water to avoid craps, injuries and heat stroke,” said Storts, adding that sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are great choices for replenishing electrolytes. “Plain water won’t do that.” After a round is also not the time to get reckless with the clubhouse menu. Storts suggests a meal that is light and well-rounded, like chicken or beef, vegetables and fruit. Daily vitamins are another way to improve nutrition. A good multivitamin is hard to find, Storts said, so be on the lookout for one that breaks down within five hours. Otherwise, the vitamin holds no value. A good place to start is a health food store. Recommended supplements include B complex, vitamin E and essential fatty acid. N FYI EATING RIGHT Do’s Breakfast: Eggs, whole wheat toast, protein drink, fruit. Lunch: Light, balanced meals like salad or chicken, turkey sandwich. At the turn: Energy bar, bananas, raisins, apples, peanut butter sandwich. After the round: Well-rounded meal to include protein, vegetables and fruit. Throughout the day: Drink lots of water and energy drinks Don’ts Breakfast: Potatoes, heavy carbs, buffet. Lunch: Heavy or greasy foods. At the turn: Eat a full meal. After the round: Load up on carbs. Throughout the day: Stay away from alcohol. |
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