Smarter Golf Course Snacks
Do you often find yourself running out of gas and making a lot of bogeys over the final few holes? If so, you might be snacking on the wrong foods during your round of golf.
The right, healthy snacks provide energy and nutrients needed to keep your brain sharp and body fueled to play your best. They’re also helpful for preventing post-round overeating. Although many golfers reach for convenient snacks, such as an energy bar, pretzels or bag of chips, these processed products are often filled with exactly the kinds of ingredients you want to avoid to fuel your performance on and off the course.
The good news is, you can spare your belly and save your score by learning what snacks to pack or grab at the turn. Here are a few tips to snack healthy.
READ FOOD LABELS
Keep it simple by snacking on single-ingredient foods, such as fruit, nuts, veggies, etc. The less refined, the better. For example: Instead of eating a candy bar, grab some dark chocolate and almonds. Swap the sugar-filled snack bars for walnuts and a banana or any other nut and fruit combos. Listed below are some healthy snack suggestions to keep you refreshed, energized and satisfied.
ENJOY BALANCED SNACKS
You’ll make more birdies by balancing out carbs with high quality protein and natural fat whenever possible. Natural fats, such as avocado, walnuts and almond butter, are especially helpful for providing sustainable energy, reducing sugar cravings, and increasing satiation. In other words, playing your best is not about going “low-fat,” but selecting healthy fats that keep your energy high so you can focus on shooting low.
PLAN AND PACK
Lastly, it’s important to plan snacks ahead of time. Waiting to find food until you’re “starving” on the 6th hole is right on target for making poor nutrition decisions. Be proactive by preparing some of the suggestions below before your tee time or opt for healthier snack shack selections.
DO’S & DON’TS
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE COURSE
• Energy enhancer: apple and walnuts or banana and cashew squeeze pack
• Power performance: hard-cooked eggs and avocado sprinkled with sea salt
• Eat your veggies: hummus with carrots, cucumber and olives
• Conquer cravings: plain Greek yogurt with frozen cherries/berries, cinnamon and stevia
• Sweet-tooth treat: cashew butter squeeze pack with a banana and dark chocolate
• Something substantial: Tanka Bar Wild Bison Jerky
• Tasty treat: “PB&J” peanut butter and sliced banana sandwich
WHAT TO GRAB AT THE TURN
• Apple and almonds
• Hard-cooked eggs and fresh fruit
• Sausage with a couple slices of cheese
• Jerky with a mini bag of nuts and a banana
• Tuna with tomato and avocado on a slice of sourdough
• Lettuce-wrapped burger with avocado and tomato
• Sliced turkey rolled with alfalfa sprouts and avocado
• Chicken salad 1/2 sandwich on sourdough bread
• Ham with sliced cheese, green apple and mustard
WHAT TO AVOID AT THE TURN
• Hotdog, Chips
• Most bars: candy, energy, granola, etc.
• Baked goods: muffins, cookies, croissants, etc.
