Golfing Healthy: Set-Up 2016 For Success!
Seeing as though I have already broken every single New Year’s Resolution for 2016, I thought it best we and I really mean me to dust myself off and revisit some of the things I should really focus on being a healthier me. If you’re in the same boat, well then fine, check out some wonderful tips from Cate of Cate’s Kitchen and MTT Performance.
The start of the new year is a time when people commit to doing all kinds of things to be their best. When it comes to feeling better, they often set lofty and even unhealthy resolutions, especially related to weight loss. This time around, I challenge you to ditch the fleeting nature associated with hollow resolutions. Commit to a long-term game plan to make every year your best on and off the course! Whether you’re trying to slim down or shave a few strokes, the key to success is focusing on the small changes that provide the biggest upgrades. Keep your swing simple and your approach to eating delicious and doable and you’ll have the essentials for a lifetime of success.
Here are 4 essential tips to look and feel your best!
4 Daily Practice Tips
- Hydrate With Water
Hydration increases metabolism, supports detoxification, promotes healthy digestion and benefits overall health. Hydrate each morning with a large glass of water and pack a BPA-free bottle to refill for work or on the course. Fresh/frozen berries are a delicious way to infuse your water with flavor. You can also add lemon to water (and even food) for flavor and health benefits.
- Choose Whole Foods
Choose natural, whole foods (veggies and fruits) over man-made, processed products (baked goods). Whole foods, a.k.a. one ingredient foods, naturally contain more nutrients including fiber that support blood sugar levels and digestion. In general, the less refined a food is the more nutrients it contains. Set-up your round for success by packing some nuts and fresh fruit to enjoy after the front nine.
- Find Healthier Alternatives
Rather then forgetting your favorite foods, find healthier alternatives by getting in the routine of reading food labels. Look for minimal ingredients. Avoid labels with refined sugars, flours, and any ingredients you can’t pronounce. Aim for less than 5 grams of sugar per serving. Make some smart swaps at the course by opting for a lettuce-wrapped burger with a side of fruit salad and unsweetened iced tea. Swap your candy bar for decadent dark chocolate bar and nuts. Again, it’s not about depriving yourself but finding healthier versions of food that you enjoy. If it’s not enjoyable, then experiment with other options or make it a “cheat” meal.
- Strategize Your Splurges
Whether is be the clubhouse french fries, a giant bowl of mac-and-cheese or a slice of chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream, plan two “cheat” meals per week to indulge. It’s not good to feel deprived or overly strict with your nutrition, but you want to plan these meals ahead of time so you don’t make every meal a cheat meal. With that in mind, if you don’t want to eat something, then don’t keep it in the house. Many people do best when their cheat meals are outside their home.
Cate Ritter — Make The Turn Performance — www.mttperformance.com
Nutritionist, Speaker & Kitchen Coach
Cate Ritter runs THE LEAN 18 Nutrition program at MTT Performance, A Golf Channel Academy located in Pebble Beach, CA. With a successful career as a top junior and collegiate golfer, Cate knows the importance of nutrition when it comes to having a competitive edge on the course. Cate’s work has been featured on ABC15 News, U.S. News and World Report, Wall Street Journal, Golf Digest, GolfWRX, Golf Tips, Golf Today Northwest, PopGolf Mexico, GolfPunk UK, and The Arizona Republic.
