Step away from the fridge! How designing a meal plan will benefit you when we’re back out on the course
Dear Marge. I’m concerned about my husband. We’ve been married for almost 10 years and I thought it was a healthy relationship. The chance to spend more time together seemed wonderful but I’ve recently caught him looking at photos on his phone and to make matters worse they are images of men in golf clothing. He’s also started to ask me to move our baby girl off the carpet as he’s “trying to perfect his stroke”. Please can you advise how I can save our relationship?
For those who remember the old ‘Agony Aunt’ columns, this may be a scenario which plays out as we move further into the essential period of isolation. One key relationship we will all have is with our food intake. And here are the pitfalls that we face.
We are very likely to be more sedentary. We have less need to move.
We are likely to want to comfort eat and use food to cheer the mood, particularly now we’ve moved past the original Masters date and closer to being qualified primary school teachers. This will likely include alcohol.
We are allowed daily exercise but who’s to say this may be revoked if the Government tells us we need to take further action.
We are also in close proximity to the fridge and this is a genuine threat to our waistlines. (And no, walking to the fridge every 12 minutes in an attempt to hit 10,000 steps a day is not beneficial!)
Here is a maths equation to bear in mind: If we eat more calories than we burn over a period of time, we will gain weight. If we eat less than we burn, we will lose weight. Controlling our intake in a time of reduced movement is the key. We need to have some awareness, some discipline and a gameplan. A weekly menu helps control our intake and minimises shopping trips.
The golfers I work with are looking at maintaining their strength in a time of prohibited gym access. This is achieved by regular protein intake as the body does not store this macronutrient. Examples of this are scrambled eggs for breakfast, milk-based smoothies, fish for lunch (tinned is great and cost effective), cottage cheese with rye crackers, chicken for dinner, Greek yoghurt as a supper.
Young golfers are still growing and must focus on calcium. Their skeletons will still be developing, hence the importance of online exercise classes, along with smart calcium sources such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, nuts, tofu, wholemeal bread and fortified cereals such as Weetabix.
Eat fruit and/or vegetables with every meal. Drink water. Opt for wholesome carbohydrates and restrict white, sugary ones. You’ll feel fuller for longer, snack less and then just maybe have enough room for a post-teaching glass of wine should your nerves demand it.
If you have any golf nutrition questions for Phil you can get in touch via his website or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow NCG on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for free online golf instruction, the latest equipment reviews, and much, much more.
Thanks for stopping by.
We wondered if you might like to contribute to supporting our journalism?
As the world enters uncharted waters, we’d like to be able to keep our content open for all to entertain and inform in the months ahead.
We’d like to think we are the voice of the ordinary golfer the world over. Whether your interest is in the game from tour level to grassroots, the latest equipment, or independent course rankings, we’ve got you covered.
If you want to read more about how you can help us and to donate, please CLICK HERE.
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
