Virginia Golfer May/June 2014 | Page 27

Fuel Tank Your Fill ’er Up Sports dietitian Amy Goodson suggests these breakfast options before your next round of golf: A healthier approach to playing better by LISA D. MICKEY TOP: SCOTT K. BROWN; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM (7) G olfers usually pack enough balls, tees and sunscreen for a four- to five-hour round of golf, but perhaps the most important item for them to take to the course is the one thing they often leave behind: a sound nutritional start to the day and a plan to avoid a back-nine energy crash. All sports have different demands, but in golf, perhaps the greatest need is for mental focus during the time it takes to play 18 holes. It’s hard to do that when your stomach is growling or your blood sugar level is plummeting. And it’s difficult to focus on finishing those challenging last four holes when y