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Health & Nutrition
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The 10 Worst Things To Eat Or Drink

By Ron Kaspriske
Photos by Getty Images

Here's a list of common foods and drinks you should avoid during your round of golf

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HOT DOGS
It depends how they are cooked and also the quality of ingredients stuffed into the sausage casing, but most dogs are awful. Not only are they high in sodium and saturated fat, if you eat one on a plain white bun, you're just adding an unwanted dose of simple carbohydrates to the mix. Natural beef jerky or a bowl of chili are two healthier alternatives.
SPORTS DRINKS
The chief ingredients in sports drinks—electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.)—are important for proper muscle function. But people usually get more than enough sodium (salt) from their normal diet. And the added chemicals and sugars (natural and artificial) make me cringe. Drink water and eat a banana and you'll get the same benefits without filling your body with sugar, chemicals and unneeded calories.
MOST NUTRITION BARS
Kudos to whoever came up with the term "nutrition bar." What little nutrition these candy bars have is ruined by the fact that they are loaded with sugar and chemical additives. I will say that bars that limit sugar, and contain protein and fiber are acceptable only if you can't find a better option such as peanut butter on whole wheat bread or an apple.
GRANOLA BARS
These things have come a long way and the varieties labeled "protein" or "whole grain" are a lot better than their predecessors. But 12 grams of sugar per serving means you're probably going to experience an energy spike, followed by a crash, during your round. A bag of nuts, sunflower seeds and chopped fruit (not dried) is a better alternative.
PRETZELS
Whole-grain versions are a big step in the right direction for this snack, but enriched-flour products like these are what many nutritionists call "empty calories." Your body will get very little out of eating them. Go with some carrot sticks if you like a good crunch.
FRENCH FRIES
Where do I start? Saturated fat, high salt content, et. al. I think the term "gut bomb" was invented after someone downed a burger and fries at the turn. Few things hinder athletic performance more than eating fried foods. Potato chips aren't much better. Always ask for a small side salad when ordering that chicken or fish wrap.
BEER
The beer companies got wise to something pretty early on. People were complaining that they felt bloated and sluggish after drinking more than one. So what did they do? They went out and started a campaign touting lower and lower calorie beer. No matter how many calories, beer is bad for golfers because it's a sedative, a diuretic and can impair coordination. Save the beer for after the round and drink water.
BAGEL BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
Eggs are easily one of the best things you can eat before you play golf because they send a signal to your brain that you are full for a considerable amount of time without having to stuff yourself. Not to mention the many nutrients found in them. However, the bagel that surrounds your egg sandwich is one of the worst things you can eat for a golf breakfast. It's almost right up there with No. 9.
BOWL OF CEREAL
The body absolutely positively needs carbohydrates to function properly. But it's the quality of carbohydrate that really matters in terms of endurance, mental acuity and functionality. Cereals are refined simple carbohydrates and the body treats them just like it's consuming pure sugar. You'll get a burst of energy, but that's it. You'll soon feel hunger pains again and fatigue will set in. Greek yogurt, an egg, and some grapes are a far better choice for breakfast.
SODA/FRUIT JUICE
Seems odd to pair these two drinks together, doesn't it? After all, fruit juice is found in nature and soda was created in some laboratory. Truth is, there is very little that separates these two awful beverages, because both are off the charts with sweeteners. I've already explained that natural sugars leave the body open to blood/sugar spikes. But even if you chose a drink that contains artificial sweeteners, your brain initially doesn't know the difference and you feel many of the same highs followed by big, big lows. What about fresh squeezed juice? Think about it. How many oranges would you have to squeeze to get an 8-ounce glass of OJ? That's a lot of sugar! If you want some fizz, go with sparkling water or low-sodium club soda. If you like the taste of fruit juice, eat an apple, orange or some cranberries.
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