The Pros Guide to Smart Snacking on the Course

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jul 25, 2011) - (Family Features) The sport of golf is physically and mentally demanding, so smart snacking and nutrition are key to keeping fueled and focused during a round of play. With snacking tips from Almond Board of California in partnership with Titleist Performance Institute nutrition expert Robert Yang and four-time PGA champion Ben Crane, golfers can identify tasty opportunities that will help them reach their full potential on and off the course. By maintaining healthy eating habits designed to provide proper nutrition and sustain energy, golfers can see a significant difference in their focus and game.

"Almonds are delicious snacks that help keep hunger at bay, especially while playing or watching your favorite sports. Similarly, during training it's important to sustain energy levels. Snacks like almonds get the job done," says Yang.

Crane finds it is important to eat small, frequent snacks during play to maintain cravings and keep him powered throughout the round. "Whether playing an 18-hole game or a 72-hole tournament, I always make sure to keep almonds in my golf bag for a quick snack in between holes. They help keep me focused during my game," says Crane.

No matter how many rounds of golf you're playing or balls you hit, the truth of the matter is that eating the right foods should be just as important as your equipment. To be at your best on the course you need to be able to focus without distraction from hunger. Eating the wrong foods or failing to keep your body fueled can cause you to become too sluggish to perform at your peak.

A steady supply of nutritious snacks such as almonds, consumed every couple of hours will keep energy levels balanced and stave-off cravings. A daily handful, or about 23 almonds, makes a great addition to any meal or snack, providing thirteen grams of unsaturated fat, only one gram of saturated fat, six grams of protein and three and a half grams of fiber.

To keep your body in the best shape possible, it's important to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. That's why integrating almonds into your diet is not only a smart choice, but also a truly satisfying one.

For these and more golf-focused nutrition tips from Robert Yang and Ben Crane, visit www.Almondboard.com/prosnacker.

Man's Trail Mix
Yield: 6 1/2 cups

Ingredients:
2	cups whole, natural almonds
1 1/2	cups raisins or dried cranberries
1	cup dried apple slices
3/4	cup chocolate chips (or candy-coated chocolate)
3/4	cup yogurt chips
1/2	cup sunflower seeds, optional

Combine all ingredients in large bowl until well mixed.

Store in airtight container.

Every day, pack 1 1/3 cups of mixture for a satisfying snack in between meals.

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