Some Parting Thoughts on Proper Eating

(I know you're tired of hearing this, but remember: I'm not a doctor, so all standard disclaimers apply. Proceed at your own risk!)

Ok, let's wrap up the dietary talk today so we can start thinking about the golf swing itself. Here are a few parting thoughts to bear in mind.

• I haven't talked about vitamin and mineral supplements, largely because I think that's a really personal thing. I do think you should realize that the "daily minimum requirements" you hear about are just that... minimums. They represent the least you can get each day and not come down with diseases like rickets and scurvy and such.

Personally, I take what used to be called a "sports vitamin," which has a lot more of the vitamins and minerals than the typical vitamin tablets you get at the grocery store. (Mine come from a health food store.) I also take some extra C, E, and zinc. I settled on these after a lot of study and personal experimentation. Some people don't need them, but I seem to function better when I take them. I give you no advice here, beyond urging you to listen to your body. Take them if you think you need them, and don't take them if you don't.

• Try to diversify your diet. The more different kinds of food you eat, the more likely you are to have a healthy and enjoyable diet, which general translates into having a healthy and enjoyable body. 'Nuff said.
• Pre-planning for snacks is a good idea for everybody. I know if I don't plan ahead, I end up eating too much of the things I only want a little of, if you know what I mean. (All those potato chips... history! Yes, I can eat just one... bag, that is.) Find some healthy things you like, and make sure you keep them around... because you will get the munchies. Trust me, I know about these things.
• Since most of us grasp things visually better than we do verbally, take the time to measure one serving of your favorite guilty pleasure. If you know what it looks like, it's much easier to avoid those unintentional binges that make you feel awful.
• And finally, decide you won't turn dinnertime into a guilt trip. The quickest way to destroy your efforts to eat a more healthy diet is to focus on the don'ts. Focus on the do's, and you'll find it much easier to stick to your guns -- and you'll start enjoying your meals again. Satisfaction isn't merely about a full stomach, but about feeling good about yourself.

Well, it's taken a little over six weeks, but you should have most of the information you need to get yourself in shape for life in general, and golf in particular. Now get ready to start working on your swing -- it's almost spring!