Here is a list of common foods and drinks that you should definitely avoid during a round of golf.

1) Sausages and smoked meats

Certainly the quality of sausages must be taken into account, but in general, they contain a lot of nitrates, nitrites and colourings as well as too much salt and saturated fat. According to doctors in Sweden, 50 g of sausages a day increases the risk of cancer by twenty per cent. This food should definitely not be a part of an athlete’s diet.

2) Sports drinks

Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.) essential for the proper functioning of muscles are the main ingredients of sports drinks. The daily intake of sodium, which is generally consumed in a normal diet mainly from salt, is between 10 to 15 g, which is too much. It is not necessary to supply the body with additional sodium or other added chemicals and sugar contained in sports drinks. If you want to benefit your body, drink water instead and have a banana.

3) The majority of cereal bars

Cereal bars are usually packed with sugar and chemical additives. 12 g of sugar in one bar provides you with an energy kick, which is followed by a slump in energy and even greater fatigue. This is something you do not want to experience during your game. Choose bars that are sweetened with natural sweeteners (such as dates), contain proteins and fibre and eat them only when an ideal alternative, such as unroasted nuts or apples, is not available.

4) Chips

Where to start? Unfortunately, children love them and so do adults. Chips are full of unsaturated fats, salt and starch, as well as carcinogenic substances formed during frying. Only a few types of food can disturb your game more than chips, cheese, crisps and other “goodies” cooked in oil. If you want to play better, choose a green salad as a side dish to your meal and definitely avoid anything fried.

5) Fruit juices and flavoured fizzy drinks

Sugar, sugar and again sugar. You may go for light drinks instead in order to avoid sugar but the body behaves as if you just drank sugar. You will experience an increase in energy followed by a slump and even greater fatigue. European Tour players are aware of this and drink only still water during the game. Let yourself be inspired by them.