What have you fed your golf brain lately!

The food you eat will either feed or deplete your brain power! Here’s the kicker, no one force-feeds you! “Chocolate, and donuts, and muffins… oh my!” That’s what Dorothy (from The Wizard of Oz) would have said if she saw what you were eating!

 

What’s a golfer to do? Think before you open your mouth. You are on the golf course for 4-5 hours. So not only should you carry some healthy snacks in your golf bag, like a Power, Cliff, or Kashi bar, piece of fruit, or nuts and raisins, you must eat something before you play. Now once you start eating “something”, make it work for you as opposed to against you.

 

FEED-BACK!

“But I have an early tee time… I don’t have time to eat!” Trust me, you have time when it’s important to make time. Eat something to wake your brain up. Golf is a thinking sport. When you feed your brain, it feeds you back. Think back to a recent game where you fell apart on the back 9. Did you eat before you went out to play?

Breakfast is regarded by many nutritionists as the most important meal of the day, yet it is the one meal that many people skip. To be of any real value, breakfast must be nutritious. Breakfasts vary according to the culture of the country. In Britain and the USA breakfasts often include complex carbohydrates which contain fiber, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, and provide a steady stream of glucose.

 

FOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN, IS GAS FOR YOUR CAR

I know someone who accidentally put regular gas in their diesel RV. OUCH! They didn’t get very far from the gas station before it sputtered and finally came to a halt. Can you imagine if our body and brain spoke that loudly to us… “Hey I’m not going another step further if you take another bite of that donut”! (That’s actually pretty funny.) Really, wouldn’t that be cool if we had some sort of warning signal that told us how much energy we were going to get from what we put in our mouth? Most of us are just so unaware of we unconsciously do, or put into our bodies, that we don’t notice the warning signs until it’s too late. Usually a heart attack or stroke will get our attention… for awhile.

 

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE GRASS!

After fasting all night, while sleeping, the human body (and brain) needs a fresh supply of glucose — or blood sugar. That’s the brain’s basic fuel.

Without glucose our brain doesn’t operate as well. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly the carbohydrates are absorbed into our bodies and converted to fuel. When it comes to sustained the golfer’sbrain power, food that is low on the scale — such as whole grains — are best.

Sugary cereals absorb into your body quickly but your blood sugar levels fall severely after about two hours, (or when you are on the back nine.) Most golfers will stop at the half-way house only to buy another high sugar snack that repeats the process.

Whole grains and oatmeal, on the other hand, are absorbed slowly into the brain and body. Oatmeal eaters get a slow rise in blood sugar and enough energy to last through a good part of the round.

 

DO YOU GET EASILY FRUSTRATED?

Did you know what you eat can effect your mood? It’s true. Oatmeal eaters don’t experience a steep drop in blood-sugar levels. A drop in blood sugar can bring with it a release of ugly hormones that affect mood levels. In some, the hormones seem to affect concentration and memory. Yes, concentration is related to what you eat!

Water plays a part in your brain function as well. It also has many important functions in the brain and body including:

• Transporting nutrients and eliminating waste products.
• Lubricating joints and tissues.
• Temperature regulation through sweating.
• Facilitating digestion.

What to avoid before your next game: Limit or avoid refined and sugary starches and fatty foods like, white bread, donuts and a muffin with extra butter. The lack of fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein means lack of nutrition, and a meal that likely won’t help you play to your best potential.

 

MY LOSS, YOUR GAIN

Throughout my body building years, I learned the science of eating the right foods to lose body fat while increasing my energy. My diet was filled with pretty boring green and white foods. That meant I would eat any carbohydrate that was green, (lots of veggies and salad) and protein what was white, (chicken, fish, egg whites and protein drinks). Pretty simple to follow, and like I said, pretty boring. That’s the life of a bodybuilder! Since I no longer compete, I’ve expanded my food intake quite a lot! No one is perfect… in fact as a teacher once told me, “we are all fine, and could be finer.”

So if you want to “be finer” in your golf game, pay attention. Here is where I can help you gain the most out of your food to acquire your unlimited Golf Mind Power.

 

7 STEPS TO INCREASING YOUR GOLF MIND POWER:

1. Sleep well before you golf. (Get my free power nap or sleep hypnosis to help you)
2. Don’t play your next round of golf on an empty stomach.
3. Say “no” to that donut or muffin.
4. Say “Yes” to whole grains
5. Fill your body with brain fuel – complex carbohydrates
6. Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water, before and during your round.
7. Eat a brain and body healthy breakfast! (Try my recipe below!)

 

RANDY’S FAVORITE GolfMindPower BREAKFAST

 

Ingredients:

Quaker quick oats (Follow serving suggestion)

Water (Less than serving suggestion: it gets liquidy from other stuff))

1 TBS peanut or almond butter (I like Trader Joe’s crunchy)

1 Scoop of vanilla protein powder (Substitute egg whites… makes it fluffy and even healthier!)

Blueberries (a handful, fresh or frozen – defrosted of course) or ½ a banana cut up?

Now What?

Microwave Oats, and Water for 1 ½ - 2 minutes. (If using egg whites, add them and cook for a solid 2 minutes)

Add peanut butter, stir until blended

Add protein powder, stir until blended

Add blueberries

Enjoy! This is one of my favorite meals filled with incredible energy that will last you hours! Your brain and body will thank you!

 

See you on the links!

Randy

Combine…“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be” by Grandma Moses and

from the movie Forest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get!”… and it sounds like:

………………………………

“Life is a box of chocolates, even when you don’t know what you are going to get, you can always make the best of it!”

 

We all have the power to decide how we react in life, no matter what it is filled with! Yes, “life” happens to everyone. It is the attitude of appreciation (of self), allowing (of love), gratitude (for abundance) and forgiveness (to all healing), that enhances our own best creation of life.

The law of attraction states, what you think about, you bring about. Like a magnet draws its energy towards it, we create what we have and where we are going either consciously or subconsciously. It is through our thoughts, feelings and how we treat others in life that brings us to a higher place of good. The power of gratitude is one of the strongest forms of guidance for attracting what you want, by appreciating what you have. This is an article of gratitude, in so many ways!

There is something in my life (a product) that I started using when I was around 12 years old that I still use to this day. I am grateful for this and wanted to share it. When you read the “About Randy” page, you’ll know that at that time I was playing competitive racquetball. My Dad, who introduced me to the game, has always been an advocate for using the right tools in any sport you play. (That’s probably where I picked up the line I’ve said to my students, “you’re only as good as your equipment will allow you to be”).

My Dad introduced me to my first pair of Thorlos! If you have never heard of them, keep reading. This is a sock to be grateful for and I feel the need share with the world why I still wear them. It’s funny, anyone I have met over the years that wear Thorlos, swear by them. You’ll see why!

Back in the 70’s, “tube socks” were hot! Yes, I had every color tube sock Thorlo made (white with a color stripe at the top). They were beautiful and rode all the way up to just below my knees! (Can’t imagine wearing a tube sock now, but it was in then… and I looked cool!). The bottom line, in racquetball my feet took a serious beating, and I never got blisters! When other competitors were complained that their feet hurt, mine were always happy. So I thought it was time I spread the word in the hopes of saving agony of your feet.

Fast forward to the present, thirty plus years later, this is the one constant I still have around in my life. That’s pretty amazing! I have my thick one’s for the gym, medium ankle socks for golf, and love the hiking crew for playing golf with pants when it gets colder out. I really think my lack of back pain is due to taking care of my feet. I know of many back sufferers that do not take care of their feet. The correct fitting shoes are really important, but I also found when I wore a sock (other than Thorlo), my feet hurt at the end of the day. Teaching golf all day requires standing most of the time. Thorlos made such a difference in my energy level by how my feet felt.

< ——————- >

What really hooked me was reading about Thorlos support in the cure for breast cancer! “Now this is a company that cares about people” … they are giving their socks away (along with funding) so “people can help people” to make a difference. THAT’S POWERFUL! That’s what it’s all about!

Here are some inspirational quotes from the 3-Day walk:

“Being a Survivor myself, it is so great to see Thorlo get involved with the 3-Day Susan G. Komen events. For walking & working out, Thorlo is the sock to wear.” A. Aiken. Huntersville, NC

“I have been wearing my THORLO socks while training for the breast cancer 3-Day walk. I LOVE THEM!! They are by far the most comfortable socks I have ever worn.” S. Sutliff. Eagan, MN

“I LOVE these socks… This is my 3rd 3-Day and I have struggled with blisters each time, this time….no blisters…Thank you!”. Christensen. Kirkland, WA

“…after walking 10 miles in them. I didn’t suffer fatigue, or blisters, or hot spots. I LOVE THEM and have already ordered my 6pk.” D. Schwichtenberg. Palm Harbor, FL

“Nice height, pink is fun and they work exactly like they should. These socks wick the moisture so I don’t even feel sweaty. They also have superior cushioning…these are my new favorites and I have been wearing Thorlos for about 8 yrs” P. Billman. Keller, TX

 

“Thank you Thorlo! I am so appreciative and grateful for your incredible product that has lasted over 30 years! It is my pleasure to pass it on.” Randy Friedman

 

 

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

 

 

 

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~ Albert Schweitzer

Mom has participated in the “Race for the cure” in Palm Beach, Florida for the last 12 years or more. Her sister, (my aunt) died of breast cancer years ago, so there is a personal connection she has to the cause. This past January 20^th, I felt an unusual compulsion to walk in it for the first time. From the minute my alarm clock went off to arriving at the site filled with enthusiastic volunteers, my blood was pumping with a positive excitement of being part of something larger than life.

 

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Thousands of men, women and children of all ages were participating in this incredible event to walk in support of finding a cure for breast cancer. From survivors to relatives of survivors, they all made themselves known with signs posted on their backs. It was incredibly moving and I now understood why my mother always looked forward to doing it.

 

Hundreds then thousands upon thousands more, all wearing the bright colors of their new Race shirts. Everything seems to explode at once. On stage, the music gets going, it was jazzercise time. A time to warm-up, get people dancing, stretching or just observing.

 

Then it was time get walking. Many people with teams cheering proudly, dogs walking too, plenty of spirit was in the air! As people pass, I noticed every sign that they wore because the back-signs say it all: “In Celebration for…”—“In Memory of…” Some people had one or multiple names, and many signs said “ME”.

 

When we got back from our walk, at mid-morning, along with thousands we assembled near the stage. This is where all of this leads. Ten o’clock is the time for the point of it all and the reason for why we are all here.

 

Nancy Brinker, the founder of the Komen Foundation was there and spoke to us about how far they have come with relentless research after 25 years. It was incredibly moving to hear her personal story of why she started it all, in memory of her loving sister that died of breast cancer. Her unwavering challenge to find a cure and determination to help others is most inspirational. She introduced the next segment and it was nothing short of an awakening.

 

The Survivors Celebration had an amazing power that could make the strongest men cry and strangers hug. The pink caps and pink shirts scattered throughout the crowd now began to come forward. I had no idea what my emotions were in for next, and then I understood. Through the cheering crowd, they were given an open passage to walk through and towards the stage. As many as could fit, walked up the steps to the stage. They just keep on coming, hundreds upon hundreds, surpassing a thousand—so many survivors. As I applauded their courage, their hope and desire for life, my eyes were filled with cheerful tears. My mother then leaned to me and said, “it’s truly amazing how many more survivors there are now, compared to when I first started walking.”

 

Next year Mom will be wearing the pink survivor’s shirt and hat. She always said to us growing up, “God works in mysterious ways”. You see a week after my first “Race for the Cure“, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I now know why I felt compelled to be of part of my first walk, of many to come. Thank you Nancy Brinker for an incredible vision. It is because of people like you who (inspired by the untimely death of your sister) has given Hope, Dreams and Life to my mom and millions of other grateful people! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so grateful!

 

Imagine the day when people have this conversation:

• “Oh, honey don’t you feel well?”
• ” I’ll be okay. I just woke up with a silly ol’ breast cancer.”
  
• “I understand how you feel, this cold has been lingering for hours!”

…IN OUR LIFETIME!

 

 

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

 

 

 

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“Women need lighter and more flexible clubs than men”…

… ok I know, tell us something we didn’t know! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize most women are not as strong as men, nor do we try to be. As a women and one who has studied anatomy and physiology in depth, women are not “made” to be as physically strong as men. That being said, women need clubs that suit their physique. Cobra was one of the the first to realize this years ago, and they made the industry jump on board.

One of the big issues I witnessed teaching women, is that if it wasn’t fun for them right from the start, they weren’t coming back! Although disheartening, I understood. For women (or men) to improve their golf mind power, they must believe their clubs are going to work for them.

 

If the equipment does not match up to the persons physical body type and strength, it’s almost impossible for them to improve. You’ve got to get the ball in the air. It’s just not fun to hit “worm burners” all day.

 

Key issues in golf clubs for women:

• Light overall weight (with a feel of head weight)
• Correct Flexible shaft based on the swing speed
  
• Pretty works! Don’t laugh, this is important for us gals!
  

Army green is just not what most women golfers want to to show up to the course with. Pink, lavender, a nice sky blue… now were talking! And don’t forget the shoes to match!

Cobra has done a nice job for the women’s golf market for many years. They make all the clubs a female golfer needs, all designed with the specifications to suit women golfers. It’s a beautiful thing, (pretty too)! Plus, they have captured a market that doesn’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money on themselves… well shoes are another story in itself!

Cobra was founded in 1974 and in the early 90s began making specialized Lady Cobra Golf Clubs. Located in Carlsbad, California, Cobra (as well as Titleist) is part of the Acushnet Company, that is owned by Fortune Brands, (NYSE:FO).

GET FIT!
It is important to have a proper fitting when choosing new clubs. You wouldn’t go to the shoe store and say, “that’s a pretty color, I’ll take that one”, without trying them on. Golf Clubs are no different. There are many variables that come into play in buying a new set of clubs. A fitting professional can help you with what you need.

Steel vs. Graphite
Steel shafts are great for those with a powerful swing and a low handicap. Graphite is lighter and gives your swing an easier feel. In all the years I’ve fit women with golf clubs, I only fit one with steel, Me. Most amateur women don’t swing the club fast enough to generate the club head speed needed to warrant steel shafts. If you are just starting out, go with graphite shafts rather than steel. Although more expensive, they are much easier for the beginner, high handicapper or women that prefer the lightness of graphite.

Some ladies choose the more expensive but low weight yet hard titanium. Stainless steel is cheaper, but it is also heavier. An alternative is an alloy head which is made from a combination. There are many combinations using different metals.

Beginner Ladies Sets
I can’t tell you how many starter sets I sold to women! Yes, you are allowed 14 clubs in your bag, but you don’t need them all when you are just starting out. You have enough to think about when you just starting the game, that fewer clubs choices makes the decision easier and faster when you are on the course. (Trust me playing faster is a good thing in the beginning.) I started many women with a 5, 7, 9 iron, and sand wedge plus a 3, 7 wood and putter. Seven clubs is more than enough to get you started. What’s great about Cobra and many other companies is you can always fill in your set with the missing clubs later, when you are ready. At some point you may want to add a driver and some other clubs depending on your how you are progressing and if you have some gaps in yardages.

Sets for Better Players
Believe it or not, most people that play golf, don’t break 100! Here’s the good news, if you shoot a score less than a 100 you can be considered a mid handicapper! Golfers who play close to 10 over par or less would be considered to have a low handicap. When choosing a new set of clubs at this stage there are many things to consider such as what clubs you feel you need, would you prefer a used set of expensive clubs rather than new cheaper sets?

This is where you really want to take the time with a Golf Professional to get fit properly. A pro can explain about the different materials and take things like loft and lie of each club into consideration when buying a complete set. Most pro shops will also carry a variety. The major club companies are: Cobra, Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, Ping and Nike.

Do it right the first time!
Whether you are a complete beginner or a low handicapper, buying golf clubs are part of the business. Get the clubs you need that will work for you, whether its a few or the complete set. When you start out with the right “tools” you can pour your foundation and build a strong game that will last a lifetime!

Let me know thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy