When you think of Golf, you don’t really think of food to begin with. However, there is a surprising connection between golf and Mexican food that is noticeable. The correlation between the two has to do with the nutrients in the Mexican food itself and the nutrients required to play a solid round of golf.
To begin, consider the ingredients that make up Mexican dishes and how they are incorporated into the food. Traditional Mexican cuisine often includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, avocados, and leafy greens. These foods are rich in vitamins (like vitamin C from tomatoes and peppers) and antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. (Wall & Rojas, 2012). Not only are they healthy for you, but they are tasty and versatile ingredients that come together to satisfy. When asked how she feels after eating Mexican food, Emma Kamich said, ”After eating Mexican food, I typically feel satisfied and energized due to its vibrant flavors.” A staple in many Mexican dishes, avocados are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health. They also provide potassium, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals (Mattila et al., 2006). Avocados are readily available in stores and are relatively affordable for the mindful shopper. Many Mexican dishes include lean meats, such as chicken and fish, which provide protein and essential nutrients, such as B vitamins and zinc (Micha et al., 2017). Beans are foundational in Mexican food and are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. The fiber content can support digestive health and help regulate blood sugar levels (Stein et al., 2008). These elements combined create a balanced and nutrient-rich diet that can promote overall health when consumed as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Now, we will dive into what nutrients are lost during a round of golf, and how you can replenish them with Mexican food. When playing golf, especially in warm weather, players often sweat, losing crucial electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Significant electrolyte loss can occur during prolonged exercise (Bishop et al., 2002). Sodium, potassium, and magnesium are replenished by consuming Mexican foods like avocados and legumes. Prolonged activity without proper nutrition can also result in the depletion of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins that assist with energy metabolism and iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the body (Gibala et al., 2006). Beef, chicken, and fish, which are commonplace in Mexican cuisine, are all high in vitamins that can be obtained from eating certain dishes. In order to mitigate nutrient loss during a round of golf, it’s important for golfers to stay hydrated and consider consuming electrolyte-rich snacks or drinks, as well as carbohydrate sources throughout their play. Andy Narzisi was asked, “Have you ever seen Mexican food served at a golf course?” He responded with: “Yes, however, it had to be served in the clubhouse; typically, halfway houses don’t serve anything besides hot dogs, snacks, and sodas.” This should be recognized as a missed opportunity to help golfers and athletes in general replenish their bodies with vital nutrients. Mexican food can fill that role very well with its aforementioned composition, made of minerals, protein, electrolytes, fibers, carbohydrates, and other important macromolecules.
In essence, Mexican food is packed with vitamins and minerals, alongside other important nutrients required for motor and mental function. When these dishes are consumed, individuals can take advantage of their benefits to become stronger and healthier athletes
