The Solheim Cup is an exciting competition because it turns individual athletes into teammates for a week. It also provides the opportunity for me to address Team USA’s group nutrition needs through reviewing their breakfast and lunch menus and ordering snacks and electrolytes for their team room. Snacks and beverages are available for Team USA in the clubhouse and to take out on the course with them. There is an assortment of high protein, high energy, and high nutritional value snacks that help fuel the players for their rounds, support their recovery, and help get them ready to play again the next day.

Combining protein and carbohydrate snacks and beverages on the course is essential to maintaining energy and focus. Protein supports muscles during play and aids in their recovery after practice and competition. Protein also helps maintain energy levels because it takes longer to digest than carbohydrates and can help a player feel fuller for longer. Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for the body and the brain, and they help players optimize their physical and mental performance on the course. Staying hydrated is vital, especially when playing in hot and humid conditions. Adequate hydration is important because water delivers nutrients throughout the body, regulates body temperature, helps maintain energy, and aids in cognitive performance.

Below are some of the snacks and hydration products provided for Team USA this week.

Drip Drop Electrolyte Drink Mix: 330mg sodium, 180mg potassium, 40 mg magnesium, 35 calories

Why I like it: Drip Drop has a higher-than-average sodium content for players who are heavy and/or salty sweaters. If a player does not require a large amount of sodium, they can easily dilute these powdered packets to half the sodium concentration.

Liv Pur Hydration: 270mg sodium, 50mg potassium, 80mg magnesium, and added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, 30 calories

Why I like it: Liv Pur not only contains sodium and other electrolytes that are lost it sweat, it also contains amino acids, the building blocks of protein, so Liv Pur helps support muscles in addition to aiding in hydration. This is particularly beneficial for golfers who may not like to eat a lot of protein on the course or need help replenishing amino acids after playing.

Ready Clean Protein Bars: 15g protein, 23g carbohydrates, 200 calories

Why I like them: These substantial bars contain enough calories, protein, and carbs to satisfy hunger without weighing down an athlete. They contain whole grains, fiber, and both soy and whey protein and whole grains. They are also certified gluten free and do not contain artificial sweeteners, so they are tolerable for more athletes.

Kind Bars: 4-7g protein, 15-22g carbohydrates, 170-200 calories (depending on which bar you choose)

Why I like them: Kind bars have an ingredients’ list you can read with whole foods such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. While this bar is smaller than the Ready bar, it contains more healthy fats from nuts and seeds much like trail mix.

Nature’s Bakery Mini Fig Bars (blueberry and raspberry): 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, 100 calories

Why I like them: The carbohydrates in this bar provide energy on the course and help replenish what a player burned off during practice and a round. Yes, they contain added sugar, but towards the end of a round, a little boost of sugar may be beneficial to finish strong.

That’s It Mini Fruit Bars: 1g protein, 12g carbs, 60 calories

Why I like them: That’s It bars are made from only fruit. I know players crave something sweet occasionally, and this is a healthier choice compared to packaged fruit snacks and candy. They have zero added sugar, and their sweetness comes directly from the fruit.

Fatty Mini Smoked Meat Sticks (Original 7g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 100 calories / Honey BBQ Chicken 6g protein, 3g carbohydrate, 45 calories):

Why I like them: These meat sticks contain whole ingredients such as grass-fed beef, chicken, and spices. Protein snacks are important for the players because they help support and repair their muscles during play and recovery.

In addition to the above, there is always fruit and peanut butter and jelly available at every tournament. Fruit provides necessary nutrients, carbohydrates, electrolyte, and water, so it is great for added hydration. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is great anytime during play because it contains both protein and carbohydrates, but they are especially helpful during rounds with tee times that force you to play through lunch.

Note: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician or other qualified health provider for direct advice, diagnosis, and treatment regarding all medical conditions.

Disclaimer: Siobhan Donofrio is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the products and companies mentioned in this article.