Natalie Gulbis is hitting the links – in her golf gear. During the Portland Classic in Oregon the LPGA professional golfer shows off her swing – and her amazing body – in a golf skirt and matching top. How does she approach diet, fitness, and self-care? Here is everything you need to know about her lifestyle habits.
1. Protein
Natalie makes sure to eat enough protein. “My diet six days a week consists of protein shakes with whey protein, healthy fats, greens and probiotics for breakfast and lunch. I have protein bars as snacks in between. For dinner I usually have fish or steak with steamed veggies. When I am home and not on tour I sit down for lunch. Usually chicken with salad dressing on the side. I allow myself 200-300 calories of a treat a day,” she told Women Fitness.. “I like consistency and protein keeps my energy up and my body feeling good.”
2. Cheat Foods and Meals
Natalie does allow herself to indulge. “A Michelob ultra, glass of wine, chocolate etc. On Sundays after the tournament I have a cheat meal and eat whatever I may have been craving,” she told the publication.
3. Sleep and Hydration
Natalie maintains that aside from supplements, her beauty is the result of daily habits. “Good skin and hair for me comes from diet, sleep, plenty of water and a healthy lifestyle,” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. As for hydration, the Mayo Clinic explains that water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.
4. Body Strengthening Exercises
Natalie, who underwent back surgery, does exercises to help strengthen her body and prevent injury. “Back when I was in pain, my symptoms were concentrated in my lower back and hips, so I would do a lot of hip and core strengthening exercises. I also found exercises that improve hip and hamstring flexibility helped alleviate some of the pain. Taking the advice of the experts at Laser Spine Institute, I still train as if I were a back pain patient, so these types of exercises are still very important parts of my workout routine. I’m constantly working on improving my flexibility and strength in key areas such as my hips, core and hamstrings. I also get massages and physical therapy on a regular basis to avoid injuring my back again,” she says.
5. Golf
Natalie’s main form of fitness is golf. “It is such a fun activity and it really helps with your overall fitness (I burn 750-1000 calories for every 18 holes walked which is a pretty significant calorie burn!)” she told Women Fitness.
