Golf is a notoriously challenging sport, requiring precision, technique, and consistency across every aspect of the game—from driving off the tee, executing solid iron shots, chipping onto the green, and sinking putts. A golfer must constantly refine their skills to have even a decent round. But as demanding as golf is, it becomes exponentially more difficult when you’re out of shape.
That’s exactly the predicament I found myself in last summer. I would instinctively suck in my stomach for photos and opt for baggy clothes to conceal my weight gain. As frustrating as that was, it didn’t compare to the challenges I faced on the course. I played regularly and even walked all 18 holes, yet the experience was anything but comfortable. My shirt was too tight to tuck in, my swing felt restricted, and after a single round, I’d be sore for days. On top of that, I struggled with severe inflammation, making the recovery process even tougher.
In the fall of 2024, my friend brought up the idea that we do a bucket list trip in the Spring. I thought it was a great idea except one thing – how was I going to be able to play multiple rounds of golf in consecutive days? At the time, I could not make it through a round without taking at least 2 aspirin. I did not want to spend a lot of money on a golf trip and play a great course while being miserable due to inflammation. I decided it was time to make some serious health decisions. After making this decision, it was important that I do this right. I came up with a plan to get back in shape. The motivation was to be ready for our trip in the Spring. The goal was a big undertaking. As a guy the same height as Rory McIIroy, I should not weigh 206. I knew I needed to lose at least 30 pounds to be ready for the trip, but more importantly get healthy.
The plan consisted of starting the 5am Club that I read about, which means be up at 5am to get the day started. This made it so there were no excuses for me to say I did not have time to workout. This was not easy, but very necessary. I also got my favorite playlist created on Spotify and I would spend at least 45 minutes to an hour of cardio. It also helped that my co-workers created a steps challenge and I hate to lose at anything!
While cardio was a crucial part of my plan, it wasn’t the only factor in reaching my goal. I needed to change my diet to ensure that the calories I burned during workouts weren’t immediately undone by poor eating habits. I started tracking my intake with a fitness app, counting calories, and making more mindful food choices. I completely cut out fattening beer, soda, and fast food—all staples of my previous diet.
Through research, I learned that Pro Golfer Phil Mickelson had faced similar struggles with inflammation due to arthritis but had successfully lost a significant amount of weight. Considering he won a PGA Championship at 50, I figured he must be doing something right. That’s when I discovered his secret coffee blend—For Wellness: The Good Stuff powder. It had helped Mickelson manage inflammation without medication, and he seemed to be thriving. Intrigued but skeptical—I’d fallen for plenty of products that didn’t live up to the hype, so I decided to give it a shot for a month to see if it made a difference.
When my first package of The Good Stuff arrived in the mail, I was excited to give it a try. Inside was a bag of powder, a scoop, and a jar for mixing—simple yet intriguing. As someone who doesn’t typically drink coffee, the whole thing felt a bit unconventional, but I was open to trying anything natural that might help my situation.
Day One: I got up at 5 AM and kicked off my morning workout. After an hour of cardio, I made my first cup of coffee with the Keurig I had recently purchased. I added the powder, mixed in an organic creamer, and topped it off with a dash of cinnamon—an anti-inflammatory spice. To my surprise, the coffee was delicious! And since it was January in Colorado, starting the day with a warm drink quickly became a welcome ritual.
