Fueling the body with good food is high up on the list of importance for athletes. By giving your body healthy and nutritious food, you are preparing it to work in its most efficient state. If you eat junk food, low protein, and high carb foods prior to exercise, you will definitely feel it while being active. The nutrients and protein in healthy food are what give you the energy to keep your body going even when you are tired, without that there’s not much you can do to keep your body energized while playing.

Some athletes turn to less healthy alternatives for energy boosts such as things like Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, or Monster. The products will most likely work and give you that burst of energy and activeness, but they can also have harmful side effects. These can cause blood pressure to rise to unhealthy levels and can also cause things such as shaking and nervousness.

The best option for feeding your body before and after exercise is with foods of high protein and lots of nutrients to make sure you are healthy and effective while playing your sport.