It can be hard for student athletes to maintain a sufficient diet, according to registered dietician Alyssa O’Brien, but O’Brien said eating right is necessary for athletes.

“(Eating right) will give you nutrients to support energy and endurance to sustain energy during a game. You need to get enough energy and it’s important for supporting bones,” O’brien said.

Junior Rachel Laing said she tries to eat healthy so her body feels better and stronger, specifically before games.

“I mostly try to eat healthy because when you eat healthy it just makes you feel better. Like if you eat a lot of junk food your body doesn’t feel good. If you eat a healthy lunch then you just feel good for the rest of the day. Eating healthy in general, especially before games, helps you play better and eating proteins and vegetables and fruit helps,” Laing said.

According to O’Brien, proteins and healthy fats are some of the most important components in food for exercising, as well as greens and minerals.

“Protein (and) full fat dairy products are great for metabolism (and) endurance. Also, getting healthy fat like nuts and seed. Greens are very important and have magnesium, which prevents muscle cramps — so dark leafy greens. Greens provide fiber to help support digestion and vitamins and minerals and also antioxidants and calcium. Unprocessed as possible and darker means more nutrients,” O’Brien said.

To receive important nutrients, such as proteins and fibers, O’Brien said athletes should try to eat balanced meals.

“I would recommend a balance like chicken with brown rice and broccoli with butter, so you get healthy fats as well,” O’Brien said.

According to Laing, nutritious snacks are important and they can be tasty while being healthy.

“I really like carrots and hummus. I think that is a really good, healthy snack and I have started eating celery, too,” Laing said.

According to O’Brien, if athletes do not receive these vital nutrients, they may feel tired and slow, but from greens they can gain more energy and strength.

“Athletes can feel weak, less energy and feel sluggish, they won’t perform as well. Athletes can gain more energy, endurance, better digestion and get stronger,” O’Brien said.