Preparing for an important tournament, junior volleyball player Ella Trotter loads up on proteins to give her energy throughout the entire day.

Trotter said she often prioritizes proteins over carbohydrates in her diet.

“I think proteins are a little more important (than carbs),” Trotter said. “They give you energy throughout the whole day.”

Science teacher and strength and conditioning coach Jessica Gust said proteins and carbs each have different value.

“Consumption of carbs fuels most of the work we do with our body. It’s energy. The most important thing about carbs is short-term energy,” Gust said. “Proteins are used more as building blocks that can be used as energy as a last resort. Their most important function is to repair and rebuild stuff in your body.”

Junior football player Peyton Morrison said nutrition is critical for staying in the best shape.

“(Nutrition is) very important. It can determine how you play. It can prevent cramps and injuries,” Morrison said. “I prefer carbs. They give you more energy throughout the day, and it’s good to eat a lot of carbs before a game or before a hard workout.”

According to Gust, online trends have a created a dispute over which group, proteins or carbs, is more effective for athletics.

“I think there can be a false debate. They’re both really important. We hear these fads like low-carb, high-protein diet, or ‘don’t eat too much this, eat more of that,’” Gust said. “It’s really about consuming the right amount of each one for the type of work you do.”

Trotter said she tries to consume both proteins and carbs to stay as healthy as possible.

“For both, try not to get anything too salty,” Trotter said. “For breakfast have proteins, but then throughout the day I would say have carbs. They seem to fill you up easier.”

Morrison said to take advantage of both groups to assist with workouts.

“Make sure you have a good balance of (proteins and carbs) and that you’re working out as much as you can,” Morrison said.

According to Gust, students need to master eating real food before being concerned with the proteins and carbs debate.

“Especially from a high school standpoint, none of it matters unless you’ve mastered eating quality foods,” Gust said. “If you’re eating from a vending machine and eating crappy foods, you don’t even need to concern yourself with proteins, carbs and the whole debate.”