Nutrients are essential for our bodies to build and repair themselves, to provide energy, protect vital organs, and help regulate our bodily processes. Nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Carbohydrates are your bodies energy source. Proteins provide your body with the capability for tissue building, maintenance, and repair. Your muscle fibers are made up of mostly protein and water.
Proteins come from foods such as fish, chicken, beef, and milk.
Fats provide your body with a second energy source and also protect vital organs. Once your carbohydrates are used up during a game or practice, your body begins to burn fat as its fuel. Fats come from a variety of foods such as meat, nuts, oils, and some dairy products. Vitamins and minerals help regulate your bodily processes such as growth and repair. Eating a well balanced diet will provide you with all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.