Everybody needs food. However, food is especially important for an athlete since it provides us with the energy we need to reach our peak performance potential. The most important nutrients we get from food are protein and simple sugars. My favourite sources of protein are fish, protein shakes and steak. I try to eat a high protein diet the day before a meet to build muscle and give me long lasting energy. I also try to consume lots of protein after a meet because that is the time when your body builds even more muscle. My favourite source for simple sugars on race day is grapes. Simple sugars are important because they give you immediate energy for you to use during the race. One of the important things for athletes to remember is to not eat immediately before a race. If you don't give your body enough time to digest your food you might get cramping towards the end of the race. I try to eat at least an hour to an hour and a half before my first race. After a long day of racing there is nothing more I crave than a box of candy and some chocolates. It's okay to treat yourself every once in awhile. My coach says so.