How much do you know about sports nutrition? What and when you eat can affect how well you do and how you feel while you're exercising. Learning about sports nutrition basics can help you make the most of your exercise routine.

Sports nutrition focuses on good eating habits all the time. But sports nutrition also might focus on foods that can break down in the body to make energy, called carbohydrates.

For example, athletes training for long events may eat more carbohydrates in their diets in the days before the event. This boosts their energy and helps them do well. Having protein is needed after a workout for muscle repair and growth.

Of course, sports nutrition goes beyond simply what you eat. When you eat is important, too. Don't eat heavily right before a workout. Think about how hard and long you plan to exercise when choosing what to eat. Drink fluids such as water throughout the day. Drink more when working out hard or long or in hot weather.