The world of sports is quite demanding for professional and novice athletes, and as such proper nutrition is required to maintain performance levels and to feel good both on and off the playing field. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains will ensure top performance, increase your energy levels and help maintain your optimum health levels. While you should consult your doctor for individualized sports nutrition advice, there are a few basics you should know beforehand.

Water is very important to staying healthy and hydrated, and athletes need more water than most people. Rather than drinking large quantities of water infrequently, it's important that athletes drink small amounts of water regularly throughout the day. Cold water is much better than warm, because it will cool down your body temperature and reduce your need to sweat. In addition to staying hydrated, sports nutrition experts recommend a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to maintain performance levels at their highest. This includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and lean protein sources such as fish.

Athletes need to remember that a proper diet will ensure they perform their best on the playing field. Start small at first, and build up gradually if you aren't used to eating properly. Keep in mind that hydration is key to maximizing performance, and even when you aren't playing you need to keep these tips in mind. Eventually you will be used to your routine, and start noticing improvements to your game and the overall quality of your health.