Automobiles can’t operate without fuel, and if you’ve ever been in a car that ran out of gas, you know that it can be a huge nuisance to the driver and passengers, and a downright dangerous situation for those occupying the vehicle, and the to the vehicles around them. And what would happen if the fuel tank was filled with, say, donuts? It wouldn’t move at all.
The same applies to athletes (and non-athletes, actually). You have to fill your stomach, and you have to fill it with things that keep you in game-worthy condition.
Liquids
Before, during, and after the game, and even practices, you need to be well-hydrated. Fortunately, you have your coaches to assure to that. Water is the best hydrator, better for you in many ways than sports drinks. But sports drinks do tend to keep you more hydrated if the sugary flavor makes you drink more of it than you would water. They contain electrolytes–sodium, potassium, and chloride–that are all found in food, but may be depleted with prolonged, sweat-producing exercise. Follow the advice of your coaches, parents, doctors when deciding between water and the ‘ades.’
Solids
We’ve all been told what’s good for us and what’s not, to eat balanced meals, to avoid unhealthy fats like trans fats and saturated fats, and so forth. And so forth! There are so many rules! US Lacrosse, reporting on an article from TrueSport.org, has made it a little easier to throw together some really worthwhile meals. Check out these links for a few more easy meals and snacks, all designed for athletes, that players themselves can make.
https://www.uslacrosse.org/blog/four-quick-meals-to-make-after-sport-practice
https://www.eleatnutrition.com/blog/30-minute-meals
https://www.stack.com/a/healthy-10-minute-dinners
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