Some sacrifices are greater than others. For students in high school involved in athletics, one sacrifice is food.

Eating healthy is a part of athletics so athletes have to try to stay away from some of their favorite foods that contain large amounts of sugar and fat. Senior Zach Doyle plays varsity basketball and knows what he should and should not eat so he can perform well in a game and stay in shape.

“I try to limit fast food and eat more pasta, carbohydrates, and protein,” Doyle said.

Doyle also knows what fluids his body needs to perform its best. He doesn’t drink pop, but instead drinks water and Gatorade to keep himself hydrated.

“If you just eat fast food and candy you’re not going to have energy, but if you eat healthy you’ll have more energy to play longer,” Doyle said.

Senior Megan Bartholomew has the same ideas as Doyle. Bartholomew plays varsity volleyball, but has to follow similar guidelines to be at her best.

Bartholomew  believes dieting helps keep the body in shape.

“It’s good for you and makes you more healthy,” Bartholomew said, “You can’t just say it, you have to make a lifestyle change. Dieting alone won’t do it.”

There are consequences to dieting though.

“You can’t eat as much and the food isn’t as tasty,” Bartholomew said.

But even with the sacrifices these athletes make, it’s all worth it in the end. Both continue  playing sports because they enjoy it and it helps keep them healthy.