Seafood is one of nature's best sources of high-quality protein, an essential building block for strengthening and maintaining muscles, repairing damaged tissues and boosting energy levels.

Unlike carbohydrates, which cause an insulin spike that soon leaves you tired and hungry, protein stabilizes blood sugar levels, keeping your appetite in check and your energy levels high.

Tuna and other high-protein seafood are very low in fat, so you can snack on a can or pouch of tuna without having to worry about adding excess pounds.

Canned and pouched seafood is also perfect for an athlete on-the-go.  Try it instead of a protein bar or other athletic supplement for a more natural, better tasting meal or snack, with fewer preservatives.

Whether you eat it plain, on a sandwich, with crackers or as part of a low-fat salad, seafood is one of the tastiest and healthful food athletes can eat.

As the date of an athletic contest nears, the low-sodium varieties of tuna become even more critical, giving your body the energy you need without the water-retaining sodium found in other foods.