As with any athlete involved in a sport or training program, nutrition plays a crucial role in keeping your body performing at its optimal potential. Dancers are no different, and require a balanced nutrition plan to keep moving to the beat. Here are some things to consider when designing a meal plan for you or a dancer in your life.
Macronutrients :
A balanced diet should include carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Carbohydrates provide the energy needed for endurance and high-intensity dance classes. Protein supports muscle recovery and growth. Healthy fats are essential for overall health and helps maintain energy levels. Developing a meal plan that includes each of these essential building blocks of a balanced diet is the best way to keep your dancer body healthy.
Hydration :
Water is one of the most important parts of a balanced nutrition plan. Hydration is essential for dancers to maintain performance and prevent fatigue. Drinking water not only during a dance session but throughout the day is important to keep your body working properly. There are also many types of electrolyte-rich beverages that can be beneficial as well, especially during more intense training. If you choose a beverage other than water, just be aware of the ingredients, because some have higher sodium levels than necessary for the average person.
Regular Meals & Snacks :
Active dancers need to fuel their bodies consistently throughout the day with meals and snacking. This will prevent your body feeling deprived or sluggish. Opting for foods that are nutrient-dense will provide sustained energy. Some healthy options are whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It's helpful to keep a quick snack in your dance bag as well that you can eat between dance sessions to keep that energy high in the studio.
Pre & Post Workout :
It's important to eat specific foods before and after a dance workout. Before a vigorous dance rehearsal, you want to focus on foods with carbohydrates and protein. This will provide energy and keep you performing at your best while preventing fatigue. After your dance session, you want charge your recovery by eating a snack with carbohydrates and protein to support muscle repair. Some great examples are smoothies with protein powder, or yogurt with granola.
Pumping the Iron :
No not the dumbbells, we are talking about the iron in your body. Many dancers are at risk for iron deficiency due to the high physical demands of training. Iron levels can also be effected by a female dancer's menstrual cycle. To avoid this problem, it's a great idea to consume iron-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and leafy green vegetables. Calcium is also important for dancers' bone health and should be included in a healthy diet. Dairy products, plant based milk, tofu, or leafy greens are great sources for calcium and should be an essential piece of a dancer diet.
Talk to a pro :
When designing your nutrition plan, one of the best things you can do is speak to a certified nutritionist. You can get dancer specific meal ideas, and a personal diet plan for you to follow. A nutritionist can suggest ways to get your body to its peak potential and meals that will drive your performances to the spotlight.
Prioritizing proper nutrition is important for a dancer to optimize their performance, support overall health, and reduce risk of injury. Preparation for a dance rehearsal or training session begins well before stretching. Having a well-balanced nutrition plan and diet, along with proper hydration, and adequate rest will create a foundation for a healthy and successful dancer.
*The information in this post should not be considered medical advice. All nutrition plans should be designed and approved by a licensed doctor or nutritionist.