Dance educators are on the frontline: from cultivating an environment that supports the longevity of a dancer’s career to identifying challenges that occur inside the studio. Dance educators have the upper hand in helping to reduce rates of disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image challenges in the industry. This article will break down 5 specific strategies that dance educators can implement to cultivate a healthier environment in their studios.
Read More...Diet Culture in The Dance Industry
Diet culture is a system of beliefs that idolizes weight loss. In diet culture, it’s believed that thinness equates to health, and in this pursuit of thinness (or “health,”) certain foods are either demonized or glorified. Diet culture also imposes moral value upon our food choices and as a result, we’re “good” for eating “healthy” and we’re “bad” for eating “unhealthy.” Removing the weight diet culture can help dancers flourish in physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Read More...A Dancer’s Guide to Pre-Performance Fuel
I often stress the importance of making time in your schedule to sit back, relax, and enjoy the mindful experience of a meal. However, busy days are bound to fill our schedules, especially during the summer intensive season. It’s in these instances when meal planning becomes key to a dancer’s diet. Since intense dance schedules can leave hunger cues unnoticeable, planning meals and snacks is critical for preventing energy dips and appetite surges later in the day.
Read More...Hydration for Dancers: Fueling Strategies
While recommendations vary among dancers, most pre-professional and professional level dancers should aim for a planned approach to staying hydrated throughout their day. Dehydration is one of the leading factors negatively impacting our performance, whether it’s in the studio or in class. Keeping your body hydrated can even help with balance, flexibility, and muscle recovery.
Read More...The Truth About Processed Foods
I’m guilty. As a Registered Dietitian (a board-certified EXPERT of nutrition!), I’ve used the phrase “limit processed foods” time and time again. I’ve previously unraveled the harms of clean eating in an article that you’ll need to read and bookmark ASAP. I’ve even given you three reasons why the idea of “empty calories” is a total sham. But what about processed foods? Should we really be avoiding them?
Read More...Brain Health: 7 Foods to Sharpen Focus and Support Retention
First, let’s uncover the obvious: diet culture likes to use this idea of “brain food” to sell us an eating regimen that oftentimes moralizes some foods and demonizes others. Honestly, there’s no single food that can completely make or break your brain health and functioning. But we can utilize aspects of gentle nutrition to ensure that our body receives a variety of building blocks that support focus, retention, and overall mental clarity. Let’s dive into 7 foods that can help to provide the building blocks of brain health.
Read More...15+ Plant-Based Breakfast Recipes for Dancers
For dancers choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, focusing on abundance and variety helps to ensure that that you’re eating enough to support your performance. But for some dancers, choosing a lifestyle that is 100% plant-based can risk vitamin and mineral deficiencies (if not well-planned) and even trigger disordered eating (if not implemented with the help of professional support). Here are our favorite vegan breakfast recipes!
Read More...Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
There’s something magical about overripe bananas. Rather than tossing them out, they can be transformed into a comforting, delicious, and nourishing snack. This banana bread recipe is the perfect remedy for those extra-ripe bananas hanging around your kitchen. The combination of flavors, moisture, and the added bonus of chocolate chips makes it irresistible— whether you’re […]
Read More...20+ Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipes
What exactly is a healthy snack? Convenience, variety, flexibility, and balance. With busy schedules, snacking is a must for dancers. Here are our 20+ favorite snacks to prep and pack for your week!
Read More...20+ Healthy and Delicious Dinner Recipes
Dinner is a great time to pause, enjoy the family (or alone) time, and reflect on your day. Incorporating a balance of macronutrients sets you up for tomorrow’s success. In this article, we’re sharing over 20 favorite healthy, easy, and delicious recipes to try!
Read More...20+ Healthy and Delicious Lunch Recipes
While time is often limited during a busy day, building a balanced lunch is key to surviving long afternoons. Prioritizing quick and easy nutritious meals can help to maintain your energy levels to beat that midday hump. But without a doubt, busy schedules often get the most of us.
Read More...20+ Healthy and Delicious Breakfast Recipes
What does a healthy and easy breakfast look like? Building a nutritious breakfast starts the day with the tools your body needs for an energized and productive morning. The following recipes are a compilation of favorites to enjoy. Bookmark this page as we’re adding new recipes to the list monthly!
Read More...Should I Attend A Summer Dance Intensive?
According to a recent poll I shared on Instagram, 70% of dancers who are considering a summer intensive are most anxious over how to fuel while away. This is especially concerning since summer intensives are a common site where disordered eating habits emerge.
Read More...Protein Powder for Dancers, Ranked
Consuming adequate protein from high-quality sources will be your best bet for muscle recovery. If you are considering a supplement, choose a third-party tested plant or whey protein powder. You can utilize this to increase the protein content of your smoothie by adding a protein powder that contains at least 20 grams per serving.
Read More...Tiny Pretty Things – A Review
With the pilot laying the groundwork for the most common dancer stereotypes, I had some concerns. But then I kept watching… and realized something big
Read More...A Dancer’s Diet: Build the Perfect Trail Mix
Smart snacking is key to a dancer’s energy throughout the day. As a result, dancers often rely on convenient, packable, and non-perishable options. But sometimes, misguided food fears can make the concept of snacking tough to implement. To better understand why trail mix is a great snack option for dancers, let’s break it down.
Read More...The Best Bruschetta Recipe
Serious question: do you call it but-SHETTA or bru-SKETTA? I’ve been making this recipe for my family since that trip in 2012 and now I’m sharing it you. So many elements come together: the tang from ripe summer tomatoes, the crunch from a rustic baguette, the spice from fresh garlic, and of course, the aromatic but subtle hint of sweetness from fresh basil. There are a few secrets that I’ve learned since, which sets this recipe apart from your standard bruschetta.
Read More...5 Actionable Tips to Build a Better Body Image, By Catherine Drury
To consistently dance and perform at your best, you need to have a working relationship with your body. Asking someone to love their body is often unrealistic (though it can be a goal!). However, a certain level of body acceptance is necessary to achieve the physical- and artistic- success required of dancers. Though it takes time, let’s discuss 5 tips to build a better body image:
Read More...Reclaiming My Ballet Body, By Colleen M. Werner
Featured writer Colleen Werner explains how her journey to food- and body- healing shaped her #BoPoBallerina movement.
Read More...Chocolate Chip Cookies
Simple ingredients with a not-so-simple taste. These decadent cookies are as real as it gets. No hidden nutrition agenda, no secret agent fiber additive, and absolutely no protein powder. Yup, straight from a dietitian’s kitchen to yours. It’s time we let cookies be cookies.
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