Since we cannot control or prevent all instances of criticism, it helps to equip yourself with the tools to educate and set boundaries as needed. But how? The first step is to decide if it’s worth the energy to educate others about your lifestyle decisions.
Read More...The Most Common Nutrition Concerns Amongst Dancers
Dancers face unique nutritional challenges because of rigorous training schedules; combined with undeniable body ideals that unfortunately saturate the industry. The need to consume adequate amounts of food to support strength and endurance is not only challenged by busy schedules, but also, by misinformation from diet culture. This article will discuss the most common nutritional concerns dancers face, and how both individuals and their clinicians can help to navigate them.
Read More...Nutrient Density for Dancers
Nutrient density can be a helpful concept for dancers looking to build a meal plan that supports their elevated needs as athletes. But too often, nutrient density is used to categorize foods with labels like “good” and “bad”- In the process, many foods are vilified and eating those deemed “bad” and “unhealthy” becomes an experience flooded with stress and food guilt.
Read More...Is Organic Food Healthier?
Organic food is more than just a lifestyle; it’s an industry. USDA-certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines that regulate farming practices impacting animal welfare, soil quality, pest and weed control, and the use of additives like hormones and antibiotics. In this article, we’ll uncover everything dancers need to know about the Organic label.
Read More...What’s the best protein bar for a dancer?
Protein bars are a convenient way for dancers to optimize post-performance recovery windows, especially when their next meal surpasses the hour after dancing. Bars can also provide easy snack options prior to dancing. The nutrition profile of your bar comes next. This is where we can optimize your choice in a way that best supports your dance performance.
Read More...The Healthy Dancer® Dancer Testimonial
Disordered eating is a struggle for many dancers (here’s why). An influx of misinformation from self-proclaimed nutrition experts is often the reason. Those misinformed about how dancers can fuse the principles of intuitve eating with the fundamentals of sports nutrition translate recommendations into polarizing ideas like “eat whatever you want, when you want” and “clean” […]
Read More...How To “Get Back On Track” After The Holidays (It’s Not What You Think!)
A budget of nearly 72 billion dollars unfortunately gives the diet industry lots of power over how we feel this time of year. Many can’t help but feel overwhelming amounts of guilt in the aftermath of what is commonly a more indulgent meal. How can we move past these valid feelings and discomfort? This article will break down 3 critical points for dancers to consider as they move forward with their post-Holiday eating plans.
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...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...The Healthy Dancer® Review: What Tiny Pretty Things Gets Right
As a nutritionist for dancers, my work goes far beyond meal plans and portion guides. It’s about advocating for a healthier, more sustainable dance world— one where artistry isn’t sacrificed for body image, and well-being is prioritized alongside technique. I’ve made it my mission to help shift our industry away from outdated, harmful standards. So naturally, I was apprehensive when I hit “play” on Tiny Pretty Things. Here’s my review of the Netflix drama.
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...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.
Read More...The Healthiest Breakfast Muffin Recipe
These delicious muffins are packed with nutrition from Greek yogurt, avocados, flax, and even carrots! Prep in advance and enjoy as the perfect on-the-go snack or meal!
Read More...Reintroduce Trigger Foods
Most “Type A” dancers have something in common when it comes to his or her relationship with food. Especially for those with a sparked interest in nutrition: Type A dancers love sticking to safe foods. Often times, these are highly nutritious, plant-based, and minimally processed (like the ones I mentioned above).
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