Practical hunger is one of the five hunger cues that dancers can work to identify throughout any given day. The various hunger cues are pieces of information that can cumulatively be used to nourish the body, Unlike more obvious hunger cues (for example, stomach pains and headaches), practical hunger relies on flexible meal planning to prevent instances of extreme (rebound) hunger and extreme fullness.
The role of proactive fueling for dancers
In my work as a dietitian for dancers, I encourage the use of proactive fueling to navigate obstacles that make it challenging to eat. I’ve previously discussed the most common nutritional concerns amongst dancers— proactive fueling is a tenet of The Healthy Dancer® and the very tool that we utilize to honor practical hunger. An example would be eating dinner prior to a performance that will have you busy from 7-11 PM. You may not be physically hungry before the show, but eating a balanced meal or snack will help to stabilize energy throughout the show and thereafter. Dancers and the importance of meal timing is another important association that helps.
When is practical hunger a priority for dancers?
There are several instances when practical hunger can be prioritized over the other four hunger cues (rebound hunger, biological hunger, taste hunger, and emotional hunger). Such as the scenario mentioned earlier, busy schedules and physically-demanding training routines are some of the most common reasons why dancers benefit from honoring practical hunger.
Sick days are another example. If you’re not feeling great then chances are, your appetite has gone missing. Honoring practical hunger means grabbing a bowl of soup or a smoothie— easily tolerable options that provide your body with nourishment for the time being. Skipping meals during these instances is likely to leave you feeling exhausted and depleted.
5 signs you’re not honoring practical hunger
Many dancers struggle with the idea of eating despite feeling hungry. In fact, it’s a question I’m asked often: “Should I eat even when I don’t feel hungry?” I encourage dancers to explore common experiences and how they might relate to a lack of adequate nourishment. Examples include, but are not limited to regularly experiencing:
- Nonexistent hunger cues
- Emotional eating
- Instances of “over”-eating
- Mindless eating
- Emotionally restrictive eating
In each of these instances, there is a likelihood of food deprivation— yes, even for dancers who experience instances of “over”-eating and emotional eating. Whether it’s dialing down a busy schedule to make room for meals or learning how to prioritize proactively eating in response to a loosely scheduled and flexible meal plan, dancers will need support. For dancers who struggle with consistently low or nonexistent hunger cues, then it might be time to consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist who can help you regain appetite regulation— start for free today, join us in The Healthy Dancer®
