Diets for Dancers
Every dancer should have a healthy diet because your body performs best when it's filled with the proper fuel. It also requires a lot of energy so you should eat enough calories to keep up with the demands. Although there are many diets one can choose from, an adequate dancer's diet should consist of a balance among carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, and fluids. For example, carbs should compose about 50-65% of a dancer's diet and can be found in cereal, pasta, bagels, and breads.
To build and repair muscles you need to have protein in your system. And as a dancer you will be using your various muscle groups a lot. Even if you are taking ballroom dance you should also follow this rule because you'll be working your leg muscles a lot. So your protein intake should be about 15% of your diet. You can find protein in foods such as lean meats, poultry, tofu and legumes.
Limiting your fat intake because of the worry of gaining weight can have serious impacts for a dancer. It can impact a dancer's performance as well as some major health consequences. So a healthy diet should comprise of about 20-30% fat. But try to aim for foods low in saturated fats such as nuts, seafood and avocados.
Vitamins and minerals play important roles in the body, such as energy production and cell formation. To obtain all important vitamins and minerals, dancers should eat at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day and choose whole grain breads and cereals. A multivitamin is suggested for those who do not consume an adequate variety of nutritious foods.
To regulate body temperature, maintain circulation, salt and electrolyte balance, and to remove waste, water is required. But fluids are lost through sweat so it is possible to lose large amounts of water before becoming thirsty. So dancers should remember to drinks small amounts of fluids before, during and after workouts.
To build and repair muscles you need to have protein in your system. And as a dancer you will be using your various muscle groups a lot. Even if you are taking ballroom dance you should also follow this rule because you'll be working your leg muscles a lot. So your protein intake should be about 15% of your diet. You can find protein in foods such as lean meats, poultry, tofu and legumes.
Limiting your fat intake because of the worry of gaining weight can have serious impacts for a dancer. It can impact a dancer's performance as well as some major health consequences. So a healthy diet should comprise of about 20-30% fat. But try to aim for foods low in saturated fats such as nuts, seafood and avocados.
Vitamins and minerals play important roles in the body, such as energy production and cell formation. To obtain all important vitamins and minerals, dancers should eat at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day and choose whole grain breads and cereals. A multivitamin is suggested for those who do not consume an adequate variety of nutritious foods.
To regulate body temperature, maintain circulation, salt and electrolyte balance, and to remove waste, water is required. But fluids are lost through sweat so it is possible to lose large amounts of water before becoming thirsty. So dancers should remember to drinks small amounts of fluids before, during and after workouts.
About the Author:
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have been choreographing, educating, performing and composing amazing choreography for over three decades. The operate New York City's top-notch dance center. If you are interested in learning more history of any dances make sure you check out their website. They are currently teaching dance lessons in NYC.