Fuel for the Body

Don’t they say – you are what you eat. I have always taken that for granted. I try not to eat crap, but my willpower is useless when it comes to chocolate and fries. However, I have realized that I do need to eat better if I would like to get through a hard-core evening of dance practice. My legs are of no use to me if they are trembling. Plus when I’m exhausted the mind doesn’t let the body do anything.

So I started to do some research, and I’m more confused now than when I started. Some people say protein it up, others carb it up and some article even recommended chocolate milk after exercise. Who wrote that article? The Dairy Board? Others say drink Gatorade to keep the electrolytes pumping. I’m extremely fearful of sugary beverages, and Redbull for that matter – so no thank you.

My resolution: Eat all of it in moderation. So I have planned a meal containing carbs, protein (including a protein shake) and some fruit thrown in for good measure. Healthy! It did get me through the night (almost 3 hours of dancing) and I wasn’t all that hungry after. I had a glass of milk and I was off to bed. My findings reveal a healthy well balanced meal prior is all I seem to need. Oh yes, lots of water! Especially during exercise – but no chugging!

In doing some more digging, I found the following article about nutrition for dancers. Hope you guys find it helpful.

http://www.iadms.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=2

Does anyone have any suggestions on what works for them? I’d be very much interested in hearing what works for you.