Hi Snappers, with March being nutrition month, and as we head into the most wonderful time of the year (competition season that is!), we thought we’d check in with a local Registered Dietician to get some tips and tricks for eating healthy on the go, and on how to fuel and energize our bodies during our busy dance days.
The theme of nutrition month this year is “Take the fight out of food” which, surprisingly, can be just as easy as it sounds. Have you ever wondered how the foods we eat influence our energy, our mood and our day-to-day performance?
Food is quite literally the fuel our bodies need to function on a daily basis, and the types of foods we put into our bodies determine how we feel and perform that day, so, what we eat, and how often, is even more important for active athletes and dancers. The saying “you are what you eat” might be a little too simplistic, but if you load up on not-so-good foods (pop, sugary foods, etc.) before a dance recital or competition you can probably guess how it’s going to make you feel.
Here few realistic tips and tricks to help the whole family stay fuelled for whatever work, school or dance performance you’ve got coming your way.
- Keep some nutritious, high-energy snacks on hand for long days. Eating every 2-3 hours can help to keep your blood sugars stable throughout the day, meaning your energy will do the same. Some great snack ideas for between meals would be:
- An Apple with Peanut Butter
- Veggies and hummus
- Cheese and crackers
- Mixed Nuts or Greek Yogurt with berries
- A fruit smoothie
- Eat a breakfast with protein. The research says it all- those who eat a good breakfast can concentrate more, perform better throughout the day and tend to have better overall nutritional regimes than those who don’t.
- For lunch and dinner meals ensure you are getting protein, starches/carbohydrates and lots vegetables. Veggies are rich in nutrients, fiber and antioxidants and can help to boost your energy and reduce the risk of many diseases
As you enter the busiest time of your season, fueling you body is crucial to maintain energy and strength. Eating regularly, and eating healthy will help you perform to the best of your ability.
Karli Nordman is a Registered Dietitian who believes in a non-diet, food-first approach to health and nutrition. She works at Cochrane’s Simply For Life, where she creates customized meal plans for individuals and families and provides ongoing nutrition education and support. Call or email to set up a free consult and see how she can help you reach your food and nutrition goals.
https://www.simplyforlife.com/cochrane-clinic/
