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Foods for Dancer Health

1. Oatmeal-  a low-GI carbohydrate that helps provide sustained energy and is also great for lowering cholesterol. Avoid sweetened instant brands.

2. Salmon (canned or fresh)- contains high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids great for hair and ski and a great anti-oxident for overall health and heart. Canned salmon has the added benefit of providing extra calcium from the tiny, edible bones.

3. Bananas - great source of carbohydrates and potassium. Eaten after activity, they can help prevent lactic acid buildup and resulting muscle cramps.

4. Broccoli- rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. It also contains many anit-oxidant vitamins.

5. Nonfat plain yogurt or low-fat cheese- great source of protein, calcium, and high-quality carbohydrates.

6. Beans-Beans are rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and high-quality carbohydrates.

7. Lean roast beef- most nutrient-dense form of meat. It contains iron, zinc, and vitamin B. Zinc aids in healing, and iron is vital for proper oxygen transport.

8. Nuts - and peanut butter are a great source of heart-healthy fats and minerals.

Smoothies

Preparing you own smoothies is a cool way to add a healthy treat.  The liquids digest more quickly and won't leave you feeling full long.  You can add many nutritional things to your smoothie such as milk or yogurt for calcium,  Fruits add fiber to your diet. The a rich source of nutrition such as antioxident vitamin C and A, minerals such as potassium for your muscles and enzymes and other nutrients that help in everything from healing to cancer.

Tips

  1. Blend for 2 or 4 minute to break down chunks of fruit or ice (a high setting usually works best.
  2. Use fresh or frozen fruits without sugar (frozen fruits will eliminate the need for some ice   If you need sweeteners, use sparingly according to your taste
  3. Freeze overripe fruit for your next smoothie Remove seeds from fruits like kiwi before freezing
  4. Melon's high water content can make your smoothie watery tasting. Use sparingly or add more juice or yogurt for flavor. 
  5. Freeze yogurt in an icecube tray.  Use a cube or two to thicken your next smoothie
  6. If a smoothie is too thick, add, milk, soy milk or juice.
  7. Use caution with grapes, the skins tend to be bitter
  8. If  your blender blades get stuck unplug, add a little liquid and shake the blender container.  NEVER but you hand in the blender.
  9. Use at least one fruit and one binder such as ice or yogurt, then let your creativity run wild!

Ideas to get you started:

Fruits  -  Bananas, Strawberries, Blueberries, Peaches, Pineapples, Apricots, Mangos, Carrots

Binders - Yogurt, Ice, Milk, Soy Milk, Frozen yogurt, Tofu, ice cream

Sweetener - Honey, molasses, Dates, concentrated juices, artificial sweetener, Jam or jelly

Flavorings - Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger or mint, vanilla, almond extract

Extra Nutrition  - Wheat Germ, Oatmeal, Flaxseed,  Peanut butter, Nuts, or Powdered Greens such as Spirulina or Blue Algae

Here's a link to Smoothie Central for Many recipes and Ideas

Easy Traveling Healthy Foods for you Dance Bag

It is important that for a dancer to concentrate on eating a little more healthy diet. But, we may be on the run, going from work to class or maybe even traveling to a workshop somewhere. Foods that can be easily containerized and carried with can add good nutrition and keep us energized.

As, dancers we also have extra nutritional needs. We need extra calcium for strong bones and to prevent future osteoporosis and potassium to help restore fluid balance after dance. Folate, a form of water-soluble vitamin B is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. Fiber keeps the digestive system running smoothly and helps rid the blood of artery-clogging cholesterol.

Juices: Especially suggested for the dancer are boxes of calcium enriched orange juice for energy, calcium and vitamin C.

Veggies: Combine Broccoli or leafy greens like kale, spinach and collard greens with carrots, celery and other sturdy vegetables and seal in a plastic container for a great source of calcium.

Whole grained crackers or snacks: Since bread is a little soft, try packing some whole-grained crackers or snacks for folate and fiber.

Dried Fruits: Naturally, all dried fruits are dance bag material because they're already squashed and weird-looking. What is important, they have flavor and vitamins. Just 10 apricots supply potassium as well as vitamin A and Iron. And dried figs add additional calcium to our diets.

Bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium.

Citrus fruit: Oranges or grapefruit are great for folate

Strawberries: They can be carried in a plastic container and are also rich in folate.

Nuts and sunflower seeds: they are a great source of unsaturated fats which the body needs to store and transport fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, & E.

Oatmeal or dried soups: If you are fortunate enough to have hot water at your studio or hotel room, these are an excellent source of fiber.

Water: A dancer should consume at least 4 to 10 ounces every 15 minutes during a moderate workout to refresh her cells, rid her body of toxins and keep her body healthy.

Consider energizing your life with the many nutritious, durable foods that can easily be tossed in a plastic container and in your bag. Just don’t forget to pack a fork and burp the lid

 


 

 
   
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