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On-The-Go Snacks For Dancers

May 2, 2013 by 4dancers

by Danielle Downey

Photo by Catherine L. Tully
Photo by Catherine L. Tully

Whether you are a dancer or just sucked up into the endless fast pace of today’s lifestyle, fueling your body with healthy on-the-go snacks is a key task to master in order to perform your best on stage or in life.

Eating large meals between rehearsals or before a show is not exactly conducive to our lifestyle as dancers. No dancer wants to do grand allegro or 32 fouettes after chowing down on a large feast, but on the other hand, choosing not to eat is surely not a better option. Thankfully between the spectrum of starving yourself and the ‘yuck factor’ of feeling too full, there is the ingenious happy medium of snacking!

It seems that the strongest, most beautiful dancers that grace the stages are on a lifelong journey to master the ‘technique’ of healthy on-the-go snacking. So whether you already spend countless hours in the studio rehearsing or you are young student aspiring a professional career, it is beneficial for all of us to do a frequent check of our eating (specifically snacking) habits to ensure we are fueling our body with the maximum amount of nutrients and energy to feel and dance our best.

The great thing about snacking is that no matter what your taste buds or dietary needs require, the options are essentially endless! When reevaluating your snacking habits or looking for new ideas, thinking simple is surprisingly a smart and easy tactic. What is your favorite salad or healthy meal? If you break it down into it’s simplest components you will usually be left with a handful of healthy snacking options. By eating these simple foods individually throughout the day you are still receiving all of the nutrients from your favorite healthy meal while never having your waistband feel too tight.

As a dancer I am constantly tweaking my snacking habits. By trial and error and inspiration from other dancers around me, I am on a mission to find the perfect combination of on-the-go snacks to dance and feel better than ever! At the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre we receive a five minute break every hour. Changing my pointe shoes or leotard, using the restroom, checking my phone or just resting my legs are on the short list of things accomplished on those five minute breaks, but most importantly, I always reach for a quick on-the-go snack to keep my energy up for the next hour of rehearsal. My locker has become a makeshift pantry and I take advantage of the company refrigerator to store perishable items. I strive for natural foods high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here are a list of my favorite healthy on-the-go snacks:

BANANAS- I have replaced the adage about apples with ‘A banana a day keeps the doctor away’. Nothing against apples, but I definitely grab a banana every day because of their high levels of calcium which are key to preventing muscle cramps. Bananas also supply 35% of your daily B-6 requirement which is used to help grow new cells. The fiber found in bananas also helps you feel full longer.

GREEK YOGURT- Greek yogurt has a much higher protein content than regular yogurt, and depending on the brand you prefer you can easily give your body 10-18 grams of it. I have also found that the thicker consistency of Greek yogurt helps me feel full longer.

barre photoBARRE. A REAL FOOD BAR.- Developed by a fellow Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dancer, Barre is a delicious nutrition bar on the market developed with dancers in mind. Julia wanted something to fuel her without weighing her down, something sustaining yet easy to digest, and something containing only the finest all-natural ingredients. When she brought the first product (straight from her food processor) as her healthy on-the-go snack, I tried some and fell in love. When I said I would buy some off of her, the idea for Barre was born!

DARK CHOCOLATE- Snack? Dessert? Call it what you wish, but dark chocolate has been making headlines for its health benefits. It contains more antioxidants than some fruits and vegetables, which can help reduce blood pressure. Chocolate lovers rejoice, but obviously, moderation is the key. I keep a large bar in my locker and break off a small piece whenever I need a small pick-me-up.

NUTS- Nuts are such an easy on-the-go snack, no utensils or refrigeration necessary. The omega-3 fatty acids found in nuts offer many health benefits but one that is really key for dancers is management of inflammation. Nuts are also a great source of arginine, an amino acid which boosts immune function and promotes wound healing.

kashi cerealKASHI GOLEAN CEREAL- I had to add this in because it is a personal favorite of mine in the studio. Keeping a zip lock bag of this right by my barre spot or in my dressing room at the theatre makes for super convenient on-the-go snacking. The 7 whole grains found in this cereal are a great source of complex carbohydrates. It also contains 13 grains of protein!

QUINOA- Coined as a ‘superfood’, quinoa has a long list of health benefits. Containing all nine amino acids, it is one of the most protein-rich foods you can eat. Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as other grains, which is key to helping you feel full on those long days of rehearsal. It contains iron which helps keeps the red blood cells healthy and increases brain function. Quinoa also contains lysine which helps with the growth and repair of body tissue. In addition to its ‘good for you’ qualities, it has endless possibilities in the kitchen (salads, desserts, breads, and much, much more!).

So no matter where you are on your journey to master the art of healthy on-the-go snacking–we can all benefit from doing a monthly reevaluation and refreshment. Get inspired by what is fresh now in the market, what other dancers you look up to are doing, or just tune into what your body needs or craves. Remember that our bodies are like automobiles which carry us where we want to go in life; we should refuel them often and with only the best!

Danielle Downey
Danielle Downey

Contributor Danielle Downey has a been a member of the Barre Team since it’s conception. She traveled to Las Vegas for Barre’s first convention, she did some early graphic design  work for the look and brand of Barre, and is now marketing Barre through social media outlets. She has seen Barre go from it’s very earliest stages (straight from the food processor in Julia’s kitchen to the studio in a zip-lock bag) to a real food bar recognized by dancers, athletes, and regular ole’ folk all across the country.

Danielle also dances in the Corps de Ballet with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Prior to joining the company, she trained in the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Graduate Program. She received her early training with the Lake Erie Ballet and spent summers training with Boston Ballet and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

Filed Under: Recipes/Snacks Tagged With: dancers, healthy eating, snacks, snacks for dancers

Solid Snacks For Summer Dance Intensives

March 11, 2013 by 4dancers

Even though it may not seem like it, summer is right around the corner. This means that you may soon find yourself in a new place dancing for hours on end at a summer intensive. It will be more important than ever to maintain a balanced diet to stay energized and healthy through the duration of your program. Eating full meals becomes a challenge during intensives due to the packed schedules and sporadic breaks. So, how do you avoid feeling hungry right in the middle of an intense variations class? Try bringing snacks with you to the studio so you can grab a bite in between rehearsals! The Barre team is here to suggest some of out favorite healthy snacks that will fuel you through an entire intensive.

Barre. A Real Food Bar: Sure, it’s our own product, but since Barres were developed by a principal dancer, they were created with the purpose of keeping us fueled throughout long rehearsals. Barres have the perfect balance of slow and fast burning carbs, protein, and fiber for sustained energy. They also provide natural electrolyte replacement with naturally occurring sodium. Make sure you have a box in your dorm this summer!

When you’re craving something sweet…

Fruit:  Refreshing on a hot summer day, fresh fruit provides a great source of fiber, boosts your energy with naturally occurring sugar, and helps to fulfill your daily requirement for vitamins and minerals. Here are some fruits that will be perfect for summer time:

  • Apples: High in fiber and coming in at only 80 calories per fruit, they will help keep you full longer and are especially easy to eat. Try slicing one and spraying with lemon juice to keep it from browning.
  • Avocado: High in vitamin E and folate, they are a good source of healthy, monounsaturated fat. Try half an avocado on some crackers, in a wrap, or just on its own.
  • Berries: Summer is the best time of year for berries. Try having darker berries such as blueberries and blackberries to boost your antioxidant intake
  • Melon: Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are at their peak in summer. Cantaloupe is high in vitamin A and potassium (which is key in preventing muscle cramps), and has only 25 calories in half a cup!
  • Figs: Also readily available dried, figs are high fiber, filling, and are a great source of potassium, bone-healthy calcium, and folate.
  • Bananas: A good source of fiber, and provide you with vitamin B6 and potassium. Pair them with a tablespoon of nut butter for a quick and energizing snack.

Dried Fruit: Less messy than fresh fruit, dried fruit is available year round, provides a great source of fiber, and gives your blood sugar a boost. Just make sure you keep track of quantity… it’s easy to eat too much of these tasty treats!

Dark Chocolate: If you’re craving something a bit richer, opt for a square of dark chocolate. It’s heart healthy, satisfying, energizing, rich in antioxidants, and has been found to improve short-term brain alertness. It may just help you pick up an extra tricky combo faster!

If you’re after something with a crunch…

Air-popped Popcorn: Skip the chips and opt for some salt-free, oil-free air popped popcorn! With only 30 calories in one cup, 1g of fiber and protein, this healthy snack is high in micro-nutrients and has a low glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar.

Whole Grain Cereal and Granola: If you choose to munch on some cereal or granola or add it to your yogurt, make sure you choose a whole grain, low fat, and low sugar variety. You can buy an all natural, healthy brand or even make your own!

Vegetables: Veggies have a high fiber content, vitamins and minerals, are low calorie, low fat, and generally have less sugar than fruit. Some of our favorite portable veggies are baby carrots, sugar snap peas, celery, bell pepper, and cucumber. Each veggie has different vitamins and minerals, so try to aim for an assortment of colors and types. Veggies are also perfect for pairing with high-protein yogurt dips, hummus, and nut butters.

Whole Grain Crackers and Rice Cakes: Make sure you choose a baked whole grain cracker that is not made from refined flours, as it will keep your blood sugar more level. Crackers can be a great source of healthy carbs and a vehicle for proteins such as cheese, nut butter, and dips.

Dried Seaweed: A snack growing in popularity, seaweed is incredibly low in calories, contains fiber, is high in antioxidants, and balances blood sugar. You can also get flavored versions if you’re craving something saltier.

To get you through a long day (aka high-protein foods)…

Nuts and seeds and butters: Nuts are a great and satisfying source of protein. Just make sure you eat them in reasonable portion sizes (around ¼ cup of whole nuts or 1-2 tablespoons of nut butter) because of their high calorie and fat content. Some of the top nuts and seeds to eat include pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and almonds. They all have between seven and eight grams of protein per ¼ cup. If you choose nut butter, it’s best to buy an all-natural brand that doesn’t contain extra sweeteners and hydrogenated vegetable oils. You can even buy single-serving packets at your local supermarket!

Tofu: A complete protein, a 3- oz. slice of firm tofu contains 13 grams of protein! You can also buy flavored varieties and use it in salads, wraps, or on its own with veggies.

Eggs: Another wonderful protein source, one egg has around six grams of protein. They are high in cholesterol, so make sure to consume them in moderation.

Cheese: An easy, mess-free snack, low-fat cheese is a great source of on-the-go protein. Try an individual Babybell cheese or a low-fat mozzarella stick, which has around six to eight grams of protein per serving.

Greek and Icelandic yogurt: Both varieties have significantly higher protein content than typical yogurt, with 15-20 grams in one six-ounce serving. Try to buy a flavored variety that doesn’t have too much added sugar, or buy plain and add your own fruit or granola.

Cottage Cheese: Like yogurt, cottage cheese can be combined with fruits and veggies for a well-rounded snack. ½ a cup contains around 14 grams of protein. Try adding some salt and pepper or cinnamon if you find it too boring on its own.

A Quick Refresher…

Frozen Fruit: Try freezing grapes or bananas for a refreshing, popsicle-like treat.

Smoothies: They can be made with fruits and veggies, yogurt, or protein powder for a nutritious snack. My favorite combo? Blend 1 banana, 6 oz Icelandic yogurt, ½ cup unsweetened soy milk, and a big handful of spinach until creamy. Yum!

Ice Water: Remember, hydration is just as important as sustenance. Drinking lots of fluids will keep your body working at its optimum level of performance. Make sure you’re drinking at least eight glasses of water per day!

Try mixing and matching all of these snacks until you find a combination that best suits your needs! Here’s to a healthy and tasty summer!

~Caroline~

BIO: The Team at Barre contributes posts about food, snacks and healthy eating for 4dancers. The mission of Barre is to provide exceptional nutritional fortification for dancers and everyone else who demands clean, wholesome, nutritious and great tasting sustained energy. To accomplish this goal, Barre produces and distributes health-minded snacks and performance products specially formulated to live up to the rigors of such a demanding artist-athlete lifestyle.

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Filed Under: Recipes/Snacks, Summer Intensives Tagged With: snacks for dancers, summer dance intensive, summer intensives

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