Given the hype around sugar’s unhealthy consequences, it might as well be wrapped in a layer of yellow “Caution” tape. But many dancers still cannot kick the strong cravings for their favorite sweet indulgences. How can dancers manage this urge without fear? Why the Body Craves Sugar Whether it comes from whole-grain bread or a […]

For busy dancers on the go, it’s easy to grab a premade salad on the way to class or scroll through delivery options as rehearsal comes to a close. But bringing homemade meals and snacks to the studio or theater has real payoffs. And making it happen doesn’t have to be as difficult as you […]

Finding the right balance of meals and snacks to get through a dancer’s day can take a lot of trial and error. To give you ideas, Dance Magazine asked three professional dancers to share the meals that kept them moving throughout one rehearsal day this season. Registered dietitian Emily Cook Harrison, who runs Nutrition for […]

My doctor sent me to a hormone specialist to be checked out for a possible metabolic disorder after a series of unexplained fractures. When my blood tests came back, I wasn’t prepared to hear that the problem was due to my super-healthy diet (I eat a lot of raw carrots). Once she saw that the […]

Trendy media outlets boast that “fit” is the new “skinny.” Instagram bloggers encourage us to #eatclean. As our feeds populate with matcha-filled mornings and the deep hues of acai bowls, awareness of “healthy eating” seems to be at an all-time high. Yet my experience as a registered dietitian in the dance industry shows me otherwise. […]

Soreness is a fact of life for dancers. But rather than relying on over-the-counter pills, try managing your pain by sprinkling some turmeric on your food instead. Multiple scientific studies have proven that curcumin, the active substance in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. How To Do It: To help your body absorb turmeric’s benefits, have […]

Your body’s inner chemist knows exactly what to do to make you a slightly better version of yourself onstage. The excitement of performing gets your adrenal glands to release epinephrine, a hormone that makes your heart work harder and your senses get sharper. It also yields endorphins, boosting your confidence and artistry. But what if […]