A message from our Dietitian/Nutritionist:
Nutrition and fitness are the cornerstone of children’s health. It has been documented that food choices affect brain capacity, physical skill and emotional well being. However, nutrition habits and recommendations, both in terms of what children are eating and what we are “telling them”/”showing them” as important nutrition concepts, in dance and performance is a topic we must explore further as research based nutrition guidelines and recommendations are lacking within many dance settings that are currently working with children therefore impacting lifelong eating habits and behaviors of the children growing in this environment. We all have a responsibility to these children to provide them with the best possible “nutrition tool-box” both for growth as a dancer and growth into healthy adulthood.
We encourage proper stretching, proper technique, punctuality to classes/rehearsals, dancing “full out” for long hours often while seemingly in many cases ignoring the equal importance that nutrition plays in the developing dancers body and impact on performance and general well being.
As a Registered Dietitian and mother of a young dancer and young gymnast I am passionate about sharing my personal and professional insight into this topic with those professionals working with our young dancers/athletes as well as with parents.
Topics we will begin to address through the Nutrition Y.P.A.D. blog will include but are not limited to:
- What to Eat before and after Class and Rehearsal
- What to Eat during Conventions and Competitions
- Nutrition tips for Traveling
- Nutrition Supplements/bars
- Snacking for performance
- Daily Nutrition Guidelines for Girls and Boys
- Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating
- “Reader requested topics”