Along with regular exercise, proper nutrition is essential for young dancers. Eating a healthy diet assists in their growth, development and cognition, and safeguards the immune system from infection. This is why it’s crucial that dancers eat well every day – not just on performance days.
With so much conflicting health advice out there, it can be very hard to know exactly what to feed your child. Fortunately, we’ve cut through the confusion. Read on for our Dance Desire top healthy snack suggestions to support your star in the making.
Pumpkin Seeds – A fantastic source of energising protein, pumpkin seeds are loaded with nutrients including potassium, magnesium and zinc. As well as providing an energy boost, these nutritious little seeds help to prevent cramping and ease muscle fatigue.
Dried Fruit – Individually packed dried fruit mix is a healthy way to fill up before, or in between routines. These portion-controlled packs of goodness provide plenty of calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron for growing bodies.
Snacks such as dried apricots, bananas, apple slices, sultanas and more, provides the slow release energy your little dancer needs to master their routines.
Unsalted Peanuts – If allergies aren’t an issue, peanuts are a wonderful go-to snack for any time of day. A handful of unsalted peanuts provides all the essential nutrients a dancer needs, without the high sodium content of salted peanuts. Ideal for before, during or after rehearsals, unsalted peanuts provide that much needed pick-me-up.
Dates – These bite-sized sweet treats are a fabulous source of natural sugar, which is essential for sustained energy production. This makes dates the ideal snack for breaks during dance routines.
Dates are also a great source of fibre and calcium, as well as essential nutrients like iron, copper and magnesium. A small handful of dates before a routine will give your little one all the slow burning energy they need.
Fresh Sliced Fruits – Loaded with good sugars, vitamins and minerals, fruit is the perfect snack for your little dancer. Most fruits are naturally low in sodium, fat and calories. Fruits are also an easy way for your child to get their daily required dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin C and folic acid. Sliced pineapple and sliced watermelon are ideal for summer, grapefruits and oranges are a great choice for winter, while apples and bananas are perfect all year round.
Muesli – Muesli is one of the healthiest and satisfying snack options for your young dancer. Muesli is an easy, delicious way for your child to meet their daily fibre, calcium and protein needs. With the addition of nuts, seeds, yoghurt and fruits, it is also a source of healthy fats, vitamins B and C, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and copper.
For more dance snack inspiration, ask our helpful Dance Desire team when you call or visit our Ashmore showroom.
