A ballerina dancer is a type of athlete and as such, a ballerina needs to ensure that she maintains a sufficient caloric intake. However, according to "The Dancer's Way: The New York City Ballet Guide to Mind, Body and Nutrition," in the world of ballet, ballerinas frequently feel pressure to lose weight. Further, many ballerinas experience eating disorders that can have a detrimental effect on their long-term health. Your caloric intake should always remain in proportion with the amount of energy you expend, as a healthy diet can help your body recover more quickly from injury and fatigue.
The Food
A ballerina's diet should contain sufficient nutrients to help use food as energy throughout the day. According to "Diet for Dancers: A Complete Guide to Nutrition and Weight Control," complex carbohydrates should make up a significant portion of any dancer's diet. These complex carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables and unprocessed grains. Additionally, a ballerina requires protein and fat. Optimally, you should aim to consume 50 percent carbohydrate, 25 percent protein and 25 percent fat.
When to Eat
Ballerinas typically rehearse throughout the day, so you should always make sure you take breaks at timed intervals to nourish your body. By timing when you eat, you can maintain a steady supply of energy in your body. Additionally, you can control your sugar levels, preventing energy spikes and deficiencies. Avoid eating simple carbohydrates, sugars or caffeine.
Some Ballerina Weight Loss Rules
There is no one specific diet used by ballerinas. However, urban legends have created a "ballerina diet" sometimes used by non-ballerinas. This "ballerina diet" is not a medical diet, and you should consult your doctor before attempting any of these dieting techniques. According to the ballerina diet urban legend, you should divide all your meals in half. Further, you should replace meals periodically with soups, and you should never mix different type of protein in a single meal. Finally, you should always drink at least eight to 10 cups of water every day. Scientific evidence does not support the safety or effectiveness of the "ballerina diet."
Ballerinas Are Athletes
If you are a ballerina, you should consider yourself an athlete, and you should follow a similar nutritional regimen as do other athletes who expend a similar amount of energy. As a ballerina, you should also vary your food source and ensure that your body receives all its required nutrients. Further, you should regulate your carbohydrate intake by making sure that you consume only complex carbohydrates.
References
- "Diet for Dancers: A Complete Guide to Nutrition and Weight Control"; Robin D. Chmelar and Sally S. Fitt; 2002
- "The Dancer's Way: The New York City Ballet Guide to Mind, Body, and Nutrition"; Linda H. Hamilton and New York City Ballet; 2008
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