My day on a plate
Sun Herald
Sunday July 19, 2009
9am: Two pieces of wholegrain toast with butter and vegemite. Green tea, which is great for dancers because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Coffee with two sugars. I can't start the day without it! 12pm: Brunch bar and pineapple juice.This is a perfect energy boost between my morning ballet class and afternoon rehearsals. I don't eat a full noon lunch because I don't like feeling heavy while dancing.3pm: Bagel with ham, cheese, tomato, avocado, rocket, mayonnaise and butter. By this point I'm starting to feel quite hungry but I can't eat food that is too heavy as I'll be performing in the evening. 6pm: Pistachios. I love the salty flavour and they're a great energy boost just before a show.10pm: Lamb cutlets with relish, spinach, carrot, broccoli, snow peas, roasted potatoes and two dinner rolls. By the time I get home after a show, I'm ravenous! I like red meat as it's high in protein and iron. If I don't have it when I'm performing I crave it. Then, for dessert, a bowl of vanilla ice-cream with chocolate sauce. I am an ice-cream addict.Nutritionist Dr Joanna McMillan Price says:Ballet dancers have to deal with high-energy demands due to their training and performing, but also maintain a lean physique. Danielle doesn't like to eat much through the day as dancing and a full stomach are clearly not a good match. I'd like to see her eating a little more early in the day, particularly protein-rich foods. At present she eats mainly carbs until mid-afternoon. A better balance of carbs and protein spaced over several small meals would keep energy levels high and boost fat burning while preserving her body's limited carb stores to last into the evening. I'd suggest adding a boiled egg to breakfast and swapping the juice for a fruit smoothie with low-fat milk.
© 2009 Sun Herald
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