a dancer's view on snacks...

Every day in NYC, I feel like I am starting a new life-time. Full of different events, different locations, and different themes. I got to about a year and a half in the city and started experiencing serious energy crashes. I couldn't get my brain to focus through a full audition, and no consistency in my day-to-day, and was feeling run down.

So! I did an ENERGY ANALYSIS with Sophie! Especially in the performing arts and dance worlds, information about healthy eating and energy habits is not really a conversation. In getting my analysis, I found out I was running extremely short of needed calories and protein.  I should have been feeding myself like an elite athlete. This was causing severe energy drops and a lack of ability to focus. What was one of the top solutions? SNACKS!!

I went on a mission to find easy to pack snacks and easy to plan meal preps to stuff my dance bag with in an effort to eat enough to support a day of auditions, classes, rehearsals, and performance. Below are some of my favorite go-to's!

1. CorePower Protein (42g of protein): These shakes are glorified chocolate milk. The high protein is a great post-workout snack to fill your system and help refuel muscles for the next event. To avoid any nausea, I recommend having it 1-hr before your next workout so you do not have to move with it in your system.

2. Jerky Sticks (7g of protein): Jerky Sticks are a long-term protein. Even just in my commute from Astoria to Ripley-Grier I often feel the need for a small snack again. These sticks do not mess up digestion, and provide great protein to support movement.

3. Cliff Builders (20g of protein): We love having protein bars in the dance bag full-time. These are my favorite mostly because I don't like the taste of protein, and these ones hide it in a great way.

4. MEAL PREPS: I have been having a last using the T.A.P recipe books to support weekly meal preps. As long as a find some quiet time to make a prep, I am all set to go! Enjoying soups, fresh salads, and more!

Be sure to let us know what your best hacks are for snacking!!

​Abbi :)

---