Ballet seems to have a dark, and inaccurate cloud of
assumption constantly hanging above. Eating disorders are a serious topic, and
I agree that they are much too common. But ballet has gotten stamped and
labeled as an art that is full of anorexic, dangerously thin girls; sometimes
even as an art form that promotes eating disorders. While it is true that
anorexia does occur in the ballet world, it’s not as prevalent as some may
think.
I speak for
myself when I say that it isn’t always easy standing in a room surrounded by
mirrors, wearing just a leotard and a sheer skirt. The truth is, comparing yourself
to someone else in the room is going to happen, but if you let it become so
overwhelming, you’re going to drive yourself crazy. Which is why it’s so
important to understand and remember that in the end, ballet is not about your
height or weight. Ballet is about how well you dance. Just because someone is
ten pounds lighter than you, doesn’t mean that they’re any better of a dancer.
What it all comes down to is how good your technique is, and whether or not
your passion and love for dance can be seen through your movements.
As mentioned in an earlier post,
ballet is without a doubt a sport. Professional and dedicated dancers are fit
because they’re athletes and exert enormous amounts of energy on a (nearly)
daily basis. Have you ever seen a ballerina’s muscles? They just might surprise
you. The amount of strength dancers require to make movements seem effortless
is a part of the art, which is why a healthy lifestyle is crucial.
Now, I want
to talk about proper nutrition. I am in no way a certified nutritionist or
health expert, but I’ve had an epiphany myself, and I want to share with you
what I’ve learned.
Whether you
notice or not, a new health craze is sweeping over the globe, and people are
becoming more conscious of the things they put into their bodies. With this new
demand to live a healthy lifestyle, I feel it important to mention that the
following information is for dancers AND non-dancers.
I am a firm
believer that because each body is idiosyncratic, eat person requires a
different diet. When I say diet, I mean a person’s habitual lifestyle regarding
food. What makes one person feel amazing could make another person feel sick,
so I encourage you to find the right diet for your individual body. It takes
time, but if you truly listen to your body and are committed to finding your
own diet for your own body, I can promise that you won’t regret it. We only get
one body, so let’s treat it right.
There are
loads of new resources to make finding your ideal diet easier than ever. It’s
all about trial and error. This past year, I’ve made a dramatic shift in my
diet, but only recently have I felt that I’m close to finding my best possible
lifestyle. Throughout the year I gradually became more and more health
conscious, and as of right now, I am a “lenient vegan.” I stay away from animal
products, except fish, and I focus on eating high amounts of fruits and
veggies. Of course I also eat my carbs, legumes, and nuts, to ensure I’m
getting enough protein and nutrients. [For any potential vegan/vegetarians out
there, I must warn you that vegan doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. There are a
lot of highly processed vegan foods that are made to replace non-vegan products
such as meat and cheese, but be careful because those aren’t necessarily beneficial
for your body.] After a little over a month, I already feel better. I have more
energy, I no longer feel heavy, I’m happier, and I don’t get bloated as often.
Granted, I’m still perfecting my diet, but I finally feel like I’ve hit a mini
jackpot.
Whether
you’re a dancer or not, I invite you to find your own personal “diet.” Whether
you’re a meat lover or a vegan, I encourage you to look into the pros and cons
of each lifestyle and pick and pull what fits for you, and throw out whatever
doesn’t. I’m not trying to convert anyone into a health nut, but I do want you
to be more aware of what you’re putting into your body. It’s incredible how
differently you can feel. Feeding your body with the best fuel can help with everything
from dance to school and work, so give it a try. Food has the potential to
either cure your body, or harm it; the choice is yours.
Little Changes Make A Big Difference…Here are a few little changes for you.
White sugar ---> Coconut Sugar, medjool dates, fruit, pure maple syrup etc.
~Some sugars, like coconut sugar, are low glycemic, which means that they break down and release slower and won't give you a sugar high and then soon after, a crash. Tip: medjool dates and ripened banana are perfect for smoothies and baking.
Vegetable oil ---> Coconut oil
~ Coconut oil has loads of different benefits, and though it's high in saturated fat, it is actually used in the body more efficiently than regular saturated fats. Coconut oil goes straight to your liver to be used as energy, and it can increase your metabolism.
Site Source: "10 Proven Health Benefits of Coconut Oil (No. 3 Is Best)." Authority Nutrition. N.p., 08 July 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2015
Dessert ---> Fresh/frozen fruit, homemade treats made with wholesome goodness
~Simple and natural, it's true that fruit is nature's candy.
White flour ---> Oat, almond, coconut, spelt, wheat, flour etc.
~White flour is bleached. There are tons of other alternatives that work just as well, but are a lot more wholesome.
Table salt ---> Pink Himilayan Sea Salt
~Regular table salt is, like flour, bleached. Pink Himilayan sea salt all natural and contains natural minerals that make it pink.
Disclaimer: I have not been paid/asked to review or promote any products listed/shown. All items were bought on my own.
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