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The Ballerina Diet - What Ballet Dancers Really Eat -- and Don't Eat

The diet of a ballerina will surprise and shock you with its many dietary restrictions
Learn everything about a typical ballerina diet


Image via Getty

The ballerina diet is a somewhat mysterious thing. It is hard to imagine how they keep that flawless physique while maintaining enough energy to do their intricate dance routines. Well, it isn't very easy. Ahead, we've got a brief guide on the surprisingly complicated world of eating as a ballerina.

Ballerina Diet: What Ballerinas Eat

Image via Getty

What Ballerinas Eat
A ballerina diet focuses on low-calorie and protein-rich food. After all, they need to keep their perfect figure while also having enough energy to dance. As a result, they eat very specific foods, including eggs, chicken, green beans, potatoes, blueberries, fish, and other types of foods that have a lot of protein.

The idea behind this diet is to give them an incredible burst of energy for their routines without weighing them down. A typical ballerina's breakfast will contain just enough calories to get her through her morning routine. Lunch might be a little bigger, while supper and any snacks are typically small to keep her from having trouble sleeping.

What They Don't Eat
One thing you won't see many ballerinas eat is carbohydrates. While they occasionally eat bread, a ballerina diet is focused on protein. Simple carbohydrates, as in cookies and white bread, are avoided. These foods create a sugar spike and crash that a high-energy ballerina just can't afford to have.

Complex carbohydrates are a little more accepted because they provide dancers with a healthy dose of fiber. However, eating too many carbs is likely to make a ballerina feel bloated and weighed down. As a result, the ballerina diet typically includes little room even for healthy carbohydrates.

A Typical Ballerina Daily Diet
A good ballerina typically starts her day with at least two eggs, some Greek yogurt, berries, and a little granola. The combination of foods here is strong. The eggs provide her with long-lasting energy that will propel her through her challenging day. The berries give her a slight sugar boost that won't crash and burn. Meanwhile, the granola provides a healthy source of fiber that improves her metabolism and increases her energy on such a difficult ballerina diet. Snacks between breakfast and lunch are likely to consist mostly of water and vegetables. A typical ballerina usually keeps it light to avoid feeling bloated or cramped.

After taking a lunch break, they are likely to have some form of salad with some grilled chicken or fish. The veggies increase her vitamin intake and support healthier bones and muscles. Meanwhile, the protein maintains her energy level and keeps her going. Supper is likely to be light to avoid feeling too stuffed before going to bed. Another form of protein, such as fish, black beans or tofu, is likely to be served. Drinks focus on water and healthy caffeine, such as black coffee and tea.

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