Dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters and cheerleaders are unique, combining artistry with athleticism, and thus participating in rigorous training for long hours along with the demands of performing under intense, sometimes stressful, conditions.  Good nutrition is essential for the elite performing athlete to keep their body in top physical condition.  Working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who understands the demands placed on performing athletes can make a significant impact on 1) strength and performance, 2) being a strong, lean, and healthy weight, and 3) reducing fatigue and injury.   Learn more about why Val specializes in nutrition for performing athletes.

What Nutrition Services are Available for the Performing Athlete? 
  • Fueling before, during, and after practices, rehearsals and competition or performances.
  • Menu planning, recipe, and grocery shopping
  • Strategies for safely managing weight while preventing emotional eating, and disordered eating behaviors
  • Address sports-specific problems like injury recovery, GI issues, anemia, and nutrient deficiencies
  • Special diets (vegetarian, food allergies, sensitivities, etc.) 

Why is Nutrition for the Performing Athlete so Specialized?
Aesthetic sports combine athleticism with artistry. Because of this, there is often a belief that a certain body type is equated with success and pressure to conform to the archetypal image of a specific physique can push athletes to desire weight loss at the expense of injury or other health consequences.  In the drive for excellence, this misguided thinking can lead instructors, coaches, parents and athletes to obtain dietary advice and recommendations from sources that lack credibility and consequently may impair performance or just aren't reasonable and practical for the unique demands of the sport and the athlete. 

While it may be important for the athlete to achieve their ideal weight for performance reasons, proper development of a weight management plan often requires the guidance of a sports nutritionist or dietitian.  Val is a board certified specialist in sports dietetics and has a working knowledge of energy needs and expenditure, healthy nutrition, fluid balance, supplements and sports psychology.  With a background in eating disorders, she is also equipped to provide proper nutrition guidance while decreasing the risk for those susceptible to disordered eating or clinical eating disorders.

Learning strategies for planning the amount, type and timing of fuel for your body is important so you are able to perform your best.  In addition to planning meals and snacks, a dietitian can help you learn what foods can help with focus, balance and concentration.  Overall, you’ll come away with fundamental nutrition knowledge and specific strategies to help you maintain a strong, healthy  body.

Presentations and Workshops:  "Performance Nutrition for Dancers, Figure Skaters, Gymnasts or Cheerleaders" is a lively, interactive seminar that can be customized for teams, studios, dance companies and other competitive or professional organizations to ensure your organization is performing at your best.