Dancing is an excellent way of staying in shape. It can provide a great cardio workout while also increasing flexibility. But, as with any sort of physical activity, fueling your body is incredibly important. Most of our up-tempo dance classes at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, such as Latin dance, get fairly taxing. You need to be nutritionally ready for some of our regimens.<\/p>\n
So here are a few diet tips:<\/p>\n
Breakfast<\/p>\n
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. It fuels the empty furnace and provides energy for the hours ahead. A larger breakfast that includes complex carbohydrates, some protein and a little fat will keep you feeling fuller longer and less likely to binge on a mid-morning stack of donuts. Here\u2019s a morning suggestion: Eggs or egg whites (they make an excellent omelet), whole-wheat toast, low-fat yogurt and a banana or orange. Be sure to have a snack before lunch \u2013 an apple, an energy bar, but avoid a heavy dose of sugar.<\/p>\n
Lunch<\/p>\n
Too heavy a meal can cause sluggishness and a lack of alertness. You don\u2019t want that. You can try a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread and perhaps a small side salad with a fat-free dressing. Turkey \u2013 especially when fresh and not processed \u2013 is an excellent mid-day source of protein. A low-fat yogurt makes a great afternoon snack.<\/p>\n
Dinner<\/p>\n
To prepare you for the rigors of an evening dance class and to send you into the evening feeling satisfied, select foods high in complex carbohydrates, which provide energy; a lean protein, fuels the rebuilding of muscles, and healthy fats, which help your body function at an optimal level. Pasta with meat sauce, whole-grain bread and a vegetable (cauliflower, broccoli) would be a fine choice. Low-fat milk can be your beverage, or it can be saved for an evening snack. You should be drinking water all through the day, and there\u2019s nothing wrong with a cold glass of water with a slice of lemon or lime at meal time.<\/p>\n