Essential Eats: Top Ten Foods For Dancers

These foods are a dancer’s best bets for promoting stamina, strength and overall health.

1. Soy

Contains
protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, calcium, selenium

Eat it in calcium-fortified vanilla soymilk over your cereal, tempeh on salads, soybeans in chilis or on salads, edamame (soybeans that look like snow peas with a fuzzy outer coat that are boiled in water and salt), soy nut butter as an alternative to peanut butter, and soy-based protein powder in shakes or smoothies.

Recommended: one serving per day, which is about 1 cup of soy milk, 1⁄2 cup of soy beans, 1⁄3 cup of soy nuts, a handful of edamame, or 1 ounce of tofu (1⁄3 of a deck of cards)

2. Salmon

Contains omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, phosphorous

Eat it grilled, baked, poached, steamed or broiled. Avoid the skin, which stores contaminants like PCBs (cancer-causing chemicals found in some bodies of water). For added calcium, try canned salmon with bones.

Recommended: 6 ounces per week, or the size of both your palms. Because of high levels of mercury—which can cause central nervous system disorders in adults, among other ailments—limit yourself to 12 ounces of fish per week, and no more than 6 ounces of the same type.

3. Spinach

Contains vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, zinc

Eat it raw, steamed or lightly sautéed in olive oil. Use in salads, casseroles, soups, as a side dish, in pasta sauces and on top of pizza. Maximize iron absorption by eating with a vitamin C source such as tomato or lemon.

Recommended: 1 cup raw or 1⁄2 cup cooked per day, 2-3 times per week

4. Sweet potatoes

Contain more beta-carotene than carrots or winter squash

Eat it baked, microwaved or steamed, then cube and toss into a salad or casserole.

Recommended: 1 potato, 2-3 times per week

Perk: will satisfy your sweet tooth.

5. Walnuts

Contain omega-3 fatty acids (one of the few plant sources), vitamin E, B-vitamins, magnesium, manganese, potassium

Eat it on cereal and salads or in yogurt; pair with raisins or dried figs for an energizing mid-afternoon snack.

Recommended: 11⁄2 ounces per day (about 21 halves)

Perk: may reduce risk for heart disease.

6. Oats

Contain soluble fiber, selenium, the B-vitamin thiamin, potassium, zinc

Eat it mixed with water, milk or soymilk for a low-calorie snack (80 calories per 1⁄2 cup cooked oatmeal).

Recommended: one bowl daily

Perks: Oats are natural anti-inflammatories, can help stabilize blood sugar, and soothe dry skin when applied topically. Instant oatmeal also makes an easy-to-pack studio snack.

7. Blueberries

Contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber

Eat it on cereal or pancakes or in yogurt, muffin mixes or smoothies.

Recommended: 1⁄2 cup daily

Perk: Blueberries are especially good for protecting cells from cancer-causing free radicals that are generated during exercise.

8. Yogurt

Contains protein, calcium, phosphorus, B-vitamins

Eat it unrefrigerated—contrary to popular myth, yogurt doesn’t need to be kept cold. Choose reduced or nonfat to keep intake of animal fats (which cause inflammation) low. If you’re lactose-intolerant, try soy yogurt.

Recommended: 1 single-serving carton per day

Perk: Acidophilus, the active cultures found in yogurt, helps digestion and immune function.

9. Broccoli

Contains fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, indoles

Eat it raw, steamed or sautéed; buy frozen or fresh.

Recommended: 1 cup, 2-3 times per week

10. Olive oil

Contains healthy unsaturated fats

Eat it in salad dressings, or use for cooking.

Recommended: 2-3 tablespoons per day

Perks: Using olive oil instead of animal and saturated fats like butter, margarine, mayonnaise and shortening will help lower cholesterol and prevent inflammation, which is especially important if you’re developing arthritis.

Marie Scioscia is a nutritionist in NYC who works with dancers and athletes.