why a perfect meal plan doesn't exist (especially) for dancers

The power of flexibility, sustainability, and realistic fueling.

When dancers come to me for nutrition support, one of the first things they ask is:

“Can you just tell me exactly what to eat?”

And I get it. The dance world thrives on structure, precision, and discipline. We’re used to checking boxes, repeating phrases, and perfecting routines.

So it makes sense that dancers crave clear answers:

➡️ What should I eat?

➡️ When should I eat it?

➡️ How much is enough?

But here’s the truth: nutrition isn’t choreography.

It doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective—and it can't be one-size-fits-all.

why exact meal plans fall short

Meal plans sound great in theory. But in real life?

They fall apart quickly when:

• You’re too busy to prep the exact ingredients

• You’re at an intensive with limited food access

• You’re drained and can’t make another food decision

• You’re not in the mood for what the plan says

Rigid plans don’t account for real-life context.

They don’t adapt when your schedule shifts or your energy tanks.

They don’t help you tune in—they just ask you to follow along.

As a dancer, you already deal with enough rules.

When it comes to fueling, you don’t need more of them.

You need tools.

what dancers actually need

Instead of handing you a strict, repeatable script, I offer something better:

✔️ Fueling frameworks that guide your choices

✔️ Recipe inspiration that’s dancer-tested and adaptable

✔️ Flexible strategies that consider your time, access, preferences, and budget

Because performance nutrition shouldn’t add more pressure.

It should support you—on good days, busy days, and everything in between.

a personal example

Just last weekend, I spent back-to-back days in full focus mode: Saturday in the clinic. Sunday at the Dance Educators Summit.

Hours of deep thinking. No real movement. Minimal breaks.

And honestly? By the end of it, I was mentally exhausted.

I didn’t have the energy (or time) to prep some “ideal” meal.

I didn’t want to follow a perfectly balanced plate.

What I did want?

Familiar, satisfying food that would keep me going—and allow me to recover.

So I relied on the same “busy day” tools I give my dancers.

Quick meals. Go-to snacks. Hydration support.

Nothing fancy. Just fuel that worked.

so what does that look like?

Instead of a “plan,” we build around:

🍴 Your current routines (when you grocery shop, prep, or grab something on the go)

🧡 Your favorite meals and snacks (yes, even if they include chips or cookies)

📆 Your unique schedule (early classes, long rehearsals, late-night auditions)

Then we shape something that works for you.

No stress. No shame. No starting from scratch every week.

to wrap up

So no—I won’t hand you a rigid meal plan and expect you to follow it exactly.

What I will offer is this:

✅ A flexible, realistic approach to fueling

✅ Support and structure without rigidity

✅ Energy that doesn’t rely on caffeine or perfection

If you’re ready to feel better without obsessing over what’s on your plate…

🎯 Check out The Dancer’s Edge or📬 Join The Extra Scoop for dancer-friendly nutrition tips, snack inspo, and reminders that performance starts with being fueled.

Meal planning must be flexible for performance nutrition