Thread: What do you eat between shows?

I have a big night tomorrow, 2 restaurant shows, then a private show, then another restaurant show at 11pm. What do you normally eat between shows that doesn't bloat you and keeps your energy level up? I drink Vitamin water 10 to keep the electrolytes up and regular water, but hate the bloated feeling if I eat too much... Thanks for your ideas/suggestions

I'm so unhealthy and generally just power through a multi-gig night, sipping water between sets (maybe a nip of wine) and eating at the end of the night when I'm all done. If I'm absolutely starving, I might have a Balance Bar (honey peanut is my favorite). I experience no bloating or full-stomach feel, but the security of knowing there is some nourishment in my gut that *should* keep me from keeling over.
(My biggest mistake I made once - and only once! - was chowing down on some Moroccan lentil soup and enjoying a beer prior to a set - let me tell you what belly rolls feel like after that little feast!)

Odwalla Superfood is the hookup!

Odwalla

A bottle of this stuff and a glass of water keep me going all night. The juice is thick enough to where I feel like there is something in my belly, but not enough that it bloats me.

I like eating bars.

I second the power smoothie, Odwalla or the other brand... heck even a slimfast will do the job. If I think ahead enough I also like to have some salty nuts or trail mix, just a little protein and the salt (assuming you are also drinking water) will help keep you hydrated.

Or I just eat a meal. Chicken salad, tuna sandwich - something with protein, maybe a few carbs, but not too heavy, I'd avoid beans, although hummus would probably be okay - I'd also avoid red meat or a lot of pasta, potatoes or other simple sugars.

ya, I usually starve myself and then gorge afterwards...which is not healthy either, but since i have this later show I need to eat between the private and the late show. I'll try the Odwalla, I like the new Pink Poetry one.

Khalilah, a "nip" of wine? LOL!

Almonds are awesome!! A small handfull of those will do wonders :)

I am bad and fast between sets too. I usually get my food to go and eat it on the couch in my pajamas. Tastes soooo much better.

Chocolate.

Originally Posted by jewelsdances

Khalilah, a "nip" of wine? LOL!

I'm totally serious! LOL! I nurse no more than one glass - and that's if I've got some significant hang time before I begin. Half a glass if we're talking 20 minutes or less. I can't handle spins with any more. Granted I treat myself to a full glass or a beer usually once I'm all done - just relaxing and refreshing.

I forget what a flippin' controversy that is sometimes ,r:; - I like wine. It tastes good and makes me happy.

Totally agree on the almonds - I chow on those at my desk every day...not sure why I've never thought to throw a tin of them in my gig bag. Guess what I'm doing tonight?!

The best energy low bloat snack is a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and honey on it. The honey & toast gives you quick energy and the peanut butter will last a while. Yummy too!!

At a recent show, I noticed one of my fellow headliners in the dressing room chomping down one of those little pre-wrapped string cheeses -- why didn't I think of that? I tuck them in my costume bag now and also take them along when teaching several classes in a row. Less than 100 calories, a little protein, not heavy at all.

I like Balance bars, Power bars, Kashi bars... those are my "usual" between gig fare.
Sometimes a banana (they come pre-wrapped to go!)... very occasionally an ice cream bar!! (that would be a convenience store stop)

Originally Posted by Khalilah

I'm totally serious! LOL! I nurse no more than one glass - and that's if I've got some significant hang time before I begin. Half a glass if we're talking 20 minutes or less. I can't handle spins with any more. Granted I treat myself to a full glass or a beer usually once I'm all done - just relaxing and refreshing.

I forget what a flippin' controversy that is sometimes ,r:; - I like wine. It tastes good and makes me happy.

OMG I was just teasing you! I loved that you use the word "nip"... I like, actually love, red wine. So no wine police here!

latifa, i LOVE string cheese, that IS a great idea...... a great protein shot with vitamin water would be just the trick on those nights......

I love those Balance bars. I eat those when I have long workshop days. I think I'll try that peanut butter and honey toast thing. It sounds really yummy!

A granola bar, a yogurt, a string cheese, lots of water, sometimes a small amount of wine or something if it's offered. Something small is best for me- I like protein, so a yogurt or string cheese are good ones for me. And I have young kids, so those are staples in my house!

Originally Posted by jewelsdances

OMG I was just teasing you! I loved that you use the word "nip"... I like, actually love, red wine. So no wine police here!

LOL - we're on the same page completely! I in no way feel attacked on my "nips" (uh oh - that sounds bad!) ..l;,

Originally Posted by Khalilah

I'm totally serious! LOL! I nurse no more than one glass - and that's if I've got some significant hang time before I begin. Half a glass if we're talking 20 minutes or less. I can't handle spins with any more. Granted I treat myself to a full glass or a beer usually once I'm all done - just relaxing and refreshing.

I forget what a flippin' controversy that is sometimes ,r:; - I like wine. It tastes good and makes me happy.

I'm the same! Nurse a glass of wine if a long wait, then a whole beer at the end of the night! My favorite! I'll resort to a luna bar though if i am starving!!!

I did a research paper on exactly this while doing my Exercise Science degree- here's what I found...

Start off properly fueled first! Eat a normal size meal about 2 hours before your first show. Have a balance of protein, carbohydrates and some healthy fat (ex. olive oil) for staying power.

Your body restocks glucose to the muscles at a faster rate during the first 15 min after activity. You want something that will have easy access simple sugars (not candy!), but also some protein to slow it down just a bit so you don't get a sugar spike.

As dancers, we also are concerned about getting that bloated belly look so an example of a high-energy carb/protein combo with low bulk is a couple dried apricots and some nuts, and of course water. You'd want to have a small snack like this after each show within 15 min of finishing.

Also, remember that getting properly hydrated for an "endurance night" begins the day before so drink plenty of water all day. If you're concerned about retaining it, keep the salt to a minumum.

Good luck!

Mahin

I like coconut water instead as a source of electrolytes. It's tasty and free of all the undesirables of the sports drinks.

Mini Clif Bars are great. It's like two bites, but they satisfy me until I'm done. I also like almonds or cashews, peanut butter and jelly on sprouted grains, or smoothies.

I like doing a couple of dried apricots, a couple of dates, a piece of string cheese, some nuts (almonds of a mix) and a banana. This is generally what I keep backstage (along with chocolates and lots of water) when my group puts on a stage show. Gotta keep the dancers happy and healthy.