5 Healthy Drinks Every Dancer Should Have

Why Dancers Should Never Miss These 5 Healthy Drinks

Dancing requires a lot of energy and the best way to boost your energy levels is to stay hydrated. According to The National Academies Press, people who are physically active such as dancers must have a higher intake of water or fluids to prevent dehydration and its consequences. Since there is a huge loss of water from the body when dancing, especially in hot environments, it is essential to drink more fluids. Here are 5 best drinks every dancer should have to boost their energy level.

1. Lemon Water

Well, lemon water is one of the best beverages for dancers. Sipping small amounts of lemon water before, during and after a session may help in keeping your body hydrated. Packed with vitamin C, it elevates your energy levels keeping you active for longer. The natural acid in lemon is similar to the acid present in the stomach that aids breakdown of food and promotes digestion. It keeps your system clean so that you concentrate more on dancing than on health issues.

According to UF Health Podcast, everyone must consume lemon water whenever they have an access to the miracle fruit. Just squeeze a freshly cut lemon to a glass of water and drink it whenever you feel thirsty. If you do not like drinking plain water, lemon water can be a refreshing drink to add to your list.

2. Herbal Tea/ Green Tea

Herbal teas are made using beneficial herbs and usually lack the caffeine content. Dancers who often find themselves having muscle stiffness and aches due to rigorous and continuous dancing must consume mint tea after the dance sessions for complete relaxation. Being an antispasmodic, mint may reduce aches by relieving soreness and stiffness. It also aids digestion.

Green tea has a high concentration of antioxidants that help in maintaining a great body for dancing. Having zero calories, it can easily hydrate the body without adding any weight. It supports endurance and may help a dancer in building strength and stamina. Consume a cup of green tea before a dancing session for an unending boost of energy. When consumed after the dance, it relaxes and revitalizes the body while making up for the lost water levels.

3. Infused Water

Infused water is a great way to keep your body hydrated during and after your dance sessions. The added flavors of a natural fruit make the water easier to drink without adding many calories. The Harvard T. H. Chan School Of Public Health lists infused water as one of the healthiest drinks to consume to keep your body hydrated.

Instead of buying pricey water that are artificially flavored, you can make your very own infused water that is healthy and safe for consumption. All you need is a fruit infuser water bottle that can quickly provide you flavored water minus the harmful elements and sugars present in store-bought flavored water. Just fill up the bottle with water and put some slices of your favorite fruit in the fruiting chamber. The goodness of the fruit will slowly infuse with the water without any mess and you can conveniently carry it to your dance classes.

4. Fresh Fruit Juices

Fresh fruit juices are another great choice for a post dance session. It not only replaces the lost water but also replenishes the glucose levels. It revitalizes the body by adding the lost nutrients. You can easily make your own fresh juices or buy it from a store. Make sure you do not buy a product with added sugar as it may lead to increased weight and make you unfit. It is always best to make your own fruit juices with the fruits you like for a refreshing drink.

Down some fresh orange juice after your dancing sessions. It contains a huge amount of powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress. It strengthens your immune system and protects you against diseases for a better dance performance. Having a glass of beetroot juice just before your dance session is also considered great for increasing your strength and stamina. It eliminates fatigue and maintains high energy levels.

5. Milk

Milk is highly advantageous for dancers as it helps in maintaining a good bone health while increasing your fluid intake. It reduces stress fractures in dancers while reducing other common injuries that may occur due to weak bones. The high amount of calcium present in the milk may offer stronger bones which are essential for various dance moves. Besides, milk also contains vitamins and phosphorus that helps in strengthening the bones.

According to a publication in Dance Informa, dancers can choose from a variety of milk starting from cows to soy and even almond for maintaining a good health. Dancers also need to supplement their protein levels that can be easily obtained from milk. Cow's milk contains a good amount of protein, calcium as well as vitamin D and phosphorus beneficial for increasing bone strength. Almond milk is also a good source of calcium and is a low calories alternative for dancers. Make sure you consume unsweetened almond milk to minimize your calorie intake.

Summed Up

As a dancer, you are required to continuously perform at the top of your abilities, for which you need proper nutrition and hydration to fuel your body. Therefore, choosing the right food and fluids may make a big difference and help you achieve your goals. These 5 drinks are a healthy alternative to store bought drinks or just plain water. Having a sip every now and then will compensate the lost water to reduce fatigue and help you perform better every time.

By Amelia Johnson
Amelia is a writer/editor with an endless passion for bringing a lot of useful and trustworthy information to the community. She founded stayhealthyways.com, a blog dedicated to sharing quality articles related to health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. As a typical introvert, Amelia is a perfectionist in work. At times of leisure, she reads, listens to music, chats with some close friends and walks with her pet.