Did you know that the NHS classify dance classes as a “moderate” type of fitness exercise? Honestly – look it up and let’s just say, they’ve obviously never been to any of our First Dance Studios dance and fitness classes because in terms of exercise, music, choreography and fun they are very far from moderate! Full on, dance like no one is watching, all out flop and drop because we get into it so much. And with all that dancing and jumping around means we get a little peckish burning up all those calories. So what is the best snack to eat before a dance class and fuel your fitness?
As many of us are dancing from our own zoom rooms, I am particularly envious of those of us dancers stepping out in our kitchens. Snacks are very handily available and within step turn step distance! But we all agree that dancing after a full on meal can be hard so what works well to nibble on before doing a lunge or a three step turn? We’ve turned to our fitness fille, Sophie, who knows a thing or two about moving and keeping fit.
Sophie is our Zumba, HIIT & Core and Stretch Flow teacher and this month she has been working us all with Love Fitness, Love February challenge. Did you have a go? Now we have a new challenge this month on our hands (Love Fitness on Demand) and we already love it. But we need fuel for our fitness. So what works? Here we show case three snacks that work well before, during and after a dance and/or fitness session.
2 cups pecans
1 cup dates
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cacao powder
1/4 cup cacao nibs
Method: Add the pecans to your food processor and grind for around 10-15 seconds until small pieces (don’t let it blend further, as we don’t want a flour texture!). Now add in all other ingredients except the cacao nibs into the blender – making sure the dates don’t have any stones left in them. Blend for a further 2 minutes until totally combined and really gooey, add the cacao nibs and gently pulse to combine. Shape into balls and store in an airtight container, or in the fridge.
“Being mindful and consciously thinking about what fuel you are giving your body is so important. As we all know, the body needs the right nutrition to perform well and be well but so often, when we’re busy and rushing around, we fall into bad habits or forget to think about nutrition. For me, planning is key – planning what food is on the menu, where I can add extra nutrition, the items I need to shop for, and planning in time for preparation. Plus, lockdown is a great opportunity to be more creative with nutrition too!” Plan and pivot!
If you have a dance class snack suggestion shout out and let us know on info@firstdance.co.uk or contact us here. I’ll be right back, I’m off to stir things up snack wise and on the dance floor.
Keep dancing,
xx