Ballet Dancers - Nutrition and Coffee

by Bethany
(Tallahassee, FL, USA)

Ballet Dancers - Nutrition and Coffee

Dear Odette,
I am only 15 years old, but I love coffee! I am wondering if coffee is very bad for dancers to have.
Do you think it would be okay for me to have one cup of coffee a day, with a little cream, and one tablespoon of coconut sugar?
I have tried to stop having it, but I just love the taste, and I love the energy it gives me! I try to eat as healthy as I can. I used to struggle with anorexia though, so I don't have much control over what I eat anymore, because my parents usually tell me what to eat.
Thank you so much!!!
Bethany


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Reply by Odette
To:- Ballet Dancers - Nutrition and Coffee

Hi Bethany,
Thank you for contacting me and sharing a little bit about yourself, it is great to help you and I'm sure many other young dancers will have similar thoughts to you.

Since I have never really drank coffee, I am not one to really know what advice to give to a coffee drinker! But, I do love green tea so I know what it feels like to really love the taste of a certain drink. In fact, have you tried green tea? The flavor 'Jasmine' green tea is my particular favourite, you should give it a taste!
Then, you never know, you might gradually start to love green tea just as much as coffee too.

You can discover more about green tea and ballet dancers here - Ballerina Green Tea

I wouldn't say it is bad to have one cup of coffee a day, but as long as you don't get too addicted or rely on it too much. It's nice to drink something for the pleasure and because you like it, so I wouldn't completely restrict it as it might just make you want it more. There are plenty of my professional ballet dancer friends who love coffee too, so you are not alone!

Remember, everything in moderation is absolutely fine. In ballet your body is your tool, so you have to look after yourself. For now though, it might be a working progress so don't feel hard on yourself if you don't always know what the right choices are. In time, you will learn what works for you and your body.

Please do keep in touch Bethany!

Best wishes,
Odette