Career Development Plan - Am I Too Fat?

by layla
(london)

Career Development Plan - Am I Too Fat?

Hey i am 13 years old 14 in summer, and I am very worried about my weight I am around 8 stone and weigh 112 pounds. Am I fat I don't know that I have to loose weight and eat more healthier, I don't mind that I am up to it because ballet is my life. If i want to be a professional ballet dancer and for me to be in the royal ballet is there any type you want to give to me? How many calories can i eat in a day and how much do you think i have to weigh? and also any food in particular I would need ? Thank you PLEASE HELP!

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Reply by Odette

To:- Career Development Plan - Am I Too Fat?


Hello Layla,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

Body image as a dancer is a very conscious element, but dancers have to remember they are also athletes. You have to be strong and lean with a considerable amount of energy.

Nutrition and a healthy diet is very important especially for dancers as our body is our tool so we have to look after it by supplying it with the right food. The amount of calories does hugely vary with the individuality of each dancer. But dancers do need an adequate amount of calories for energy.

I would suggest you to eat a healthy, balanced diet full of nutritious foods. You want to keep your metabolism steady so aim to eat little and often. I snack on healthy things such as fruit, nuts and nutritious cereal bars. Eating complex carbohydrates such as jacket potatoes, pasta and brown bread are good at supplying energy and keeping you fuller for longer.

Drink plenty of water, aim to drink 2 litres a day. I believe it hugely benefited my body when I started drinking more water and also green tea is very good for you.

There is something called the BMI calculator which is a good way to check if you are a healthy weight. BMI stands for Body Mass Index and it can measure whether you are a healthy weight for your height. You can easily find a site online to do this.

Combining a healthy diet with aerobic exercise will keep you fit and trim for a professional ballet dancer. Pilates is very good for toning your body and swimming is a great form of aerobic exercise.

All the best,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page