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If you've followed my content for a while, you’ve probably noticed that I use the word balance when talking about dancer nutrition—but you won’t hear me say moderation. And that’s intentional.
At first glance, they might seem like the same thing, but the way we talk about food shapes the way we think about it—and for dancers, those small shifts in language matter. So today, I want to break down why I choose balance over moderation and why it can make a difference in how you approach fueling for performance.
my experience with moderation
I grew up in a household where the mantra was always “all things in moderation.” At the time, it sounded like a reasonable, balanced approach to food. But as I got older—especially as a dancer—I started to realize that moderation wasn’t actually helping me make better food choices. Instead, it made me second-guess portions, feel guilty if I ate “too much” of something, and struggle to define what “moderation” even meant.
Over time, I learned that what I truly needed wasn’t moderation—it was balance.
what's wrong with 'moderation'?
The word moderation is everywhere in nutrition advice:
“Eat everything in moderation.”
“Enjoy treats in moderation.”
“Just have a moderate portion.”
But what does moderation actually mean?
For most people, it’s vague, subjective, and unclear—which makes it easy to interpret in ways that aren’t helpful:
❌ “I should only have a little of this food.”
❌ “If I eat too much, I’m not practicing moderation.”
❌ “This food needs to be controlled.”
For dancers—who already face pressure around food, body image, and performance—the idea of moderation can fuel restriction, guilt, or a scarcity mindset around certain foods. It turns nutrition into something to be carefully managed, instead of something that supports your dancing.
why 'balance' is a better fit for dancers
Instead of moderation, I focus on balance—because balance is flexible, adaptable, and inclusive.
Here’s why:
✔ Balance is not about restriction—it’s about getting what your body needs.
✔ Balance is performance-driven—it allows for high-energy meals when needed.
✔ Balance includes variety—it’s not about avoiding certain foods but incorporating a mix that supports your body and training.
✔ Balance removes guilt—it shifts the focus from eating less to fueling better.
With balance, dancers can trust that some days they might need more carbs, more protein, or more fuel overall—and that’s normal. It removes the pressure to eat “just enough” or “not too much” and instead prioritizes what your body needs in the moment.
how this shift changes your nutrition mindset
Instead of thinking:
❌ “I can eat sugar, but only in moderation.”
❌ “I need to have a moderate portion so I don’t overdo it.”
Try shifting to:
✅ “I can enjoy a variety of foods, including sugar, as part of my overall balanced intake.”
✅ “Some days I need more food, some days less—that’s balance.”
✅ “There’s no need to ‘earn’ or ‘burn off’ food—it all plays a role in fueling my body.”
These small changes can reduce guilt, increase confidence in food choices, and help dancers fuel more effectively for performance and recovery.
when 'balance' becomes another rule
While balance is a great goal for dancers, it’s important to remember that it’s not about achieving a perfect ratio of foods or following a strict formula.
For some dancers, the idea of "eating balanced meals" can turn into another form of food stress, leading to thoughts like:
❌ “I need to make sure every meal is perfectly balanced.”
❌ “I should always have the ‘right’ mix of carbs, protein, and fat.”
❌ “If I eat too much of one thing, I’m not balanced.”
Balance isn’t about micromanaging every plate—it’s about flexibility, adaptability, and trusting your body. Some days, your meals may be more carb-heavy. Some days, you might crave more protein. Some days, you may just eat whatever is available, and that’s OK!
The key is knowing that balance happens over time—not in one single meal or one single day. Consistency is key to a dancer's balanced diet. There is NO shortcut to building your balanced, strong nutrition foundation. It's key for performance success.
final thoughts: words matter in dancer nutrition
The words we use around food shape our mindset, and for dancers, that mindset directly impacts energy, stamina, and overall well-being. By shifting from moderation (which can feel and be restrictive) to balance (which is about nourishment and performance), we create a more sustainable, empowering approach to nutrition.
So next time you hear someone say “everything in moderation,” remember: balance gives you more freedom, more energy, and more trust in your body. And that’s what truly supports dancers in the long run. 💙
✨ What do you think? Have you ever felt confused by the idea of “moderation” in nutrition? Let’s talk in the comments!
📩 Need help building a balanced fueling plan? Book your Performance Nutrition Discovery Call here.
PS - I also stopped using the term 'stress management' and have opted for 'stress resilience.' Let me know if you want to learn more about this!
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