To avoid experiencing gas and bloating while preparing for dancing nude, or nearly nude, eat foods that easily pass through the digestive tract. Avoid refined sugars, refined carbohydrates and flour – they can cause water retention. Consume lean proteins such as white fish, chicken breast, shrimp and vegan protein powders as well as leafy greens, and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados and coconut oil. Everyone has unique food intolerances, so it is best to avoid what irritates you: for example, dairy, eggs and gluten as well as beans, raw broccoli, cauliflower or onion may be tummy bloaters for some.
Healthy Recipe: Sarah’s Easy-To-Digest Meal
Steamed white fish (mahi mahi) or chicken, with fresh lemon, butternut squash purée and sautéed balsamic kale.
Velvety Butternut Squash Purée
1 medium butternut squash
1 – 11/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1 tsp cumin
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
1 – 2 tbsp tomato paste
Directions:
1. Peel and chop squash – boil in water until soft and drain.
2. Use a hand or countertop blender to purée.
3. Add spices and stir in coconut oil/ butter and tomato paste.
4. Add water to desired consistency (will thicken more if left overnight).
5. To serve, spoon two tablespoons on top of steamed fish or chicken.
Sautéed Balsamic Kale
1 bunch kale, finely chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1/4 – 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Directions:
1. Clean and chop kale. In a large sauté pan, cook garlic in olive oil until you smell the aroma. Immediately add kale to pan and stir. (I promise that you want to add the entire bunch of kale as it drastically reduces when steamed.) Cover and steam for five minutes, or until wilted. If necessary, add a little water for the steaming.
2. Add balsamic vinegar to pan and stir so that all the kale is coated. Allow to simmer for about three minutes more on low, or until the kale has absorbed most of the vinegar.
Tagged: Health & Wellness, Healthy Dancer, Various, National