To optimize their performance and recovery, dancers and athletes should reject caloric restriction and fuel their bodies in a balanced way by combining carbohydrates (the preferred energy source), proteins, and healthy fats in complete meals and regular snacks.

noli's read

The recommendation to provide the body with sufficient energy fuel is solidly validated by research. The consensus of the International Olympic Committee (IOC, 2023) on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) emphasizes that low energy availability severely impairs physical performance, psychological well-being, and recovery. Furthermore, the claim that carbohydrates are the preferred energy source is confirmed by an official position of the German Nutrition Society (DGE, 2019), demonstrating that glucose metabolism generates a much faster and more efficient flow of energy than fat metabolism during sustained physical exertion. Regarding recovery, the position of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) scientifically validates the combined association of carbohydrates and proteins to accelerate the restoration of glycogen stores and stimulate muscle repair after exercise. Finally, the approach of combining proteins, fiber, and fats (the 'hunger crushing combo') is a recognized nutritional strategy for stabilizing blood sugar, regulating appetite, and maintaining a constant level of energy throughout the day.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.