What to eat before singing?
I get this question a lot from my students that are freaking out before their show and they want to make sure they will feel and sing the best way possible.
As you guys know me already singing is a lifestyle not just a one time thing. Try to incorporate these foods in your daily diets and I promise you that you will feel so much lighter, healthier and energized!
Let's look what are the foods you should probably avoid at all cause:
1) Dairy food-
As a general rule, avoid milk at all costs. Replace it for almond milk or coconut milk. It is estimated that as much as 65% of the adult population is lactose intolerant. This intolerance means a person has an impaired ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This is why the vast majority of adults experience difficulty one way or another in digesting milk sourced from animals. Symptoms of this digestive difficulty can include bloating, gas, stomach pain, and general discomfort. All these symptoms we want to avoid as singers who use their bodies as an instrument.
2) Fried Foods-
Fried foods served in fast-food restaurants are often cooked in hydrogenated oils, which are high in trans fats. Moreover, Fried food is the single most recognized cause of reflux. It is also the food most often associated with heartburn, which is chest pain from esophageal reflux. As singers we defiantly want to avoid it.
3) Avoid Processed Sugar-
For the obvious reasons we all know that sugar in general is not goof for us. But did you know that sugar leads to depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. On stage we want to sustain stable levels of sugar and feel energized for longer period of time. So unfortunately any food with processed sugar will not give you this feeling.
4) Avoid cold drinks-
Any cold water or ice in your drink is not good for your vocal folds. Think of singing like you would playing sport. You want to be nice and warm before you go for that massive sprint to avoid injury.
5) Avoid Alcohol-
The main effects alcohol has are: dehydration, mucous and numbness.
Although alcohol will give you a quick fix specially if you are terrified walking on stage but will make your vocal folds dry and not vibrate as they should be. I like to feel every second on stage. For me that's my biggest high so drinking before only will make you numb and not respond as fast and enjoy fully this special moment.
6) Avoid spicy foods-
Excessive phlegm caused by irritation of the mucous membrane can make even the easiest note difficult or impossible to sing.
What are the best foods for you?
1) Fruits- Especially bananas, peaches, berries, strawberries, apples and pears.
2) Plant- Base Protein shake- Quick easy and satisfying.
3) Orange Veggies- Such as sweet potato, squash and carrots.
4) Protein Pasta- Made with protein and fiber to keep you full.
5) Peanut Butter/ Almond Butter toast- Just yummy!
6) Drink lots of Water and Tea- Drinking green and herbal teas (licorice base) with some honey or lemon is going to have major soothing benefits for your voice. Peppermint teas will naturally energize you while chamomile teas have a natural relaxing effect. An easy way to naturally hydrate and soothe your voice is by mixing some honey with lemon and warm water. Drink it in warm temperature.
And you are ready to conquer the stage and feel great!
Enjoy! :)
