Show preparation hacks and snacks
One of the biggest challenges I think when you are performing is being prepped.
It’s so easy when you have a busy season or back to back events to feel really overwhelmed and run down. And I know a kicker for me is feeling stressed about what I’m going to eat or feeling annoyed about not having stuff in my bag or in my fridge that properly fuel me.
So behold, life hacks to help you fuel up on a busy week and get some good, filling snacks into you - whatever your eating preferences are*
(*I’m also not shading a post show Maccy D’s run. We’ve all been there. There’s nothing I love more than a post gig Diet Coke and some nuggets. But - for me personally - that starts to feel less amazing 3 nights in a row. Balance.)
Eat a big morning meal
This one isn’t rocket science. But I know that if I’ve got a few shows and classes back to back, I try to have a big morning meal. I am normally a big breakfast eater and taper off at dinner time naturally. But if you aren’t there’s also nothing wrong with having that bigger meal closer towards midday. There’s no rule that says breakfast has to be at 7am. But I really recommend making sure you have some time at the start of your day to eat a little bit more. So basically my first life hack is to have two breakfasts - simple as.
Pre chop your veggies
Not a revolutionary hack, I’ll grant you. But if I’m honest, the thing that prevents me from eating some fruit and vegetables is sheer laziness. If I know I’ve got a busy week ahead, I pre chop veggies into a few containers. My favourite things to do are:
Pre slicing onions in reusable zip lock bags. Why is chopping an onion late at night just the worst thing ever? Who knows? But if I do a couple on a Sunday night and seal them up, I know I’ve got a good base for an omelette or a quick stir fry or tray bake that can go in the oven while I’m taking my makeup off or making some calls. Ziplock bags are great because they seem to stop the onion smell infusing in your fridge!
On a similar vein, pre chopping your herbs of choice - ginger, garlic and chilli.
It’s less Instagram worthy, but some garlic powder, chilli powder and Cayenne pepper also need no chopping and can make a plain egg, protein or vegetable base so much tastier.
Slice up celery or carrot sticks finely and store in an jar to keep them crunchy. Easy to chuck into your bag (peanut butter, cheese, or spread of choice optional!)
Honestly this is annoying but a life saver. If I’ve done the hard work, I’m 10 times more likely to actually eat a proper meal when I get home late. Otherwise, it’s all “finding a chopping board - seems so hard - burst into tears”.
Freeze milk into ice cubes.
I rarely get through a full container of milk in a week as I live alone. So for avoiding waste or having to buy really overpriced, tiny milk, this is also a huge winner.
When I’m in show mode having a few frozen ice cubes of almond milk on hand gives me a super quick smoothie base (and it’s nice and cold). I also love an iced chocolate and find that I can take a handful of ice cubes, some cocoa powder, sweetener, and chuck them in a drink bottle. I can blend it or just let it melt as I’m travelling.
Prep some non smelly, travel friendly snacks
I hate being around smelly food messy food backstage or between classes. I’m not a fan of anything that is going to sit in a big ball in my tummy. It’s got to be light, easy to grab and easy to eat. And preferably not too messy on the makeup situation!
These are some of my easy, go to ideas. You can throw these snacks in a bag as you leave the house or prepare them before hand so you have some great, tasty bits that don’t involve cooking:
Celery or carrot sticks with a Vegemite dip (basically it’s blended Vegemite, butter and a bit of Philly cheese or grated cheese). I know nut butter and celery is a go to but trust me this is also excellent.
I use those travel moisturiser containers from Priceline to store a bit of vegemite dip in (and of course some nut butter in the other one).
Yoghurt with some LSA, seeds, nuts and maple syrup: Quick sweet hit but some decent nut fix that is filling. Obviously fruit can go in the mix - but if you have a bit of distance or time between eating and food prepping this I find that the whole thing goes a bit runny.
This no bake, hemp seed slice is always a constant staple. Hemp seeds are my life!
Have a batch of seedy crackers. A packet of biscuits is great when I’m knackered —- but not very filling. I love keeping these on hand to have with some spreads - avocado and tomato a particular fave!
I love these super easy, 3 ingredient biscuits - I make a few versions (some with choc chips, nut butter, jam etc) and keep them in an air tight container. Gluten free, dairy free so I know anyone that might be backstage with me can share in them. The almond meal also seems to make them deliciously satisfying.
Do you have any go to snacks or preparation that you do to keep your energy up? Leave your recipes or suggestions in the comments - I’m all for it! .