By Intern Julianna Isaacson. Julianna is a current master’s student at Thomas Jefferson University studying Nutrition & Dietetics. She will be graduating in Fall of 2025. Julianna plans to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist helping those with complex dietary restrictions plan and cook meals. Her undergraduate degree is from The Culinary Institute of America in Applied Food Studies with a concentration in Asian Cuisine. When Julianna is not studying or working part time as a personal chef she loves baking and spending time with her friends and family.

A day in the life of a theater worker is anything but ordinary. Between rehearsals, fittings, and impromptu auditions remembering to eat can be very difficult. Adding in trying to find a quick, nourishing, meal that doesn’t break the bank and won’t weigh you down during your star-studded performances – almost impossible. 

Remember the ACT eating tips for days that are jam-packed with rehearsals:

• Avoid-
• Foods that are hard to digest or cause indigestion. This will vary from person to person but a good rule of thumb is to avoid rich cream sauces, high-fat/fried foods, high fiber (shortly before lots of movement), and carbonated beverages. Do your best to avoid energy drinks! Stay energized by eating small, frequent meals throughout the day and staying hydrated. If you need caffeine choose tea or coffee instead.
• Choose- 
• Meals that are light yet satisfying, and easy on the digestive system. Some ideas could be salads with spinach, quinoa, and a light vinaigrette, wraps with turkey and avocado, or the recipe suggestions which are located further down in this post.
• Think-
• Lean proteins like chicken or turkey, paired with vegetables and whole grains. Plant-based proteins such as tofu or chickpeas are also a great choice.

The key to a successful rehearsal day is not just about the quality of your performance but also how well you care for yourself. Packing a satisfying, nourishing lunch is an important part of staying at the top of your game. That’s why we at The Broadway DietitianⓇ are presenting Encore Worthy Lunches: simple and delicious meal ideas for jam-packed rehearsal days. The following recipes are perfect to prepare in bulk for multiple meals to take on the go for those busy days. 

*Important food safety tip: keep leftovers refrigerated until ready to eat to prohibit the growth of bacteria. When packing to go, add ice packs.

Chicken Fajitas 

[Watch Instructional Video]

Ingredients:

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts 

1 medium onion

1 lime 

3 bell peppers- assorted colors 

3 tablespoons olive oil- divided 

1 teaspoon chili powder  

1 teaspoon smoked paprika 

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cumin 

Salt to taste- start with ½  teaspoon add more if needed 

Instructions:

1. Cut the onion into slices and bell peppers into long strips. 
2. In a separate bowl combine chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, and salt. Mix well.
3. Cut the chicken into strips and toss with the spice mixture, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the juice of one lime. 
4. In a large frying pan preheat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. 
5. Add the seasoned chicken in batches to the preheated pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Flipping the chicken halfway through. Avoid crowding the pan. Remove the chicken from the pan once it reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit then set aside.
6. In the same pan add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions to the pan and saute for about 2 minutes. Then add the bell peppers and saute for an additional 2 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir until combined. 
7. Serve with tortillas and additional lime if desired. 
8. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Noodles 

[Watch Instructional Video]

Ingredient: 

6 oz of your choice of noodles (soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti)

1 tablespoon pure sesame oil

2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoon soy sauce

1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar 

1 garlic clove, minced

Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, soft boiled eggs, and/or sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Cook and drain the noodles according to package directions.
2. In a medium bowl mix together: sesame oil, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic.
3. Place cooked noodles into the bowl with the sauce mixture. Toss to coat. 
4. Optional: top each serving with sliced green onions, a soft boiled egg, and sesame seeds.
5. Enjoy!

Chickpea pasta salad

[Watch Instructional Video]

Ingredients: 

1 pound short shaped pasta of choice (Farfalle, Fusilli, Penne)

2 cups cherry tomatoes- halved

1 large cucumbers- diced

1.5 cup bell peppers assorted colors- diced

1 15.5 oz can of chickpeas- drained 

4 stalks of green onions- sliced

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 cup italian salad dress of choice 

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse under cold water. 
2. In a large bowl add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, chickpeas, green onion, cooled pasta, and salad dressing. Mix well.
3. In the same bowl add the feta cheese. Mixed delicately to keep large chunks of feta.
4. Serve immediately or for better results refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Enjoy!

It can be difficult balancing a busy schedule while also trying to eat well. We at The Broadway DietitianⓇ hope these recipes can help make that challenge even just a little bit easier.

Break a leg, stay hydrated, and enjoy your meal!

Some more ideas for on-the-go meals and snacks:

Check back for blogs, vlogs, and follow Libby on instagram @thebroadwaydietitian and my YouTube channel (click image to go to it).

July 2023 I got to speak at the HUGE BroadwayCon in Manhattan, NYC, for the second year in a row. It is an honor to be alongside so many big names in the Broadway/Theatre industry. 

This year, I spoke with my wonderful colleague – Dr. Megan Wise, “The Broadway PT.”

Maintaining your Body for the 8-show Week: Healthy Habits that Actually Work and How to Implement Them like a Pro

Backstage pros, The Broadway PT and The Broadway Dietitian, come together to simplify maintaining your health and fitness for slaying 8 shows a week. Our combined years of experience helping performers from community theatre beginners to Broadway legends ensure you get tried and true tips so you can get back to the fun of playing on stage.

Learn how to apply these tips to your life through evidence-based approaches used daily with our clients. Be prepared for an interactive session that will push you to the next level of your performance career. You’ll walk away from this session with: 

• Your ideal cross training options to stay show-ready 
• Practical ways to properly fuel your body for sustained energy 
• Proven recovery techniques to prevent injuries and burnout from hijacking your career

Watch the talk in it’s entirety below:

Check back for blogs, vlogs, and follow me on instagram @thebroadwaydietitian and my YouTube channel (click image to go to it).

What is therapeutic treatment consulting?

This is something I didn’t even know existed until I was already doing it! Therapeutic consulting is a specialty service in which experienced clinicians help clients find the best therapeutic program for their unique needs. 

Popular in educational consulting for therapeutic schools and for substance use programs, this type of consulting relies on the unaffiliated consultant having a large network of programs (and constantly growing that network) that they visit and check in on to see what services they offer and philosophies they use. 

Therapeutic consultants assess the clients’ needs, look at resources such as insurance and location, and provide “matchmaking” for the client and program.

As an eating disorder therapeutic consultant, the professional must have an eating disorder clinical background (for me that is a Master’s level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist – Consultant credential, and over 10 years of work experience in the ED field), and knowledge of the types of treatments that work for different types of people and diagnosis. 

What does this look like more specifically in my business?

As your eating disorder therapeutic treatment consultant, I come with over 10 years of experience in the eating disorder treatment world as a certified eating disorders specialist registered dietitian who had had clients come from and go to many treatment programs. Additionally, I worked in outreach and business development and was able to form relationships with hundreds of providers and programs throughout the country.

Now I work with you to provide a high touch service, matching your unique needs for eating disorder treatment with providers and programs nationwide. 

When you work with me you will get:

• A comprehensive assessment of your unique needs for eating disorder treatment including, but not limited to: your current diagnosis, your personality, special needs (like time for school or location), your insurance plan (if applicable), etc.
• Follow-up with your current providers to get information on your case
• A plan of action based on your initial assessment (what you need)
• Program and/or provider recommendations
• Going over your questions/what to expect at this level of care
• Vetting of programs 
• Help with organizing paperwork/pre-admissions needs 
• Step-down (follow-up) planning
• Education about eating disorders (whatever is needed; this is mainly for the family members)

Why a consultant versus asking friends for recommendations?

I will ask a lot of questions (and encourage you to!) to get a thorough understanding of you or your child. This is different than asking your friend or family member for help, as I can be an available and objective sounding board who can make expert recommendations and referrals. 

From the Therapeutic Consulting Association:

Not to mention, it’s a LIFE SAVING service!

Eating disorders don’t magically “get better.” Time is of the essence, and getting the wrong treatment can actually set someone back in dangerous ways. The more times someone bounces in and out of treatment, the more likely they are to gain new disordered behaviors and medical complications. 

Do it right the first time. 

If this sounds like it would be a help to you, apply for my consulting today. I only take on 3 clients at a time, so what are you waiting for?

Hey performers/theatre athletes – I have something for you!

If you are:

…trying to be a diet-culture drop-out.

…working on loving yourself in an industry that wants to change you.

…needing a pep-talk, and people who get you…

Then this is the group for you!

Led by Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and theatre person, Libby Parker, you will be in a safe environment to share and grow as we dig into a support/coaching group hybrid. 

This session is 6 weeks, Mondays 5-6 pm PST / 8-9 pm EST, through secure video calls, September 19 – October 24, 2022. 

Sign up by September 1 to be guaranteed enterance.  Email me with any questions. Libby@notyouraveragenutritionist.com

(you do not need to have/had an eating disorder to join this group. This is for those ready to make change in their life and industry!)

Check back for blogs, vlogs, and follow me on instagram @thebroadwaydietitian and my YouTube channel (click image to go to it).

Wow, it’s already been one year since this website went live on my birthday, and what an amazing year it has been!

In the last year, The Broadway Dietitian…

-became a registered trademark!

-was accepted to speak at Broadway Con 2022 (coming this July!)

-spoke at 4 college theatre programs

-began talks to create a for-credit college health class for BFA students with a New York University, and

-started working on a health book specifically for theatre athletes (which will be the textbook)

-spoke on several theatre platforms

-published 19 blog posts

-created merchandise

All in addition to my main business Not Your Average Nutritionist! What’s next?

Stay tuned 😉

Check back for blogs, vlogs, and follow me on instagram @thebroadwaydietitian and my YouTube channel (click image to go to it).

We are less than 2 months away from Broadway Con 2022!!

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know – my proposal was accepted to speak at Broadway Con! 

If you are unfamiliar with Broadway Con, it is a huge conference for Broadway lovers and artists that happens in Manhattan in winter. I went in January 2020 (my last trip before the pandemic) and was so impressed with the magnitude of the conference! There were thousands of excited theatre people – it felt like a huge cast party!

And, WOW, the speakers and sessions were so powerful! There were powerful motivational talks, practical theatre tips (for directing, acting, casting, etc), panel discussions with big-name performers, and funny presentations that kept the fun vibe going…and I get to be an inspirational part of this for you in July 2022!

In 2020 I shared a booth with The Body Positivity Project, and had so much fun chatting with attendees, and I got to meet my first “superfan” Ava, pictured here.

The discussions I had with people made me double-down in my resolve to help people truly take care of their health, from a non-weight focus, for their specific theatre lifestyle. 

And frankly, the reception I received at Broadway Con prompted the start of this blog and the official “The Broadway Dietitian” brand/trademark!

So, without further ado, here is the description of the presentation you will get at Broadway Con:

“Body-Positive Nutrition for Performing Your Best, On and Off-Stage”

Broadway Con, July 8-10, 2022

5:00 PM on Saturday, July 9th in Sutton Place Suite

Learning Objectives:

-Participants will know how to plan and prep meals and snacks to fuel their long rehearsal/show days.

-Participants will feel empowered to take care of their body and not be tethered to weight-loss programs.

Seminar Description

Join The Broadway Dietitian for this powerhouse training. Leave with a toolkit backed by science and filled with body positivity –  this is not a crash course in dieting! As artists, we need to set ourselves up for success by learning how to plan out and consume foods that will fuel our creative endeavors. Grant yourself permission to eat, and celebrate your unique body with this interactive seminar.

Presenter

Libby Parker, MS, RD, CDN, CEDRD is an international best-selling author, and Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian. Her book, Permission To Eat, guides readers through eating disorder recovery with education and action steps she uses with private clients. Libby’s sub-niche is in helping stage performers optimize their health and nutrition like the athlete they are, through weight-neutral evidence-based science. This passion comes from her background in musical theatre. Libby has been on stage most of her life, and continues to perform in regional film and theatre. She is currently working on a book and college curriculum on health for stage performers. You can find her on Instagram @TheBroadwayDietitian

MEET UP: Are you going to Broadway Con 2022 (or are you in NYC)?

I would love to meet you! I’m planning a meet-up/book signing at the Broadway Maker’s Alliance booth in the vendor marketplace after I speak. Don your mask and come hang out!

More details to come!

Get your tickets for Broadway Con HERE.

If you’ve been following me, The broadway Dietitian, for a while now, you know my passion for helping people in the theatre world take care of their health, prevent eating disorders, and set themselves up for success in their craft.

You may have also heard me allude to the fact I am writing a book about this!

The idea for this book came over 2 years ago, when I was at Broadway Con 2020 in NYC sharing a booth with “The Broadway Body Positivity Project” (which you also need to check out!). I was there promoting my course, “Whole Health for Performers,” and looking to see where I, as a Registered Dietitian, fit into the bigger Broadway picture. 

Not once, but several times over the course of the Con, I was approached by attendees that, when they learned what I do, exclaimed, “ I’ve never heard of anyone doing this before! You are so needed!”

I am, of course, flattered by this, but it also made me wonder, why are there not fleets of Dietitians helping performers  achieve their best health for the stage? It is a form of sports nutrition – anyone working in the theatre is an athlete!

That idea, paired with the reality of the industry:

Dance teachers sharing antiquated diet advice to fit the balanchine body.

Weigh-ins at schools and cruise line performances.

A general “push through the pain” mentality.

10 out of 12s.

Lack of time for self care, grocery shopping, rest.

No calling out sick unless you are actively dying.

The culture of drinking, smoking, drugs.

It’s essential to not only have licensed healthcare professionals working in the industry, but people who “get” what it is to be in the theatre world – not just in theory, but lived experience. 

Healthcare professionals who can look at the science of what is proven to work (cough- not crash dieting -cough), and tailor that evidence based science to the reality of theatre professions.

As far as I can tell, there is no health and nutrition book specifically for theatre people (not just dancers), that is written FOR the individual (as opposed to company staff), and by an actual Registered Dietitian with experience in the industry. 

So, I’m here to fill in the gap, and you can be in on it!

Ok, I’ve authored 3 books now (1 solo: Permission To Eat, and 2 collabs), am an international best-selling author, and LOVE the writing process.

…but, I didn’t have a kid when I wrote my first book, and feel I may need a little more of a kick-in-the-pants to get this one done.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN >>>

I am going to give you an exclusive look into my writing process, including first-look access to unpublished chapters – as I write them!

By joining my “book club,” you get monthly (or more often if I get in a big writing kick) content as I write the book. My goal is to have the manuscript done by the end of 2022. …and, you can give me feedback on what you’d like to see included in this major project.

Join the “book club” and read the manuscript as it develops!

https://thebroadwaydietitian.com/read-the-unpublished-manuscript/

I hope you will join me as I create your guide to that healthy stage life!

Who am I to teach this?

Hi! I’m Libby, a Registered Dietitian (or nutrition expert) with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science. I am a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and I also focus on health for people who work in theatre – my passion.

Recently I have been speaking to BFA students in theatre and dance majors in a signature talk, “nutrition for theatrical students,” which has been met with great feedback. Additionally, I will be speaking at Broadway Con 2022 on a shortened version of my online course “Whole Health For Performers.” 

I have been teaching college nutrition classes in-person and online since 2014, and decided to bring my experience to YOU in the comfort of your own home – no admissions application necessary!

Do you have an actor, dancer, or other theatre performer in your life who is fed-up with the way health has been taught to them for their craft? All the dieting is making them unhealthy and probably irritable and depressed. 

Traditionally, “health and nutrition” taught in dance and acting programs is from a dance teacher who was taught to cut out food to stay in the “dancer body.” That doesn’t mean they are qualified or safe to teach others how to care for their body. 

If the performer in your life is ready to get healthy, without diet talk or weight loss pressure, and perform their best on-stage and off, consider the gift of “Whole Health For Performers.”

This online course (only $49 through the end of the year, for lifetime access) is the health class you never had in school – specific to the demands of theatre life.

Its for performers stressed about: 

How to stay in prime shape for the demands of choreography and long days?

What to eat on show days or during those long rehearsals?

Digestive issues (like gas or bloating) on stage?

Knowing how to take care of their voice? (like: is dairy really bad for my voice? Will honey help?)

Finding the right foods for energy without a “crash”

Breaking old health habits and creating new ones

How much to be exercising

Planning snacks/meals

Figuring out what health claims are true, versus myth

An eating disorder, addiction, anxiety, or depression

I teach EASY & ACHIEVABLE ways of dealing with the above.

Learn more and purchase at: https://notyouraveragenutritionist.com/whole-health-for-performers/

Who am I to teach this?

Hi! I’m Libby, a Registered Dietitian (or nutrition expert) with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science. I am a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and I also focus on health for people who work in theatre – my passion.

Recently I have been speaking to BFA students in theatre and dance majors in a signature talk, “nutrition for theatrical students,” which has been met with great feedback. Additionally, I will be speaking at Broadway Con 2022 on a shortened version of this online class. 

I have been teaching college nutrition classes in-person and online since 2014, and decided to bring my experience to YOU in the comfort of your own home – no admissions application necessary!

Get my full bio/about me HERE

So are you ready to give the gift of sustainable health education this year?

This is not your average health class!

Learn more and purchase at: https://notyouraveragenutritionist.com/whole-health-for-performers/

P.S. – I’m thinking of offering “The Retreat” for performers again in early January! Learn more about this weekend of body-positive health classes HERE. Contact me if this is something you’d like more info about!

Check back for blogs, vlogs, and follow me on instagram @thebroadwaydietitian and my YouTube channel (click image to go to it).

I had a conversation with a local costume designer to make sure my thoughts on this were correct, and she gave me even more ideas! So let’s talk about how you can work with your costumer to protect your mental health, and look amazing on stage!

This Dietitian’s top tips for costuming:

My number one thing would be having a conversation with your costumer, and director, up-front, at the beginning of the rehearsal process. You can explain in whatever way feels comfortable to you, that you don’t want to be body-shamed, or hear the numbers of your sizing, and how it will affect your mental health. 

THEY WANT YOU TO LOOK GREAT AND DO WELL!

If your costumes don’t fit, or you are so anxious you can’t perform well, no one will be happy. So have those conversations early so you can be supported. This can look like asking the costumer to not say your measurements out-loud, and not let you see them written. Be up-front about any potential weight/size changes. We are all human – they want you to be comfortable, and they know that sizes can change. They won’t care as long as you are honest – they WILL care if you don’t disclose and they have to make major alterations later! 

Don’t be afraid of your size changing if that is what your body needs. If you are in recovery from an eating disorder (or other conditions) and finally fueling your body appropriately (yay!) you may be gaining weight to get to a healthier state. This is good! Don’t compromise your recovery to fit a too-small costume. Clothes can be altered, it’s your health that matters. My friend said that costumes can be made with stretchier fabric or made to let in/out if they have advance notice. There is a lot of great technology in fabrics now that can really work in your favor. 

A story she did tell me was about an actress who always came to fittings starved for a few days because she was so scared to be in a larger size. But she would eat before performances, and then the costumes were uncomfortably tight. This made both of them frustrated.

No one knows your size besides the costume crew, and they don’t care. They don’t go home at night ruminating on your size. Seriously. Let yourself be comfortable and avoid wardrobe malfunctions.

Another thing that is hard when you don’t want to know numbers is size cards. While I don’t have a great way to avoid this (if anyone does, please leave a comment!), I can say that the numbers are just there so that you have comfortable costumes. That’s it. For many projects they need to start finding costumes before you arrive, so having honest sizing/measurements is important so you are not squeezing into/drowning in the clothes they have on-set.

Numbers are just numbers. They are not a measure of your worth, your talent, your amazing-ness. You deserve to have an amazing bespoke wardrobe on set/stage. Focus on your craft, and let the costumers focus on theirs. The results are so worth it.

Comment below if you’ve experienced talking to the costume crew in a way that helped, so that others can have encouragement to do the same. 

I’m an international best-selling author!

What a crazy month this has been (also why you haven’t heard from me in a while). I was not only busy with normal life, but was in a car accident (I’m ok, but my car is not), and getting ready for a book launch!

Creating Impact: Changemakers who overcame adversity to create a positive impact in the world came out strong on Friday Oct 8th, and hit #1 best-seller in at least 6 categories in Australia, 3 in the UK, and 2 in the US (maybe more? I stopped checking at some point).

This is actually my 3rd book out in the world now. As you may know, my baby – Permission To Eat: a practical guide to working yourself out of an eating disorder during college, while celebrating the awesomeness that is you! Came out in 2019 with a bang, hitting #1 in a couple categories. But many of you don’t know about book #2, in which I was a collaborator on a college nutrition textbook! 

I’m not done writing! I love writing books, and have at least 3 more rattling around my head and computer. These next 3 are quite different; I have a novel (18K words in, and feeling overwhelmed on the process of keeping characters/settings straight), a memoir of change, and the one that will be of most interest to you: a health book for performers. 😉

Would you read it?

In the mean-time, check out Creating Impact (only $0.99 and all proceeds go to charity), and Permission To Eat. 

Both will leave you feeling empowered, and who doesn’t need more of that?