I am always dousing myself in research about my subject matter during the entire writing of a story. No different this time.

This morning I happened upon a really interesting site that discussed how ballerinas really eat… or so she says.

During a time in history when eating disorders are rampant, because as we of course know, we are nothing more than “how we look” (horrible thought, even in sarcasm), I was rather surprised to find this information on typical eating instruction for professional dancers. This woman is the official nutritionist for the New York City Ballet.

As I read through her suggestions on what professional ballerinas eat daily, I was pleasantly surprised that the diet is healthy, and at least to me, appetizing. (Of course, in all honesty, she never gave amounts, so who knows how much these dancers eat quantitatively?!)

Here is what she suggested:

BREAKFAST: “Dynamic Duo” of protein and fiber. Achieved through the samples of eggs with whole grain toast, a greek yogurt parfait with berries and granola. (I like both, so I could do this!)

LUNCH: Salads with all kinds of healthy additions (yum!), or wraps with whole grain tortillas (filled with turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes). (I could get into a daily meal like this!)

DINNER: Nothing dynamic or unsuspected. Chicken, fish, veggies. (No surprises here.)

SNACKS: The only real substance of information here is that the nutritionist suggested 200-calorie or less snacks, including gluten-free and dairy-free “stuff.”

SWEETS: Our nutritionist at the ballet location said that ballerinas should adopt a 90/10 food philosophy. 90 percent healthy/10 percent wriggle room for fun (unhealthy) indulgences.

Frankly, I think if that’s how ballerinas eat, I could easily be a ballerina (assuming, of course, I knew how to dance).

Will any of this information make it into the pages of the story I am currently writing? Only time will tell, when my followers read it in my newest novel, Fixing His Broken Ballerina: Volume 1, which is due to be released the end of this month (hopefully!).