When professional tennis player Emma Navarro recently spoke out about her struggle with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), her story struck a chord with me. As a registered dietitian who works with adolescent and young adult athletes and dancers, I was grateful to see such an important conversation brought into the spotlight. But beyond my professional perspective, so much of what Emma described resonated with my own experience as a competitive Irish dancer. One of t

How well-intentioned nutrition habits can quietly turn into rigid food rules. In the world of sport and dance, discipline is often praised. Planning meals, choosing nutrient-dense foods, and being intentional about fueling can absolutely support performance. But sometimes, what begins as “eating clean” slowly shifts into something more rigid and increasingly restrictive. It becomes less about nourishment and more about control. For athletes and dancers, this shift can be subt

What to eat before a feis for your best Irish dancing performance

Carbs aren’t the enemy. Learn how carbohydrates support energy, brain function, and performance for athletes and dancers.

High-level performance in dance often celebrates discipline—but when food rules, underfueling, or body anxiety appear, they may be early signs of disordered eating.

How mindful movement can help you rediscover a positive and joyful connection with your body

On why health is not found in extremes

Who does RED-S impact, what are the signs & symptoms, and how can we prevent it