‘A 10pm dinner of spaghetti bolognese’: Does a dietitian approve?
Javon King is a musical theatre performer. The 27-year-old shares his day on a plate.
9am I start the day drinking as much water as I can, as well as an iced coffee-flavoured protein drink, before heading to the gym.
10.15am After my workout I cook three eggs with maple bacon and have it with smashed avo on toast and an iced oat latte.
12.15pm More water and a banana before we start our Sunday matinée at 1pm of Jesus Christ Superstar.
5pm I always head home on our double show days. I don’t like to eat too much and then perform again, so I microwave a pre-packaged, high-protein, “strength meal” of lemon herb chicken with roast potato.
10pm A couple of drinks with the cast to celebrate the week. I cook a pretty late dinner of spaghetti bolognaise.
Dr Joanna McMillan says
Top marks for … Not eating too much around performing. After eating a meal, metabolic processes in the body are directed towards digestion and absorption of nutrients, with less focus on brain and muscle optimal functioning. Starting a performance with a nutrient pre-loaded and primed body is smart.
If you keep eating like this you’ll … Maintain steady energy across a demanding schedule, thanks to a good balance of protein and carbs. The post-gym breakfast is particularly well-timed for muscle recovery. However, with few vegies and a reliance on pre-packaged meals, your nutrition is likely to suffer over time.
Why don’t you try … Adding more colour to your evening meals; think steamed greens, roast carrots or a fresh side salad. It’ll boost your fibre, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals without weighing you down before a show. And if late dinners are a regular thing, try prepping a lighter vegie-packed option in advance to make the end of your day feel less heavy.
Javon King stars in Jesus Christ Superstar, currently playing at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre.
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