Having good health is important for everyone...especially dancers! Our body is our instrument. Whatever food that we put into our body will determine the outcome of our everyday functions (& dancing), influence our body weight and assist with long-term wellness.

By making an effort to eat healthy and provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, good fats and carbohydrates that you need is all that it takes to feel and dance beautifully. Want to start eating more healthy? Try starting out by making a list of healthy foods (veggies, fruit, good carbs, healthy fats) that you like. Start out by incorporating those foods into your everyday diet. Once you have a good routine going, venture out and try some different healthy foods that you are unsure about. You never know how you'll like something new and your body may thank you for being more adventurous! It is all about coming up with a plan that works for you and sticking to it.

We asked JJSquad member Indy Mitchell how she found the right food balance for her. Check out her thoughts below:

"I was so dang excited when Jo and Jax asked me my thoughts on nutrition because if there is anything I am "almost" as passionate about as dance it's what I put in my body!

The first time I realized the effect food had on my body was when I was attending a convention and during the break my mom brought me some Fettuccine Alfredo and for the rest of the day I was just not able to perform in my classes the way that i wanted to. My energy was gone. So I decided I was going to start off with trying to incorporate 5 fruits and veggies everyday. I couldn't believe how much better I felt from something so simple. I naturally became more and more interested in the effects different foods could have on my body! It was fascinating to me that I could avoid many diseases, cancer, obesity, and make myself a stronger dancer by making good choices.

It has now became a hobby of mine to try to come up with new foods to try and different ways to prepare them. I just turned 14 so I don't believe that counting fat or calories is in my best interest, and it's not rare to see me down a triple scoop ice cream or a cheeseburger. I'm Just trying my best to make good choices. It is all about making an effort.

I challenge every dancer to try some foods you haven't eaten before. Or maybe limit something that's not so good for you to once a week. Start with little things and take notice to how your body feels. It's empowering when you realize the control you can have over your own body and your health!"

-Indy Mitchell