5 Smart Actor Snacks

But how often do you arrive on set, at rehearsals or to that all-important-big-time audition and lack at least one (if not all) of the above? You might have had to work late to get the casting call, your job is draining your artistic ability, or your constant hustle is just putting you down. No matter the reason, we could all use some help to improve our acting skills.

Enter nutrition. Nutrition plays a crucial role in how we feel and how we function. Here are five nutritious powerhouse snacks you should keep on hand in the spirit of the new year. These snacks are made specifically for actors: they are quick, easy to transport, delicious, and affordable.

Mixed nuts

Raw nuts are a great snack choice. They are high in healthy fats, fibre, and protein. Choose a few unsalted and unroasted nuts to get the best bang for your buck. You can also try mixing seeds with nuts if you have an allergy to nuts. You have many great options: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame and chia seeds.

Hummus and veggie sticks

Pick two to three of your favourite veggies (carrots, cucumber, peppers, celery, and all other vegetables that work well) and chop them into sticks. Add a generous amount of hummus to the bag. Hummus, a dip made with chickpeas, and tahini, is another excellent plant-based protein source. If you don’t like it, you can pair the veggies and some mashed avocado to reap the benefits of healthy fats.

Pots for yoghurt

Yoghurt is another great snack that’s rich in protein if you make the right choice. Suppose you can opt for strained Greek yoghurt, skyr (the Icelanders know what I mean), or, at the very minimum, a plain unflavoured and unsalted variety. Many commercial products are ridiculously high in sugar. Individual pots are ideal because they can be easily tucked into your bag and are portioned into small servings if you feel fancy, top with mixed berries!

Fruit (cheeky nut butter optional).

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Mother Nature’s vast natural sweet selection. Many fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help you be your best self. You can snack on the run with bananas, apples, grapes, and berries or choose whatever fruit interests you. You may find it helpful to add a few tablespoons of raw nut butter to fruits, as they are not high in protein or fat. To keep you fuller longer, there are no added sugars and preservatives. My personal favourites are banana and peanut butter or apple and almond butter.

Rice cakes/crackers

Crackers and rice cakes make a great snack option for those who aren’t fans of crisps. To maximize the nutritional value of these snacks, you can choose a wholemeal or grainy variety. Depending on your preference, you can either eat them dry or with a spread such as hummus, avocado or raw nut butter. These are easy to take out, can be found in many places, require very little prep time, and provide a steady boost of energy between meals.

You can try a few in 2019 and see what you like best. Although everyone’s body is unique, and each person has their own needs, I can guarantee you that if you swap the above for healthier and more nutritionally dense snacks and food, your vital energy, focus and creativity will be there to help you become the actor warrior that it is!

If you have any concerns or symptoms that are more severe, consult your doctor. Your health is your greatest asset.