Singing involves highly controlled movements of your diaphragm, voice box, mouth, and even your extremities. Even though the movements are much smaller than cardio, you still need to care for your voice and body if you’re performing regularly.
For your body to function correctly, it needs fuel, aka food. But which foods can help you sing better, and which could harm your voice?
Choosing what to eat before a performance comes down to knowing what not to eat. You may be surprised to learn how few foods help your vocal cords. Generally, foods either hinder them or don’t impact them. It is not uncommon for singers to completely eliminate these things from their diets. It might be easier to avoid these foods the day of your performance if you are not planning to totally change your diet.
Below is a list of items you shouldn’t consume within three hours before you sing:
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
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Cheese is awesome, so as heartbreaking as it may be, resist! Dairy is difficult to digest. There is a risk of acid reflux creeping up your esophagus and burning your vocal cords in some cases. It tends to attach itself to everything in your throat, thickening the already there mucus. As a result of this excess mucus, your flexibility is hindered, and you feel the need to clear your throat more frequently.
Processed sugar
You do yourself no favors by overeating sugar. Overly processed sugary foods should be avoided three hours before you sing. In the same way, dairy sticks to your mouth and throat, sugar produces phlegm. When sugar is not balanced with fiber or protein, it can also cause you to become very tired quickly. Your voice and body will be zapped with energy.
Caffeine
The caffeine in teas, soft drinks, energy drinks, and coffee is a diuretic, meaning that it makes you urinate more often and dehydrates you. Who wants to run off stage to pee? You also get dry vocal folds from it. For your voice to function well, it needs to be lubricated. Caffeine dries you out and interferes with mucus production. Additionally, it constricts your muscles, putting unnecessary, damaging stress on your vocal cords when your throat muscles are tight. If you want to be energetic before a show, get plenty of uninterrupted sleep the night before and stay away from caffeinated drinks.
Chocolate
There are three dangers in chocolate for singers. It contains caffeine, which dries you out and constricts the muscles around your vocal cords. It’s also a trigger for acid reflux. Additionally, chocolate is usually high in sugar. Find a different way to release those endorphins!
Fried foods
Hit the seafood buffet after the show! Deep-fried or oil-prepared foods tend to clog your vocal cords with fat. Fried food is also another heartburn trigger. Instead, opt for healthier options like grilled fish and steamed vegetables to keep your vocal cords and stomach in top condition for the show. The fried shrimp can wait!
Ice water
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There is no better way to drink water than ice cold. It may even help you burn calories because your body has to heat up to process it through your system. However, drinks that are too cold (or too hot) can adversely affect your voice. You will experience unnecessary stress and a loss of flexibility as they constrict your throat muscles.
Alcohol
Many singers enjoy a drink before a performance to calm their nerves and get them “lubricated.” Although drinking alcohol is a bad habit in the first place, it’s not actually “lubricating.” In fact, it simply dries out your throat, just like caffeine. In addition, many mixed drinks contain sugary juices and sodas. Just get your drink on at the afterparty.
Spicy foods
Is that plate of hot wings calling your name? Craving fajitas? Heartburn might be the result! Do your voice a favor and avoid spicy foods before your show.
Conclusion?
Don’t starve yourself before your session or performance. Mangiare! Be sure to eat enough, but not too much. Singing consumes a lot of energy. You need enough energy to perform the show and feel good while doing it. For example, a balanced meal of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats like avocado or nuts an hour before a show should give you the energy you need to perform your best.
