Here's How Broadway Actors Fuel For 2-Show Days

When compared to the average person, those with physically demanding high-stamina jobs usually require alternative diets. To garner enough energy for their daily regimens, NFL players typically consume 3,000 to 6,000 calories per day (per AP News). According to former NFL tight end Reggie Kelly, these foods consist of salmon, sweet potatoes, and hummus (via Eat This, Not That!). Certified personal trainers Daniel and Shanda Sullivan agree with Kelly's method, stating that "[high-quality protein] reduce[s] muscle loss, build[s] more lean muscle, and help[s] NFL athletes maintain a healthy weight."

Musicians should also follow specific guidelines on performance days. Per Funky Moose Records, singers should consume whole grains, potatoes, and other complex carbohydrates as well as foods that are high in protein. As a rule of thumb, vocalists and band members should avoid eating greasy and sugary foods ahead of a concert, or they may become sluggish during their set. Those in the theatre business should also watch what they eat, especially when they're performing in prominent places such as New York City's Broadway.

When actress Stephanie J. Block is tasked with performing two Broadway shows in a day, she stays mindful of her diet to keep her pushing through (per Grub Street). Currently, she's cast as the Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods," a play in which her actual husband Sebastian Arcelus is cast as the Baker. Per Playbill, "Into the Woods" is a fairytale-lovers dream come true, featuring characters such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood.

Like many people, Block prepares for her long day ahead with caffeine, and her fix comes in the form of a quad espresso at Starbucks. For breakfast, she fuels up with yogurt and a bowl of oatmeal mixed with brown sugar. She then enjoys a protein drink before her daytime performance. "It's got calcium. It's got the potassium and magnesium I know my body needs to make those three hours happen without cramping or whatnot," she said. Her big meal comes before the second performance of the day, and it consists of "sautéed bok choy, chicken, pork wontons, and scallion potato pancakes." When she finally gets home, she either has a snack or skips out, depending on how tired she is. She does reveal, however, that her husband always has Tostitos chips on hand.