An Interview with Libby Parker, MS, RD, CDN, CEDS-C — The Broadway Dietitian®

Between rehearsals, classes, shows, and everyday life, maintaining energy, focus, and recovery becomes essential for both performance and long-term sustainability.

Libby Parker, MS, RD, CDN, CEDS-C, also known as “The Broadway Dietitian®,” is an international best-selling author and speaker dedicated to empowering the theatre community. With a background in dance, acting, and music, Libby combines her experience as a performer with her expertise as a Registered Dietitian and eating disorder specialist. Her work focuses on helping performers optimize their health through evidence-based nutrition while promoting body diversity and long-term sustainability in the arts.

We connected with Libby Parker to explore how performers can better fuel their bodies, build a healthier relationship with themselves, and support lasting performance health.

Your career uniquely blends performing arts and nutrition. What inspired you to focus specifically on supporting performers’ health?

Libby’s work grew from the overlap between her clinical expertise and lived experience in the performing arts.

“I had been doing a lot of community musical theatre, and my cast-mates would ask me questions about eating for the stage.”

Those conversations revealed something bigger. Performers were navigating intense physical and mental demands without guidance that actually reflected their lifestyle. With a background spanning dance, musical theatre, and backstage work, Libby understood both the demands of performance and the realities behind the scenes. That combination allowed her to meet performers where they are, addressing not only physical fueling, but also body image and mental health.

“The niche really chose me.”

Performers are often compared to athletes in terms of physical and mental demands. What are some key ways performers should think about fueling their bodies for rehearsals, classes, and performances?

One of the most important shifts Libby emphasizes is simple, but often overlooked:

“Performers are absolutely athletes! I call them ‘theatre athletes’.”

Like endurance athletes, performers require consistent energy throughout the day to maintain stamina, focus, and recovery. But unlike traditional athletes, they often face additional pressure around appearance, which can lead to trends that ultimately work against their performance. Without enough fuel, the body cannot keep up.

“Fueling can be thought of like putting fuel in a car. If there is nothing in the tank, you’re not going anywhere.”

To support that energy, Libby encourages performers to approach fueling as an ongoing process. Keeping snacks on hand, eating between rehearsals, and planning meals ahead of performances are all simple but powerful ways to stay supported throughout the day.

Many young performers struggle with body image or pressure within the industry. What advice would you give artists learning to build a healthier relationship with their bodies?

Libby encourages performers to reframe how they view their bodies, starting with recognizing their individuality as something valuable, not something to change.

“Your body’s uniqueness is an asset!”

She also emphasizes that the body is not separate from the art itself. It is what makes performance possible.

“Your body is what allows you to create your art and to live your joy.”

At the same time, she acknowledges that this shift is not always easy. External expectations, internal struggles, and mental health challenges can all make it difficult to build a positive relationship with the body. Still, support exists, and progress is possible.

“You deserve to enjoy your body, not stress about it.”

What are a few simple nutrition or wellness habits that performers can start implementing right away to support their energy and performance?

For many performers, the issue is not complexity. It is consistency.

“The first areas of focus should be on making sure there is enough energy (food) intake, and that it is spread out over the waking hours.”

Going long periods without eating or saving most intake for later in the day can lead to unstable energy levels and decreased performance. Building simple habits, like eating regularly and including a variety of foods, creates a more reliable foundation.

“Hydration is another important factor. Sipping water throughout the day is key.”

These small, consistent actions often have the biggest impact over time.

In your work with performers, what’s something you wish more young artists understood about taking care of their health?

Libby’s message is clear. Health is about function, not appearance.

“Our bodies are our instruments and our forever home, not just an aesthetic.”

“How someone looks on the outside is not reflective of their actual health or performance.”

Prioritizing care, support, and sustainability allows performers to build stronger, longer-lasting careers.

For artists who are just beginning their careers, what does “sustainable performance health” look like over the long term?

Sustainable performance begins with letting go of extremes.

“We need to lose the ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality.”

Many performers are conditioned to push constantly, but that approach is difficult to maintain without proper support. Long-term success requires balance, including rest, recovery, and consistent care.

“To truly have a sustainable performance career, rest and proper healthcare is not a luxury. It is a necessity!”

What continues to inspire your work with performers today?

Libby’s work continues to be driven by both impact and connection.

“The feedback I get from clients and workshop attendees on how my work has benefitted their career and their physical and mental health is the best feeling in the world.”

At the same time, her connection to the performing arts remains deeply personal.

“Once a theatre-kid, always a theatre-kid.”

Learn more about her work at thebroadwaydietitian.com