What to Eat Before Singing: Tune Up Tastefully 2024

What you eat before singing can significantly impact your performance. Your body requires energy to project your voice and maintain stamina during practice or a performance. Therefore, it’s essential to find the right balance in your meals before you sing. Listening to your body is crucial. Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to food.

You should never sing on an empty stomach. This can leave you feeling weak and unfocused. On the other hand, a full stomach can make it uncomfortable to take deep breaths and hit those high notes. It’s all about fueling your body appropriately for the task at hand.

This article explores various food options that can help you prepare for singing. Maybe you’re practicing at home or preparing for a big performance. Together with our in-house nutritionist, we’ve found options that will harmonize with you. Let’s dive into the best pre-singing meals that will keep you energized and ready to shine!

What Are the Best Things to Eat Before Singing?

When you plan your meals, it’s easy to grab the best options that support you and your voice. By focusing on balanced choices like lean protein, carbs, and healthy fats, you'll have the fuel you need to perform without the stress of last-minute decisions.

As noted by our nutritionist, it’s important to be mindful of candy and sugary snacks. It may also be helpful to avoid milk and other drinks thicker than water, though research is inconclusive on the effects these actually have on your vocal cords¹. Taking care of what you eat is essential for keeping your voice in top shape, ensuring you feel strong and sound your best².

Best Foods to Eat Before Singing 

Foods to Avoid Before Singing 🚫

The Best Thing to Drink: Water!

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining vocal health. Your vocal cords need to stay lubricated and protected. Proper hydration improves the quality of your voice and helps prevent strain. Room temperature water is ideal for keeping your vocal cords in top condition, as it prevents swelling and fatigue⁴.

If plain water isn't your favorite, you can try fruit-infused water or herbal teas that are gentle on the voice. Here are some herbal teas that support vocal health and their benefits:

A Few Hours Before Singing: The Optimal Meal

Foods like salmon, rice, and vegetables are great choices. This provides energy without weighing you down. Hydration is key – water and light fruit snacks can keep you fueled and refreshed, and the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of fruit are a bonus⁹.

Just before singing, stick to room temperature drinks and avoid ice. Cold beverages can constrict your muscles, making it harder to hit those high notes. Some singers use lozenges to soothe and lubricate their throats, but these can cause numbness, which may be distracting. It’s important to listen to your body and find what works best for you.

Preparing for Performance Days

Recording or performing is physically demanding on your voice. Take extra care on performance days.

• Eat light, hydrating foods throughout the day, like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to maintain energy and support your vocal cords.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your voice strong and flexible.

• Steaming helps hydrate your vocal folds directly, keeping them moist and reducing the risk of strain. Inhaling steam for a few minutes before performing can give your voice a boost.

The Importance of Nutrition for Singers

• A whole-foods balanced diet supports both your body and vocal cords. Focus on foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as they help keep mucus membranes healthy¹⁰.

• Singing requires energy and is physically demanding, so fueling your body with nutritious food is essential for performance.

• Avoid singing on an empty or overly full stomach, as both can negatively affect your ability to perform. Finding the right balance is key!

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body

It’s important to listen to your own body, as everyone responds differently to certain foods. For example, citrus might be fine for some singers, but for others, it could cause irritation. Knowing your personal triggers can help you make better choices before singing.

Personally, I prefer having a very light meal before singing. I’ve found that being too full affects my ability to perform, making me feel sluggish and less able to control my voice.

Ultimately, pay attention to how you feel. Your body knows what works best, so use that awareness to fine-tune your pre-singing routine.

FAQ

How long before singing should I eat?

You should eat about 2-3 hours before singing to allow your body to digest the food. A small, light meal can help provide the energy you need without feeling sluggish or uncomfortable.

Should I avoid dairy before singing?

Many people choose to avoid dairy before singing because it may have the effect of greater mucus production. However, studies are still inconclusive on the exact nature of this correlation. Even if dairy doesn’t actually affect mucus production, thicker liquids like milk may cause a similar sensation.

What is the best thing to drink before singing?

The best thing to drink before singing is water. Staying hydrated keeps your vocal cords lubricated and helps maintain vocal health. Room temperature water is particularly beneficial for preventing muscle constriction.

What foods should I avoid right before a performance?

There are some foods it’s best to avoid before a performance. These include heavy, greasy, or spicy foods, as well as caffeine and sugar. These foods can cause discomfort, dehydration, or irritation, which can negatively affect your singing.

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19932941/

2. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice

3. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/alcohol-effect-on-voice-76224/

4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0892199717303892

5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9025446/

6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7090173/

7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27634207/

8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/

9. https://foodtechpathshala.com/fruits-for-vocal-health/

10. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/