Plus the “nonnegotiable” step in his workout recovery routine he does “every single day.”
Safe to say, Hough is a busy man.
Its a perfect pairing for a star constantly on the move.
Photo:Monica Schipper/Getty Images
In this exclusive interview, Hough shares the importance of protein and hydration in his diet.
Plus, read about the No.
1 must-do habit in his workout recovery routine, his favorite quick meal for busy days and more below.
EatingWell:Do you have a go-to breakfast?
Hough:Ill have a protein shake and add in blueberries, collagen powder or protein powder.
And the hydration element of it for me is very, very important.
So I always add in something that’s going to really help me stay hydrated, like sea moss.
And I love a packed smoothie to get me started for the day.
EatingWell:What about favorite snacks on-the-go or to pack for when youre on set?
Hough:Im a simple person.
I like nuts or protein bars.
Since visiting Hawaii, Ive been really into macadamia nuts, theyre so good and delicious.
And I like cashew nuts, but my all-time favorite is almonds.
Just a handful of almonds is delicious.
I just love it and they’re so filling.
EatingWell:Favorite quick, nutritious meal you like to make on busier days?
Thats a perfect meal for me if I need something on the go.
EatingWell:Why partner with StarKist for their new Flex with StarKist campaign?
Hough:Its a perfect partnership for my lifestyle, which is very busy, either choreographing or traveling.
Im going on tour and I’m very adventurous and travel a lot.
So having a very convenient protein source is very, very important to me.
Their new line has chicken, salmon, beef and tuna, of course.
EatingWell:Whats your favorite way to eat the new StarKist products?
Hough:Theyre great for jar salads.
Its easy to put the StarKist chicken or tuna in there; it just completes the whole meal.
I think having some sort of protein source at any mealtime is always really important.
It’s that anchor of the meal, especially for muscle recovery and repair.
EatingWell:On that note, is protein something you prioritize in your diet?
Hough:Protein is so important in what I do.
Protein is very vital and crucial for the repair of the muscle, for the recovery of the muscle.
So I’m very intentional about including protein in every aspect of my day.
I’m not going to lie, I’m not the best chef or cook or anything like that.
So any sources of protein that are very convenient and easy are literally perfect for me.
I do ice baths pretty much every single day.
And on tour, after every single show.
Nonnegotiable, I’m in that ice bath for a good 12 to 15 minutes from my waist down.
That is something I wish I did a lot earlier.
Also, I think hydration is so important.
For me, staying super hydrated is crucial for recovery and repair as well and for energy.
So often, we go for caffeine, but we’re probably just dehydrated.
We just need to drink more water and well feel better.
EatingWell:Whats your favorite way to stay hydrated?
Hough:Definitely water in abundance.
And I’ll put some electrolytes in there that will help me absorb it better.
EatingWell:As you are constantly traveling, how do you stick to a healthy routine?
Hough:That’s a great question.
There’s a great expression: complexity is the enemy of execution.
When you keep it simple, it’s easy to eat healthy consistently wherever you are.
EatingWell:Favorite form of me time to help unwind after a busy day?
Hough:I love nature.
I love the outdoors.
I think it’s a really grounding thing.
I love going on little hikes or walks.
But I also love movies, I’m such a movie buff.
I love watching movies and getting lost in the world.
I always enjoy that as well.
EatingWell:Any food hot takes?
Thats my jam when I go see a movie.
I love food and I will try anything and everything.
But I’m not a bell pepper person.
They don’t agree with me.
EatingWell:What does “eating well” mean to you?
Hough:I think eating well is balance.
It’s being aware, being proactive and listening to your body.
I think it’s not one size fits all.
Listen to what you respond to or what doesn’t respond to you.
It’s important to be mindful, take control and empower yourself to make the right decisions for you.
