How she turned professional with PKU
E.S.PKU is the largest PKU conference in Europe. Every year, Nutricia Metabolics organises events and talks to connect with PKU practitioners from all over the world. Last year, we spoke to Lal, the dancer, and Dalibor, the gymnast, about their journey to a fitter and stronger body. Read Lal's story below or watch the full interview.
Who is Lal?
Lal Atakay is a Turkish PKU professional, professional dancer and part of the Nutricia Metabolics family. She lives in France and has just graduated with a degree in Performing Arts. She is currently doing an internship and has mild PKU.
How did you become a dancer?
"I have participated in physical activities such as dance, theater, skating and gymnastics all my life. Everyone in my family is like that. I want to live life to the fullest.
When I was fifteen, I discovered dance and since then I have never wanted to do anything else. It is the perfect combination of mental and physical stimulation. There is nothing better."
How do you combine PKU with a demanding art form?
"My life is very busy. I'm always busy with rehearsals, school and performances. In the beginning, I was so focused on dancing that I neglected my diet a bit.
Most professional dancers are constantly dieting to stay slim and fit. My colleagues kept trying new food methods, and I sometimes felt left out. But honestly, I hardly had time to eat, because I was running from one activity to another.
Working out for ten hours a day helped me to master the dance steps and lose weight, but not to build muscle. After a year of intense training, I still didn't have the body I expected. I was frustrated.
Then I went to my doctor and discussed my goals. He recommended an adapted diet. It took some getting used to, but it changed my life enormously. It took time to see results, but as with everything in life: there is no magic formula. You won't see results in the first month, so discipline is important.
My dietitian increased my low-protein shakes and I started eating more. This gave me more energy. Once I was in a good rhythm, I felt great.
Before gigs I always had a small snack. My colleagues thought that was strange, because many dancers don't eat before a show. But they don't understand how our metabolism works. PKU people need a different approach."
What Lal learned after three years on her new diet
- Food gives energy and helps to deal with stress, anxiety and pressure
- Getting enough sleep is essential for muscle growth and recovery
- Listen to your body and develop a routine that suits you
- Discipline and focus are crucial to maintaining your diet and training
What was the turning point for you?
"During the COVID pandemic, I went to university but stopped dancing. In a short time I gained eight kilos. My rhythm was gone, I had pimples, felt tired and my blood pressure fluctuated enormously.
When I started training again, I immediately noticed a difference. My skin became healthier, I felt fitter and my energy came back.
At that moment, I realized that dancing was not just a hobby, but an essential part of my well-being. I had to go back to the gym or the studio to feel good."
"Today, I can proudly say that I am the only girl in my gym who can do pull-ups."
"I usually do full-body workouts with four to five different exercises per session. My doctors are continuously adjusting my low-protein diet to support my progress."
The benefits of a healthy lifestyle according to Lal
- Consistent Phe levels
- Feeling fitter and more energetic
- Better focus and multitasking
- Stronger muscles and more strength
- More productivity and better performance
- More openness to the outside world
- A more organized lifestyle
Last words from Lal
"Remember, you don't have to be a professional to enjoy exercise. Have a schedule and a routine that works for your lifestyle."
