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Asiel Hardison loves the sauce. Not the illicit kind, either; his cravings include pestos, dressings, and most of all Gochujang—a highly addictive Korean chili paste that typically goes into bibimbap. "That stuff is like crack to me,” says Hardison. "My friends know I love the sauce, too."

When Hardison talks about his friends, you should know he’s on a nickname basis with both “Ri” and “LG.” That’s because he’s professionally danced back-up for and all up on both Rihanna and Lady Gaga. (That’s him piggybacking Gaga at 2:13 of "John Wayne".)

After the numerous world tours, music videos, television performances, film roles, and this year’s halftime show—Hardison definitely eats with cooler company than you probably do. But there’s more to a professional dancer’s career than grubbing on fried chicken with Rihanna. Days are long—10-hour rehearsals, two-hour athletic stage routines, after-parties. "Ima be honest: I eat good because I also eat so bad, I have to," says Hardison. "I do so much activity during the day; I guess I get away with it? My metabolism’s like Buzz Lightyear.”

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GQ: Do your eating habits vary on tour compared to when you're at home?I’m best during rehearsals in L.A. I bring healthy stuff with me, because when it gets closer to tour time or production, we’re sometimes there until 2 A.M. Then, nothing "good” is open. During Super Bowl rehearsals for a month and a half, I didn’t drink at all. I didn’t want to wake having to dance at 10 A.M. with a slight hangover. The older I get, I’m more careful. I’m 34 years old. To be dancing for 10 hours straight full-out, I can’t do the McDonald's or Popeyes anymore. Dieting on tour is tricky because you’re always on the go and never in a consistent city. Finding the nutrients you’re used to getting easily when you live in L.A. becomes a challenge.

How do you do it?I take spirulina, probiotics, B12 for energy right before a show, and good ol’ trusty OJ for vitamin C. It helps me not get sick when you’re in such proximity with everyone on the road. I make sure I have vitamins with me when I can’t get them in food form often.

What do you eat before performing?Tortilla chips, salsa, hummus, veggies. Sometimes I’ll eat candy they have around for a sugar rush. There’s always Sour Patch Kids. I won’t eat anything between 6:45 and 8:00 showtime, except maybe a green juice, because anything heavy in my body weighs me down. Afterward, there’s usually pizza or I’ll make a turkey sandwich on the bus. I ask for Provolone cheese on our rider because a friend told me it digests better. I haven’t done the research, but his body looks great, so…

Any food stories from your time with LG or Ri?Gaga introduced me to Korean BBQ when we were actually in Korea. I’m a fanatic.

They eat in front of us. [laughs] They’re still people. They have parties. They cater stuff. I loved being on the road with Ri because it felt like a party from home—the chicken fingers and French fries are there. With LG, it’s more sushi or baked chicken. Not to say that Rihanna eats horrible. She’s just a little more “other side.” They both like the best of both worlds.

Chicken fingers and French fries with Rihanna doesn't sound bad.That’s the late-night Ri. She’d have a great show and want to hang out with the band and the dancers like, "Let’s have a little comfort food. We deserve it.” One time with LG, we had a Fourth of July party—in Australia. When we’re out on the road through holidays, they bring it to us. I’ve had so many Thanksgivings with LG. It’s cool to make sure I get my mac 'n' cheese—whether I’m in Croatia or Chicago.

You’re from Chicago, right?I was in Chicago the last four days like, "I’m about to interview with GQ about my diet, and I’m over here eating mom’s cooking and Chicago pizza."

What’s your favorite deep-dish slice?Pepperoni and jalapeño.

You should add bacon!Oh, word.

Breakfast:Açai bowl with bee pollen, bananas, a little bit of honey, and some cut-up apples"The açai is an anti-inflammatory for when my muscles become fatigued and swell."

Snacks:Coconut or Alcine water for potassiumApples or mini orangesGreen juices "with some lemon for taste. I stay away from beets. I don’t know why, but they scare me."Organic fruit leather "because I don’t get gassy or bloaty when I eat organic."

Lunch:Chicken quinoa bowl with shredded carrots and lime-cilantro dressing"I try to stop myself from saturating it."

Dinner:Chicken carbonara with kale and onions. Add shrimp. Add pesto. "Trust me. It’s delicious."

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