Friday Favorites

The Olympics are here! It is so inspiring to not only watch such grand displays of superhuman talent, but to see so many different people from so many countries (88!) bonding and working together (OK, I know they compete too).

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In the months leading up to this exciting event, media outlets have been going to town interviewing the athletes on everything from their personal lives to their grueling training schedules. Here are some of my favorite fitness and diet tips from seven fabulous female athletes representing the USA in Sochi!

1. Snowboarder and vegetarian Hannah Teter is a huge advocate of living organically. Switching to a vegetarian diet a few years ago helped her feel immensely better - and "springier." One of her favorite meals to cook is a vegetarian stir-fry using quinoa. I know quinoa is great for you, but I haven't seen many appealing recipes to try. I love stir-fry, though, so this would be a great way to squeeze in a healthy grain!

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2. Ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin recently shared a move with Self that pairs 'quick feet' moves with plyometric jumps:
Stand in place and pick up each foot, alternating, and then set it down as fast as possible.Try to touch your toes to the floor 20 times very quickly, and then do five jumps with both legs as high as you can. This would be a great move to try while watching the Olympics!

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3. Hockey forward Julie Chu told Glamour a great way to motivate yourself to exercise is to work out with others: "If you have the ability to be a part of a gym and do some of the classes, I really encourage that. It’s great especially when it’s the dead of winter when you’re tired, you’re cold, you walk in your snow boots, and you’re like, 'Do I really have to put sneakers on?' It’s hard to get motivated, but when you’re working out with others, it’s a lot easier." I'm a fan of working out alone, but I do want to start attending classes again, and this was a great reminder for me to do that!

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4. Cross-country skier Kikkan Randall recently shared a favorite protein shake recipe with Today that actually looks simple and delicious: 

• 1 cup of frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries and strawberries)
• 1/2 cup of spinach
• 1 banana, skim milk and/or coconut water
• Vanilla protein powder
• 1/3 cup of Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp. of ground flaxseed 

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6. Skeleton racer Noelle Pikus-Pace recommends a push-and-rest approach to your workout routine: "I love pushing myself above and beyond what I think I can do, then giving myself a break." For two weeks, increase the weights you use during strength workouts, then take a 'rest week' and scale back just a little; the following week, jump above where you left off in week two.(Yahoo Shine)

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7. Meryl Davis shared her favorite quad move with Today: The wall squat, held for one minute. As you become stronger, hold for progressively longer. Last year she also shared the best overall advice with Seventeen: "Embrace who you are and be the best you can be, instead of trying to emulate someone else."

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Have a good weekend watching the magic in Sochi!