After retiring from her career as an Olympic-level speed skater, Sarah quickly established herself as a leading personal trainer. Here, she reveals how her approach to nutrition has shifted in midlife and what she loves to cook for dinner guests.
Interview: Chantelle Pattemore
My day always begins with a coffee
I often go for a walk in the morning and I don’t usually eat beforehand. But I always have a coffee, otherwise I don’t feel like I’m awake. I stick some MCT oil in there as well so I’ve got some healthy fats straight away.
My eating habits changed with my metabolism
I’m 43 and my metabolism is slower than when I was 25. That’s a given. But I’m very positive about those things; I think you have to just work harder at maintaining muscle. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be, and the more food you can eat. I love food, so a huge part of my training goals is to be able to maintain my muscle mass so I can eat and stay lean.
Breakfast always involves protein
I have breakfast about half an hour after I get back from my walk, and make sure that I include fats and proteins. Usually fattier cuts of red meat, eggs, salmon or avocado – that kind of thing. I always focus on protein first.
Carbs are eaten around exercise
I try to time my carbs around my training; there’s a kind of loose structure to it. I usually eat carbs before my workouts or with my lunch. Then I’ll stick some carbs in my post-workout shake as well. I keep carbs out of breakfast and dinner. I consider what I’m eating and how it’s going to impact my training.
My focus on nutrition changed after leaving professional sport
As an athlete, the only thing you care about is performance – so everything I did, including my diet, was based around performing. I didn’t care if I was eating something that wasn’t good for me;
IN MY FRIDGE YOU’LL ALWAYS FIND…
● Organic steak
● Chicken
● Salmon
● Green veg
● Coconut milk for coffee
● Dark chocolate
● Nuts
● Real butter
● Berries
I’d eat it anyway, as long as I had enough energy to do the session. But when I retired, I started to really focus on the health and quality of my food – that was a very big shift for me.
Good food is a priority for my body
Trying to eat the healthiest, most nutritious food possible is my number one goal. I’m not going to miss a meal, ever. I know what I’m supposed to be eating and
