Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Chantae McMillan:
Throughout the past year, I have been more aware about what I put onto my body for fuel. I eat to sustain my energy though workouts and to help with inflammation. For examples, eating protein and good carbohydrates every 2-3 hours. I chose to eat options like beef jerky, trail mix, left over pasta with vegetables and red sauce, turkey breast.
For inflammation, I try a holistic approach first, adjusting my diet to help heal the problem. I will drink local cows milk with turmeric in it for joint pain, apple cider vinegar and honey if I feel a soar throat coming on and need to make it to practice, and peppermint oil in my water for an upset stomach. Those are all a few examples of what I do throughout my year. I also think that eating as natural as possible is a long-term health benefit, focusing on non-gmo products and organic. I got into having my own garden this past year and getting meat from the local meat market because I know it has no antibiotics or gmo’s added. I love learning about food altogether! I believe that everyone should always be evaluating their diet.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Since we’ve learnt about your love for organic food. Share with us your Top 5 Favorite Organic Foods and tell us why you love them.
Ms. Chantae McMillan:
It is hard for me to narrow down 5 favorite foods when I love food! I will just list some that I love in no particular order. Squash is most relevant because of the time of year it is. All types of squash are full of great vitamins to supplement your diet and help your immune system fight through flu season. Grass-fed beef is great too. I grew up eating beef that we would get from my aunt’s farm and then a family friend’s farm, so we knew where it was from and what we were putting into our bodies. Beef is a good source of iron, but always eat it in moderation.
For breakfast I enjoy non-gmo oatmeal with fruit. I love non-gmo coconut milk out of a can to put in my coffee because I believe it gives me a sustainable energy for the day! Last, I’ll go with watermelon during the summer because I can eat that and be hydrated!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
In 2012 you made it to the Olympic team with just four months of training and rehabbing after almost fully rupturing your patellar-tendon. How were you able to cope up from the injury and come out strong?
Ms. Chantae McMillan:
After almost fully rupturing my patellar-tendon, my mind was set to rehab and get back out there on the track. I never once thought that my career as a track and field athlete was over. Maybe that was because I am stubborn or maybe it was because my coach and physical therapist were right there on the same page as me. It was almost an easy process, rather than hard because of how focused I was on sticking to doing my rehabilitation every single day because I knew that was what it would take for me to come away from this on top.
Hard times did happen through the process when I was faced with a new exercise that was hard for me to do the first time because I wanted to conquer every step of rehab. I know that everything happens for a reason though and to work through every day, one at a time, with no worry because my plan had already been written.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest influence and motivator in your success in the field of your career?
Ms. Chantae McMillan:
My greatest influence throughout my career has been my parents, all of my coaches, my physical therapist, and all of the people that support and look up to me. Of course I put my parents first because they molded me to be the person that I am today, with the characteristics to never quit something I start and to have the work ethic to chase what I want in life. I chose my coaches and physical therapist because they have all taught me so much, from being a heptathlete, being a competitor, and taking care of my body throughout the whole process. Last, I chose the people who look up to me and support me because I want to leave this earth knowing that I have inspired someone to have goals and reach them, while helping others through this life!
Video
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
