Nuzest is honored to welcome Anika Rodriguez as its newest sports influencer! Let's take a minute to get to know Anika, who is a professional soccer player for Philips Sport Vereniging (PSV) in Holland.
Q. For those of us who don’t know you, who is Anika?
A. I am a professional soccer player for PSV in Holland. I'm a UCLA women's soccer alum, born and raised in Los Angeles. I am a Mexican-American dual citizen with strong ties to both countries. From a beach city in LA, I love the beach and getting outdoors whether that's spending a day at the beach or hiking on the coast.
Q. What does being a Nuzest sports influencer mean to you?
A. This means so much, being able to help bring a better understanding that being a plant-based athlete is possible is huge. Nuzest is changing the game as far as plant based proteins, to be a part of that is something I'm excited about. Post training protein is a big part of an athlete's life, we consume it almost everyday. To be a Nuzest sports influencer gives me the opportunity to help people make the switch to plant based protein with confidence.
Q. How do you make healthy choices and avoid temptations when it comes to your nutrition?
A. I tore my ACL about two years ago, since then I've decided to be more intentional about what I'm putting into my body. That was when I decided to transition to a plant-based diet. From then on when deciding what to eat, it's been easier because my body feels better when I fuel it with the foods it needs. Temptation is obviously hard, but substituting it for other foods that are a healthier alternative is what works best for me.
Q. What is your favorite indulgence?
A. Some plant-based ice cream is such a favorite treat for me. I love ice cream so so much, so finding good vegan ice cream is always a treat for me.
Q. What is your favorite healthy snack?
A. I try not to snack too much throughout the day, but one of my favorite snacks is pretzels and carrots with hummus. Hummus adds some extra protein, which is such a bonus!
Q. How do you stay active and fit?
A. Soccer definitely helps me stay fit, but I also love to cross train. Longer runs to clear my mind, and yoga is awesome for a slower more intentional workout. HIIT boxing workouts are ones I wish I could do more often because they're so fun!
Q. What is your favorite form of exercise?
A. Honestly, any training I get to do with my friends or siblings is my favorite. Working out with the people I love makes it so much more enjoyable. Probably because of that a soccer session with friends is my favorite...accountability and company all in one.
Q. Aside from being a soccer superstar, what do you do for fun?
A. I'm a huge bookworm. I love to read all kinds of genres. Eventually one day, I would love to write my own book. Love going to coffee shops with friends, playing cards, or just enjoying each other's company.
Q. What advice do you have for people wanting to kick-start a healthy lifestyle or to pump up their nutrition?
A. Take the leap! Bring others on the health journey with you, accountability is key. It helps to know someone is in it with you. Cooking together and trying new recipes makes it fun! Start small and build up, eventually you'll look back and realize you've accomplished your health goals.
