DIET | DETECTIVE^®

Natalie Coughlin has built a reputation as the most versatile, dominant swimmer in the world. Seizing five medals at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens - two gold, two silver and one bronze, Natalie’s performance is considered the best in Olympic history by any American woman.

Name: Natalie Coughlin

Birthday: August 23, 1982

Location: Vallejo, CA

Home base: Emeryville, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)

Q: Tell us how you got to where you are now. 

A: I’ve been fortunate to have good balance of obstacles as well as success.  It’s important to experience the setbacks in order to appreciate the successes.

Q: Define and discuss failure.

A: Failure is definitely in the eye of the beholder.  In my opinion, failure is not being honest with one’s self.  If I set a goal and don’t achieve it, it’s only a failure if I didn’t give an honest effort in my preparation.

Q: What is your most influential story, fiction or nonfiction, from a film, book, magazine, newspaper or parable? Explain its impact on your life. 

A: I honestly can’t think of a life-changing article or movie.  A few weeks ago however, I participated in an event called Dave Denniston’s Relay Across America that benefited people with neck injuries.  I met so many inspirational kids that were either paraplegic or quadriplegic who don’t let anything stop them.  They play all sorts of sports with the best attitude.  Thinking about them really puts things into perspective.  If these kids (with so many challenges) can have such an amazing attitude, there is really no reason for me to complain about anything.

Q: Was there a defining moment in your life when you made a decision that changed the course of the rest of your life forever?

Deciding to come to the University of California at Berkeley.  Training with Teri McKeever and that team changed my life. 

Q: What's the most bodacious chance you've ever taken? 

I’m not sure what  “bodacious” means.

Q: What keeps you going (your motivation)? 

A: I realize how lucky that I am to be healthy and to get to workout as my job! 

Q: On those days when you're not motivated to work out, but you know you have to, what's the one thought that gets you going?

A: I remind myself how lucky I am to have such an amazing job.

Q: What person do you respect most, or who motivates you?

A: My coach, Teri McKeever

Q: If you had to choose a specific song or band to get you psyched for your workout, what would it be? What other songs are on your iPod?

A: I have tons of songs on my iPod and love everything from punk to Hip Hop to pop to rock.  I can’t really think of one “pump up” song that I always use, though. 

Q: If you could build a soundtrack to your life what bands would be on the finished product? 

A: Counting Crows, Bush, Courtney Love, Jay Z, Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson… the list goes on.

Q: If you could eat one forbidden food whenever you wanted without gaining weight, what would it be?

A: Fried Chicken or Gelato.

Q: If there were one healthy food item (something you love) that you had to eat every day, what would it be? 

A: Fresh Figs, Sweet Potatoes and lowfat milk. 

Q: What is the one food or meal you always eat before an event? What about before training?

A: Coffee!!!

Q: What’s the best book about health that you’ve read? 

A: “French Women Don’t Get Fat”

Q: If you could only do one strength training exercise what would it be?

A: Pilates

Q: What are your two favorite health magazines?

A: Women’s Health and Cooking Light.

Q: What do you consider the world’s most perfect food? 

A: Kashi Go Lean Crunch with sliced bananas… I’m obsessed and eat that every morning. 

Q: Do you have any sports superstitions or rituals?

A: I need my coffee and “quiet time” before my race.

Q: How do you take total control of your mind and body to achieve the focus you need during pivotal sports moments?

A: I stick to the same routine no matter what meet I am at.  I first have my coffee and relax at the meet.  Then I have this Pilates/warm-up routine that I have been doing for three years.  Then I get in the water and swim.  Then I race!  By having the same routine, I never question whether I am prepared or not for the race.

Q: What do you think is the best training location in the world?

A: I would say home (Berkeley, CA) because it’s familiar, but if I had to choose somewhere else I would say Sydney, Australia.  People there love swimming both in the pool and in the ocean. 

Q: What do you do to reduce stress/relax/center your mind? Do you participate in an organized relaxation activity such as yoga, meditation or tai chi?

A: One of my favorite things to do is enjoy a great meal with a glass of wine on my balcony with friends.  Nothing is more relaxing than that! 

Q: Do you have a favorite healthy recipe or cooking tip? If so would you share it? 

A: Don’t try to get too fancy… Keep things simple.  I buy organic whenever possible.  When you have fresh ingredients that are in season, all you need to do is add a few herbs and spices and you have a delicious, healthy meal!

Q: Do you have a Calorie Bargain?

My nutritional philosophy is to eat lots of whole grains, vegetables/fruits, lean proteins, lowfat dairy, and lots of water.  Portion control is very important.  From there, I allow myself to eat my treats (glass of wine, piece of chocolate, scoop of ice cream, etc.).  I try not to be too restrictive with my diet.   

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you've changed your mind about in the last 20 years?

A: Pretty much everything since I’m only 23 years old!

Q: What's the next major item on your "to-do" list? 

A: 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Q: Define individual responsibility and how you react to adverse situations. 

A: It’s important to stay true to yourself and your values.  I know that it’s impossible to please everyone, so I don’t try to.  I try to be honest with myself and strive to be a better person.

Q: What was your worst summer job?

A: Working in a local pool’s snack bar.  It was horrible.

Q: What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?  

A: Not sure, but there have been plenty of embarrassing moments. 

Q: What place have you traveled to where you think you could live (other than where you live)?

A: Sydney, Australia.

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