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Athlete Nutrition: Meet Rockstar Runner Alyssa Vassallo

Diet & Nutrition Inspiring People
Inspiring People
by Krysta Fioranelli, 14 July 2016

Nuzest is pleased to introduce Alyssa Vassallo as its newest ambassador. The NJ native currently competes as an elite runner for the Garden State Track Club and Fleet Feet Sports Nike Run Crew. She is a superior athlete, a stellar student, and a nutrition role model.

Let’s take a closer look at Alyssa Vassallo.

Q. For those of us who don't know you, who is Alyssa Vassallo?

A. I think to think of myself as a balanced and well-rounded athlete. I have a passion for many things that include running and fitness. While I spend a lot of time working out, I believe it's important to focus on recovery and has other hobbies outside of my sport. I particularly enjoy cooking and traveling. While I am enjoying my gap year before embarking on my medical school journey, I am excited to indulge myself in academics again. I love learning, especially about the human body, as I can relate it to my own training.

Q. What does being a Nuzest ambassador mean to you?

A. I'm so grateful to be a Nuzest ambassador. Nuzest embodies everything I believe in. It is wholesome nutrition without any junk; it's simple and clean. Being an ambassador allows me to share my values with others and help them learn more about living a healthy lifestyle.

Q. How do you make healthy choices and avoid temptations when it comes to your nutrition?

A. I make healthy choices by reading ingredient labels. I always look for shorter lists of ingredients that do not have any additives or preservatives. I am less concerned about calories and more concerned about what the food is made from.

Q. What is your favorite indulgence?

A. I absolutely love chocolate, especially dark chocolate with nuts!

Q. What is your favorite healthy snack?

A. After a hard workout, I mix Nuzest protein powder with plain greek yogurt and a banana. It's the perfect recovery blend!

Q. When not running loops around the competition, how do you stay active and fit?

A. I do a lot of strength and core training. I'm working on injury prevention and increasing my bone density in this way, since many runners have problems with stress fractures, etc.

Q. What is your favorite form of exercise (besides running)?

A. When I was injured and forced to take time off from running, I began indoor spinning and completely fell in love. It's very similar to running and I love trying to beat my wattage from previous workouts.

Q. What are your favorite songs on your workout playlist these days?

A. I like electronic dance music (EDM) a lot but my favorite artist is Timeflies Tuesday. Most of my playlist is comprised of their songs.

Q. You aren't just an athlete, but a scholar who double majored in Chemistry and Exercise and Sport Science in college, and you hope to attend medical school this fall. How do you balance your athletic career and educational pursuits?

A. I think they both complement each other. When I know I only have a certain amount of time to work on academics or get in a workout, it keeps me focused.

Q. Aside from being a track superstar and all-around stellar athlete and scholar (!!!!), what do you do for fun?

A. I love hiking and traveling. I recently hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and it was the most amazing trip I've ever taken. I'd really love to travel more in the future. I also love reading running blogs and finding recipes that can fuel my busy and active life.

Q. What advice do you have for people wanting to kick-start a healthy lifestyle or to pump up their nutrition?

A. I would say first, you are your own individual. It's easy to compare yourself to others, but not everyone's body works the same way. Second, everything in moderation. Restricting yourself will only exacerbate temptation. It's important to indulge every once in a while and treat yourself. Finally, remember being healthy is fun!


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