Interview with Vegan Athlete: Martina Sögaard

Meet Martina, an all around vegan athlete of many talents from Helsingborg, Sweden. Martina also owns Eco Athletics, which combines two of her greatest passions in life: exercise and yoga close to nature with coaching in a plant-based lifestyle. Eco Athletics offers coaching in Ashtanga yoga, group or private sessions.

Be inspired to live a greater life, a life with a purpose, a happier and healthier life. Be inspired to care for the earth and all of its earthlings.  -Martina

How long have you been vegan?
2 years

What led you to become vegan?
Always for saving animals

Do you have any influencers or favorite books?
Since I became vegan I've watched a lot of documentaries about eating plant based. Forks over knives is probably one of my favorites.

What sports, activities, adventures do you do? 
Running, outdoor functional fitness/calisthenics and yoga mostly. I run races, both Marathons and Obstacle races. No serious competition.

Do you have any big events or races planned for 2015? 
Just the one and only: Helsingborg Marathon, on September 12

How does eating vegan improve your performance?
I became vegan halfway through my marathon training. Since then I feel more energized and my recovery time is really fast. My wrists have healed since I became vegan, which I had lots of troubles with before (I couldn't do pushups or handstands or anything like that without hurting my wrists).

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What are your favorite 5 top things to eat?
Rice, potatoes, strawberries, asparagus, hummus

How about bars and smoothies?
Raw bars such as "raw bite" and "get raw", made with dates and nuts

Explain your nutrition routine.
I fast during the morning, only drink water or herbal tea, and some mornings I start with a glass of spirulina/chlorella. Lunch is preferably raw, either raw food or banana ice cream/fruit. I eat nuts and dried fruits as a snack in between meals, and for dinner a high carb meal with either rice and potatoes, or gluten free pasta (brown rice or beans). I plan my training according to my meal times. I usually train after my snack, which I have 30 min-1 hour before training and eat a high carb dinner after training, about 1 hour after. I don't use any protein supplement or any other artificial supplement to boost my training.

What's your primary source of essential fatty acids (EFAs)?
Chia Seeds

What are you go to choices for complete proteins (including all essential amino acids)?
Quinoa
Buckwheat
Chia Seeds

What are your other favorite plant proteins?
Lentils
Beans
Brown Rice
Chickpeas
Seeds
Kale
Broccoli

What essential tips do you have for athletes moving to 100% plant-based?
Do your own research on nutrition. Don't rely on others to tell you what to eat and when to eat what, or how much you need of this and that. Do your research and find your own way of getting all the nutrition you need, and when you need it. 

In as few words as possible, what does being a VEGAN ATHLETE mean to you?
It means that my strongest muscle is my heart. 

What is your motto? Your mantra? Do you have a famous quote?
I have several: Peace is my natural state of being. I lead with my heart. Compassion is my purpose.

Stay connected with Martina:

Twitter @ecoathletics
Instagram @veganjourneytohbgm
Facebook @ecoathletics
Website: Ecoathletics.wix.com/ecoathletics

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