Welcoming elite swimmer Amy Okada - and vegan foodie! - as zestEAT ambassador
8 February 2021
Hi Amy! Let’s hear a bit about your background…. You’re an elite swimmer, right? Tell us about your journey:
I started swim lessons at age 8 and started competitive swimming when I was 9. Prior to that I did gymnastics for about 4 years ( age 6-9), but quit to focus on swimming. At the age of 10 I won Junior Olympics and that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue swimming to a higher level. By the age of 15 I made my first US Olympic Trials cut in the 100 and 200 meter butterfly. Then I decided to attend UCLA for their rigorous academic program as well as their strong athletic program and swim team. 4 years later, I have qualified again to compete in the 2021 Olympic Trials. With an interest in wanting to pursue a masters degree, I decided I also wanted to continue to swim so I chose Loughborough University, where it encompasses a great balance of athletics and academics.
What do you most love about life?
That's a tricky question but:
- Waking up every morning and feeling a sense of purpose in life
- My fav quote: “I don’t eat to live, I live to eat.” - I am such a big foodie, and becoming vegan has helped me expand my food palate!
OK, so what about the not-so-good-bits?
- Bad weather (* note from editor: whoops, you're in Loughborough!!)
- Negative people
- Bad meals
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
- Completing a degree at UCLA, then moving away from home for the first time ( across the world) while pursuing a masters degree within a pandemic.
What is your next big goal in life?
- Complete my masters!
Coffee or herbal infusion?
- Not sure… my go to drink is either a matcha latte or soya latte… But I can go for either.
Dark, milk or white chocolate?
Definitely dark! I despise white chocolate…. Also have not been able to find a great vegan milk
chocolate…. (*note from editor: it's time I spent a little time creating a healthy vegan mylk chocolate!)
What word or phrase do you most overuse?
“That’s crazy”
What is the most important lesson that life has taught you?
Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” Earl Nightingale
What’s your all-time favourite food to cook?
Anything noodles!!! Ramen, udon, stir fry, pad thai, etc the possibilities are endless! (Note from editor: I have a huge culinary gap in this area. I need a few lessons!)
What one piece of advice would you pass on to others?
Tough people are not built in easy situations. In order to grow, you must be comfortable with being uncomfortable. That is the best way you can learn about yourself.
Amy, thank you for becoming a brand ambassador for zestEAT. I hope you enjoy trying out my guilt-free raw vegan treats and helping spread the word that it's possible to be super fit, super healthy AND eat yummy treats that are full of good stuff!
