Julia Long, RDN, is the Head of Sports Nutrition for the Chicago Cubs. Spring training is a busy time, so keeping a consistent routine is key — especially if Vital Proteins®' collagen supplements are involved.
4:45 a.m.: Spring training is the earliest schedule for the year. Once I wake up, the first thing I do is drink a glass of water. To get the day started, I make coffee and add a scoop of Vital Proteins® Marine Collagen to help support healthy hair, skin, nails and joints.** It easily dissolves in coffee and it's unflavored, so it's something I definitely recommend.
5:00 a.m.: By this time, I'm out the door and tackle a 2-mile morning run. Running has always been my favorite exercise and way to start my day for many years. I use this time to listen to my favorite podcasts and to check in with my body and mind.
5:30 a.m.: Once I've finished my run, I rinse off in the shower and get ready for work. Each morning, I eat a banana, yogurt, oatmeal, and drink a blended green juice to replenish and refuel my body for the day ahead.
6:00 a.m.: As soon as I arrive at the Chicago Cubs Spring Training complex, I complete the COVID check-in, then head to the fuel station to make sure everything is stocked for the players.
At work: As Head of Sports Nutrition, I spend my day working with athletes to help them meet their nutrition needs and performance goals. Collagen is a supplement I give them to help support their bodies to keep up with the high physical demands of their job.
1:00 p.m.: My lunch is whatever I had planned for the athletes — usually a balanced plate of whole grains, vegetables and protein.
4:00 p.m.: Twice a week, I will do an upper and lower body workout at the training facility before heading home. The collagen I added to my coffee is extra important on these days!
5:30 p.m.: When I get home, it's time to start my homework. I am currently in graduate school to get my masters in professional practices in dietetics. Vital Proteins® Matcha Collagen is crucial for this next part of my day as it helps promote a natural pick-me-up due to the presence of caffeine and L-theanine.** I love adding 1 scoop of Matcha Collagen to hot water and mixing in coconut milk. It’s the treat I always look forward to.
7:30 p.m.: I take a break from homework to make dinner and catch up with family and friends. I wish I could brag about how cool my dinner is, but I usually keep it pretty simple with some combination of a protein and vegetables.
8:30 p.m.:On an ideal day, I start to wind down at this time by playing with my cat and doing some chores around the house. I'm a firm believer in the importance of adequate sleep to let your body recover and prepare for the next day. If I find myself staying up later to complete extra school work, I incorporate Vital Performance™ SLEEP — a melatonin-free supplement designed to help you sleep better** — to my nighttime routine. Whisking 1 scoop into hot water until frothed is the perfect thing before bed.
Before bed, I set my work stuff out for the next day and write the next day's tasks in my planner. Then it's time to go to sleep and do it all again the next day!
