Train like an Olympian: Silver medallist speed skater Jessica Hewitt

Watch above: Jessica Hewitt talks about staying focused ahead of the race

TORONTO – She has a silver medal around her neck. Dressed in the Team Canada colours, speed skater Jessica Hewitt and her team took on the 3000-metre relay events in Sochi and came out with a second place finish.

The 27-year-old, proud B.C. native is 5’5” and 116 pounds. She’s already part of a three-time 3000-metre relay World Championship team.

READ MORE: Canada’s athletes in Sochi: Meet speed skater Jessica Hewitt

For the Winter Games, Global News asked a handful of Canadian athletes to recount how they trained everyday and to share their tips on healthy eating before the big event.

READ MORE: Canada wins silver in women’s 3000m short-track relay

So how does a silver medallist eat and train to win? Here’s what Hewitt does to stay in tip-top shape for the Winter Olympics.

Global News: What does your training schedule look like?

Hewitt: My training schedule each day is pretty action-packed.  I’m usually at the rink every morning at around 8 a.m. and back home at 10:30 or 11.  After a nice lunch and some lounging time with my rabbit Flicka I head back to the rink for afternoon training from 2 to 4:30 p.m.  So, training usually takes up about five to six hours a day, six days a week.  Sunday is always off!

Global News: What does a typical day of meals look like? What are your favourite healthy dishes? What is your favourite indulgent dish?

Here’s Hewitt’s menu for an average day: For breakfast, Hewitt will have cereal – Banana Nut Muslix is her favourite right now, she says – with almond milk and Greek yogurt. For lunch, she has brown rice, curried lentils and steamed broccoli. For dinner, Hewitt has baked sweet potatoes, spinach salad topped with veggies and other condiments and roasted chicken with banana and bread crumbs.

Her favourite healthy dish: baked salmon and sweet potatoes. Her guilty pleasure? “Definitely anything chocolate,” Hewitt said.

Global News: With training, are there certain tips you’d like to provide to Global News readers?

Global News: What are your healthy eating tips? Are there certain habits, specific snacks or go-to things you turn to when you’re trying to be healthy?

Hewitt: Always eat breakfast because your body needs something to get going for the day.  Also, if you do work out make sure that you eat something right after so that your body won’t be trying to catch up with the calories that you burned because you will end up eating more than you need.

I usually eat a piece of fruit after every work out, it’s easy to bring with you.  And lastly, try to eat protein with every meal, it will help to replenish your body and keep you from reaching for snacks.

Global News: What are you most excited about for the Olympics?

Hewitt: Racing! It’s been a dream of mine to compete at the Olympics even before I became a speed skater.

carmen.chai@globalnews.ca
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