Olympic Skier Julia Mancuso’s Race For Gold (Healthy Hollywood)

Olympic champ Julia Mancuso is going for gold at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi.

“I can feel the difference between winning silver and gold. I really want to win gold, so I put a lot of pressure on myself to do that. I’m in a better position [than the last Winter Olympics]. I’m healthier. I’m skiing faster and more consistent. I feel better prepared,” Julia reveals to Healthy Hollywood.

The 29-year-old is getting ready to hit the slopes and begin her last push before Sochi. She tells me the most competitive time of the year is right after Thanksgiving through the Olympics. So, the next three weeks are crucial.

“I’m pretty busy it is my last opportunity to get my equipment dialed in and then I get a quick break for a week and then I won’t be home until springtime. For me, I need to get all those days on the snow and in the gym and feel really healthy,” Julia adds.

Nutrition plays a huge role in Julia’s training, noting, “For me it’s important to eat a lot of natural vitamins. So, lots of greens and I try to eat organic and get a good balance of whole grains and proteins. Plus, I need to stay really hydrated, so I drink a lot of coconut water. It is a really good nutritious drink and it goes back to the sugary thing; a low sugar diet is important for good performance. ”

So, it makes sense that Julia’s partnered with ZICO coconut water. Julia who has been drinking coconut water for years has made ZICO her official beverage to fuel her Olympic training. Additionally, ZICO is hosting a sweepstakes contest where two lucky fans will win a ticket to Sochi and be able to watch Julia compete. Pretty awesome deal, no?

“For me it is really important when getting new sponsors to pay it forward and pass it on to my fans,” she says about the contest.

Julia also shared with Healthy Hollywood a few of her favorite smoothie recipes (made with coconut water, of course).

Julia’s Natural Smoothie

• 8 oz. coconut water
• 3 ice cubes
• 1 tsp. maca root
• 1 tsp. spirulina
• 20 g. scoop protein powder (rice or whey)
• Handful kale
• 1/2 celery stick

Blend it up!

Julia’s Chocolate Smoothie

• 8 oz. ZICO chocolate
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 3 ice cubs
• 1 tbsp. almond butter
• 1 tbsp. raw cacao nibs
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (optional)

Blend!

For a chance to win a trip to Sochi, check out www.zico.com/sochi2014.