ESPN analyst Amanda Scarborough on intermittent fasting 101 and her strict sleep routine
With Covid-19 cases on the rise, and flu season upon us, you want to be prepared for whatever comes your way: to help you out, we’re spotlighting some immunity-boosting fitness, nutrition and sleep hygiene tips, with our friends at Sleep Number. Read on for some routine-inspo…
Former college softball player Amanda Scarborough retired her bat and currently works as a softball analyst for ESPN. But she’s just as dedicated to her wellness routine now, as she was when she was an athlete.
Pre-pandemic, along with her busy travel schedule as a sports journalist, Scarborough taught softball clinics for young athletes. “I love that [softball] teaches young women the strength to get back up and persist,” she told us. “It teaches them it’s OK to fail: you can always learn from your failures and become better because of them.”
Now, most of her work has moved online, and she’s adapted her schedule accordingly. At home in Austin, Texas, Scarborough reveals how she’s changed her routine to keep herself in tip-top shape during these difficult times…
INTERMITTENT FASTING:
I’ve been into intermittent fasting for the past month or so. It requires eating within an eight-hour window of the day. So like one to nine or 12 to eight. Then, the rest of your day is essentially fasting. I don’t usually eat until like noon or one.
I think for anybody, you know, whether you’re an athlete, former athlete, or have never been an athlete, nutrition should be a big priority. At the end of the day, it’s even more important than working out. I really just try to stay away from certain carbs, personally. When I take bread, french fries, pizza, pasta, and things like that out of my diet, I feel so much better. If you are eating carbs — vegetables, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, are better for you, along with vegetables, protein and a bunch of water. We’ve also been taking a lot of time to cook at home and not eat out, which has made a huge difference in our lifestyle.
HER HOME GYM:
I got lucky because I got the Peloton treadmill last fall. I usually just try to do a run, or bootcamp, on there. I’ll often find myself walking on the treadmill while I’m working on my laptop just to move. Other days, I’ll go for walks outside.
It can be difficult to motivate yourself right now, and I get that. I think it’s helpful to just plan out your week. On Sunday, write down what you want to do for fitness each day. And then the night before, just kind of check-in. Make sure you’re planning out your day so that working out is a priority before you even go to sleep.
A STRICT SLEEP ROUTINE:
I try to be off my phone for probably 45 minutes to an hour before I actually go to sleep. I also try not to eat an hour or two before I go to sleep. And my Sleep Number bed has become a part of my new routine; it’s super comfortable and I like to raise it up to watch TV for a bit before I go to sleep. We also have a foot warmer that’s really nice.
I try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time everyday. When I was traveling, and on a plane two or three times a week, I didn’t have the luxury of making that a routine. But going to bed and waking up at the same time has done wonders for my body and my energy. I can completely tell the difference. Sleep Number also has its SleepIQ technology tracker which I love. The competitive side of me is really into it — I always want to be better than my fiancé.
STAYING PRESENT:
Working out is huge for tackling stress for me. Every time I do a workout, I feel better. I can feel the endorphins running through me, I come up with the best work ideas, and have the best energy after.
And then just personally, keeping in touch with friends is super important right now. It’s important to continue to stay present, to not get caught up with everything and communicate with your friends and family.
