Sally Fitzgibbons is a professional surfer, passionate health and wellness author and qualified personal trainer. Her first book, Live like Sally, imparted nutrition, fitness, and mindset advice and shared the story of her early success. Sally has surfed to ten victories on the World Surf League tour and three world title runner-ups, and she was voted Australia’s most trusted sportsperson in 2014. Sally launched her All Australian Beach Body App in 2017 to connect and energise users to get fit, lean and strong. She has also established The Sally Fitzgibbons Foundation to inspire the next generation to lead healthier, active lives and prevent childhood obesity. We were so inspired by Sally's work that we sat down with her to find out what Sally's day on a plate looks like!

Sally's day on a plate...

5am

I always start my day with an early morning run. It’s not always easy waking up first thing, but once you’re up, it’s the best feeling. I love being out while the sun is coming up - it’s like getting a head-start on the day. Before I head out I’ll have a little snack, either some leftovers or a piece of fruit – nothing too big.

6am

After my morning training, I’m into the surf. Towards the end of a session, I’ll be dreaming up breakfast combinations while I’m still in the waves. Poached eggs on toast with some leafy greens and avocado is a big favourite. I love sitting down at meal times, it’s the pause in amongst the chaos of the day.

10am

Staying hydrated is a full-time job! Throughout the day, I’ll have my water bottle by my side and aim to have at least 2 refills throughout the day. I also drink herbal tea which is super hydrating – lemongrass and ginger is one of my favourites. Coconut water is also full of electrolytes and great for an energy boost.

12pm

Because I’m usually on the move, I have to be flexible with meal times, so snacking is a great way to keep my energy levels topped up. Fresh fruit and nuts and juices or smoothies are my go-to. If I have time to sit down for a meal, it’s always a salad filled with as many different colours as possible.

3pm

I’ll make sure I have a snack 30-60 minutes before my afternoon session in the gym. Blue dinosaur bars are my favourite!

6pm

This is my time to unwind. When I’m at home I love sitting on my balcony with a cup of tea, watching the sunset. Or I’ll relax with a good book. It’s a screen-free time!

7pm

I love cooking dinner at home with my family. I start by choosing a protein – fresh fish, chicken, red meat. When I’m travelling, I love wandering the local markets for fresh veggies and dreaming up new combinations. My fail-safe option is some Asian steamed some greens, with a big batch of roast veg in the oven, they make great leftovers.

9pm

Before bed I do a stretch and mobility session to dial into my body and unwind. A massage balls and foam roller comes in really handy – you can roll out and kinks or knots on the living room floor while you’re watching TV.

Recipe: Maple Roasted Veges

GF | DF | V | Serves 4

Ingredients

3 small potatoes, washed and scrubbed
1/2 pumpkin, seeds removed
2 sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
2 red onions, outer skin removed
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and ground black pepper

Method

Preheat your oven to 220°C.
Dice potatoes, pumpkin and sweet potato into 2cm cubes.
Slice the red onion into eighths.
4 Place the vegetables in a shallow roasting dish and drizzle over the maple syrup and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bake for 40 minutes, turning after 20 for golden, crisp vegetables.
Remove from oven and serve hot, or allow to cool before storing in the fridge in a container.

Recipe from Live Like Sally.