As goalkeeper for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, I am always on the go. My hectic schedule can be trying, but I know that in order to achieve my goals and look and feel my best, I need to maintain a balanced lifestyle -- from diet and fitness to my beauty routine and overall well-being.
I am currently preparing for the summer games in London, which are right upon us! We are at the peak of our training for the games and I spend most of my time in camp with the team. My typical routine consists of twice daily strength and endurance workouts, plus dynamic speed and agility sessions in the goal. I also love to jump rope for exercise -- I keep one in my gym bag or carry-on wherever I go.
Since I exercise so much, it is important that I fuel my body with the right foods and nutrients to maintain my strength and energy levels. I always stock up on protein after a hard workout - protein-rich foods help with muscle recovery. I tend to snack healthy and find my body wants and craves foods that are good for me. Cheese and crackers with bell peppers are one of my favorite low-calorie, crunchy snacks. I am conscious about my diet most of the time, but there are always those moments when you have to splurge. My guilty pleasure is Thai food and I know all the great spots in the cities I frequent.
Whether I am on or off the field, I always want to make sure I look my best so I can live and play with confidence. For years, I struggled to manage my sensitive skin, which is often exacerbated by my busy lifestyle -- frequent travel, changing climates... not to mention the intensity and stress of playing a professional sport. I thought it was just me and my skin, but I have come to learn that I am not alone. Most women -- 58 percent -- have sensitive skin.
Whether it is stress before a big game, extreme dryness or oiliness due to weather and climate changes, or just the dirt and build-up after eight long hours on the soccer field, my sensitive skin gets put through the ringer, which is why I never go on the field without the proper skincare. I look for gentle and effective formulas that keep my skin looking healthy and glowing so I can look my best when I am at an event or in front of millions on the national screen for a major tournament.
My motto is: Look good, feel good, play good. I make sure to live a balanced life, from the inside out. If you want a chance to learn some of my secrets, and hear about the my experiences when I return from the London games, visit www.EscapeWithHope.com and enter for a chance to meet me in Los Angeles and experience my balanced routine.
Wish me luck in London!
Visit www.EscapeWithHope.com and enter "Hope's Simple Skincare Escape" for the chance to meet Hope Solo and learn how the all-star athlete maintains a healthy and balanced life. A grand-prize winner will receive a 4-day, 3-night all-inclusive trip for two to Los Angeles to meet Hope and experience her balanced routine. Enjoy one-on-one time with the soccer star, soak in all her skincare secrets, work out like a pro-athlete and dine at one of her favorite restaurants. "Hope's Simple Skincare Escape" will run from 02:00 PM ET on May 8 through 02:00 PM ET on July 17.
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| 1 | United States | 46 | 29 | 29 |
| 2 | China | 38 | 27 | 23 |
| 3 | Russia | 24 | 26 | 32 |
| 4 | Great Britain | 29 | 17 | 19 |
| 5 | Germany | 11 | 19 | 14 |
| 6 | Japan | 7 | 14 | 17 |
Well wishes to you at London this summer!
Hope has the dream body of every lesbian but only a pro athlete can keep up with a heavy exercise schedule like that. Any advice for us regular folks?