Olympic Breakdancer Sunny Choi's Go-To High-Protein Dinners

Olympic Breakdancer Sunny Choi’s Go-To High-Protein Dinners

Getting to Know Sunny Choi

The Olympics are just around the corner, and Team USA’s first b-girl, Sunny Choi, is gearing up to compete in the newest addition to the lineup: breaking. As a professional breakdancer, Sunny requires a diet that meets her high-energy needs. In this Q&A, we dive into Sunny’s approach to protein-rich eating and uncover her favorite high-protein dinners that fuel her training.

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Prioritizing Protein

Sunny prioritizes protein in her diet, making sure to include it with every meal. She advises tracking protein intake and aiming to consume 15-20 grams every four hours. Sunny’s dietitian suggests spacing meals four hours apart, which Sunny tries to achieve. Despite challenges, Sunny strives to maximize protein synthesis throughout the day.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

What are Sunny’s go-to high-protein dinners for busy days? She shares three comfort food-inspired dishes that pack a protein punch:

Tater Tots with Cashew Queso and Vegan Chorizo: Top with pico de gallo, guacamole, and two fried eggs for a satisfying meal.
Chickpea Pizza Crust with Protein and Veggies: Frozen kale, pizza sauce, vegan cheese, and an egg make for a quick and satisfying pie.
Pineapple Fried Rice: Combine white rice, fresh pineapple salsa, an egg, and soy sauce with shrimp for a flavorful and filling meal.

Recovery and Self-Care

Sunny emphasizes the importance of recovery after workouts or practice. Her methods include:

Compression boots for active recovery walks or lightweight workouts
Hot vinyasa for mental and physical recovery
Foam rolling and massage guns
Weekly massages
Adequate sleep and nutrition

Eggs-traordinary

Sunny’s partnership with The Incredible Egg is a perfect fit. She shares that eggs are her go-to protein, and she loves the "Meant to be Broken" campaign, which resonates with her own journey of breaking free from expectations. Sunny even has an egg-themed pillow and plates!

Breaking Free with Eggs

Sunny’s favorite way to enjoy eggs is either fried in sesame oil or incorporated into a dish. She believes that there’s no one "right" way to eat eggs, and it’s all about adapting to her mood and the meal’s accompaniments.

Morning Routine

Sunny’s morning routine varies depending on her schedule. When working in corporate America, she had a regular routine, but now, as an Olympic athlete, her mornings are often unpredictable. She does enjoy taking walks with her dog, leaving her phone behind for a digital detox.

Eating Well

For Sunny, eating well means finding balance between foods she wants and needs. It’s about allowing herself to indulge in occasional cravings while prioritizing sustainability and nourishment. Sunny believes that eating well is about making choices that leave her feeling satisfied and energized.

Conclusion

Sunny Choi’s high-protein dinners and recovery techniques offer a glimpse into the daily life of a professional breakdancer. As she competes in the Olympics, she’ll be fueled by her favorite meals and a commitment to self-care. If you’re looking for inspiration to boost your protein intake and prioritize recovery, Sunny Choi’s story is a great starting point.

FAQs

Q: What does it mean to "eat well" in your opinion?
A: Eating well is all about balance, making sure to satisfy your cravings while prioritizing sustainability and nutrition.

Q: How do you prioritize protein in your diet?
A: I include protein with every meal and aim to consume 15-20 grams every four hours.

Q: Do you have a favorite way to enjoy eggs?
A: I love eggs, but there’s no one "right" way. I enjoy them fried in sesame oil, in a dish, or scrambled.

Q: What’s your go-to dinner for a busy day?
A: I usually opt for tater tots with cashew queso, pizza with chickpea crust, or pineapple fried rice.

Q: How do you recovery after workouts or practice?
A: I use compression boots, hot vinyasa, foam rolling, massage guns, and weekly massages to aid in my recovery.