
9 min read
Sina M Martinez
Sina M Martinez
Sina moved to a vegan diet as a way of healing herself from fatigue, stress, anxiety and injury. With an extremely busy schedule working full-time, teaching Les Mills fitness classes out of hours, following an intense personal training regime and part-time study, she has no time to be operating at less than 100%.
We ask Sina about training, her favourite food and life without animal protein.
Why did you change to a plant-based diet?
I started to feel quite run down, fatigued and anxious last year. I developed constant back and leg pain that never seemed to go away. I felt stressed and tired all the time. I couldn‘t understand it because I was eating a ‘clean‘ healthy diet. I went to several physios, osteopaths and specialists to determine the cause of my pain or ‘injury‘ but none of them could find the cause.
My diet was predominately a high protein diet from animal/animal products (lean chicken, whey protein and the like). I was determined to find a way to heal myself so I started looking into a healthier food lifestyle - all my research seemed to point to a plant-based diet that was high in unprocessed carbohydrates. So I decided to give it a go. Within a few weeks, the benefits were amazing.
My recovery time from intense training shortened drastically, I had more strength and was more alert in everything I did. I also slept more deeply, my skin cleared, I had more energy, I felt less anxious and most importantly my back and leg pain reduced significantly. I almost could not believe it was that easy. All the answers lay in the food I consume. Admittedly it‘s not the easiest thing to make such a drastic shift, but it was well worth it for me.
Can you see yourself going back to eating meat?
There is absolutely no turning back for me! I have more energy, am clearer thinking and never get sick. Everything feels like it‘s functioning at optimal levels. I don‘t crave meat or sugar any more. I see no reason to go back when I feel this good. Before I was fatigued, stressed out and anxious - I manage so much better now.
When did you first get interested in fitness?
I was into fitness from very young age and played a lot of school sport. I joined the gym and got really into running and fitness classes when I was at university. I was so passionate about group fitness that I became an instructor for Les Mills teaching ‘RPM‘ and ‘SPRINT‘ classes.
Why did you start taking Nuzest products?
In the past I had had issues with whey protein, I struggled with digestive issues and often felt bloated afterwards, especially when taking it more than once a day.
Now I get a lot of my nutrition from food I consume and top it up with Clean Lean Protein as an afternoon snack. It gives me energy I require especially for my training which is mainly in the evenings.
How do you take your Clean Lean Protein?
I usually use Clean Lean Protein in my smoothies or oats daily. My favourite recipe is my Heavenly Oats - Clean Lean Protein (Real Coffee), banana, raisins, blueberries and peanut butter (sometimes topped with dairy free dark melted chocolate) = YUM! (For the full recipe for Sina‘s Heavenly Oats, see below).
I also sometimes use Nuzest protein powder to whip out some awesome healthy baking.
What is your favourite type of training?
High intensity interval training, whether it‘s cardio or with weights - so it‘s no surprise that I teach high intensity cardio programs. I love sprinting, cycling, HIIT workouts with weights and body weight. My training regime consists of the above workout styles but I also include one to two heavy weights sessions a week as well.
What helps you to stay motivated?
Training has never been a chore for me. In fact it‘s something I look forward to - so I‘m lucky in that respect. We all have long, busy days but even when my energy is low or I‘ve had a crazy day, I still do some form of light exercise or yoga.
How long have you been competing in Fitness competitions?
My first competition was March last year. When I incorporated heavy weights into my training regime, I saw some huge shifts in my body shape so I decided to take up a challenge and try out a body building competition. I placed third in my first competition (bikini class) and second in my second competition which I was very happy with.
How would you describe your day to day nutrition?
I try and stay ‘raw‘ from morning to lunch by eating only fruit. My go to fruit is bananas! I tend to make 7-8 banana smoothies for breakfast and sometimes mix them with other fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, persimmons and pears as well as adding some greens. Generally though I tend to eat the bananas as is and graze on anywhere between 8 - 12 bananas from morning to lunch.
For lunch and dinner I always have a MASSIVE raw salad made with green spinach leaves or cos lettuce, carrots, grated beetroot, courgettes, cucumber and capsicum. I accompany it with cooked lentils/sprouted mung beans/black beans/ pinto beans/silver beet, courgettes/eggplant in a tomato and onion spiced gravy - which tastes absolutely amazing.
I eat quite big portions. This is important because often people transitioning to a vegan diet tend to under-eat. Fruit and vegetables are not very high in calories so it‘s quite easy to eat too little. If you exercise regularly it‘s really important to eat enough calories. Initially I used the online app ‘cron-o-meter‘ to track my calories and check out my nutrient breakdown.
I also often cook either quinoa/buckwheat with mushroom or broccoli to have with my meals or in corn/spinach wraps. Another of my favourites is a MASSIVE pot of steamed vegetables (kumaras, carrots, beetroot and courgettes) which I add to my other cooked meals.
My treats (if I need it) are Little bird cakes, dairy free dark chocolate, peanut butter and other vegan homemade delights (there are sooo many)
What is the best way for people to follow your fitness journey?
People can follow me on Instagram sina_788
Sina‘s Heavenly Oats
1/2 cup oats
1 scoop Nuzest Clean Lean Protein (I use Real Coffee)
1 ripe banana
1/2 - 1 cup frozen blueberries
2 tbsp organic peanut butter
You can have this uncooked or cooked. For uncooked, soak the oats overnight add in Nuzest protein powder, banana, peanut butter mixed all together and top with frozen blueberries.
Alternatively mix all ingredients together and cook in microwave or on stove for a few minutes and top with frozen blueberries.
Photos courtesy of Paul McSweeney
The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is general advice. It should not, nor is it intended to be, relied on as a substitute for individual medical advice or care. If the contents of this, or any other of the blogs in this series raises any concerns or questions regarding your health, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Related news
min read
6 Things You Need To Know About The Keto Diet
6 things you need to know about the keto diet.
min read
Raising Gluten Free Kids
You find out your child is allergic to gluten.... now what?! It can be a shock to your routine, but don't worry, we got your back!
min read
Go Hard Or Go Home - An Interview With Eroni Leilua
Eroni Leilua, Samoan Sailing Champion and 2020 Olympian.
min read
Your Simple Get-Started Guide for Gluten-Free Living
New to the gluten gang? Scroll down to learn the basics of living a gluten free life.
min read
Why Aren't You Recovering From Sickness?
Some of us are a bit too eager to jump back into things after being sick, but this isn't always the best for your recovery.
min read
How To Get Rid Of Stress With Nutrition
Good Green Vitality conatins vitamins, minerals, and vital nutrients to further support your body's ability to manage stress, and increase your energy levels throughout the day.
min read
The Best Protein Bliss Ball Recipes
The most delicious protein bliss balls. Made with Nuzest.
min read
How to Kick Start Your Energy
Top tips on how to fight fatigue and get your energy back on track.
min read
The Best Protein Pancake Recipes
The best protein pancakes ever! Made with Nuzest Clean Lean Protein and Kids Good Stuff.
min read
Top 10 Best Protein Porridge Recipes
A list of our favourite porridge recipes of all time, using Nuzest products.
min read
All You Need To Know About Pea Protein & Pea Protein Benefits
Everything you need to know about Pea Protein Powder and it's benefits.
min read
International Women's Day - Tips for Womens Health
Top tips for supporting your health as a women.
min read
How to cope in times of sickness
There is so much information about preventing yourself from getting sick, but what about when we do get sick? It is bound to happen at some point, so it's good to also prepare yourself for times of sickness.
min read
Veganuary - Tips for adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
Benefits of adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
min read
An Interview With Claudia Kelly
We sat down with Claudia Kelly to chat about her life as a New Zealand athlete.
min read
Top Tips For Mindful Eating Over The Holidays - Less Stressed, More Blessed"
6 tips for a happier and healthier holiday.
min read
Kids Good Stuff for Brain Health
Key nutrients in Kids Good Stuff to support brain health in kids.
min read
How Can Something So Small, Be So Nutritious?
Why I’m loving the new Good Green Vitality bars – a personal review by Michelle Yandle
min read
End The Food Fight - How To Work With Picky Eaters
Would you describe your child as a fussy eater? Are mealtimes stressful? Do you worry that your child isn’t getting enough nutritionally? Let's end the food fight!
min read
The Importance Of Protein For Hair, Skin & Nails
There is often an emphasis placed on taking care of your hair, skin and nails from the outside, but what about nourishing from within?
min read
The Link Between Gut Health & Skin
Did you know that the health of your gut can affect the health of your skin? The word 'microbiota' refers to the group of beneficial, and pathogenic micro-organisms found in a fixed environment, like the gut. In this blog, we explore the link between gut health and skin health
min read
Kids Good Stuff for Skin Health
How can you ensure your kids have healthy skin? A part from the obvious, what nutrients can we provide our kids to ensure their skin stays in tip top shape?
min read
Why Is Protein So Important As We Age?
Humans are living longer and longer. How excellent is that? However, if we are not taking care of our bodies the best we can, our bodies may struggle to perform their best as body composition begins to change as we grow older.
min read
The Brain Boosting Benefits of Panax Ginseng
Ginseng, an herbal medicine in widespread use globally, is one ingredient in Good Green Vitality chosen for its brain-boosting potential.
min read
How To Optimise Brain Heath & Function
To optimise brain function we must consider the health of our second brain – the gut! But how do we make sure we are feeding our gut the right nutrients it needs?
min read
Moving Beyond Diets, An Interview With Michelle Yandle
We sat down with Michelle Yandle, HPN Certified Nutrition Coach and got a little insight into who she is, what she does and why she is so passionate about it!
min read
Nutrients For Immune Health That Aren't Vitamin C
While vitamin C can certainly help, there are heaps of other foods that contain powerful properties to keep our immune system healthy, some of which may be surprising.
min read
Protein For Kids 101
Why is protein so important for growing kids? How much protein does a child need? What are the best sources of protein? How can I increase protein in my child’s diet? We get up close and personal with protein and why it is so important for our little ones.
min read
How To Keep Your Gut Happy
A happy healthy gut needs a few things to continue to function optimally - a healthy balance of bacteria, a strong immune system and naturally, an intact lining. So how do we make sure we have all these things? Michelle Yandle explains.
min read
Is Protein Only Good For Sports Recovery?
You may have heard a myth that you need to consume protein immediately after a workout to maximise muscle growth. Is this the same with preventing recovery? Are the gym goers and fitness fanatics who chug shakes immediately after a workout doing so for muscle repair as well? Well we have the answers.
min read
Pea Protein Vs Whey Protein? Why we use European Peas in our Clean Lean Protein
Protein powder supplements aid the supply of amino acids to the body and can support individuals to reach their health goals. They are a nutrient dense and convenient way to support your daily protein intake. Clean Lean Protein is made from the highest quality European Golden Peas and provides the building blocks for vitality, repair, recovery and muscle growth.
min read
Creative Ways To Upcycle Your Nuzest Tubs
Nuzest tubs use #2 HDPE plastic and are 100% recyclable when the labels are removed, and the powder is cleaned out. Recycling is great, but how about upcycling? There are some awesome ways you could upcycle your Nuzest containers, which can be super fun, stylish and save you money.
min read
Dancing Her Way To The Top - Interview With Christa Albert
We sat down with Nuzest Ambassador and Professional Dancer, Christa Albert, to chat about her dancing career, goals and how she maintains her performance.
min read
Good Green Vitality For Energy
So, what is it that makes Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff such a powerful energy booster? Besides the obvious benefits of having all your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals there is a secret sauce to the ingredients in both Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff that gives an extra kick.
min read
Getting Started With A Gentle Approach To Nutrition
Here are some simple steps to getting started with taking care of your body in a way that feels through gentle nutrition.
min read
Nutrition & Lifestyle for Ultimate Health & Wellbeing
Good health is the foundation for our mental and physical performance. It also allows us to be in a good position to deal with health conditions and the many other things that life throws our way. Despite many of us being confused about the best way to shape our nutrition and lifestyle behaviours for optimal health, there are many simple changes that can be made to enhance our overall wellbeing.
min read
What Makes Clean Lean Protein so unique?
All around the world, the shelves are flooded with protein powders – whey, soy, pea, insect, you name it, it's available. So, what makes our Clean Lean Protein so unique in a sea of worthy competitors?
min read
Maximising Mood In Your Kids
Almost 1 in 7 children and adults aged 4-17 had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Amy Butler discusses good nutrition and lifestyle modifications, that can help to reduce the risk.
min read
Long-Lasting Energy For Kids
Children and adolescents are going through massive periods of growth and development. To keep up with the demands of school, extracurricular activities, sports and friendships, kids often need a bit of an energy boost. In our latest blog we break down some specific nutrients for energy, to help support growing kids, and the best places to source them from.
min read
Setting Health Goals & Staying Motivated in 2021
Use this tried and tested goal strategy to set smaller, specific goals to avoid the overwhelm of unrealistic and vague health objectives.