Face Time | Natalie Coughlin - NYTimes.com

It was hard to pass up a few moments chatting with the very pretty, 12-time Olympic medalist in swimming Natalie Coughlin. Though enjoying some time off, post-Olympics, she?s been keeping busy traveling and working on various projects and partnerships. As one of the few athletes to who has not had corrective vision surgery, Natalie has recently teamed up with LensCrafters, and is helping get the word out about vision care and living a healthy lifestyle. Read on to find out which is her favorite mascara to adorn her healthy eyes, plus some great fitness and diet tips.

What are your tips for keeping your eyes healthy?

Getting an eye exam each year is important, but there are also things you can do day-to-day to care for your vision. Eating a diet rich in Vitamin A, lutein and Omega-3s are all great for eye health. Kale, eggs and oily fish are great sources of these. I travel quite a bit and I prefer to wear my glasses rather than my contacts to protect against dry cabin air in the plane. Also, I always have my sunglasses with me to protect my eyes from UV rays.

In addition to their obvious benefits, do you look at eyewear as a stylish accessory that can compliment an outfit or mood?

Eyeglasses or sunglasses are essential to completing an outfit, I think. Whether it?s an oversized geek chic frame or a bold color, it?s amazing how much your look can be changed based on the glasses that you choose.

How would you describe your style?

I would say it?s a mix of California casual and a touch of glam. My favorite outfit: skinny jeans, boots, a relaxed t-shirt, a leather jacket, and of course a great pair of glasses or sunglasses.

When you are not swimming do you find makeup a great accessory too?

When I swim and compete I never wear makeup. I can?t be bothered. So when I know I?m going to be dry for a few hours, I love wearing makeup and I have fun with it.

Tell me, what are some of your everyday essential cosmetics?

I?d have to say, Boscia BB Cream, Tarte lip stain in ?Enchanted? and Givenchy Noir Couture 4-in-1 mascara.

Your skin is so healthy looking. What are your skincare secrets?

I dry brush my body at night, and I like to use a Clarisonic on my face. To help keep my skin clear, I use either Murad Acne cleanser or Boscia Purifying Cleansing gel. I use Pevonia?s Vitamin C serum, day and night. In the morning, I follow this with Boscia BB cream, at night it?s followed by Dermalogica?s Pure Night moisturizer.

I?m sure swimming can wreak havoc on hair. How do you keep your hair in such great shape?

I don?t heat style during the week. I always comb my conditioner through my hair with a wide tooth comb when I?m in the shower. After showering, I always use a leave-in-treatment. I really like Pantene?s moisture whip.

Your body is amazing. What are some of the most important fitness and training goals you try to achieve on a regular basis?

Thank you! When I?m traveling, I always bring my TRX Suspension Training System with me. It allows me to get in a full-body workout no matter where I am in the world. I also do Pilates and yoga daily for about 30 minutes. Whether I?m in training or not, it?s important for me to stay active every day. That can mean a swim, a run, a hike, gardening or simply a long walk with my dogs.

You mentioned you grow a lot of your own food. What does your diet mainly consist of?

I eat mostly a plant-based diet. I like to include lots of fruits and vegetables. I eat meat, but I make sure to support farmers that humanely and sustainably raise their animals. Growing my own vegetables forced me to learn about seasonality. Portion size is the only think that changes, whether I?m in heavy training or not.

Do you have any favorite indulgences?

I love a glass of wine with dinner. My guilty pleasure is a juicy bratwurst, with onions and relish at a football game (go Raiders!).

Is there a fragrance you are really into these days?

My two favorites are Jo Malone?s ?Lemongrass? and Kate Walsh?s fragrance, ?Boyfriend.?

You travel quite often. What are your travel must-haves?

I always have my Tempur-Pedic eye mask, Diptyque travel candle in ?Baise Noir?, Dr. Singha?s Mustard Bath, T3 Travel hair dryer, my Canon G1X camera and Jambox wireless speakers ? gotta have my tunes!

Source: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/29/face-time-natalie-coughlin/

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