Softball Star Cat Osterman Reveals Her Winning Approach to Fitness and Diet
Olympic softball sensation Cat Osterman is radiating happiness after conquering a 7-mile run. Sharing a photo in her workout gear on social media, she captioned the image: "This is the happiest face you’ll find after 7 miles." But Osterman’s dedication to fitness goes beyond a single run; it’s a lifestyle built on smart choices and a healthy mindset. So, what’s the secret behind her inspiring physique and endurance?
Osterman, who transitioned from softball to an ESPN analyst role, is open about her journey with both diet and her body image. "I counted calories and was very adamant that I continue to pay attention to what I eat," she revealed in an interview with Us Magazine. However, she’s since adopted a more relaxed approach, tuning in to her body’s needs based on her daily training regimen.
"If I have all three components of training, then obviously I need to eat a little more, but if I only have pitching and I don’t have lifting or conditioning, then I eat a little bit less or am smarter with what I eat," Osterman explained.
Her breakfast choices vary from smoothies and yogurt parfaits to savory sweet potato hash with turkey sausage and eggs. While she prioritizes conscious eating, Osterman isn’t afraid to indulge occasionally, admitting to an affinity for Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets.
"For dinner, we eat pretty well. We cook for the most part," she shared. She substitutes zucchini noodles for pasta, opts for potatoes or sweet potatoes over rice and bread, and frequently incorporates quinoa into her meals. "I’m pretty conscious about what I eat," she added.
Osterman’s dedication to fitness extends beyond her plate. She’s candid about past struggles with body image, acknowledging the pressures faced by athletes, particularly those with her athletic build. "I haven’t, I’ve never, I don’t shy away from it, but I’ve just never really talked about it," she confessed in an interview with Burn by Mandy. Reflecting on her experience, she added, "I struggled with it, not to the extent that it changed my eating habits or anything. I love food. So some of my body image issues come with the fact that I just have zero willpower when it comes to food."
Thankfully, Osterman found strength through sports, particularly basketball, a passion she cultivated before focusing on softball. "I wasn’t afraid of my height because I play basketball too. And basketball was my first love," she said. "Basketball promotes speed, agility, strength, power and endurance. It [has] also been shown to increase flexibility and motor coordination.
As a result, basketball is uniquely oriented to improve fundamental motor skills that are shown to be beneficial in promoting general health," orthopedic surgeon and former basketball player Dr. Koco Eaton shared with Nike.
Osterman’s recent run, a personal milestone after two previous attempts, showcases her unwavering determination.
"Twice I’ve attempted 7 miles and come up short on finishing without walking. First time I felt like a massive failure; second time I saw progress," she wrote on social media. "Today I was only supposed to run 6, but I felt good at 5 and told myself ‘you’re going to do this!’ Lo and behold I did! Finally!! Been a bit since something was such a struggle, but it’s fun to have a challenge! I’m not running 9 min miles like @skylar.wallace but these old legs are going. Conquer something today!"
Her inspiring story serves as a reminder that fitness journeys are unique, and perseverance is key.
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