MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES
Ilona Maher is the current face of women’s rugby.
EatingWell:What do you normally eat in a day?
But I do love toast with butter and jam.
Photo:MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES
My lunch and dinner are about the same.
I’ll have a lot of protein, carbs and a lot of vegetables.
I snack a little more than I used to.
I attempt to drink water, but I do love a Powerade when it’s a hot training day.
I always have to end the night with something sweet.
I have to eat chocolate or something like that.
EatingWell:If I say the word “diet,” what usually comes to mind?
And how does that make you feel?
I think “What’s my diet?
What do I eat to fuel my body?”
That’s just something that doesn’t resonate with me.
To me, diet is what you eat.
EatingWell:What food could you not live without because it makes you feel so good?
Maher:I don’t know if it’s a food so much, but I do love coffee.
Sugary, creamy coffee.
It’s something that gets me going and gets me excited to get up.
I love lattes, pumpkin spice lattes, all of it.
That’s something that really gives me excitement.
I’ve tried to drink black coffee, and I just can’t do it.
EatingWell:What’s your favorite way to stay hydrated?
So sparkling water and seltzer is a good way for me to get my hydration in.
I love working out, [and wanting] water when you’re working out is so fun.
I wish I was better [about drinking water].
My sister has a water bottle on her at all times and is always refilling it.
I think we put people in boxes like “Oh, they’re a rugby player.
Oh, they’re a nurse,” when people can be so much more than that.
I like to be beautiful and feminine in my own way.
It’s my own narrative I get to write.
EatingWell:What do you wish you could tell your younger self about body image?
Even now I don’t love my body all the time, but I appreciate my body.
That will make you have a different perspective on your body.
It’s not just there for the human eye to look at.
EatingWell:What does “eating well” mean to you?
I think I eat well, but I don’t only eat vegetables, chicken and rice.
That’s not me.
EatingWell:What’s the one thing you hope your fans take away from this interview?
Maher:Food is such a vital part of my life, and it gives me so much comfort.
There is no bad food, there’s only excess amounts of food.
If you’re trying to consistently love your body, it’s going to be hard.
But if you might really appreciate your body, I think it will change your narrative around food.
