Anna Kournikovais passionate about health and she has the background to prove it.
By the age of 14, she was playing in professional tournaments.
Looking back on this time, Kournikova remembers gleaning tons of information about healthy eating.
“That’s exactly what I do for breakfast,” the singer famously exclaimed.
However, despite Iglesias' wisecracks, Kournikova’s morning routine involves way more than just … physical activity.
She says breakfast plays an important role when it comes to pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
In an interview withNBC, Kournikova revealed her opinion thatgood nutrition starts in the morning.
Through her partnership with the nonprofit organization “Got Breakfast?
“, Kournikova has encouraged school-aged children to start their day right.
Rather than sticking to a strict meal regimen, the tennis star enjoys a variety of foods.
In a 2011 interview withElle, Kournikova said she doesn’t adhere to just one food group.
“I definitely do love sweets.
And salty stuff,” she told the outlet.
Ultimately, Kournikova aims to strike a sense of balance when it comes to enjoying different foods.
“I definitely do believe in everything in moderation,” Kournikova explained.
“I think the more you restrict, the more you’ll want something.
And then you’ll overdo it.
So, I definitely believe in moderation and balance.”
In 2009, she opened up about her childhood on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
“[W]hen I was 9 years old …
I came to Florida, and I saw bananas.”
According to Kournikova, bananas were rare in Russia at the time.
Seeing the fruit stateside made her feel like “a kid in a candy store.”
In an interview withWomen’s Health, she opened up about what she hopes to gain from her diet.
“[My food choices have] been really about energy, maintaining good energy.
Perhaps because of this focus on energy, Kournikova says her favorite snacks are packed with healthy fats.
Anna Kournikova wants absolutely none of that anti-carb talk.
In an interview withElle, the Russian athlete had no problem sharing her love for starches and grains.
“I love carbs, potatoes, and pasta,” she told the outlet.
And the tennis player’s favorite carbohydrate-based eats don’t stop there.
As she revealed onExtra, “I love pizza.
And, you know, it’s the portion …
It’s not about something specific [that makes your lifestyle healthy or not] …
But I definitely like french fries.”
The tennis player doesn’t think people should feel bad for simply enjoying food.
The tennis star replied without missing a beat: “I don’t think pleasures are guilty.”
According to Kournikova’s opinion, pleasures should be, well, pleasurable.
“That’s why it’s, like, a pleasure.
You should enjoy it.
You shouldn’t be guilty about it,” she elaborated in the same interview.
Because of this food-positive philosophy, Kournikova doesn’t think people should resist the occasional indulgence.
When Maria Menounos asked the tennis player, “What happens when you want a Snickers bar?”
(viaExtra), Kournikova responded candidly.
“I believe in moderation.”
In Kournikova’s personal life, these occasional indulgences manifest in the form of sweet treats.
And restrictive eating isn’t a practice that Kournikova attempts or supports.
“Being ‘good’ [at sticking to a diet] all the time is not realistic.”
In Kournikova’s view, there’s nothing wrong with simply enjoying food.
“[F]or nutrition …
It’s eating healthier, whole foods and not as much processed foods,” she told the outlet.
In practice, Kournikova tries to follow this philosophy by making healthy foods available to herself throughout the day.
It allows me to have a healthy snack and not just grab something on the run.”
According to the tennis star, though, eating more whole foods doesn’t mean avoiding pleasure.
Kournikova’s penchant for whole foods doesn’t just apply to snack time.
For her post-workout meals, the sports star enjoys heavier foods like meat and avocados.
“You play, you eat, you go home with mama,” Bollettieri said.
Perhaps because of this, Kournikova has tried to adopt a more balanced approach to healthy living.
In herNBCinterview, the athlete advises people to improve their daily routines one step at a time.
As Kournikova expressed onExtra, she hopes people will view healthy foods as a natural part of their lives.
But then, it becomes part of you, part of your routine.
And it’s the same thing for exercise,” she explained.
Like, I walk on the treadmill.”
Anna Kournikova enjoys the occasional drink
Anna Kournikova is outspoken about the importance of the occasional indulgence.
In terms of food, the sports professional has confessed to having a bit of a sweet tooth.
According to her interview withElle, Kournikova can certainly enjoy a good dessert.
“I definitely do love sweets.
I love ice cream,” she told the outlet.
However, Kournikova’s favorite indulgences aren’t just limited to sugary treats.
The Russian blonde has also been known to enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage.
The photos show the tennis player hauling several bottles of vodka and champagne.
That wasn’t the first time the tennis star has revealed her taste for something stronger.
In 2020, Kournikova took to Instagram to share a rare glimpse into her Miami home.
Thephotographrevealed her kitchen, which included an enormous wine fridge.
The appliance itself boasted 15 shelves packed with bottles of chilled vino.
However, as per usual, Kournikova’s post hinted at a sense of balance.
In the background of the photo is a bowl of colorful fruits and veggies.
Thanks to her career, she spends a lot of her time traveling.
“[T]here are ways [to stay healthy while traveling].
You just have to be creative,” she told Elle.
For Kournikova, this “creativity” at restaurants occasionally means ordering as many nutrient-packed power foods as possible.
Her order consisted of steamed veggies, a tomato and onion salad,black coffee, and fruit.
While this lunchtime bite might not sound particularly appetizing, Kournikova indulged in a glass of Rose for dessert.
Over the years, she has dedicated herself to helping children learn more about healthy living.
Through her participation in the “Got Breakfast?”
campaign, Kournikova fought to make healthy breakfasts available to children at schools across the country.
In a 2011 conversation withSunSentinel, Kournikova opened up about her desire to teach kids how to be healthier.
That’s what I do.
I can’t imagine my life being without sports," she explained.
Because of her passion for tennis, Kournikova has worked hard to expose children to the joys of sports.
“Exercise gives me great energy.
It’s about being healthy, having energy, [parents] spending quality time with children …
It’s not about a certain size.
As long as you’re healthy, that’s most important,” she told SunSentinel.
