As a competitive swimmer with Type 1 diabetes, Daya Quinn’s relationship with food had always been complex. “It was a constant balancing act,” she says. “Fueling for performance while managing my blood sugar—it took constant attention.”
But in college, when her schedule got even busier, her nutrition started slipping. “I was grabbing protein bars between classes, skipping meals, relying on whatever was fast,” she says. Her energy was crashing, her blood sugar became unpredictable, and her workouts began to suffer.
That’s when she decided to return to basics: clean eating, with a performance-focused twist.
Instead of calorie counting or cutting carbs, she worked with a dietitian to build a plan that prioritized consistency and blood sugar control. Her meals centered on complex carbs, lean plant proteins, and healthy fats. She timed her meals to support training and avoided the spikes that processed foods used to cause.
Breakfast might be oats with chia and almond butter; lunch a grain bowl with tofu, avocado, and roasted sweet potato; and dinner a lentil stew with greens and olive oil. She learned to pre-load before workouts and recover with balance, not sugar.
“Clean eating helped me trust my body again,” Daya says. “It gave me stability—in the pool and in life.”
Now, she mentors other young athletes living with diabetes. Her message is clear: “You don’t have to choose between your health and your performance. With the right food, you can support both.”
Lily also pays attention to her diet to support her skincare and fitness efforts. She consumes antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables, which help fight inflammation and keep her skin youthful. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas throughout the day is another of her secrets to staying hydrated from within.
By combining a rigorous exercise regimen with a meticulous skincare routine, Lily Martinez exemplifies how dedication and consistency can lead to remarkable beauty and health. Her habits are an inspiring model for anyone aiming to enhance their natural beauty through holistic care.
