Julie Ertz is a soccer star and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Currently leading the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars, Julie just helped the US Women’s National Team win the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the second time, and also competed with the team at the 2016 Olympics. Since her first game with the US national team, she has made 87 appearances for the group and scored 19 goals. In addition to her extremely impressive soccer career, Julie also started the Ertz Family Foundation with her husband, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, which helps children in need through sports and education. Need inspiration to have a productive morning? Julie shares her workout and oatmeal-filled A.M. routine below.

8:00 A.M. I’m wide awake at this point! I’ve enjoyed a cup of coffee and glass of water with my husband and have completed a few morning stretches. Mornings are so important in setting the tone for the rest of the day. I always start my day with a few morning stretches to loosen up before I hit the gym for weight training, the trails for a run, or soccer training. Nothing gets me in my zone and ready to own it quite like making time for a good stretch. I wash my face with an all-natural cleanser, so I don’t strip my skin in the morning and add my vitamin C serum, sunscreen, and of course some mascara to conquer the day! Then I pick out my matching Nike workout outfit head to toe.

8:30 A.M. I love starting my mornings with a protein-dense breakfast. My go-to is oatmeal with chopped almonds and fruit. I also love eggs and protein pancakes. Zach and I love cooking meals at home and we’re always trying new recipes. I try to pack a green juice to take with me as I head down to my car alongside my extra coffee. 

8:45 A.M. Before I head out, I’m prepping for my day ahead. I’m packing my gym bag and backpack with healthy snacks like almonds, fruit, and veggies with a huge water bottle. I always ensure I have snacks on hand and of course my laptop for breaks when I can check my emails and work on our Ertz Family Foundation events. As an athlete, nutrition is key to my success and I need energy to keep me going, especially when I have double days and go from one workout to the next. 

9:30 A.M. I love working out in the A.M. I like to sync my day with Zach’s in the off-season so we can have time in the evening to cook together and watch our sports teams or shows. My routine changes in the off-season because I usually take a few extra days/weeks off throughout to let my body recover from the intense trainings. Usually, I like to do yoga or swimming to move but let my body relax. Then my training starts to build gradually. Right now, I’m in the middle of my National Women’s Soccer League season so a lot of soccer practice and lifts for now. 

11 A.M. Mid-morning snack time! If I am in season, this is the time training starts. At home, this is the time I’m heading to my second training. Then I’m reaching for those snacks I packed in my bag earlier in the morning. Afterwards, I hop in the shower to get the sweat off from my workout and get dressed for the day. Then I’m off to the market to get food for dinner.