Danica Patrick is known for her history-making career as a NASCAR driver. Now the 35-year-old is sharing the nutrition and fitness secrets that propelled her to the top of the sport.
Patrick, who will retire from NASCAR this year, has created a 90-day mind, body and food plan using the principles she uses in her own life.
PHOTO: Danica Patrick waits in her car during practice for Sundays NASCAR Daytona 500 Sprint Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 19, 2016.David Graham/AP Photo, FILE
Danica Patrick waits in her car during practice for Sunday's NASCAR Daytona 500 Sprint Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 19, 2016.more +
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The plan is explained in Patrick's new book, "Pretty Intense," released today, just in time for your New Year's resolutions.
Patrick said she doesn't make New Year's resolutions because when she makes a change that sticks it is one she makes "on the spot." For those starting 2018 with a goal in mind, Patrick recommends identifying your motivation for the goal first.
PHOTO: Danica Patrick appears on Good Morning America with wellness tips from her book Pretty Intense.ABC
Danica Patrick appears on "Good Morning America" with wellness tips from her book "Pretty Intense."
"The most important part is that you figure out why you’re doing it," she said. "For me, I do it because it makes me feel good so therefore I keep doing it."
"Pretty Intense" not only includes recipes and an exercise plan but also five chapters that focus on the mind, according to Patrick.
"What I’m hoping is that people really realize that this is a lifestyle," she said today on "Good Morning America." "I want them to develop a good relationship with food and exercise to not be a reward or punishment but a way of life and something that makes you feel good and something that makes you a better you every single day."
A key to success on the "Pretty Intense" plan, and in life, according to Patrick, is realizing that "your mind is a huge part of everything you do."
"You are creating your life day by day with your thoughts. Think positive things. Believe in yourself. Have great reasons for why you’re doing what you’re doing," she said. "Eat good food because food is medicine. You’re either adding to your well-being or reducing your well-being."
Patrick, who advocates 20 or 30-minute high-intensity workouts, said the same applies to exercise.
"Same thing with fitness," she said. "When you get to working out, just hurry up. Get it done. Work hard. Make it intense."
