Sports Nutrition Insider Interviews Liz Gaspari

With a combination of brains and beauty, Liz Gaspari is one of the most powerful women in the Sports Nutrition industry. As the Vice president and Director of International Distribution for Gaspari Nutrition, Liz sits down with the Sports Nutrition Insider and tells us how she is breaking ground in the male dominated supplement industry.

SNI: Before we get into your involvement with sports nutrition, tell us a little about your background.

I have always owned my own business. I learned this industry by starting in business before the age of 18. I would create a business, market and develop it and then sell it. I enjoy the challenges and hard work that come with starting a business. Business comes natural to me, having relationships with people and giving back to the community; just like I learned from my grandfather, who was known for being an incredible businessman and giving back to his entire community.

SNI: How did you meet your husband Rich Gaspari?

I hired a personal trainer who was a pro fitness athlete and we used to speak about meeting the “right guy.” She told me about Rich and the type of person he is. Although I shied away at first, when I saw him I thought he was a doll.

SNI: The lifestyle of a bodybuilder can be quite demanding. What was it like supporting Rich throughout his bodybuilding career?

When I met Rich, he was retired. He would always eat well. This past year, he did this whole body transformation. This is the first time I was able to see his entire diet and also see how challenging it is to do a total transformation. It took a lot, as our family had to adjust to his eating and cooking habits. It changes everything, but we were all very supportive of him and we really got to experience what he lived. It gave me even more respect for him to have the power to change his mind set. It’s really a unique learning experience.

SNI: When did you first discover that you had a passion for fitness?

I was always into working out. I was made fun of a lot for the way that I looked. We were brought up on all carbs. I took a change after high school. I wasn’t one of those popular girls with a lot of friends. The minute I got out of high school, I made a complete transformation of myself. Going to the gym, eating healthier and the changes I made for myself made me so confident. I was so determined to feel great that I became interested in the healthy aspect of living, and keeping in shape.

SNI: How did you first get involved with Gaspari Nutrition?

When I met Rich, he was by himself and needed some help. He was the person that everyone loved to speak with but he needed assistance in the sales and marketing end of his business. I stepped in to help him and we have worked hard through perseverance and determination ever since. I feel like me stepping in to help him gave him the confidence that he needed to take his business to the next level.

Our business is now one of the world’s largest nutrition companies. Rich and I, with the help of our team, started the entire international division that now accounts for over 50% of sales for Gaspari Nutrition.

SNI: What’s it like being married to, and working alongside Rich “The Dragon Slayer” Gaspari, former Mr. Universe and Mr. America?

It has its awesome and fabulous moments. We get to travel all around the world to meet incredible people. Everything changes though when you work together. Although working together is challenging at the end of the day the success of this business has been achieved together and we are both so thankful to that. Thank God we do two totally different things. We have been blessed with a great life and have an incredible family. I live and breathe this company and respect Rich so much for everything he has brought to take this company to where it is today.

SNI: Gaspari Nutrition is now in over 80 countries and you have been a big part of powering the brand across the world. To what do you attribute the overall growth and success of the company?

We have an amazing research and marketing team and without their help we wouldn’t be where we are. It’s a combination of strong points from every single department that we have in our company.

SNI: Tell us about your new involvement and sponsorship with BLK Water.

There are so many different opportunities and avenues that I, Rich, Chris and Albie are potentially partnering with. For me to do business with someone, my first instinct is the synergy and a great vibe. I have had both with The Manzos from the beginning. That’s the type of people that Rich and I would love to partner with. Trust and loyalty for Rich and I are essential and I find that in them. Rich and I are excited to explore the opportunities together.

SNI: For such a busy business woman, wife and mother, how do you keep on track with your diet and training regime?

As cliché as it may seems, the products that we sell I swear by and I take them every day. I have two children and find myself at fast food places often. I order the healthy alternatives and continue to take a Multi vitamin- Anavite, appetite suppressant and mood enhancer called Detonate and a protein shake daily called Myofusion Probiotic. All can be found at GNC and Vitamin Shoppe worldwide. If anyone would like, I’d love letters to answer and write back :

Liz Gaspari

C/O Gaspari nutrition

575 Prospect Street

Suite 230

Lakewood, NJ 08527

SNI: What do you think of our sister magazine Inside Fitness?

I think it is very informative and educational.

SNI: Any words of advice for women with families who are trying to build a successful business?

They can do it! Don’t ever think that because you have children and a husband that you aren’t capable of doing anything you put your mind to. Put a positive mind in your head, set a target and go for it! You can’t have excuses; perseverance will put you where you want to be. Don’t ever give up! Organize your life to what you believe, and what you want, and you can get there.

SNI: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of:

New Jersey – Jersey Shore

Myofusion- Less Cellulite

The Olympia- Oh My God

Family- Bigger!

Dream Job- Honestly, I have it and am so thankful.

Sports Nutrition- Gaspari

Holiday recipe from Liz:
Tilapia Oreganato w/ Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes
Serves 4
4 Tilapia Loins
Breadcrumbs Seasoned*
Finely chopped (almost minced) garlic

*You can buy the store brand or make your own. Making your own allows you to control what is in the bread crumb. See below for homemade recipe.

Dried Oregano
Olive Oil
Lemon
Salt to taste
Preheat oven to 375

Wash four sweet potatoes and keep the skin on. Wrap in aluminum foil and place in the oven for about 45 minutes depending on size. Do this first before you begin your fish.

Sweet potatoes have a little protein and are so much healthier for you than regular white potatoes.

Mix the garlic with your breadcrumbs.

Pour a small amount of olive oil into a bowl and use a brush to lightly coat the bottom of your baking pan so the Tilapia doesn’t stick. Place the Tilapia in the pan and then get a handful of breadcrumb mixture and generously cover the top of the fish. Then generously sprinkle the dried oregano over the fish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl and mix with 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil. Take the lemon/oil mixture and gently drizzle each Tilapia loin. Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and cook for 20 mins. After 20 minutes take the Tilapia out and uncover. Now broil the fish for 5 minutes or so (watch not to burn) and your fish is done.

Asparagus is low in calories and carbs and has a little protein (about 5g per serving). So clean your asparagus and snap off ends. Mix the cleaned asparagus in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Place asparagus in an oven ready baking dish and put in the oven the last 10 minutes your fish is cooking (at 375). You don’t want to overcook asparagus; you want it to still be crunchy.

Within 45 minutes you have dinner fit for a king. If you prefer you can microwave the potato, however, microwaving food decreases nutritional value.

Homemade Breadcrumbs
1 loaf of whole wheat baguette (day old is best)
Seasoning such as dried parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, rosemary, etc.

Article Source: http://sportsnutritioninsider.insidefitnessmag.com/3178/interview-with-liz-gaspari