Get to Know Ali Riley

Last year we proudly announced our partnership with Ali Riley - professional soccer player, advocate and creator. A native of Los Angeles, Ali has played soccer all over the world, including for Stanford University, FC Rosengard in Sweden, Chelsea FC in England, FC Bayern in Germany, Orlando Pride and Angel City FC in Los Angeles. 

As a professional athlete, health and wellness are extremely important to Ali. She follows a lifestyle which includes daily routines and products that support her overall health. Ali proudly incorporates Wedderspoon products into her routine. Our Manuka Honey and Manuka-based products boost the immune system and offer a natural source of energy. Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Pops and Manuka Honey on the Go are perfect to throw into her gym bag and enjoy on busy days.

As a wellness and nutrition-focused person, Ali enjoys cooking and preparing her own meals at home. And, some of her favorite recipes include Manuka Honey at the heart of them! Her Manuka Honey Roasted Pecan recipe is perfect for an energizing mid-day snack. Ali’s go-to Post-Game Smoothie recipe offers nutrients to replenish energy. But, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy it! Try her smoothie recipe after your next gym session or fitness class.

When it comes to wellness, Ali is a believer in the importance of caring for the whole body! Not only does she fuel her body with nutritious meals, but she takes care of her skin too. After spending a lot of time sweating in the gym or on the field, her skin (and all of ours!) needs a little TLC. Ali’s DIY Manuka Honey Scrub for the Face and Lips is the perfect way to refresh and rejuvenate. 

Ali sounds like an interesting and inspiring person, right? This is just the surface! We got to chat with Ali to talk about athletics and training, her personal motivations, travel, and of course, her favorite Wedderspoon products. Read on to get the scoop!

Question: What are the top three ways you prep for a big game?  

Ali: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! 

Question: How do you incorporate Wedderspoon products into your training and daily routines?

Ali: I drizzle my Manuka Honey on top of my homemade yogurt berry and granola parfait every morning - it’s so delicious! I also enjoy using Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey in my smoothies and while on the go. A taste of NZ right here in LA!

Question: Who do you most look up to in your life and who has inspired you to keep going?

Ali: I look up to all of the women athletes who paved the way for future generations. They didn’t get the money or the recognition, but because they refused to stop fighting we have made huge progress. Of course, there is still a long way to go and we still experience huge disparities between men’s and women’s sports, so it’s those young girls and what I want their careers to look like that inspires me to keep going. 

Question: How do you motivate yourself when you don’t feel like working out?

Ali: I actually love exercise, but when I’m a bit sluggish I put on some really upbeat music and think about how every training is an opportunity to get better. 

Question: What is your favorite Manuka Hack when using our Manuka Honey? 

Ali: Manuka Honey, lemon, and hot water for a cold or sore throat. It works so well!

Question: With the amount you travel, how do you boost your immunity and stay healthy?

Ali: Sleep, hydration, and foods with lots of nutrients. Plus, Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey drops and lozenges definitely come in handy (The elderberry is my favorite!).

Question: What advice would you give yourself as a little girl having the experiences you’ve had so far in soccer and life?

Ali: Enjoy the ride and don’t look too far ahead- nothing will be as you expected, but you will achieve things beyond your wildest dreams.