An Interview With Candace Parker - Face of the WNBA

WNBA

M.V.P. ('08). Rookie of the Year ('08). Fit mama back on the court ('09). Twenty-three-year-old basketball champ Candace Parker's resume is beyond impressive, so when we got the chance to interview her, we had plenty of questions we wanted answered, but since this is a three-questions-only post, we'll sneak some of the extra tidbits we learned up here in the intro. How she slimmed down post-pregnancy? She watched what she ate, "not necessarily cutting back ... but eating healthier things. I would snack on fruit instead of cookies." Her favorite (non-basketball) way to get active? "I love to go out in the yard and throw the football around."

That's Fit: It's hard enough for most career women to take time off to start a family, how did you deal with the added pressure of needing to really take care of your body so you could get back to playing professionally?

Candace Parker: I was really focused during my entire pregnancy on eating right, exercising and just taking care of my body. Being active during my pregnancy and having a solid foundation really helped me when I wanted to come back. I rode the elliptical a lot. I still shot baskets. I went on walks with my dogs a lot. I just stayed active.

TF: How much catch-up do you think is necessary in professional basketball and in professional sports in general for women compared to men's level of pay, respect and fans?

CP: I wouldn't say it's necessarily a matter of playing "catch-up." I think we have a different game and different things to offer from the men's game and therefore, we have a different type of fan and demographic. In terms of respect, I think we're getting more and more every day.

TF: Your husband and brother also play basketball professionally, do you ever play with them?

CP: We work out a lot together, but especially now since our seasons are opposite, we don't really play together.

Want more post-baby body advice? Learn how celeb moms slim down.