BlackDoctor.org: What were the challenges mentally and emotionally dealing with your injury and the rehab process?
NP: The emotional challenges were the hardest for me. This was my first time since high school actually being hurt and having to miss substantial time so I really struggled, especially seeing my team excel and almost making it to the Super Bowl. I would’ve loved to be out there battling with them, but it wasn’t my time and over the course of the season I understood that and knew my role was to support and help the individuals who were playing week to week.
BlackDoctor.org: Did you feel any fear or uncertainty about getting back on the field?
NP: Yes, I had [some] uncertainty when it came back to getting on the field, but just like in football you have to trust your training. In this case, I had to trust my rehab and my trainers. I knew they wouldn’t put me in a position to fail nor would they put me in a position hurt myself again.
BlackDoctor.org: What is your general fitness regimen and diet?
NP: My diet is pretty straightforward. No red meat or pork and carbs once a day if any. I follow the motto, “the less legs it has the better it is for you”. My fitness routine is somewhat complex but it consists of cardio, strength training, core and I’ve added boxing and yoga again. Each day I do some type of cardio, core and strength. 2-3 days out the week I try to engage in boxing or yoga. I also do position specific work 2-3 times a week after I’m done with my workout. I typically work out 4-5 days but some weeks I get 6 workouts in.
BlackDoctor.org: What’s your snack food weakness?
NP: Haha! My weakness is any type of cakes. I love doughnuts, like, LOVE them. I also love Swedish fish.
BlackDoctor.org: What helps you to snack less and stick to a diet?
NP: The one thing that helps me snack less is is not buying them and not keeping snacks in my house, ‘cuz I know if I don’t have them and want them I won’t go to the store just to buy them.
Inside Man: Packers Nate Palmer’s Winning Remedy For Fear? “Trust Your Training” was originally published on blackdoctor.org