Olympics icon Ilona Maher reveals new health trend that has people 'losing the plot': 'Don't lie to yourself'

Ilona Maher has stayed in prime physical condition as a professional athlete, with one new health trend rubbing her the wrong way, saying others have 'lost the plot' of getting in shape.   

Over a year ago, Maher rose to superstardom with the bronze-medal American Olympic rugby team, with her peak athleticism helping the United States get on the medal stand. 

One health trend she has not budged on is swapping in cottage cheese in place of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream in recipes to make a dish healthier. 

Maher discussed the trend on Kylie Kelce's 'Not Gonna Lie' podcast, that is designed to be gut-healthy and help with building muscle.  

'Don’t lie to yourself. I saw a recent (recipe), it was like protein tiramisu,' Maher said. 'She dips the rice cake in espresso and then she puts Greek yogurt on there. I was like, "That’s not even f***ing close!" I think we really lost the plot on that.'

Maher also added that while she eats a high-protein diet to stay in phenomenal shape, she also is on a more controversial high-carb diet.

'I have a high-protein diet, but I also have probably the highest-carb diet ever,' Maher added. 'I was raised on very high-carb diets. And carbs are really the energy that you need - that’s science, truly.'

'I get protein in for most meals, but I’m actually not as committed to the bit as I maybe could be. I think I could be leaner, if I was really focusing on protein. But I just don’t see - I think I’m fine.'

Maher's routine paid off to become one of the American darlings from the Summer Olympics in Paris. 

She relayed that success into an appearance on 'Dancing With The Stars', showing off her athleticism in a different form. 

Maher, 29, made it to the finale of the reality competition before finishing as a runner-up. Also on the show was fellow overnight Olympic sensation and gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik. 

Maher has competed for the United States national women's rugby team since 2018 and looks to have a great shot at representing America at the 2028 Summer Olympics on home turf, looking to repeat a place on the medal stand.