The VP of R&D at Needed Aletta, is proving that mom-strength is real, and sometimes looks like square breathing between swim intervals.
Motherhood has a way of pulling you in every direction. Emotionally, physically, logistically. For Aletta Mayorga, it’s also become a source of strength. As a mother of two (plus a very important pup), a registered dietitian, and a devoted endurance athlete, thriving isn’t about doing it all, it’s about fueling up, showing up, and redefining what strength looks like across seasons.
In this edition of How I Thrive, Aletta shares the realities of breastfeeding depletion, her no-hack sleep philosophy, and why nothing beats the serotonin hit of a solo long run with no return deadline.
Needed: First up, tell us about you.
Aletta: I’m Aletta Mayorga, MS, RD. I’m a mom to Matthew (8), Theo (8 months), and Sammy the pup (11). I’m also the VP of Research and Development for Needed, a self-proclaimed nutrition nerd, and an endurance athlete who likes to lift heavy things. Not necessarily in that order.
Needed: What’s one thing you wish people understood about your world?
Aletta: That movement isn’t just a hobby—it’s essential. For me, being active is how I reset and revive. It’s not something I make myself do to be healthy—it’s foundational to my physical and mental wellbeing.
Needed: How are you, really?
Aletta: Let’s just say we’re in a phase. I’ve got an eight-going-on-eighteen-year-old and a teething eight-month-old. Some days are harder than I’d like, but I genuinely love being their mom. I already know I’ll miss parts of this season one day.
Needed: What does thriving look like for you these days?
Aletta: Thriving is getting to go somewhere alone—swim, bike, run—with no clock to race against and no one else’s needs to meet. That’s the dream.
Needed: What’s something that’s surprised you about your own endurance?
Aletta: That I could come back even stronger than before becoming a mom. I’ve hit personal records after both kids—and while the comeback takes work, the strength that motherhood unlocks? Unreal.
Needed: Have you ever felt totally depleted?
Aletta: Breastfeeding, both times. The first time especially—I just wasn’t prepared for the toll it would take. I figured out quickly that staying on my prenatal, prioritizing Omega-3s, and eating more (not less) made all the difference. This time around, I’m still on my Needed Prenatal and Omegas, hydrating with electrolytes, and not afraid to eat good food. Liberally.
Needed: Do you have a morning ritual that helps you feel like yourself?
Aletta: Not really. Mornings are chaotic, and I’ve made peace with that.
Needed: Go-to movement or workout?
Aletta: It depends on my training cycle. I’ve got a half Ironman this fall and likely a Hyrox comp in the winter, so my workouts are tailored to both endurance and strength. I love the variation.
Needed: What’s on your plate, literally?
Aletta: I always start with making sure I’m getting enough protein, carbs, and healthy fats. I love seafood, roasted veggies, and whole grains—but I’m also not saying no to a good sourdough PB&J.
Needed: Favorite product or supplement that’s helping right now?
Aletta: The basics for me are Multi, Omegas, hydration. If I take nothing else, those three keep me going. Also Cog Support is a hero for me, life keeps me busy, but juggling it all has been so much easier with Cog Support! Helps me think more clearly and focus when I need to be at my best.
Needed: Sleep. What’s working (or not) in your house?
Aletta: Magnesium helps me. As for the kids? No real hacks, just lots of patience.
Needed: A mantra or mindset that helps you keep going?
Aletta: “This will not last forever.” I say it a lot, mostly because it’s true.
Needed: One misconception about thriving in motherhood you’d love to let go of?
Aletta: That pregnant women shouldn’t lift weights or exercise. That myth is finally shifting, and I’m here for it.
Needed: How do you reset when things feel off?
Aletta: Breathwork, specifically box breathing (4-4-4-4). It’s simple but grounding.
Needed: What are you most proud of in this season?
Aletta: Honestly? Watching my older son be such a good big brother. He’s crushing it.
Needed: What’s bringing you joy right now?
Aletta: I’m taking my older son to a Backstreet Boys concert—never thought I’d say that, but my teenage self is loving the full-circle moment.
Want more stories like this?
Explore the full How I Thrive series at thisisneeded.com/blogs/all
