Tara Thatcher

What's New in My World!?!

2011-06-22T20:57:00.000-05:00

Hi there! I know it has been awhile since my last entry! But, in my defense, I have been UBER busy lately! I started my own business, Perfectly Prepared LLC, and have been coaching figure & bikini competitors, helping teach people about nutrition, working with ladies that are interested in fitness modeling, helping them market themselves, planning my wedding, and trying to keep up with my own healthy lifestyle and goals!!!

I was married on May 7th, to the love of my life in the most beautiful ceremony! We had an amazing day, and everything went off without a hitch! We had great weather, which was iffy at best for the week leading up to it, my dress ( from Raffine Bridal in Stillwater, www.raffinebridal.com ), was incredible, and my hair and makeup was flawless ( THANK YOU to Jason Molitor!!!). My bridesmaids and my own jewelry and hair piece, were done by the lovely ladies at Vintage City Classics ( www.vintagecityclassics.com) and were all beautiful, one of a kind, vintage inspired designs!

We were married at the Mill City Museum, located in Downtown Minneapolis. It was a beautiful, historic, choice that Ben and I decided best represented us!

My flowers were so perfect, and done by Shelli DiBilzan of Forever In Bloom. The photographer that captured all of these stunning images is Chris Meyer, www.cm-photographics.com ! He does incredible work, and I am so pleased with the images that we have seen! Can't wait to design my album!

We took a week long honeymoon in Mexico and had a great time visiting the Mayan ruins, snorkeling, jet skiing, and trying different restaurants and relaxing!!!

Back to reality when we returned home! Busy with work, clients, and life! Enjoying the beginning of summer. I have started getting back to my training, clean eating, and trying some new things!

I have started taking some Pilates Reformer classes! I got a great deal on 3 classes from a Groupon, and am giving something new a try! I had my first class on Monday, and I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to my next class!

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-jackets-and-hoodies/Cool-Down-Jacket-33041?cc=0002&skuId=3410467&catId=women-jackets-and-hoodies

I have a new love in my life! My Lululemon Cooldown jacket! This is THE MOST comfortable jacket EVER! It is reversible ( which is like getting two jackets for the price of one!) , and perfect for running, and everything you could think of! I have a hard time taking this one off!

So, a little peek into my life and what I have been up to! I will be back to blogging regularly, so check back soon!

Have a Happy & Healthy Day!

Tara Thatcher Haertzen

Paying it Forward!!!

2011-03-25T12:30:00.000-05:00

You never know when a simple thing like answering a strangers question, smiling at someone, perhaps helping someone who needs your expertise will impact them in a positive way! Very recently I received a message from a young lady named Nicole Danihels that asked for a few moments of my time, and some insight into my experiences. I did my best to answer her questions and give her some positive direction.

Here is part of the message that she sent me the other day:

"Hey Tara! I just want to thank you again for being so cool to me during my prep to my show. I had a blast and got a really good idea of what this life is like and I fell in love with most of it. The only down falls were some politics, some weird creepy men, and some not nice competitors. Other then that it was the most challenging, rewarding, fairytale experience. : D!

You really helped me a lot with sharing your experience and you inspired me. I look up to you and can't thank you enough for being positive and genuinely helping me. Its kind of funny because friends asked me and people talked to me at the show and asked me questions about what I did and what my experience was, and I thought of you and remembered how you were helpful and positive towards me and I felt good giving them that same helpful positive energy about my journey."

Messages like this MAKE MY DAY! Not only could I help someone, but she could share something positive with others from her experience too! That made me cry. I started my business to help others, and messages like this are like a heaven sent confirmation that I am doing what I am supposed to!!!!

Nicole~ You are a beautiful young lady, both inside and out. I wish you the best on your fitness journey, and know that you will be a positive light to others!!!

Tara

Realization. The TRUTH.

2011-03-07T14:46:00.000-06:00

A I walked up and down the countless isles of supplement booths at the Arnold Classic Expo this past weekend, I had an "ah-ha" moment! Here are all of these companies, passing out millions of free product samples to tens of thousands of "fitness fans". These people are lugging around huge bags, emblazoned with the top company brand names and slogans. Packed to the brim with samples of products that they know NOTHING about. Nothing about the fillers, the artificial sweeteners. Nothing about what the product does to or for your body. Companies making such outrageous claims , offering results that cannot be attained. Claims that prey on naive, trusting consumers.

It made me realize how incredibly happy I am NOT to get that bag, and NOT to live under the illusion created by supplement companies to market their product to the masses. NOW, I am not saying that EVERY supplement company puts out terrible products. But, there are no regulations enforced by the FDA to ensure their claims and ingredients are true, and what they claim to be.

So, why am I so happy? Because I am an Independent Consultant for Isagenix International, the Worldwide Leader in Nutritional Cleansing!!! I would pit these products against any vendor I saw there! I KNOW that our protein is the HIGHEST quality protein that you can get your hands on. If theses "fitness fans" actually took the time to do some research, they would cringe at the things that they are putting into protein supplements. Fillers, toxins, low quality denatured proteins, harmful chemicals, the lowest bioavailability, and even poisons!!!!

Isagenix IsaPro is THE BEST quality whey protein on the market! Numerous studies have shown that whey protein is superior to other protein sources because it is more easily absorbed and contains higher levels of branched-chain amino acids ( BCAAs) to drive muscle protein anabolism - the lean muscle growth you want. The dairy whey in IsaLean and IsaPro is produced by cows in a pristine New Zealand Environment. The fresh, whole milk is guided through a low-heat series of fine filters, which seperate our whey from other dairy components such as fats and lactose. The ultra-filtration process yields the cleanest whey protein concentrate available for easy digestibility. Also, due to these gentle, low-heat methods, the whey protein is protected from breaking down and maintains its natural, high-quality, undenatured state. It also contains Ionic Alfalfa, which is rich in trace minerals and provides extra support for general metabolism and supporting your body's overall health naturally!

So, I ask you, do YOU really know what is in your supplements, your protein powder, pills and other products??? Don't you think that your body deserves the BEST quality products that have been PROVEN to work? Ask ME about Isagenix! I would be so happy to help you get started on the best products in the WORLD!!!

Stay Happy & Healthy,

Tara

Real Skin Health ~ Angela Kessenich

2011-02-02T15:48:00.001-06:00

Hello there! Today I would like to introduce my esthetician, and friend, Angela! I actually just got back from a wonderful peel and microdermabrasion. My face feels so clean, and glowy! She is AMAZING and is so knowledgeable about skin care. I wanted to ask her some questions that I think many of us wonder, but don't know who to ask!

1. How long have you been providing skin care services? Where are you located?

I've been in practice for over 7 years but have worked in the medical field for the past 10 years. I have my own business called Real Skin Health which I started in 2004 and have merged it over the years with Rocheford Plastic Surgery in Woodbury, MN. I have a background in pre-medical studies and product chemistry. I have worked with 22 specialties including dermatology, women's health and vascular centers.

2. What are the most common mistakes or misconceptions that women make or have when it comes to their skin care?

Not enough exfoliation! We are always too careful, just like working out the body we need to work out the skin. Get off dead skin cells and force the body to replace them with new ones. Biggest area I commonly see neglected is the eye area. Everyone is so concerned as to how 'delicate' the area is. Yes, it is indeed delicate but this area still needs to have cellular turnover or it will appear to have more fine lines. Best exfoliation comes from proper exfoliation masks or eye-specific eye creams. Lessor but still great products would be clarisonic or your everyday clean soft wash cloth.

3.How often should women come in for a facial/microdermabrasion/ peels?

Every 6 to 8 weeks a person should see their esthetician. This is the average I've seen with patients that their skin becomes dull, dirty and clogged. Especially if the are using over-the-counter skin care lines, then you should plan 6 weeks.

4. You have your own skin care line, what do you base your formulations on? Can you customize products for your clients?

Yes, I love to customize if I can, sometimes I will even blend a product to be stronger for a patient if needed. I base the products on the following conditions:

Each one of the products must do 2 or more of the following:

1. Be pH balanced or have a low pH for skin cell renewal

2. Provide proper exfoliation for a smooth or polished appearance

3. Contain a strong antioxidant base to prevent fine lines, make the skin glow and combat brown spots

4. Have Anti-microbial properties to prevent breakouts

5. Contain properties to promote collagen synthesis

Ultimately I created this line because I was designing regimens for clients and every line in the past only had partial products, so I ended up throwing different products from different lines together all the time. This way I could do one line but have several products to pull from.

Some of my favorite products are:

Pumpkin and Orange Peel I sell in the fall or the Banana Enzyme Peel for summer. These two peels when I blend with 5 to 10 minutes of steam, along with spin brush, makes the skin have an amazingly polished surface.

C+ Tomato Serum - Love to as a aid to prevent skin cancers as it contains all the right ingredients, glycolic to stimulate new cell production, vitamin C to combat cellular dysfunction and of course our all time favorite Lycopene derived from plants. Of course sunscreen is the ultimate for preventing skin cancers but a serum like this can help by combating what damage passes through your sunscreen.

I also love the new Bleu Silk Restoring Cream. It's loaded with antioxidants to combat fine lines and wrinkles, with blueberry extracts. Smells and feels wonderful.

5. If there was any bit of advice that you could give to women, what would it be?

Try not to be cheap with your skin. Even if you have to spend a little more for a higher quality product it will save you money in the long run. Often I have people come in who haven't taken care of their skin their whole life and they end up spending the most money in treatments to correct the problem. It's never too late to start, even if it's a little bit at a time. :)

Thank you, Angela for doing such a great job answering these questions! Interested in reading more of what Angela had to say? Email me, tara@taraathatcher.com to sign up for our FREE newsletter!

If you are in the Twin Cities area and are in need of a FABULOUS esthetician, you can check out all of the services that Angela provides, on her website: www.realskinhealth.com.

Hope that was as informative for you as it was for me!

Thanks for reading,

Tara A Thatcher

Adding another BLOG!

2011-01-12T14:46:00.000-06:00

Hey fine followers, I am adding another blog! If you enjoy the topics that I cover, please follow my new blog as well! Please check it out, http://welcometotaraathatcher.blogspot.com/

Celebrating the Holidays without Sabotaging your lifestyle!

2010-12-11T11:54:00.002-06:00

Happy Holidays to all! We know that this time of year brings a lot of temptation by way of holiday parties, potlucks, and "Christmas Cookies". Here are a few tips to help you stick to your healthy lifestyle, and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones!

1. Scented Candles. Love the smell of freshly baked cookies, peppermint, even a fresh cut tree! Warm your home with the smell of these delicious scented candles. At zero calories, these won't do any damage to your healthy lifestyle, and your home will smell amazing! My holiday faves:

~ Glade Limited Winter Collection Apple Cinnamon

~ Glade Limited Winter Collection Bayberry Spice and Everything Nice

~ Glade Limited Winter Collection Peppermint Crush

Try burning all of the different scents at the same time for a real, warm, holiday feel!

2. Get a festive pedicure! Schedule a pedi with your friends, to break up some holiday shopping. Try out a new shade! Your feet will thank you! Some new colors to check out:

OPI Burlesque Collection:

~ Bring on the Bling, a gold glitter that's beyond dazzling.

~ Tease-y Does It, in this tempting burgundy shimmer.

Regular OPI

~ Lincoln Park After Dark, where midnight meets purple.

3. Watch your Alcohol consumption! Enjoy a holiday cocktail or two, but keep your alcohol limited. Celebration is an essential part of life — weddings, parties, holidays and vacations and Alcohol is usually present in these times. Some of us drink occasionally, others regularly and others rarely. But how much is too much? How can we determine the Calorie content of alcohol and how does it affect our body?

When we drink alcohol, the body converts the majority of it into acetate (a source of energy) which is then released to the bloodstream and is used as a primary source of fuel, but a small portion gets converted to fat. This seems great because we are using alcohol as a source of energy but the truth is; it harms the body.

Instead of using our stored fat and burning it to fuel alcohol substitutes it, keeping it in the body and the unused calories from alcohol consumption also become stored as fat. This is the reason people get fat when they drink regularly.

Better Drink Choices:

Red Wine, Vodka mixed with Club Soda.

AVOID: Creamy cocktails, blended drinks, anything with salt/sugar on the rim.

4. Peppermint Extract. Add this to your chocolate protein shake for a little holiday twist, to your tea, to your "healthy hot chocolate" recipe!

For Healthy Hot Chocolate

8 oz Almond Breeze, Vanilla, Unsweetened

1 TBSP Unsweetened Cocoa powder, I used Ghiradelli, because it is the BEST!

1 Packet stevia, I used Truvia

1-3 drips Peppermint Extract

Directions: Warm 8 oz of Almond Breeze in a mug for 1 1/2 minutes. Add 1 TBSP cocoa powder, stevia, and peppermint extract and stir. Enjoy!

Healthy Hot Chocolate Nutrition Breakdown:

55 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 5 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, 0 grams sugar, 2 grams protein

PROMASIL Mint Chocolate Protein Shake

You will want to use a blender or Magic bullet so that it turns out smooth and creamy.

Blend the following ingredients together:

1 Scoop RIVALUS Milk Chocolate PROMASIL, 1-2 drops peppermint extract, 1 cup almond milk ( I use Almond Breeze, vanilla unsweetened) , 1 packet stevia, and some ice.

Blend together for a delicious holiday treat! For some added caffeine, add 1-2 TBSP instant coffee!

PROMASIL Mint Chocolate Protein Shake Breakdown

130 Calories, 3 grams fat, 20 grams protein, 2 grams carbs.

5. Be Prepared! We can end up away from home for hours, shopping, running errands. Make sure that you are prepared with water, as well as a few snacks that will keep you on track! Keep small bags of almonds on hand, apples, or trail mix in your purse. This way you can snack on the go, in between meals and not worry about where your next meal is coming from! Remember to eat every 2-3 hours to keep your metabolism up and your blood sugar stable!

Have a HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Tara A Thatcher!

Healthy French Toast

2010-11-27T14:04:00.000-06:00

Random Thoughts.........

2010-11-27T10:30:00.000-06:00

I went out with a friend last night. Someone whom I love, trust, look up to, and who is very wise. One of the topics that we touched on last night, was how people just get comfortable and complacent in their lives and then complain. It got me thinking, if people don't push their limits, they will never see where they could go, or what they could do. Every once in awhile we get complacent, with our jobs, our relationships, pretty much ever aspect of our lives. We should not be ungrateful, or unsatisfied, but keep things fresh, and push ourselves past mediocrity to see where we can go, and what we are capable of!

Challenge yourself today! Do something that makes you a little scared! Scared of rejection, scared if you can do it, just push yourself! Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Show yourself what you are made of! Make this day count!

Tara

No More Excuses!!!

2010-11-12T14:31:00.001-06:00

Ok folks, today we are going to talk about EXCUSES! People always seem to have an excuse as to why they can't eat properly or follow a structured workout plan. Yes, life has many variables, and things happen every once in awhile that we can't control. BUT, this is NOT an excuse not to do the things that you have committed yourself too!!!

EATING HEALTHIER! Yes working out is a HUGE part of looking good, sculpted muscles, a nice flat stomach, a lean and tight body, BUT, it will not work without proper nutrition and eating right! So, coupling proper nutrition with weight training and cardiovascular activity will yield the best results!

PROPER NUTRITION + WEIGHT TRAINING + CARDIO = SUCCESS

EXCUSE 1. I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE HEALTHY FOOD. There are 24 hours in each day. This is NOT an acceptable excuse! Eating healthier can be a even faster way to prepare meals!

SOLUTION : Prepare meals ahead of time. Try making a few meals each time you are preparing meals. I just whipped up grilled flounder, and asparagus, and brown rice in just 15 minutes total! Here I have two flounder filets seasoned with Lite Salt, Pepper, And McCormick Perfect Pinch Savory All Purpose Salt free seasoning. Cooking time 6 Minutes on George Foreman Grill. 2 servings of asparagus baked for 15 min, seasoned with Lite Salt and Pepper. For a quick and easy complex carb, try Trader Joe's Organic Brown rice. It comes frozen, in a bag, all you have to do is throw a bag in the microwave for 3 minutes, and it is ready! Eating better is just a few minutes away!

EXCUSE 2. I FEEL OVERWHELMED. So does everyone from time to time. Finding healthy ways to deal with emotional stress is very important to living a healthy lifestyle.

SOLUTION : Find healthier ways to deal with stress! Try taking a yoga class, this is a great way to relieve stress and get a good workout in too! Take your issues with you to the gym, and use them to fuel your workout! Do not turn to food to comfort you. Food is fuel, not something to make you feel better. Remember that! Try talking to a friend about it. Sometimes we just need to get it out, then we can move on!

EXCUSE 3. I CAN'T. Sometimes we feel like we are unable to move forward, like we are stuck in a rut.

SOLUTION: I CAN! Focus on positives! Make a list of things that you are thankful for, and focus on what you do have instead of what you think that you don't have. You CAN do whatever you put your mind to, if you really want it. A great way to hold yourself accountable is to write down some goals. Try setting goals for 3, 6, and 12 months! Then when you feel like you can't, read your goals and remind yourself what you are working towards!

EXCUSE 4. I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START. Don't know where to start with healthy eating, or making a lifestyle change?

SOLUTION: ASK FOR HELP! I offer nutritional consults, where I can help you make better food choices while grocery shopping and eating out! As well as explaining what different macronutrients are and what they do for our bodies, what kind of condiments are better than others, being prepared with tupperware, and planning ahead!

Make a commitment to yourself, to learn more about what foods you are putting into your body, and the bodies of your family. Find out what better choices are, and stick to goals that you make. Take good care of your body, and it will take good care of you!

Please feel free to contact me about "PERFECTLY PREPARED NUTRITION"! I would love to help you educate yourself about food, so that you can make better choices and learn about nutrition! You can email me tara@taraathatcher.com, as well as check out my website, www.taraathatcher.com

Thank you!

Tara

Swimming.... a great way to mix up your cardio!

2010-10-26T16:40:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for something new/different to add to your cardio routine? Ever thought of swimming? Swimming is easy on your joints, and a very effective form of cardio! I learned how to swim at a very early age, eventually joined a swim club, then my high school swim team. Although I was never the best at it, it was always my favorite sport, because it was, without question, the most challenging. Being in the water offers a noise/music free environment which can be very therapeutic as well as relaxing.

Swimming is a healthy activity that can be continued for a lifetime, and the health benefits that it offers are definitely worth the effort that it takes to get into the pool. This exercise works practically all of the muscles in the body ( if you do a variety of strokes). It can develop general strength, cardiovascular fitness and endurance. It does not help with bone density- you need a weight bearing exercise for that- but that is about all that is missing from what swimming could do for your fitness!

Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. It can serve as a cross-training element to your regular workouts. Before a land workout, you can use the pool for a warm-up session. Swimming with increasing effort to gradually increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscle activity is easily accomplished in the water. After a land workout, swimming a few laps can help you cool-down, move blood through your muscles to help them recover, and help you relax as you glide through the water.

There are other psychological benefit to swimming, if you allow it to occur. Relax and swim with a very low effort. Let your mind wander, focusing on nothing but the rhythm of your stroke. This form of meditation can help you gain a feeling of well-being, leaving your water session refreshed and ready to go on with the rest of your day. Many swimmers find an in-direct benefit form swimming. They develop life skills such as sportsmanship, time-management, self-discipline, goal-setting, and an increased sense of self-worth through their participation in the sport. Swimmers seem to do better in school, in general terms, than non-swimmers as a group.

Some basic things that you may want to help you on your swimming workouts:

1. a suit that is meant for swimming laps in. The straps on this suit are really nice and thin, so if the suit is properly fitted, they wont dig into your shoulders or be uncomfortable. Good brands to look at include: Nike, Speedo, and TYR. Check your local sporting goods store, and try them on. These suits fit differently than normals suits, and proper fit is key!

2. Cap and goggles. The cap will help to keep your hair out of your face while you are swimming. The goggles will help to keep the water out of your eyes while you are gliding through the pool. I prefer Speedo brand caps and Speedo brand Vanquisher mirrored goggles.

3. Something that you may want to purchase is called a "pull buoy". You put it in between your legs to keep them afloat while you use your arms to do most of the work. A great way to work the back, shoulders, and arms!

4. Kick boards. This will help you focus on your kick part of any stroke. A nice way to give yourself a little bit of the break in between sets, and give your upper body a little rest.

5. FINIS Zoomers. These fins offer an innovative design that utilizes short-fin technology to promote a shorter, faster kick. They're designed to provide the ideal amount of propulsion for perfecting the swimming kick and stroke, allowing for better form over longer periods of time. Because they have a smaller blade than traditional fins, Zoomers make the legs work harder without overloading the muscles.

So there you have it, something new to tackle! I enjoy swimming usually 1-2 times per week, and really love my time in the pool! Try it, you may love it too!

~Tara

Splurge-worthy Items!

2010-10-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Hello there! We all have different ways of rewarding ourselves for a job well done. Things like sticking to clean, healthy eating, making it to the gym for the number of days that we set for ourselves, or taking some group exercise classes to mix up our cardio are all good reasons to reward ourselves! Stay away from rewarding yourself with food, do it with something useful like an article of clothing, new workout shoes, a cool lipgloss, new makeup, a massage, or some yoga classes! Not only will this type of reward last longer than oh say, a piece of chocolate cake, it will also serve as a reminder of a job well done!

Splurge-worthy items. I am all about saving money, buying smart, and being aware of what things cost. There are a few things that I believe are definitely worth the higher price tag!

1.The "Define" jacket from Lululemon! Or really, any item from that magical store! I recently acquired this jacket and may I tell you, it is worth the price tag! It is perfectly fitted, constructed from a very high quality material, and looks and feels amazing! It's great for crisp fall early morning runs, because it doesn't ride up, and the thumb holes in the sleeves keep the sleeves from bunching up as well. It's a great piece to wear over your workout clothes to the gym, so you look polished instead of disheveled! What a great, versatile, high quality piece of clothing!

2. Vibram Five Fingers KSO. These "shoes" have changed the way I train! I LOVE them. They force you to use muscles that lay dormant while you wear regular shoes because they aren't needed due to the fact that regular shoes are more like a cast. I use these to weight train in, to run, and sometimes just for fun! They are the closed thing to being barefoot, which is the most natural way to train. They are made of high quality materials, and last longer than regular shoes. They may look a little funny, but you will fall in love with them!

3. Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip gloss. This stuff is the REAL DEAL. It is a tingly, lip plumping, high glass lip gloss that rocks! It is not cheap, but lasts and worth every penny! My must have colors are "Amber" and "Ginger". You can pick these up at Sephora or Ulta.

4. Urban Decay eyeshadows! My great friend Megan introduced me to these magically colored, intense, and versatile eye shadows. You can apply them dry, or for more of an impact, add a little water to your eyeshadow brush and apply wet! This stuff is great! They have some pre assembled color palates, or you can buy the shadows individually! Some great colors to try are: "Sellout", "Half Baked" and "Last Call". The color palate pictured is also a great one!

Another great Urban Decay product is their eyeshadow primer. You apply this to your eyelids before your eyeshadow and it sets the shadow for the whole day! This stuff is pure magic!

5. Moroccanoil. Moroccanoil Oil Treatment, is a unique serum with instant absorption into hair to create a beautiful shine and long term conditioning. This stuff smells amazing, is easy to use, and will make your hair shiny, strong, smooth, and striking! Apply to damp hair while blowdrying in a small amount, and you will immediately see a difference! Great stuff.

6. A Professional Massage. Is there anything better? Being in a heated room, listening to peaceful music, smelling delicious oils, and being worked on by a professional, just a great reward! There are so many benefits to getting a massage: to relax, release endorphins, enhance immunity, increase joint flexibility, improve circulation, reduce spasms and cramping, and helping athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.

7. Yoga Classes. Yoga class is a great place to let your tensions go, and just be. To learn your body, and find peace. Some of the benefits of yoga are: increased flexibility, increasing lubrication of joints, ligaments and tendons, massaging of ALL internal organs of the body, complete detoxification, as well as excellent toning of muscles. You may want to check and see if your gym offers yoga classes, and that is a great place to start. I really enjoy hot yoga, and practice at Corepower Yoga, which offers a variety of classes to fit your level.

So, keep these ideas in mind next time you are up for a little reward! It's ok to splurge on yourself once in a while. Take care of you. May you have faith in your worth and act with wisdom.

Tara

Easy, healthy veggies!

2010-10-11T09:22:00.001-05:00

Good Morning! I hope that everyone got to enjoy their weekend, and relax a little bit! We have been experiencing some really wonderful, but out of character 80 degree weather here in Minnesota! It has been beautiful, warm, and really great to have a little Indian Summer here. Enjoying every moment of it! And appreciating the fact that I can go outside to do cardio, rather than driving to the gym!

I just wanted to share a really easy way to make your veggies! I usually buy red, green, orange, and yellow bell peppers, onions, baby bella mushrooms, and just chop them up and mix them up in a tupperware. In the picture below, I have also added some black olives.

I love to make egg white and vegetable omelets! So, I pour about 5 egg whites into a pan, and take a few handfuls of this mixture and add it to one side of the egg whites. If you like, you could add a little cheese, to add some extra flavor. As another idea, I also like to add broccoli to this mix, and cook it with a little olive oil, garlic, and Braggs liquid amino acids ( a healthy alternative to soy sauce). That results in a nice healthy, stir fry of vegetables. Perfect to add to any meal!

So, if you are having trouble getting in your vegetables, try this easy method! Pick up some bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, black olives, sugar snap peas, broccoli, or whatever you prefer. Take about 5 minutes to chop them up, and put them in a tupperware. Then they will be handy for you to add to any meal! Enjoy!

Tara

L-I-F-E

2010-10-07T17:29:00.000-05:00

Hello! I have been beyond busy lately, but wanted to do a quick blog entry! I have accepted a position as a Sales Representative with RIVALUS! I am really excited about my new role in this amazing company! I will be doing demos at local GNC's ( which are now carrying 4 of the RIVALUS products), and at few LA Fitness gyms as well! I am so thrilled to be working with a company that creates products that are SAFE and EFFECTIVE!

I just received a phone call, asking for me to shoot my SECOND cover of Gopher Performance Sport Catalog tomorrow! I am very honored that they would request me again! Here is the cover I did earlier this year. It is always a pleasure to work with this wonderful, local company!

With all of this happening, my workouts have suffered a little. I haven't been able to get into the gym like I have in the past, but I am recommitting myself to getting my workouts, both cardio and weight training in! I have had to be better at time management, and still continue to struggle with it a little bit. I have to find my balance in life right now, and I am getting there, slowly but surely.

I have really been enjoying the gorgeous fall weather that we have been lucky enough to have lately. I just love this time of year, colors changing, crisp mornings, I think it is beautiful. I have been trying to spend time with the people in my life that mean the most to me more often as well. All part of the balancing act that we call life!

Doing what I love, and loving what I do! Who could ask for more! Have a beautiful day!

Tara

XOCAI XoBiotic Squares

2010-09-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

Xocai XoBiotic Squares

What are Probiotics? What are benefits to including them in my diet?

The word probiotic means "for life" and is used to describe a class of bacteria ( also called "flora") that inhabit our gastrointestinal tract and perform a variety of functions necessary to maintaining optimal health.

Unfortunately, the modern diet is both lacking in beneficial bacteria and is harmful to the bacteria already living inside us. Foods high in sugar, refined carbs, unhealthy fats, chemicals and otherwise toxic ingredients pose a serious threat to the delicate balance normally required for probiotics to survive.

As a result, many experts recommend supplementing the diet with probiotic-rich foods or supplements. Research shows that increased intake of probiotics can potentially provide the following benefits:

Improved overall health
Normalized gastrointestinal function
Improved immune activity
Enhanced metabolism

XoBiotic Squares

The optimal delivery system for probiotics

Fortunately, chocolate appears to be a perfect vehicle for helping probiotic organisms reach their destination. As a result, Xocai has developed XoBiotic Squares, the first healthy dark chocolate product that also contains functional levels of probiotic organisms.

Recent tests have demonstrated that properly combining probiotic blends with a certain varieties of chocolate have resulted in significantly higher survival rates of the probiotics in the stomach and small intestine compared to milk and yogurt blends.

In fact, one study by researchers at Ghent University in Belgium found that the survival percentage of probiotics coupled with dark chocolate was nearly three times higher than those teamed with milk and yogurt products.

Additional testing by the researchers found that a specific combination of probiotics with dark chocolate and controlled consumption of the chocolate-probiotic mix resulted in significantly higher colonization of the probiotics in the large colon compared to a control group.

10 Reasons To Eat XoBiotic Squares

Proper Probiotic Balance. With XoBiotic Squares you'll increase your intake of the probiotics Lactobacillus Heleviticus and Bifidobacterium Longum, both which are necessary for maintaining an optimal floral balance in the intestine.
Healthy Digestive Tract. Various studies have demonstrated that probiotic bacteria can support a healthy digestive tract and even help eliminate gastrointestinal dysfunction. Also, an optimal floral balance in the intestines can help produce a decreased transit time.
Increased Survivability. Research indicates that chocolate does a better job than milk or yogurt in protecting probiotics as they pass through the stomach and small intestinal tract to the colon, where they can colonize and thrive
Improved Immune Function. Researchers have found that consuming probiotics enhances the immune activity of the gastrointestinal tract, a key component of the body's immune defenses.
Decreased Risk of Yeast Imbalance. When the balance of intestinal bacteria is optimal, then the risk of overgrowth of yeast and other agents is minimized.
Improvement of Food Intolerance. Scientists believe that having the proper balance of intestinal bacteria reduces the occurrence of food sensitivities.
First and Unique. Xobiotic Squares are the first probiotic-rich, healthy chocolate product available. Nothing like it exists in the marketplace today.
Industry-Leading Chocolate, Xocai. Maintaining the highest quality standards in chocolate, XoBiotic Squares are made with the Xocai premium-grade, healthy chocolate which provides all the usual benefits. These include its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardio-friendly properties.
Excellent Taste. Worried about the taste being affected by adding probiotics? Don't worry! XoBiotic Squares deliver the same terrific taste as other Xocai healthy chocolate products.
Convenient and Easy. With XoBiotic Squares, no spoon is required, no refrigeration is necessary, and it can be carried and consumed virtually anywhere.

Acai: Complimenting Cacao

In addition to the antioxidant-rich cacao, the chocolate in XoBiotic Squares also contains acai. Acai is a nutrient powerhouse from the Amazon region that is also very high in various antioxidant compounds. Continuing research suggests that in addition to its free radical fighting capability, acai may help support proper cellular function and protect the cardiovascular system. Acai compliments cacao both nutritionally and with its taste, making Xocai a truly unique chocolate.

If you have any additional questions on this product, feel free to email me, tara@taraathatcher.com. If interested in ordering, check out www.chocolatevanity.com . Have a wonderful day!

Tara

2010-09-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

I often get asked the same question. "How do you get a lean, tight body?". There is no pill or shortcut. The answer has been the same for years and years, proper nutrition and exercise. Plain and simple. If you are unhappy with how you look and feel, CHANGE IT! You are in charge of the food that you are choosing to eat, to fuel your body. You are the one who makes the decision to go, or not to go to the gym. It is no one's decision but yours. So, you choose, are you willing to change? Put in the effort that it takes to achieve what you want? It isn't going to be easy, but if it was, it wouldn't be an achievement. So, take the time to dedicate yourself to living a healthier lifestyle right now, TODAY!

Nutrition. Many people in our society eat 1-3 meals per day. This simply will not do, and is part of the reason our society is obese. Our bodies need 5-6 small meals a day to keep our metabolism running, and our bodies satisfied. Eating every 2-3 hours is the best way to do this. Making sure to include lean protein, complex carbohydrate, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables and staying away from processed food ( i.e. boxed foods) is the way to go.

Lean proteins include: chicken breast, lean and extra lean ground turkey, extra lean ground beef, bison, egg whites, protein powder ( whey), white fish, tuna, and shrimp. Dairy should be kept to a minimum, but greek yogurt and 1% cottage cheese are both good choices.
Complex carbohydrates include: brown rice, old fashioned oats, sweet potatoes, quinoa, beans, and lentils
Healthy fats include: Udo's oil, Olive oil, Flax seeds, natural nut butters, almonds, and avocados
Some great fruit choices are: grapefruits, any berries, apples, bananas, mangoes, oranges and whatever fruits are in season
Vegetables that are staples are: asparagus, broccoli, kale, spinach, zucchini, and snap peas. Dark leafy greens tend to contain a good amount of calcium.

Eating a balance of these foods will give your body the high quality, unprocessed foods that it needs to run at it's peak.

Clean, healthy eating doesn't have to be boring! There are plenty of great spices and seasonings that you can use to vary up the flavors. Mrs. Dash has an extensive line of salt free seasonings that add flavor and pizazz to dishes. Try using lime juice and balsamic vinegar to add some kick to your food. Be creative.

Exercise should include both cardiovascular and weight training. Among the recognized benefits of doing regular aerobic exercise are:

Strengthening the muscles involved in respiration, to facilitate the flow of air in and out of the lungs
Strengthening and enlarging the heart muscle, to improve its pumping efficiency and reduce the resting heart rate, known as aerobic conditioning
Strengthening muscles throughout the body
Improving circulation efficiency and reducing blood pressure
Increasing the total number of red blood cells in the body, facilitating transport of oxygen
Improved mental health, including reducing stress and lowering the incidence of depression
Reducing the risk for diabetes.

So, what are you waiting for? Make a choice to start living a healthier lifestyle by incorporating good nutrition, and exercise into your daily life! The benefits are priceless!

Tara

Xocai Omega Squares

2010-09-11T10:22:00.001-05:00

Xocai Omega Squares

Xocai has combined its antioxidant rich healthy chocolate with a premium-grade, plant-based omega-3 fatty acid to produce Omega Squares. These squares are an exceptional source of omega-3s - in fact, just three Omega Squares will provide a minimum of 200 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day.

Reasons to Experience Xocai Omega Squares:

~ Excellent Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Just three Omega Squares provide over 90% of the recommended daily intake of omega-3s. With today's diet severely lacking in omega-3s, this is very welcome news!

~ Unparalleled Taste. Combining the exotic taste of Xocai healthy chocolate with orange peel and citrus overtones , the Xocai Omega Squares are an inviting, delicious, and healthy treat!

~ Easy To Eat. Individually wrapped, Omega Squares are convenient, easy to eat on the go, and just right for portion control.

~ Antioxidant Powerhouse. Like all of the the Xocai products, the Omega Squares are a terrific source of antioxidants due to its cold-pressed chocolate, freeze-dried acai berry and nutrient rich blueberry content.

~ Leading The Healthy Chocolate Revolution. Xocai is the category creator and leader in healthy chocolate, and now is the first to combine the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids with its antioxidant-charged chocolate.

~ Brunswick Lab Certified. Don't play the guessing game! With Brunswick Lab Certification Program, you know what you are getting with Xocai chocolate- a third party certification on finished goods.

~ life'sDHA. The omega-3s in the Omega Squres come from life'sDHA, the industry's premier provider of omega-3 fatty acids.

200 mg Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA)

11,319 ORAC Score

1,203 mg Cocoa Flavanoids

Reverse the Imbalance

Health experts believe that the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids, also important for human health, to omega-3 fatty acids should be roughly 2:1. Unfortunately , statistics show that the ratio is more like 10:1. The excess of omega-6 consumption has created a significant imbalance that is a primary factor in the rising rate of lifestyle diseases in North America. Experts agree that increased consumption of omega-3s can optimize your healthy during every stage of life.

Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

The answer is simple: they are essential to good health. This means that our bodies can't produce them on our own, so we need to get them through our diet. How do they benefit us? Here are a few of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids:

* Enhance brain and cognitive function

* Protect the cardiovascular system

* Promote healthy eye development, especially in fetuses and young children

* Support healthy mood and behavior

* Optimize healthy circulation

* Support joint function

* Optimize cellular health and function

Research tells us that children are especially in need of omega-3 fatty acids as their eyes, brains and cardiovascular systems are in crucial development phases.

Ok, so these chocolates are great for you, and they are INSANELY DELICIOUS! Trust me, I wouldn't promote a product that I couldn't stand behind. What better way to get antioxidants, and healthy omega-3s than eating delicious, decadent, dark chocolate??? Seriously folks! If you have any questions about any of the Xocai products, please contact me: tara@taraathatcher.com. You can order these products at this site, www.chocolatevanity.com. You can also contact me if you have any questions about ordering!

Tara

MOTIVATION!

2010-09-10T14:29:00.000-05:00

MOTIVATION!!!!

We all have days where we doubt ourselves, our reasons, and our abilities. Self doubt, is the enemy. We can not let it consume us! When you start believing it, you make your doubts reality. This is not how I chose to live. I do have some dark days once in awhile, but had to find a way to figure out how to get past it and move forward, staying motivated!

Start by making a list of things you are thankful for. We have so much that we don't appreciate. We have a home, a roof over our heads with heat, a place to call our own. We have people around us that support us, family and friends, that far too often go without recognition! Take a moment out of your day to thank someone for being there for you, for being a great friend, listener, parent, shoulder to cry on, whatever their role may be in your life. We have food, clothing, basic essentials of life. Transportation, opportunities, a job, things to do!

So stop sulking! Think about what you are thankful for, and remember your goals! Sometimes it helps to write them down, so when you are feeling down, you can take time to look at those too! Make this day count! It is all in your attitude, and how you chose to handle things! TODAY is a GREAT DAY!

Tara

RIVALUS Promasil

2010-09-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

RIVALUS PROMASIL ~ Athlete's Protein

This is a GREAT protein for all athletes, including bodybuilding, fitness, figure and bikini athletes. I use this daily, and I love it! It is a unique blend of 7 different protein sources as well as boasting a perfect amino acid profile and containing Beta-alanine. Here is some more information on this great product!

What is PROMASIL?

PROMASIL is The Athletes Protein. It's an advanced protein powder supplement designed to immediately enhance the whole body amino acid and nitrogen balance and protein synthesis and retention

What is in PROMASIL?

The PROMASIL formula is a unique combination of 7 high quality protein sources that results in the perfect amino acid profile for stimulating muscle growth. PROMASIL even includes beta-alanine, necessary minerals and vitamins designed to further enhance muscle growth.

How does PROMASIL work?

The 7 protein sources found in PROMASIL ensure that your muscles are provided with immediate and long lasting enhancement of the whole body amino acid and nitrogen balance. On top of that, PROMASIL is nano-partitioned and fractionated for enhanced biological value, which results in maximum protein synthesis and retention!

What makes PROMASIL unique?

PROMASIL is the world's first protein supplement to contain it's unique combination of 7 different protein sources in addition to beta-alanine.

How do you take PROMASIL?

Dr. Darren Burke (PhD) recommends 1-2 scoops of PROMASIL in the morning, and 1-2 scoops in the afternoon. On training days, take one of your daily servings immediately after exercise. For best results use PROMASIL every day and combine with resistance exercise 3-5 days per week.

Is it okay to stack PROMASIL with other RIVALUS products?

Yes, PROMASIL can be stacked with other RIVALUS products. As a matter of fact, multiple RIVALUS products can be stacked. Many athletes are stacking PROMASIL with MPOWER and ENCHARGE to create what has quickly become known as the athlete's "Triple Threat Stack"!

Is there research behind the PROMASIL formula?

Yes. Like all RIVALUS products, PROMASIL was formulated based on the latest scientific research. All RIVALUS products must be certified as SAEF ( Safe And Effective First) before they can be sold. SAEF is a university laboratory -based program that involves testing each product on athletes in order to confirm that it consistently maintains normal physiological function ( safe) while improving body composition and performance ( effective).

Will I maintain the gains I made once I go off PROMASIL?

Yes. When going off PROMASIL, you will still maintain the muscle and strength gains you achieved while you were on it as long as you continue to exercise and follow a healthy diet.

Do you have to use PROMASIL everday?

For maximum gains in muscle size and strength and decreases in body fat, PROMASIL is designed to be taken everyday.

If you are interested, please check out the RIVALUS website, www.rivalus.net. This company has really gone above and beyond to provide safe and effective products to athletes! I am so very proud to a part of this company!

CHOCOLATE

2010-09-06T09:48:00.000-05:00

Chocolate.

What does that word mean to you? Chocolate is something that I have developed a relationship with over my life. I LOVE chocolate. It started when I was a little kid, I loved milk chocolate, Hershey's kisses, and Snickers' bars. As I have grown, and my palate has become a little more refined, I have really come to respect and love dark chocolate. It is delicious, satisfying, and a great treat! I would say that I am a little bit of a chocolate aficionado.

SO, if you have been around in the last few years, you have heard that there are benefits of dark chocolate. What is this about? And is it still delicious? Well, there is a company called Xocai, that offer a delicious and very healthy chocolate derived from a cold press method that allows the product to be loaded with beneficial bioflavonoids and antioxidants.

7 Benefits of Healthy Dark Chocolate

1. Antioxidant/Anti-Aging
Many of chocolate's benefits are based around its various ingredients to fight free radicals and minimize the effects of aging. Dark chocolate is a powerful antioxidant, containing twice the antioxidants of red wine, three times the antioxidants of green tea, has an ORAC score of more that ten times higher than spinach, and contains various antioxidant compounds like catechins and flavanols.

2. Cardiovascular Health
The protective effects of cocoa on the heart and vascular system are probably its most well documented topic. Hundreds of studies have been conducted on how cocoa and chocolate benefit the cardiovascular system. Chocolate protects the CV system by flavanols neutralizing free radicals, minimizing oxidative stress, stimulates production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, improves platelet function/decreases blood clotting, relieves inflammation, and controls blood sugar and insulin levels.

3. Brain Health
Like the heart and blood vessels, dark chocolate can also protect the brain from conditions related to high blood pressure, clots, and free radical damage. Chocolate supports the brain by antioxidants protecting brain cells, blood vessels and tissue, minimizes inflammation, improves mental cognition and performance, several chemicals in cocoa enhance mood, decrease depression and moderate emotional response, and improves blood flow to the brain.

4. Diabetes
Numerous studies indicate that dark chocolate has a very favorable effect on blood sugar levels and the symptoms of diabetes. Chocolate minimizes the effects of diabetes by protecting blood vessels from scarring because of excess glucose and insulin, minimizing symptoms of neuropathy, reducing incidences of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, and protecting from cardiovascular systems related to blood glucose abnormalities.

5. Inflammation
A growing body of research associates chronic inflammation with a number of diseases ranging from heart disease and dementia to gastrointestinal disorders and diabetes. Chocolate relieves inflammation by cocoa flavanols inhibiting activity of inflammation messengers such as leukotrienes, flavanoids are also inhibitors of different enzymes that contribute to inflammation, and suppressing expression of an inflammation marker.

6. WEIGHT CONTROL
It is no secret that obesity is a huge and growing problem in the US and other developed countries. Fortunately, cocoa appears to possess different properties that can reduce weight gain in the body. Chocolate helps control weight by regulating genes that control weight gain, appearing to have an appetite suppressant properties, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels, and may affect brain chemicals to reduce cravings.

7. Oral Health
There has long been a misconception that chocolate contributes to tooth cavities. While it is probably true that low grade, sugar laden chocolate can contribute to decay, research suggests that dark chocolate actually helps fight tooth decay. Chocolate promotes oral health by polyphenols increasing the teeth enamel making them less susceptible to decay, polyphenols appearing to slow the formation of plaque, decreasing inflammation of the gums.

Who knew that just by eating chocolate we could help in all of these areas of our lives? If you are interested in finding out more about Xocai, please check out this website: www.chocolatevanity.com. I will be blogging about this exciting company, and the different products they offer, and the benefits that come with them on a regular basis!

Tara

Motivation!

2010-09-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

What more motivation do you need than bikini season??? Isn't "bikini season" just nearing a close? Up in Minnesota, yes. Well, we are lucky enough to be going to MAUI right after Christmas! What does that mean for me? Cute new bikinis to keep me MOTIVATED through the cooler months of fall! I just ordered two bikinis from Chynna Dolls, www.chynnadolls.com to give me a little extra motivation!

There they are, some super cute, tiny little suits that I will be wearing on the beach in Maui! So, that gives me a little extra kick to keep working hard in the gym, remembering to do all of my cardio, and keeping me on track with my off season diet! What a great tool shopping can be sometimes!

So, if you are having a little trouble staying motivated, this might work for you! It doesn't have to be a bikini. It could be a dress, or some jeans that you really want to show off! Use them positively for motivation! Visualize yourself, how you want to look in the item, and take it from there! Visualization is a powerful tool! Use it to your advantage!

Sometimes we have to find little "tricks" to help us stay on track with our lifestyle. So try a few different things, and find what works for you!

Tara

Relationships

2010-08-31T08:37:00.001-05:00

Good morning! I have really been thinking a lot about friendships and relationships in general lately. I know that when I chose to change my lifestyle and compete in figure, a lot of my "friends" didn't understand and weren't very supportive. I didn't need to understand why my friends did things, I just knew that they needed my support. What it all boils down to is respect. Yep, a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T! We don't have to know whey people do things, we do need to respect their decisions, as they should respect ours.

I have had a few relationships that have been very one sided. You wonder if the other person really is your friend when it seems like you are always the one that has to call, or give a little, because all the other person does is take. Friendships, just like an other relationship are built on two people putting in effort to spend time together. It doesn't mean one person always calling, or trying to set up times to get together. It also doesn't feel good to be used by others, especially if you are truly a great friend to them and then if you ask for something, they act uncomfortable! They didn't act uncomfortable when they were asking for your time, stuff, etc!

So, let's take an inventory of our friends, and really do our best to a great friend to those that are great friends to us! As we get older, it seems that our schedules never match up, but we can find time, and make time for those people that give us their support, love, friendship, and understanding! Let's be the friend that we would love to have!

Tara

Judgement! Save it!

2010-08-25T12:35:00.000-05:00

Hello there! I just had something on my mind that I wanted to talk about today. Judgement. What does that mean to you? We tend to judge others all of the time, by their words, actions, sometimes, even what they put into their bodies. We judge because people are different, and sometimes different scares us. We are a product of our environment, and sometimes we need to look "outside the box". We need to all take a long look in the mirror and realize that we aren't perfect, nor are we fit to pass judgement on others. I am not perfect, I make tons of mistakes, and hopefully learn from them, and make better decisions because of it.

Just because we chose to live our lives a certain way, and make certain choices, it doesn't mean that they are right for everyone. That is the beauty of life. We are able to make our own decisions! We wake up each morning with a fresh start, and we determine how our day will go, with our attitude and actions!

Let's remember to RESPECT everyone's decisions, as we want them to respect ours. Let's try and be less judgmental, and try and look for the positives and be friendly and open! We can all work on this a little bit, everyday. I am pledging myself to working on this as well! Let's make this a nicer, more understanding world to live in.

Sodium~Fact or Fiction???

2010-08-13T10:09:00.001-05:00

SODIUM

A necessary supplement, or a nasty condiment to be avoided???

What is sodium's role in your body? Sodium regulates the total amount of water in the body and the transmission of sodium into and out of individual cells also plays a role in critical body functions. Many processes in the body, especially in the brain, nervous system, and muscles, require electrical signals for communication. The movement of sodium is critical in generation of these electrical signals. Too much or too little sodium therefore can cause cells to malfunction, and extremes in the blood sodium levels (too much or too little) can be fatal.

Increased sodium (hypernatremia) in the blood occurs whenever there is excess sodium in relation to water. There are numerous causes of hypernatremia; these may include kidney disease, too little water intake, and loss of water due to diarrhea and/or vomiting.

A decreased concentration of sodium (hyponatremia) occurs whenever there is a relative increase in the amount of body water relative to sodium. This happens with some diseases of the liver and kidney, in patients with congestive heart failure, in burn victims, and in numerous other conditions.

POTASSIUM

The proper level of potassium is essential for normal cell function. Among the many functions of potassium in the body are regulation of the heartbeat and the function of the muscles. A seriously abnormal increase in potassium (hyperkalemia) or decrease in potassium (hypokalemia) can profoundly affect the nervous system and increases the chance of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), which, when extreme, can be fatal.

Increased potassium is known as hyperkalemia. Potassium is normally excreted by the kidneys, so disorders that decrease the function of the kidneys can result in hyperkalemia. Certain medications may also predispose an individual to hyperkalemia.

Hypokalemia, or decreased potassium, can arise due to kidney diseases; excessive loss due to heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, eating disorders, certain medications, or other causes.

Lower sodium, but still flavorful seasonings!

How Much Sodium Is Recommended?

Sodium is normally recycled in the body and it is only necessary to eat enough sodium to replace your daily losses. Sodium may be lost by the body through perspiration, secretions, and normal excretory functions. To replace this loss, it is recommended that most people eat no more than 1-3 grams of sodium per day. This is approximately the amount of sodium found in one-half to two-thirds teaspoon of table salt.

What Are the Sources of Sodium?

Sodium is a regular part of our food supply. It is found naturally in meats, nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in low amounts. Unfortunately, most of the sodium Americans eat today is added to food in the form of sodium chloride, or table salt. Table salt is added to food by the manufacturer in the process of preserving and processing, and it is widely used as a flavor enhancer. Sodium is also hidden as a part of other chemical additives, such as sodium nitrite, sodium benzoate saccharin, sodium, and monosodium glutamate. As a result, many Americans unknowingly consume three to five times more sodium than they need.

How to Control Sodium Intake

By eating a diet of predominately unprocessed food, it is possible to obtain enough sodium to meet the body's needs. The best way to moderate your sodium intake is to become more aware of the sources of sodium in your diet and moderate your intake of salty food and table salt. The following guide may help you discover a more low sodium diet.

Sources of added salt

Canned or frozen vegetables
Soups
Ready-to-eat cereals
Salt
Celery salt
Garlic salt
Catsup
Mustard
Steak sauces
Sauces
Prepared mustard
Baking powder
Baking soda
Potato chips
Corn chips
Saccharin-flavored soda
Club soda
Sodium-nitrite cured meats, such as: bacon, ham, salami
Fast food
Lower sodium alternatives

Fresh vegetables
Homemade soup
Shredded wheat
Puffed rice or wheat
Oatmeal
Low-sodium, ready-to-eat cereals
Caraway seeds
Pepper
Garlic
Parsley
Sesame
Thyme
Lemon and other spices
Experiment using fewer additives
Salt-free matzah
Crackers
Pasta
Other sodas
Fresh fruit juices
Seltzer water
Nitrite-free sandwich meats, such as turkey and chicken breast
Salad
Sandwiches

So, stay away from highly processed foods, that are high in sodium. Stick to unprocessed foods, and use seasonings that have a lower sodium content. Check out Morton's Lite Salt, a balance of Sodium and Potassium. It tastes and flavors just like regular salt, and can be used in all of your recipes! Check out salt free seasonings, like Mrs. Dash, and McCormick's Perfect Pinch, Braggs liquid Amino Acids ( which comes in a soy flavor, as well as a apple cider vinegar flavor. It contains way less sodium than traditional soy sauce, and is delicious. Start reading labels, and be aware of what you are eating. Use sodium sparingly, but remember that it is necessary for your body to function, so don't cut it out completely.

~Tara

Celebrating YOU!!!

2010-08-10T12:41:00.000-05:00

Today's blog is all about celebrating yourself! Embracing yourself as a unique and special individual. We all have flaws, little idiosyncrasies, but that is what makes us different and just "us". We can all have role models whom we look up to, but at the end of the day, being the best "you" that you can be, is really what matters. Ask yourself, "who am I?". "What makes me, me?"

Here are a few examples. I am opinionated, clumsy, stubborn, driven, funny, (well, at least I think so), and always looking for ways to better myself. I want to help educate and inform others. I can laugh at myself, which hasn't come easy. I can communicate better now than I ever have before. And I love my life!

Use your past experiences to shape your character in the present and future. Learn from your mistakes, and embrace the challenges that life throws your way!

~I am just going to keep on being me, because that’s who I am, and I desire to be no one else! I don’t apologize, I just keep going, through whatever life throws my way! All of the ups and downs have shaped my character, my mistakes have taught me invaluable lessons, and my experiences have given me the tools to become the woman that I want to be, and the woman that I am. Stay true to yourself! ~ Tara A Thatcher

Start thinking every morning, about the great things going on in your life! Be thankful for what you have, and work towards your personal goals each day. Celebrate being your own, wonderful person. No one can ever take that away from you!

Supplements!

2010-07-31T10:15:00.003-05:00

My RIVALUS supplements.

I often get questions from others, women in particular, wanting to know what kind of supplements I use! So, I decided to blog about it. I don't suggest taking twenty different supplements, but I think that with proper training, diet, and supplementation, you can really make the improvements to your physique!!!

1.Protein Powder

My Rivalus Promasil Protein powder

Protein is essential for building muscle! The sources of protein are many, and each has its values depending on the aminos they're made up of and the length of the chains of aminos. The ones you should be considering are soy, milk, egg, meat, casein and whey protein.
One of the most frequent questions I get is "What kind of protein should I get?" That's a question you wouldn't pose if you understood protein. Diversity is important: To get a good spectrum of essential amino acids, which in turn produce non-essential amino acids.
By making sure you get enough protein, you in turn make sure you have more than your share of essential aminos and that alone is enough to make your body function properly and recuperate better from all the strain you subject it to. I use 1-2 protein shakes per day and mix them with water, I don't need the dairy or extra calories from mixing with milk.

2. Branch Chain Amino Acids

I use Scivation Xtend ( not to be confused with Xtendze!!! Which happens every time I go to a store to purchase it! ) Xtend is a precise, scientific blend of Energy Aminos consisting of the proven 2:1:1 ratio of Branched Chain Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine), Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and Vitamin B6 that will give you the energy you need to maximize your training while enhancing recovery at the same time. The advanced components in Xtend have been scientifically proven to help speed recovery and enhance ATP production and promote cell volumization. Avoid fatigue by blocking entry of fatigue-inducing tryptophan into the brain. Increase protein synthesis, immune function and digestive health. Promote vasodilation which can lead to better assimilation and absorption of protein. Elevate growth hormone levels. This is meant to be used pre, during, and post workout. I LOVE the refreshing apple flavor, which you can purchase exclusively at www.bodybuilding.com!

3. Creatine

My RIVALUS Creatine: Encharge. Creatine is used for the resynthesis of ATP. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the "power" that drives muscular energetics. When a muscle is required to contract, the bonds in the ATP molecule are split, yielding ADP (adenosine-diphosphate). The energy released by breaking this bond powers the contraction of the muscle. When ATP is depleted within the cell, the cell can no longer contract. There are several methods by which the body rebuilds ATP. The fastest method, without oxygen, is through CP. Creatine phosphate is "split" to yield the phosphate portion of the molecule.

4. Omega Essential Fatty Acids

I use Udo's Oil to provide me with omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, proven by research to benefit cardiovascular health, enhance stamina and energy, and improve general health and well being. I mix mine into my protein shake post workouts. It adds a pleasant, nutty, buttery taste. It contains oils from fresh certified organic flax, sesame, sunflower and evening primrose seeds as well as oils from rice and oat germ. It contains medium chain triglycerides which are easy to digest and assimilate and can be used directly by our cells as a source of energy without increasing fat deposits.

5. Glutamine

Glutamine is highly in demand throughout the body. It is used in the gut and immune system extensively to maintain optimal performance. L-glutamine plays an important role in protein metabolism, and it appears to be a very important nutrient for athletes. When supplemented it may help athletes reduce the amount of muscle deterioration that occurs because other tissues that need glutamine will not rob the glutamine stored in the muscle cells. After an intense workout, glutamine levels in the body can be reduced as much as 50%. Since the body relies on glutamine as cellular fuel for the immune system, scientific studies show that glutamine supplementation can minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and improve protein metabolism.

6. Fat Burner

Rivalus MPOWER. When getting ready for a competition, or an important photo shoot, I use a fat burner. The good thing about this product is that it does not contain any substance banned by national college sports associations. It gives you a nice boost of energy without giving you that overly shaky feeling. I only use it for a 3-4 weeks at a time. With the proper nutrition and workouts, the addition of a fat burner can be very effective!

So there you have it! Any questions on any of the products listed above? Email me at tara@taraathatcher.com, and I would be happy to answer them!

Thanks!

Tara

How to deal with those pesky cravings!

2010-07-28T14:20:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I don't know about you, but my biggest problem with clean eating are the cravings that I experience. I have quite a sweet tooth and love all sweets, especially bakery items, cookies, cakes, and pies, oh my! Those items are fine once in awhile, but for daily cravings, here are few of my "go to" items that are much better choices, and won't sabotage your healthy lifestyle and clean diet! I also included some important health benefits associated with these foods from www.whfoods.com

Sweet peppers with hummus

1. Sweet peppers with or without hummus. I discovered these sweet little gems on a weekly trip to Costco. They come in a large bag. They are sweet, crunchy, and delicious! Not only are these super tasty, they have tons of health benefits!

Colorful Protection Against Free Radicals

Want to color your life healthy? Brightly colored bell peppers, whether green, red, orange or yellow, are rich sources of some of the best nutrients available. To start, peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C and vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), two very powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants work together to effectively neutralize free radicals, which can travel through the body causing huge amounts of damage to cells. Free radicals are major players in the build up of cholesterol in the arteries that leads to atherosclerosis and heart disease, the nerve and blood vessel damage seen in diabetes, the cloudy lenses of cataracts, the joint pain and damage seen in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the wheezing and airway tightening of asthma. By providing these two potent free radical destroyers, bell peppers may help prevent or reduce some of the symptoms of these conditions by shutting down the source of the problem.

Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

For atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, peppers also contain vitamin B6 and folic acid. These two B vitamins are very important for reducing high levels of homocysteine, a substance produced during the methylation cycle (an essential biochemical process in virtually every cell in the body). High homocysteine levels have been shown to cause damage to blood vessels and are associated with a greatly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition to providing the vitamins that convert homocysteine into other beneficial molecules, bell peppers also provide fiber that can help lower high cholesterol levels, another risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Promote Optimal Health

Red peppers are one of the few foods that contain lycopene, a carotenoid whose consumption has been inversely correlated with prostate cancer and cancers of the cervix, bladder and pancreas. Recent studies suggest that individuals whose diets are low in lycopene-rich foods are at greater risk for developing these types of cancers.
For people worried about colon cancer, the fiber found in peppers can help to reduce the amount of contact that colon cells have with cancer-causing toxins found in certain foods or produced by certain gut bacteria. In addition, consumption of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid, all found in bell peppers, is associated with a significantly reduced risk of colon cancer.

Kale

2. Kale. When I am craving something salty and crunchy, this is my go to snack! Turn your oven to 350 degrees. Wash and dry your kale. Tear the leaves into pieces and arrange on a cookie sheet. Spray with Olive Oil cooking spray, and sprinkle with Morton's lite salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and a little garlic. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until leaves are crispy. Enjoy!

Optimize Your Cells' Detoxification / Cleansing Ability
For about 20 years, we've known that many phytonutrients work as antioxidants to disarm free radicals before they can damage DNA, cell membranes and fat-containing molecules such as cholesterol. Now, new research is revealing that phytonutrients in crucifers, such as kale, work at a much deeper level. These compounds actually signal our genes to increase production of enzymes involved in detoxification, the cleansing process through which our bodies eliminate harmful compounds.
The phytonutrients in cruciferous vegetables initiate an intricate dance inside our cells in which gene response elements direct and balance the steps among dozens of detoxification enzyme partners, each performing its own protective role in perfect balance with the other dancers. The natural synergy that results optimizes our cells' ability to disarm and clear free radicals and toxins, including potential carcinogens, which may be why cruciferous vegetables appear to significantly lower our risk of cancer.

A Very Good Source of Fiber
Kale's health benefits continue with its fiber; a cup of kale provides 10.4% of the daily value for fiber, which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels thus helping to prevent atherosclerosis. Fiber can also help out by keeping blood sugar levels under control, so kale is an excellent vegetable for people with diabetes. Kale's fiber binds to cancer-causing chemicals, keeping them away from the cells lining the colon, providing yet another line of protection from colon cancer.

Calcium-For A Lot Less Calories and Minus the Fat in Cow's Milk
Kale is also very good source of calcium. Calcium is one of the nutrients needed to make healthy bones, and dairy products are a heavily promoted source of this nutrient. But unlike dairy products, kale is not a highly allergenic food, nor does it contain any saturated fat-plus, a cup of kale supplies 93.6 mg of calcium (9.4% of the daily value for this mineral) for only 36.4 calories. In contrast, a cup of 2% cow's milk provides 296.7 mg of calcium, but the cost is high: 121.2 calories and 14.6% of the day's suggested limit on saturated fat.

Celery!

3. Celery. A great snack, anytime! Dip them in a little natural almond butter or hummus for added flavor. Or munch on them plain, for a great crunchy texture.

Health Benefits
Celery contains vitamin C and several other active compounds that promote health, including phthalides, which may help lower cholesterol, and coumarins, that may be useful in cancer prevention.
Rich in Vitamin C
Celery is an excellent source of vitamin C, a vitamin that helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like celery may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms; over 20 scientific studies have concluded that vitamin C is a cold-fighter. Vitamin C also prevents the free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, and is therefore also associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As free radicals can oxidize cholesterol and lead to plaques that may rupture causing heart attacks or stroke, vitamin C is beneficial to promoting cardiovascular health. Owing to the multitude of vitamin C's health benefits, it is not surprising that research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in this nutrient is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Diuretic Activity
The seeds of celery's wild ancestors, which originated around the Mediterranean, were widely used as a diuretic. Today, we understand how celery, which is rich in both potassium and sodium, the minerals most important for regulating fluid balance, stimulates urine production, thus helping to rid the body of excess fluid.

Promote Optimal Health
Celery contains compounds called coumarins that help prevent free radicals from damaging cells, thus decreasing the mutations that increase the potential for cells to become cancerous. Coumarins also enhance the activity of certain white blood cells, immune defenders that target and eliminate potentially harmful cells, including cancer cells. In addition, compounds in celery called acetylenics have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells.

4. Crystal Light Pure Fitness. A drink mix with no artificial sweetners, flavors or preservatives! Naturally sweetened with evaporated cane juice. Only 15 calories per serving.

5. Yogi teas are my favorite! Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut is a delicious way to quiet your sweet cravings. It is warm, and full of flavors that will leave you satisfied!

Close your eyes and inhale a smooth tropical breeze that carries the rich scent of natural vanilla. That’s the sensation captured in our Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut^TM. Our distinctive tea combines the fragrance of natural vanilla with the taste of roasted hazelnut. We add depth and delight with a touch of velvety carob. The traditional Ayurvedic spice blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and clove add naturally warming and cleansing properties.* So sit back, relax and discover an island retreat in a cup of this enchanting tea.

Check out their website for other great products! http://www.yogiproducts.com/

So, cravings be gone! Now go try these for yourself!

Tara

Your Kitchen: The key to your healthy lifestyle!

2010-07-26T14:06:00.001-05:00

My fridge! Packed with clean food!

Good Morning! Yes, this is actually a picture of what is in my fridge! Your kitchen, and what is in your fridge, cabinets, and pantry, are some of the most important elements of healthy living! When I grocery shop, I usually hit the "outer circle" of the store. This is where all of the fresh produce is; fruits, vegetables, onions, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, basil, mint, cilantro, meats, and eggs. This is where you should try and do most of your shopping. Things that aren't in this area like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, cooking spray, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs & spices, and natural nut butters, are also necessities in your household.

My George Foreman Grill along with some healthy eats grilled on it, right on my countertop!

Also key to eating clean are the proper cooking tools! This is my George Foreman grill. One really nice thing about the Foreman grill, it drains extra fat away from your food. Today, I have made turkey burgers, grilled onions, yellow squash, and asparagus. This is a great tool to cook protein
( turkey, chicken, fish, bison) as well as a variety of vegetables ( asparagus, green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, onions). Be creative! Add salt free seasonings, Morton's Lite Salt, lemon and lime juice, and olive oil spray to add flavor and texture to your clean eats!

Sideways Magic Bullet

Another great tool for cooking is the Magic Bullet! You can use it to make protein pancakes in the morning, grind coffee beans, finely chop your herbs, and blend up some great treats like a healthy fruit dip, and protein shakes! It is smaller than a traditional blender so it takes up very little space on your counter and can be used for so many different things!

My meals, prepped and ready to go!

Another key player in your kitchen....... TUPPERWARE! Invest in a nice set of tupperware! I like the Rubbermaid variety where the covers snap to the bottom of the tupperware as well as to each other. This makes storing them a breeze, and they take up less space in your cabinets! You can portion your meals out individually, and just grab them, put them in your cooler, and you are out the door! Purchasing a set also gives you a variety of sizes which come in really handy when storing in bulk, and smaller servings.

Ok, ok, I may have a cooler problem! These three are mine.

Lastly, make sure you have a cooler that will hold all of your food for the day. Different coolers for different needs:) That is how I justify having this many! Make sure you have a cold pack that fits in your cooler as well. Having an extra top or side compartment is useful as well. You can pack drink mixes, tea bags, vitamins, silverware, cold beverages, etc....

So, these are a few things that are very useful, and key to leading a healthy lifestyle! Always feel free to email me tara@taraathatcher.com with any questions or suggestions for blog topics you would like me to touch on!

Have a fabulous and healthy day!
Tara

Vibram Five Fingers: the Barefooting Alternative

2010-07-22T08:52:00.000-05:00

Ok, so on a rainy day up at the cabin we decided to go into town and go shopping. I stumbled across these "barefooting shoes" while in a store called Martins in Nisswa. I was a little perplexed and intrigued by these "shoes". So much so, that I just had to try them on. The brand is Vibram, and the model of FiveFingers I tried on is called KSO, exactly the pair pictured above. I had a tough time getting my toes to separate, but got one on. Then I put the other on. I started walking around the shop, and I just felt so good. It was like I walked a little taller, stood a little straighter, and I could actually feel my feet, my toes. It was like I was hyper aware of everything!

I was actually on the market for a pair of running shoes, and had pretty much already decided on Nike Frees. This was not what I was looking for, but at the same time it was! The thought behind both brands and styles is that it is closer to running bare foot. They are both very light, but these were on a whole new level.

The benefits of running barefoot have long beens supported by scientific research, coaches, and athletes who've offered ample evidence that training without shoes allows you to run faster and further with fewer injuries. Motion studies demonstrate that when running barefoot, one naturally lands on the forefoot, directly below your center of gravity. This results in optimum balance, increased stability, less impact, and greater propulsion.

So, I decided that these were coming home with me! I would use them for walking, running, yoga, and workout in. Ok, granted they are not the most attractive foot wear to look at, and people will most certainly look. But, what the heck, I really love how they feel on my feet! I took them out on a short test run the next day. I felt invigorated, alive, and I ran faster than I usually do. I started out with about 2 miles. I jogged, then I would throw in sprint intervals every few minutes. Now that, was AMAZING! I wish I would have had these for track in school because they were perfect for sprinting.

I am still kind of "breaking them in" right now. But I am very pleased with my purchase. I feel like my toes are a little bit straighter now, and I actually miss my KSO's when I am not wearing them! Strange, right?

Here is the website, if you want to check these out: www.vibramfivefingers.com. They have several different styles, colors, uses, etc!

5 Reasons to Wear or Train in Vibram FiveFingers:

1. Strengthens Muscles in the Feet and Lower Legs - wearing FiveFingers will stimulate and strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving general foot health and reducing the risk of injury.

2. Improves Range of Motion in Ankles, Feet and Toes – no longer ‘cast’ in a shoe, the foot and toes move more naturally.

3. Stimulates Neural Function Important to Balance and Agility -when wearing Vibram FiveFingers, thousands of neurological receptors in the feet send valuable information to the brain, improving balance and agility.

4. Eliminates Heel Lift to Align the Spine and Improve Posture – By lowering the heel, our bodyweight becomes evenly distributed across the footbed, promoting proper posture and spine alignment.

5. Allows the Foot and Body to Move Naturally, Which Just FEELS GOOD.

Tara

Missfit Clothing

2010-07-21T08:20:00.000-05:00

Good morning folks! I just wanted to give a special shout out to my clothing sponsor, Missfit Clothing. If you are a woman, and you work out, you should have at least a few of these clever tanks/shirts/etc in your closet to wear to the gym! I always feel a little sassier when I have one of these shirts on!

Here I am with my friends Megan and Ty at the Fitness Atlantic this year. I am proudly sporting my Missfit track suit with the quote "Desire, Drive, Dedication, Determination, you dont have it? Then move out of my way!".

Here are a few other examples of the cool stuff you can find on the site, www.missfitclothing.com,

This one is a made from a pic of yours truly a few years ago!

And, check out Ken's other site, www.leanladies.com! Thank you so much for being my clothing sponsor!

Tara

Healthy Chocolate???? Xocai!

2010-07-20T07:41:00.004-05:00

I am proud to be sponsored by XOCAI healthy chocolate! This product is not only good for you, but tastes amazing too!!!

Every indulgent piece features a combination of the world's two greatest super foods, raw cacao and the acai berry, making it the ultimate dark chocolate antioxidant treat.

The raw, natural cacao powder used in the products is non-alkalized and non-lecithinized and maintains its high antioxidant value due to a closely monitored fermentation, drying and roasting process.

This patented process ensures that you receive all of the wonderful health benefits of dark chocolate from each piece without sacrificing the rich, chocolate taste. Recent studies have found that higher antioxidant levels allow your body to fight off the damage of free radicals.

Each nutritional piece of this healthy dark chocolate deliciously delivers 100% of the full antioxidant value of cacao without all of the unwanted ingredients like fat, wax, fillers, preservatives and high sugar content of regularly processed cocoa products.
The MXI Corp shows you that you can truly have your chocolate and eat it, too! Their research has allowed them to develop a whole line of healthy chocolate that gives people the opportunity to blend a healthy eating habit into their already busy lifestyle.

Xocai XoBiotic Squares

Probiotic means "fit for life" or "pro life". Probiotics are living microorganisms, which when administered effectively in adequate amounts confer health benefits. The Xocai XoBiotic chocolate will be in the form of an 11 gram square and delivers 1 billion microorganisms of two types, Lactobacillus Helveticus R0052 and Bifido Bacterium Longum R0175. By marrying the healthy benefits of dark chocolate with those of two probiotic cultures, which have a positive influence on immune and gut health, you can reap additional healthy benefits while enjoying your dark chocolate!

If you have any questions about these products, feel free to email me! tara@taraathatcher.com. If you would like to order any of the products, check out this website: http://myxocai.com/112225

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Tara

Tara Thatcher

2010-07-19T15:20:00.000-05:00

New Sponsor! RIVALUS!

2010-07-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

I am proud to announce that I have a new product sponsor, RIVALUS! The first thing that caught my attention about this company was the fact that they test all of their products! This is very important to me, because I have experienced some very extreme and painful side effects after consuming other supplements. I am very careful about what I put into my body, and I am SO EXCITED to be able to work with a company that cares about the athletes that choose their supplements.

The company was started by Dr. Darren Burke, a nationally ranked athlete turned university professor and research scientist. In his laboratory Dr. Burke studies the effects of dietary supplements on the body composition and athletic performance in humans. He has made dietary supplements that do not contain any substances banned by national college sports associations, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the International Olympic Committee ( OAC). These products are used by national, and Olympic level athletes.

Some of my RIVALUS products.

ENCHARGE: Endogenous Aminocharged Creatine. ENCHARGE makes creatine work "faster and bigger". The SiNERGY complex makes creatine work faster enabling your nervous system and muscle cells to re-charge with high-energy compounds faster both during and after exercise. The MYOCHARGE complex makes creatine work bigger because of the unique creatine amino acid peptide molecules in ENCHARGE enhance muscle protein synthesis. strength and size. It is also enhanced with Beta-Alanine.

I am using ENCHARGE to help add some additional muscle size and density over my off season. This will help me to add size to my back, shoulders, arms, and even out my top to bottom ratio.

PROMASIL: the world's first anabolic protein with beta-alanine delivering seven different high quality proteins, which have been nano-partitioned and fractioned for maximum amino acid profiles and benefit. Promotes rapid recovery and growth of lean muscle tissue.

I am using PROMASIL to help maintain my muscle mass as well as build muscle. I take it immediately after my workouts, and really love the Soft Serve Vanilla flavor!

Where can you get these products? You can order them directly off of their website, www.rivalus.net! You can also check out some of their other amazing products there! Please email me with any questions you may have at: tara@taraathatcher.com!

Thank you all and have a wonderful day!

Tara

I'm Back and ready to rock!!!

2010-04-28T10:35:00.000-05:00

Hello Folks! I haven't updated this blog much lately, but I am back, and will be updating as my busy schedule allows! Some new and exciting things going on in my life, that I would like to share with you!

First of all, I am back to working with Shawn Myzska at Explosive Edge Athletics. I work better with something a little "hands on", and Shawn and I are a great team! We just started some new training last week that I really think will help lift and firm up that booty! He is in a new facility, and I am excited to continue to work with him!

I am now sponsored by Missfit Clothing! Go check out the website, www.missfitclothing.com! There are great workout tops, track suits, mugs, all kinds of things that competitors will relate to and love! A special "thank you" to Ken at Missfit clothing for sponsoring me!

I have a lot of good things going on right now, and will share them when the time is right! Hope everyone is well!

Tara

2010-02-13T12:42:00.000-06:00

I woke up today to see a winter wonderland! What a beautiful site! Fresh, white snow, icicles, snow covered trees, WOW! It wasn't very cold, so I took Hercules for a much needed walk. He has been going crazy lately, cooped up inside. He misses his long walks, and trips to the dog park, and to my parent's house.

I am actually going down to Florida next week to visit my parents! They bought a house down there almost two years ago, and I still haven't seen it. Plus, I am in need of a vacation right now! I need a break from my life, and something new. Not that anything is bad or anything, but I am ready for a new adventure! I will be doing a few photo shoots while I am down there, so look for new pics coming soon!

My new website is up!!!! It is exactly what I had envisioned. Please check it out www.taraathatcher.com! Let me know if there is any topics that you would like me to touch on! There is a new blog section on the site. So, keep checking back! I will be adding new posts daily! I love having a site that I can update myself!

Countdown in on to FITNESS ATLANTIC! April 17th will be here before I know it! Emily Lind, Megan Moon, and I will be rooming together, and sharing a New England adventure! Imirage Photography will also be there, to capture wonderful moments and all of our hard work!

Dieting and workouts are going really well! I am really excited to see some great changes to my physique!

Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day weekend!

Tara Thatcher

www.taraathatcher.com

Updates

2010-01-22T14:00:00.000-06:00

Hello all! Happy Friday! Just wanted to say that I am working with a new website designer to create a totally new, fresh, up to date website! It should be up and running within the month! Have a great weekend!

Tara

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-02T12:12:00.000-06:00

Photo by Imirage Photography

Happy New Year!!!

Good morning, and Happy New Year to all of you! What an incredible year 2009 has been for me! I just wanted to take the chance to recap my year. I am going in chronological order, and using pictures!

Tara Thatcher. Highlights of 2009!

In February, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to shoot for a Life Fitness ad! They used two photos of me the ad! My first big fitness modeling shoot!

In March, I went to Columbus Ohio, to work at the 2009 Arnold Classic Expo. Here I am pictured with my friend, Lori Harder.

April. I shot with Wendi, of Satio Photography while she was here in Minnesota! She is an AMAZINGLY talented photographer, that I cant wait to shoot with again!

May. I won the tall class at the NPC Wisconsin State Championships! This was my first show of my '09 season. I had a blast and met some really nice people!

May. I competed at my first National level NPC show, Jr. USA's, in Charleston SC. My mom came with me, and I got to hang with my friends, Alyssa Stroud and Lisa Maguire, backstage. We had a wonderful time! I placed 12th.

June. I competed at NPC Jr. Nationals, in Chicago IL. I had a great experience! It was such a well run show, and Ben came with! I made my goal of top half of the class, and top 15 by tying for 13th place! I was so pleased with how I looked, and all of the results of my hard work. Special "thank you" to my trainer, Shawn Myzska of Explosive Edge Athletics for being simply the best!

June. I shot with Ben Saefke, and just loved my images. Here are a few of my faves!

In July, Ben proposed to me up at the cabin! He took me out for a sunset boat ride, we sat out on Big Trout Lake and talked for awhile. Then he got down on one knee, and presented me with the most beautiful ring, and asked me to marry him! Of course I said YES! When we got back to the cabin, his family was waiting at the top of the boat launch. They threw white doves at us and welcomed me into the family. It was an event that I will never forget! We are planning a May '11 wedding.

Also in July, I joined the Savage program, Perfect Body Online! They sent me my workouts, nutrition, and homework, ( yes homework), for each month! I signed up for Camp Savage in Chicago. In August, a few of my "Savage Sisters", road tripped it out to camp, and had a BLAST! I made a GREAT connection with Cathy, and look forward to representing her, my Savage sisters, and Perfect Body Online!

After Camp Savage, I came home and started practicing yoga! It has been so wonderful for me in many ways! Not only does it help with flexibility and core strengthening, it also helps me compartmentalize my stresses and let them go!

In October, I shot with Imirage Photography! I have been working with him for years, and it has been such a wonderful experience to see him improve and grow in his photography! Here are some of my favorites from that shoot!

Also in October, I signed a lease on my first new car! A blue, 4 door Honda Accord!

In November, it was off to VEGAS for '09 Fitness America! I decided to sit this one out, so I did not compete there. I was lucky enough to be able to support my girls, by helping with tanning, hair, makeup, eyelashes, etc! I had an INCREDIBLE time there, and cant wait to compete again! I am so proud of all of my girls that competed! I also felt really good about my decision to change federation!

December! We had a wonderful, busy month of work, family and friends! We had another incredible Christmas together, with both of our families!

So, as you can see, I have been so blessed in 2009! It was a great year full of wonderful people, memories, and events! Thank you to all of you that were a part of it! Looking forward to an even better year, in 2010!

Happy New Year!

~ Tara Thatcher

Delicious "Clean" French Toast!

2009-12-26T11:42:00.002-06:00

I hope that everyone enjoyed a very special holiday with their loved ones!!! I did, and I am reminded how thankful I should be for my many blessings! I have a wonderful, thoughtful, sweet, patient, loving man that I look forward to marrying in 2011! I have family, that are healthy, supportive, loving, and just the best! And, I have friends that I would do anything for, that are so positive, and caring! I couldn't ask for anything more!

I have a healthy recipe for "Clean French Toast" to share with you today!

The ingredients you will need are:

1 Cup of liquid egg whites, or 5 egg whites

1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Cinnamon

3-4 slices of cinnamon raisin Ezekiel bread

cooking spray

Heat your griddle, or pan to medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. In a bowl, or tupperware, combine egg whites, Vanilla, and a few dashes of cinnamon. Whisk together. Soak bread, on both sides, in mixture. Place in skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with spray butter and Agave Nectar, or real maple syrup for a treat! Enjoy!

Have a wonderful day!

Tara

Savage Sisterhood

2009-12-15T16:11:00.000-06:00

Savage Sisterhood: What it means to me!

I joined the Perfect Body Online program, (http://www.perfectbodyonline.com/), in July of this year. It was shortly after I competed at NPC Jr. Nationals. I was very happy with my placing, but I am an extremely competitive person, and always want to be at the top of my game. I talked to my good friend, Lori Harder, before the show, and she told me about the different Savage Programs, specifically, PBO, a brand new program offered by Fitness mastermind, Cathy Savage! I decided to take a little time to think about it, and after researching online, and chatting more with Lori, I decided to join!

Perfect Body Online, ( I will refer to it as PBO), is an online program designed to manage girls who are interested in doing modeling and spokesmodel work, by providing nutrition and workouts and homework, ( yes homework!), to help network us in the fitness industry! This program is headed up by Cathy Savage, fitness model extraordinaire Lindsay Messina, Janelle Nicolo, and Andi Martin.

What you recieve every month are workouts for the whole month. Some of the toughest ones that I have ever had the joy of putting myself through! You also recieve nutrition, specially tailored to your likes and dislikes as far as foods! Which means, you are more likely to stay with it, then fall off, or binge. We recieve a monthly newsleter, homework assignments to help us further ourselves in the fitness industry, and daily motivational messages via email! We also do teleseminars where Cathy discusses important topics, and answers questions.

The most important and exciting part of this for me, has been meeting Cathy Savage in person! I really needed to meet Cathy, and know that she had my best interest at heart. She works with hundreds, if not thousands of women, all over the country and world! I got the opportunity to meet her when I attended "Camp Savage" in Chicago, with some of my Savage Sisters from Minnesota and New York. When I did get to introduce myself, she said "Of course you are, I know who you are!", and we chatted for a little bit. I felt like she was an old friend that I had known forever! Meeting her, in a way, made me ready to give this my all! I want to make her proud!!!!

When you join any of the program, the other "Savage" girls refer to you as a "Savage Sister". Which is really a HUGE part of how special these programs are! It brings women, incredible, driven, positive, competitive, all together into a sisterhood! You recieve so many nice messages, positive comments, and commeraderie from women, it is AMAZING! There is nothing else that compares to this.

Another really important part is BALANCE. These programs stress balance between your family and loved ones, time in the gym, and giving back to your community through volunteer work. It isn't always about the next competition! It is about recognizing important people in your life, and spending time appreciating, and furthering your relationships! When every thing in your life is balanced, it is so much more rewarding, and just such a better way to live! This was one thing that was lacking a bit before I joined the program. I have really been working hard on being balanced, and am really enjoying it!

We have a wonderful group of women right here in Minnesota. We workout together, we hang out with our significant others together, and, we try to give back to our community by volunteering together. And we have become really close friends! It is amazing to see how much more fun fitness can be with like minded women that are passionate about it! We motivate and inspire each other! We are there to pick each other up when we fall, and celebrate life! I have met some of the most incredible women since I started PBO, and I am so thankful to have them all in my life! Couldn't imagine it any othe way!

So, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Does this sound like something you would be interested in being a part of? Check out http://www.cathysavagefitness.com/ too! I would like to thank Cathy, for being such a crazy, wonderful, intelligent business woman, and creating this for all of us!!!! To all of the fabulous ladies I have met so far, and to all of the Savage girls that I haven't met yet, I really love the support and encouragement I recieve from you, thank you! Thank you to Lindsay Messina, for sending out videos with our homework, and planning our workouts. Thank you to Andi Martin, who does my check in's every week, and always sends me something positive that keeps me on track. Also, thank you to Janelle Nicolo for all of her work behind the scenes. LOVE you all!

Tara Thatcher

Spicy Bison and Chicken Chili

2009-11-29T23:37:00.000-06:00

I just made some chili yesterday and I just love it! I didn't have a lot of time, so this is a pretty quick and easy recipe!

Ingredients you will need:

1 lb extra lean ground bison
1 lb ground chicken breast
1 can of lower sodium black beans
1 can of red kidney beans
1 can of great white northern beans
1-2 cans of no sodium added stewed tomatos
1 can of of no sodium added diced tomatos
4-5 diced chipotle peppers added for spice
1 whole yellow onion, diced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp Mrs Dash Extra Spicy
1-2 Tbsp Chili powder
1/2 Tbsp cumin
Morton's Lite Salt to taste ( this is a mix of sodium and potassium, good for those watching sodium intake)
Fresh Cracked black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes to taste

I start by heating my crock pot up to "high" heat, and putting the Olive Oil, Diced onion, Red pepper flakes, and chipotle chilis in the pot with the lid on for about 10-15 min. Meanwhile, cook the meat. I cooked it in a large pan together. These are pretty lean meats, so there shouldn't be any fat to drain. When the meat is done cooking, add all of the rest of the ingredients to the pot: beans, tomatos, spices, etc. Stir it up, then slowly start folding the meat in. You can leave the pot on "high" heat for 2-3 hours, or "low" heat for 4 or more hours.

I will be posting more recipes and updating my blog regularly! Life has been busy and wonderful!

Tara

More Photo Shoot Tips

2009-10-27T16:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday folks! Just recieved a few of my photos back from a photo shoot that I did with Imirage Photography! For all of you Savage Sisters that will be in Vegas competing, SHOOT WITH HIM! He does such a fantastic job, and is super fun to work with! Contact Carrie Donvito to schedule at time to shoot with him! You will LOVE your shots! And, if anyone in the area, ( Minneapolis/St. Paul), would like to shoot around a local competition, or just get some new headshots, commercial, beauty, fitness or glamour pictures done, contact him for his rates! If you are on facebook, look him up under Imirage Photoguy! SERIOUSLY!

OK, so, a few blogs ago, I started a series on how to prepare for photo shoots. We covered picking out clothing. Now, let's talk about skin care, prep, tanning, and makeup!

Skin Prep and Tanning:

Make sure you exfoliate properly before your shoot, especially if you are getting a spray tan session, or applying your own color. If you are getting spray tanned, check out your local tanning salons online, and see if any of them offer first time customers discounted rates on spraying. You can shop around, and see who has the most competetive rates, and who has the best equipment. If you spray, I would recommend going the day before your shoot. Then, you will be able to shower the excess color off, for a more natural looking glow.

I personally like to mix my own color. I do not tan in the tanning bed, and even though I am fairly dark skinned, I do need a nice fresh glow for a shoot. I mix the Jan Tana 10 minute, Ultra Hi Definition color with Burt's Bees Radiance lotion. I mix in a small tupperware, until the consistency is that of a thin lotion. I wear gloves to apply the color. You will need help applying this color to your back, as you wont be able to reach it very well! Wait about 10 minutes for this mixture to dry, before you put any clothes on.

Make sure you have some darker makeup or a really good bronzer to use on your face, so you dont appear to be 2 different colors. I would recommend using a self tanner for your face for a few days prior, so that you have a good base built up. Then use a bronzer on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, for that fresh, sun kissed glow.

Makeup Artists:

If you are new to photo shoots, and dont have much experience with makeup, you may want to hire a makeup artist to help with your first few shoots. You may want to ask the photographer if he or she has worked with any makeup artists that they would recommend. Or, you can check out makeup artists/stylists on the internet, and see if there are a few that are located close to where you are. Once you select one, you may want to go through a trial run with them, to see if you like their work. They should also have a portfolio of their work that you can look at, as well as a price sheet. Watch how they apply the makeup, and what kind of colors they us, so that you can learn how to do it yourself. You can also ask if there are any products they would recommend that you purchase to use in the future. If you like the makeup artist, make sure you get their business card, so you can use them again, or refer other friends to them. Also, if you have a card, make sure you give one to them as well. Networking is the name of the game, get good at it!!!!

Makeup:

If you are comfortable doing your own makeup, great! You will want to stay fairly natural with your look, depending on what your pictures from the shoot are going to be used for. If you are doing headshots, and close ups, even fitness stuff, go for a clean, fresh, healthy look. A great way to make your look a little more eye catching is to use false eyelashes! They will make your eyes look bigger, and really pop in your shots! You can always look in magazines and online for ideas for makeup colors, or looks that you really like!

So, there you have it! A few more pointers for photo shoots from my own personal experience! I will continue to post more tips, in my next post. Let me know if there is anything else that I can cover or any questions that you have for me!

Thanks so much!

Tara

Take Time for Yourself!

2009-10-21T15:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Wednsday!!!!

Stress. It's a dirty word, where all of our worries, and cares build up and nag at us! It is in the back of our mind, even when we are trying to focus on something else. It can create tension within our bodies, our minds, and even our relationships! What do you do to relieve stress? Do you schedule a weekly massage? Go to yoga class? Talk to a life coach, or professional? Do you take time everyday for yourself? Even just taking 15 minutes of quiet time for yourself, to think about things, and decide not to let things that you have no control over stress you out.

Take time for YOU! Wake up every morning, and resolve to make it a GREAT day! Start things out on a positive note. If you like, name off some of the things you are thankful for. For example: "I am thankful for my health, my job, a warm and clean place to live, the food in my fridge, my family, friends, significant other, for all of the endless opportunities that today holds!!!! Each day is new, like a piece of paper, blank for you to write what you want on it! Rejoice in this fact! Do not look back, into the past, or too far forward into the future! Be thankful that each day is a fresh start. Only you decide how it goes!

Try and be the BEST you, that you can be each day! Treat others with the kind of consideration that you like to be treated with! And remember to take time for yourself, meditate, be quiet, do whatever serves you! Stay in balance.

Tara

Let's get cooking!

2009-10-20T10:22:00.001-05:00

Good Morning! Well, it seems to be the flu season, and everyone is sniffling, coughing, and breathing their germs everywhere! Make sure you are taking your multivitamin, sticking to a clean diet, and if you feel a little something coming on, take it easy, and get some Airborne! Some of us fitness peeps cant seem to get enough of the gym, weights, cardio, etc. When we aren't feeling good, and feeling a little weak, it is better for us to STAY AT HOME! WE need to take good care of our bodies, because we demand so much from them! Try drinking extra fluids, some green tea, and making sure you get plenty of dark green veggies!

Let's talk NUTRITION! A huge part of the healthy lifestyle! Eating clean will ensure that your body has the proper nutrition to perform at it's best! I suggest eating 5-6 smaller meals per day. Have a serving of lean protein at each meal. Eat 2-3 pieces of fruit. Have 3-4 servings of healthy carbohydrates. Make sure you have 1-2 servings of a healthy fat. Finding what combination of foods works for you sometimes takes a little work, but listen to your body! This is a guideline to start with. Take a look at your diet. Are you consistently preparing whole, healthy meals that are delicious, and portable? Or are you just at the mercy of whatever the nearest fast food restaurant is, or grabbing something in a wrapper for your next meal? PLANNING AHEAD, is the key to this game!

Macronutrients:

Protein. Your body uses protein as it's major source of material for building and repairing blood, muscles, bones, teeth, skin, hair, nails, and your internal organs. Protein comes from a Greek word meaning "of primary importance Some of the kinds of protein that I use are chicken breast, extra lean ground turkey or bison, shrimp, flounder, ahi tuna steaks, low fat cottage cheese, greek style yogurt, and liquid egg whites. I do use a 100% whey protein shake as well, 1-2 per day.

Carbohydrates are the primary souce of energy for all body functions and muscular exertion and are necessary to assist in the digestion and breakdown of other foods. Some of my picks for carbohydrates are: brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatos, old fashioned oats, black beans, grapefruit, apples, mangos, berries, and bananas. My choices for veggies are asparagus, green beans, spinach, kale, snap peas, zuchini, and brocolli.

Healthy fats, or essential fatty acids, are necessary for normal growth, healthy blood, arteries, and nerves. They also keep the skin and other tissues youthful and healthy. Some of my faves are Udo's Oil, which is a blend of Flax, Sunflower, Sesame, Coconut and Evening Primrose oil. I also like almonds, natural almond butter, walnuts, and olive oil

Yesterday I cooked for a few days. I made terryaki chicken, using a Mrs. Dash marinade that is sodium free. I added red pepper flakes and red chili powder, for extra flavor, and fat burning power! I baked asparagus, zuchini, and sliced sweet potatos. I am newly hooked on quinoa, which is a great healthy carbohydrate that also packs the protein! It doesn't have much of a flavor, it is kind of delicate, and light. I find that it takes on the flavor of whatever you mix it with, and adds a nice, couscous-like texture to your dish!

Having the right tools, will get you where you want to go, and being prepared with your food is a big part of it! Make sure you have plenty of clean tupperware to store your food in. You will also need a lunch box of some sort, an insulated one works best because it will keep your food cold and fresh. They offer several sizes and styles, you can even find some really cool ones at Target that dont even look like coolers! Find one that you like, and make sure it has enough space to accomidate the amount of food meals that you need to be able to take with you. If you are also buying tupperware, make sure the containers fit in your cooler. Finding some that have stick together lids, creates a much cleaner look in your cupboard too. Find different sizes for full meals, snacks, fruit, veggies, cottage cheese, and whatever else you will be bringing with you.

Do you have a variety of spices, seasonings, and condiments to work with? You may want to pick up a new spice or seasoning during every trip you make to the grocery store. This way, you will always have something new, and different to use! Keeping your flavors fresh and different are also a great way to stay on track! You can also pick up fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, or try adding cilantro or parsley, just for a fresh and different flavor.

Trying to save money on groceries? BUY IN BULK! I recently joined Costco, and the membership has already paid for itself. I buy all of my protein there, and it saves a TON of money. Make sure you have the fridge and freezer space first, but this is a great option for saving money while eating clean.

Now, let's get into the kitchen and create some delicious, nutritious meals, that we can take with us!!! Have a great day, and make it one step closer to achieving your healthy goals!

Tara

Life and Photo Shoot Tips

2009-10-17T13:32:00.002-05:00

Good Morning all! What a gorgeous day it is here! Finally, some sunshine to put a smile on my face. I dont know about y'all, but I get REALLY affected by the dreary weather. It makes me tired, slow, lethargic. I have been feeling really tired this week, enough to require an additional hour of slumber in the morning. This pushes everything in my schedule back, which results in alot of rushing and scrambling to get everything done before I have to go to work!

Yoga has been invaluable to me this week! It helps me rid my mind of the stress, and compartmentalize all of my worries, and just let them go! I have been really loving yoga, and trying to go 2-3 times a week. Heck, I could go everyday if I had the time!

At the studio, they have this cute little store there with all these wonderful Lululemon clothes that are as expensive as they are adorable! So, I always get there a few minutes early, to browse their new wares, and get my favorite spot in class. This past week they had a Lululemon rack set up in one of the classrooms! This is EVIL! They had all of the cutesy, wonderful, must have new workout clothes that aren't even available at the store yet! Do they know that my poison is workout clothes???? That I pretty much live in them all day EVERYDAY???? Must I be taunted every time I walk in that door!?! One day I am just going to break down, and give in to temptation to the tune of $100's!

I get alot of questions about photo shoots. What to wear, how to do hair and makeup, how to pose. I am going to go ahead and address some of the questions in my next few blogs! I am going to cover clothing for this blog.

Clothing for a photo shoot:

My advice as far as clothes go, is to keep it simple. What is your shoot for? If it is something you have set up for yourself around your competition, or for fun, it is a good idea to have a variety of looks in mind. Especially if you are using the pictures for a website, comp card, business card, or website. Try picking out 3-4 different looks. You want to have a swimsuit, a dress, a more casual outfit ( think jeans and a tank top), and a fitness outfit ( sports bra and tank work best). You want to make sure that everything you choose is flattering on you, clean, and wrinkle free.

You may want to go shopping to find some new things. DONT spend a ton of money! Try going to a discount store, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or even looking online, ebay, and on the clearance rack at your favorite store. If you have some friends that around the same size, you can ask to look through their closet for items, as long as you ask, and return them washed and how you got them. Look through your favorite fitness magazine like Oxygen, Muscle & Fitness Hers, and regular magazines for an idea of colors that photograph well, and ideas for outfits. Buy clothing items that you will wear after your shoot, or, you can sell them if they are in good condition.

When you get your clothes ready for your shoot, you may want to put your suits, and smaller items in plastic zip lock baggies, to keep them together, and clean. Fold the rest of the items neatly, or bring them on hangers to prevent wrinkling. Remember to bring clean socks. Wear a bra and underwear that dont show, or create lines. Make sure that you plan out your accesories as well. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, belts, and dont forget about shoes! It you are wearing workout shoes, try to avoid solid black shoes, they cut you off at the ankles. Make sure your shoes are clean.

Please stay tuned for more information on preparing for photo shoots! Let me know if you have any additional questions, and if this information is helpful to you!!! Have a great weekend!

Tara

A friend's generosity

2009-10-13T15:51:00.000-05:00

Hello All! Happy Tuesday! I wanted to talk about something that has been weighing heavy on my mind lately. I dont know about anyone else, but I have been having some trouble staying motivated to lift and eat clean while not getting ready for a show. I am also watching quite a few of my friends get ready for competitions, so this kind of intesifies the feeling. I am happy with my decision not to compete this fall, but find myself a little lost without a major goal. I am very used to having a competition to get ready for, and have no trouble staying focused and motivated. I get lots of great emails from Cathy Savage, that she sends out to all of the Savage girls. These help. I missed the last 3 teleseminars because I was working. This bums me out, because that helps me feel connected, and keeps me excited about things! I have set some small goals for myself, to try and help with this feeling. I scheduled two photo shoots close to the end of the month, and I have a wedding on the 31st, that I really want to look good for. My last two weeks of workouts, cardio, and clean eating have been right on track, but for some reason, I just wasn't super excited about it. Well, today, I recieved something that really helped!

This is a picture of Lisa and I, at check in for NPC Jr. USA's this May. I met Lisa last year at the NPC North Star, here in Minnesota. We competed in the same class, and both made top 5 in a class of 20 ladies! We kept in touch via email and facebook, and hung out at Jr. USA's together. She is a sweet lady, and even had an article about her transformation in Oxygen magazine! Whenever I hear anyone say that they dont have time to workout, I think of her. She is a lawyer, who gets up at 2:30 A.M. so that she can fit in her cardio and workout before she goes to work. I admire her dedication and self discipline!

Anyways, Lisa, being the sweet lady that she is, contacted me about a week ago. She had purchased a beautiful Elisabetta Rogiani sports bra/short set for a shoot. The set is called "FIRE", and is pictured at left. She recieved it, and it didn't quite fit her how she would have liked. She told me about it, and asked me if I would like to have it! OMG, how thoughtful! She mailed it to me. I recieved it today, along with my Oxygen magazine when I went to pick up my mail after my workout at the gym. I was feeling a little down, and really tired today. This was EXACTLY what I needed to get EXCITED! I rushed up to my place, carefully opened the bag that contained the outfit, and tried it on! IT IS AMAZING! I cant wait to wear it for my shoot! Lisa, you have no idea how much I really needed that! You are such a kind, thoughtful, and generous person. You brought tears to my eyes. I am so very lucky to have you as a friend!

I firmly believe that all of the people that are in our lives are there for a reason. Anyone of them has the ability to improve, inspire, motivate, console, and lift us up! I want to say a special THANK YOU to all of the amazing women that are in my life! You guys make me want to be the best "me" that I can be. I am so fortunate to have a network of strong, beautiful, driven, and kind women around me! You are there are just the right moment to pick me up, to bring me to tears, to give me a kick in the rear when I need one. I hope, that I can do this for others too!

AND, a special "THANK YOU" to Lisa! Cant wait to see you on stage in a few weeks!

Tara

2009-10-05T15:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!!!!

Good morning! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! I really enjoyed mine! Friday am, I met up with two of my Minnesota Savage sisters, Emily and Megan for coffee, cardio, and presentation practice! I am SO blessed to be surrounded in my fitness journey by strong, compassionate, beautiful, thoughtful women! It means the world to me! Saturday I started my morning out with some yoga. Is there any better way to start a day!?! LOVE the yoga! Then I went shopping with my friend Keri. We dont get to see each other very often, but we always make the most of the time we do have together. We went down to Stillwater, which is a beautiful town down by the river, to go shopping, ended up browsing an arts and crafts show, had lunch, and just really had a great time! I had been looking forward to Sunday Session all week! We had a great workout, with a few of the regulars, and a couple of new peeps! I am so very thankful for all of the positive, wonderful people that are in my life. This makes a difference every day!

I had a great week last week! I am back on track! I got into the gym for all of my workouts, did all of my cardio, yoga, and stuck to my meal plan. I am feeling alot better, and am working toward my goals! I set up a couple of photo shoots close to the end of the month, to keep me in check! Plus, I love having new pictures to post! I also have a good friend's wedding on Halloween! Really looking forward to that!

Surrounding yourself with positive people that support your healthy lifestyle is a MUST. Alot of people dont understand why you dont want to go out and drink, and stuff your face with food that isn't good for you. I know that it is hard to understand WHY they dont get that chosing healthy foods, working out, and taking care of your body is a good thing! I guess that they just see you changing, and maturing, and making better choices that some of them aren't quite ready for, or may never be part of their lives.

I struggled with this alot when I first decided to compete. After saying "no" to going out for late nights of drinking, and eating a few times, my phone just stopped ringing. I didn't understand why my friends couldn't understand, or at least accept, that I wanted to challenge myself with a goal that I really put my heart and soul into achieving! I supported them with whatever they were doing, and it was really tough for me when almost noone supported my dream. There was alot of loneliness at that time in my life. Lucky for me, my family has always supported my competing, and healthy lifestyle. Some of my friends just bowed out of my life, and I wish them the best. One or two stuck around for the long haul.

After competing for the first time, I found alot of commeraderie backstage, with the other women that were competing. This started to be a place where I could find people with the same passion for fitness, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle! So, I made friends, through competition, online, and at the gym. These people have become some of the best friends that I have ever had! I experienced more of this after becoming a Savage girl! Now I have 100's of like minded women all over the US! All driven, dedicated, healthy, beautiful, supportive women! PRICELESS! What more could I ask for?

A few tips on how to deal with your non fitness, skeptical friends. COMMUNITCATE! Tell them that when they question your motivation, and lifestyle choice, it hurts your feeling. Remind them that you have been there to support them through life, breakups, school, jobs, etc, and that you would appreciate the same understanding from them! Try to find a way to see them that doesn't include eating! Go grab coffee, see a movie, go shopping, hang out at your place! Show them that you still want to hang out, and that you have ideas and suggestions for things to do. Now is the perfect time of year to go to the apple orchard! Pick apples, pumpkins, go on a haunted hay ride. There are so many things to do.

Hope you all have a fantastic day!

Tara

Death of Manners/Consideration?

2009-10-02T23:13:00.000-05:00

Hello! Hope everyone is well! I dont know if anyone else has noticed this, but I have just been appalled at the lack of manners and common courtesy everywhere! Be it while driving, at the gym, at the grocery store, dining at restaurants, where have our manners gone!?! In the picture above, are my amazing parents, Jerry and Rosemary, who raised me with manners! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Let's start with driving. Do people not realize that they are operating a large vehicle, capable of destroying lives if they dont pay attention to what they are doing? I see people change lanes with no signal, driving carelessly, and driving distracted, not paying attention to the task at hand!!! I am not saying that I am the perfect driver, all the time. I try to do my part, use my blinker, be respectful of other vehicles and drivers. I have almost been in several accidents lately, due to others' lack of attention to the road! People racing through red lights, changing lanes without appropriate signal or space available. What is up with this?

At the gym. I ALWAYS say "excuse me" if my locker or gym bag is in the way. I try and be mindful and respectful of others using equipment, and the locker area. It just peaves me when people have their stuff strewn all over the place, and dont move it or excuse themselves when they realize you are trying to access your locker!!!! Hello! How about a little consideration? Or, when you are using the equipment, put your weights away. Proper gym ettiquette folks! Please be aware!

Do people no longer use "please" and "thank you"? I am just so saddened by the lack of common courtesy and manners lately. You have all seen the kids with their parents at the store that just tell their parents what to do, and they do it! If I talked to my parents the way that kids now a days do, I would have gotten punished, in front of God and everyone, then sent to the car, or my room! Are people just not taking the time to teach their childeren how to be responsible, respectful people? If you dont want to do this, maybe skip the kids!!!! Seriously people!

So, I say, let's fight this! Ask someone how they are doing, say "please" and "thank you"! Go out of your way to be kind to people! People remember this, and how a stranger made their day by paying them a compliment, or being friendly, or just smiling at them!!! Then, hopefully they will "pay it forward". So, make today a day to start! We CAN make a difference!

Thank you, and Good Night!

Tara

2009-09-30T10:12:00.000-05:00

Carol Uhrig and I at Jr. Nationals

Happy Wednsday! I am having a great week so far, staying on track with both my workouts and eating. I feel good. Took Hercules out for some intervals this morning, and met the cutest bulldog named Buster Brown!

I want to talk about tanning. I have had a problem with tanning since I was a teenager. I am naturally darker skinned, thanks to my mother, who is Sri Lankan. I started tanning in high school, at first for dances, then for really no reason other than teenage girls seem to be obsessed with being the skinniest, tannest, most extreme at anything! I have always associated being tan with looking good, and actually looking healthy. After high school, I tanned alot, sometimes everyday, year round. This continued into my 20's. In Minnesota, we have a very long, very cold winter. I believe that everyone here gets affected by the weather, some even to the point of having SAD ( seasonal affective disorder). My mom actually has a special light that is supposed to help with this disorder. I always just hopped in my car and drove to the tanning salon. I always loved how warm I felt, and how dark I got.

When I started competing in figure, I justified tanning as part of getting ready for each show. I always needed to be as dark as I could before I applied the Jan Tana, or Elite Tan product. I also wanted to be dark enough for photo shoots year round. I purchased an unlimited monthly membership to a local tanning salon. Which seemed to be a really good deal at the time. For some reason, I fooled myself into thinking that since my mom is dark skinned, that I would not prematurely age or be at risk for skin cancer. Wow, was I lying to myself!

Fast forward to July. I joined the Perfect Body Online program, which is a new part of Cathy Savage's fitness programs. One of the first things she preaches is NO TANNING! I really started to think about this. I am almost 30, and I would really like to keep my skin looking fresh and young. After attending Camp Savage in Chicago, I came home and CANCELLED my tanning membership! It felt really good. I made a commitment to take better care of my skin and body, and to do that I needed to stop tanning. So, this lead me to look for some really good self tanners! Here are some that I have tried, and my personal experience with them!

I went out and bought two different self tanners and tried both. The first is Bare Escentuals Faux Tan. This is pretty dark, and you would want to apply it with gloves because it dries really fast. I found this out the hard way, and my palms were super dark for about 2 days. It is around $18 for a 4.5 oz bottle. So, it is a little more expensive than the drug store variety. The scent isn't bad, it smells kind of tropical, like coconut. This would be a great tanner if you want alot of color, or have a photo shoot.

I also purchased L'Oreal Sublime Bronze in Medium Natural Tan. This one is around $10 for a 5 oz bottle, at drug stores. You wont need gloves to apply this one, just make sure to wash your hands after application. I like this color because it builds on itself, so after a few days of use, you have a nice natural looking color. I also found they offer a facial lotion, which I mix with my daily moisturizer. It is called Sublime Bronze for face, and I use the Medium in this as well.

For photo shoots, if you want a really nice dark, even glowy color, I have developed a good mixture. I use the Jan Tana Ultra 1 Hi Definition color, and Burt's Bees Radiance body lotion. You will need a plastic container, and gloves. Pour some of the Jan Tana color into the container, then add Radiance body lotion, and mix. This will give you a bit of a glittery look because there are natural mica flecks in the lotion. I used this mix when I shot with Mike Byerly, and he commented on how natural, and even, and fresh my skin color and tone looked!

SO, there you have it! I am really glad that I have stopped tanning, and decided to take better care of my skin. I am sure I will be testing out other products as well. Always remember to wear sunscreen! SPF 15 or higher, especially on your face! Dont leave home without it. Have a fabulous day!
Tara

2009-09-29T09:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!!!! I had a GREAT start to getting back on track yesterday! 100% clean eating, CHECK, workout and cardio done, CHECK, and I had a wonderful day!!!!

For me, it is all about finding balance. Balance between work, friends, family, healthy living, and mental clarity. One gets out of whack, the whole thing suffers! I am really trying to stay in balance. One thing that has helped me immensely has been YOGA! I have been going to yoga classes 2-3 times per week, and I LOVE IT! Not only is it a good workout, it helps me compartmentalize my issues that day, and just let them go!

Cathy and I talked about a competition next year. We tentatively set our sites on Fitness Atlantic, at the end of April. I have ALOT of work to do before then. But, I know that I can do this! I am excited for next year and all of the adventure it will hold!

I am so blessed to have such wonderful family, friends, and a loving finace that means the world to me!

Off to yoga! Have an incredible day!!!!!

Tara

2009-09-28T14:20:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I have had a really tough couple of weeks! I made the decision not to compete at FAP in Vegas. I just have too many things going on in my personal life. I am busy planning my wedding, which will be next fall, studying for my personal training certification, and looking at houses, which means moving. I thought about it long and hard, and decided another competition was just not in the cards for me this year. I have already competed in 3 out of town NPC shows earlier this year, and my body needs a break! I talked to my good friend Lori Harder about all of this, and she really thought that I was making a good decision. Before I started working with Cathy, competitions kind of dictated my personal life. I planned the rest of my social situations, and important events around them. Cathy has taught me that real life matters more than any competition. Spending time with my family, friends, and fiance is priority to me. There will always be other competitions. My realization didn't make it any easier at first. I was really disappointed that I wouldn't be able to go to Vegas with my MN Savage Sisters. But, after I made the decision, talked with Ben, ( my fiance), Lori and Cathy, I felt like a huge weight had been listed off of my shoulders. I feel that I did make the right decision, and I am at peace with it! Now, to plan a wedding that will knock everyone's socks off, get my personal training certification so I can get a job that I am passionate about, and look at houses! This is a VERY exciting time in my life! All of my MN Sisters have been so supportive, and I am so very blessed to have them all in my life!

This past week and half has been really tough. I am a server trainer at an upscale steakhouse in my area. We are opening for lunch today actually. So, for the past week and a half, I have been at the restaurant sometimes from 10 am til 1 am, then back again to do it the next day! My workouts have been non-existent, and the one day that I had, I decided to go to yoga, because I was in need of some mental stress relief! My eating hasn't been up to par, and I am feeling disconnected. Now that the training at work is OVER, I can get back to my routine!

Today started out with some steady state cardio outside with my dog, Hercules. Fall is here! It was crisp and blustery and a little overcast. We had a great walk, and came home to have some breakfast. I made my banana protein pancakes, topped with them with Apple butter ( yummy!), and had a BIG cup of coffee. I planned out my week, made my fiance lunch, and started prepping some clean eats! I went to the new LA Fitness in St. Louis Park, which is by far the closest! It was only 10 minutes away. My workout was GREAT! I felt really strong, even after over a week off from my regular workouts. I liked the new gym, the layout was a little different, but it was a nice change. Came home, and cooked up meals for the rest of my day. Some chicken with pesto, brown rice, steamed brocolli, asparagus, sweet potato, and flounder.

I am making a commitment to myself, to get back to getting in all of my workouts, and eating clean 80% of the time! I have set up some photo shoots in about 3 weeks, so I have a goal to reach! Here we go! I am going to give it my best!

Tara

2009-08-31T12:32:00.000-05:00

HAPPY TUESDAY everyone!!!! This past week has flown by so fast! The pictures are from Camp Savage in Chicago! WHAT A BLAST that was!

Cathy was SO AMAZING, and so real! I was so happy to meet and connect with her there. I felt like I had known her FOREVER, HHHEEEEAAAAYYY!!!! Her staff was all so wonderful, approachable, and just really sweet ladies! Amber Ameredes performed her fitness routine, and it brought tears to my eyes! She is SO talented! Lil P was the queen of choreography and brought the coolest beats and just ROCKED! The functional workouts were like nothing I had ever experienced. My walk needs alot of work! I am used to a very stiff, NPC walk, and need to learn to loosen up and create a more flowy, feminine walk. We had a blast going out to dinner at HUB 51 on Saturday evening. I got to spend alot of quality time with my MN Savage girls and get to know them better. And I got to meet so many stunning, sweet girls from all over!

I took away SO much information and really feel that I am in the right place with my fitness journey! I am so excited to share this journey with not only my Minnesota Savage sisters, but all of the other Savage sisters out there! I have been looking for a "fitness family" to share all of my experiences with, victories, hardships, and everything in between! I have finally found it! I am here to help others, and better myself!

So, let's make today another step towards not only meeting our goals, but being the best person that we can possibly be! Be a light to others, be kind, and help when asked for it. Know how to handle situations with grace. And be joyful!

Tara

2009-08-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THURSDAY! So, last weekend I went up to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with a few ladies for a bachelorette party! We braved the elements: armies of mosquitos, furious thunderstorms, torrential downpours, wind, and still managed to have a great time! We went through alot of portages, a path on land between two bodies of water, where you have to carry not only all of your gear, but your canoe too! Did ALOT of paddling, I think my back may have gotten bigger from it, and drank a TON of water! We stayed at two different campsites on two different lakes. Setting up tents, chopping firewood, building a fire, and cooking were quite the experience. It brought us all closer together because we relied on each other for survival. So, after being out in the wilderness for a few days, a hot shower, and a huge burger were totally necessary!!!!

This week has been a busy one! Getting back home late Sunday night, and back in businss on Monday morning. I feel like my diet has been on point this week, and I am starting to tighten up a little!!! YAY! My workouts this week have been off the charts, and my motivation level is at an all time high! I am SO excited for Camp Savage! We leave tomorrow, and I am looking forward to getting to know my MN Savage sisters even better!

Just got a few more pictures back from my shoot with Imirage. IF you guys like my pics, check him out on Facebook, Imirage Photoguy. I have shot with him for years, and watched his talent and skill just skyrocket! So, if you are in the Minneapolis area, or are going to be traveling here, be sure to set up a shoot with him! Lee is kind, knowledgable, and flexible, and a blast to shoot with. You will get some of the best images EVER!

So, it is my day off with Ben today. I already did my am cardio with Herc. Had my protein pancake, and am savoring my morning coffee. Ben is still sleeping. We have lots to do today, and I need to get some things packed for this weekend. So, here's hoping everyone has a great weekend!

Make today 1 step closer to achieving your goals!!!!

Tara

2009-08-12T09:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednsday!!!! I hope everyone is having a positive, productive, enjoyable week so far! I know I am! I had the BEST workout yesterday, and I can already feel the effect in my glutes and hams! I LOVE it! Being sore makes me feel accomplished and alive. Each workout that I give my all to, brings me one step closer to achieving my goals!

I started my day with a walk down by the river with my dog Hercules. This is our special time together. My dog is the COOLEST ever. When others talk about their children, I chime in and talk about Herc! He is a Boston Terrier/French Bulldog mix. He maybe the most handsome dog alive. Hercules has a personality all of his own. He likes to snuggle, play tug of war with his rope bone, and meet new people and other dogs. He is super strong, muscular, and is about 10 lbs heavier than the breeder says he would be. That is because he takes after his mama! He can run for an hour, or walk at a good clip too. Good endurance. His favorite person in the world is my fiance, Ben, and his favorite thing to do is hunt rabbits at night in the park. We dont ever catch the rabbits, just chase them:) I am supremely proud of all of the things he has learned to do. My favorite trick that he does is when he gets into the car, he uses the button in the back to roll down his own window! Such a genius!

Well, I have a busy day ahead of me, going to the gym, meeting up with friends, and getting ready to leave for the Boundary Waters tomorrow! Have a great day y'all!

Tara

2009-08-10T13:31:00.000-05:00

HAPPY MONDAY! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! Mine was wonderful! Ben and I really enjoyed our Sunday together yesterday. We call it "Ben and Tara" day! We ran errands took our dog to the park, then went out to dinner at a wonderful spot called the Sample Room. It just reaffirmed to me that I am going to marry the most wonderful man alive! I am so lucky.

After my morning walk with Hercules, I went to check my mail on the way up to our place. I recieved my white Victoria's Secret suit for the Savage/PBO photo shoot in Vegas! It is soooo cool! I got the plain white one and I cant wait to rock it with all you other lovely ladies in Vegas! I also got the newest issue of Oxygen magazine! What a great day, right!?! This issue is very special to me. It features one of my best friends, Lori Harder! She looks AMAZING as always, and just looks like she belongs in my magazine, along with all the other big fitness names! CONGRATS LORI!

Lori Harder is a wonderful woman. We met a few years ago, when she moved to the area and contacted me via my website email. We set up a meeting at the gym that we both worked out at, and our friendship has blossomed into something really special! She has watched me struggle with competing, and with relationships, and has always been there for me. I have watched her, being part of the Savage sisterhood, and have always wanted that commeraderie that she had, but wasn't quite ready for it. Talking to her this summer made me realize that the Savage thing was special, and that I could be a part of it! I am SO GLAD that I decided to do this! Lori has continued to inspire me over the last couple of years. Not only is she a knockout of a beauty, but she is one of the kindest, nicest, most sincere women that I have ever known! Lori is someone that others should view as a role model, because she is real, honest, gorgeous, hard working, and passionate about not only what she does, but helping others achieve their goals as well. I am blessed to be able to call her a friend.

I am SO excited for Camp. I know that I probably say this everyday. I am looking forward to getting to know the MN Savage girls better, and to meeting others and forming friendships!

Make today one stepping stone closer to achieving your goals!

Tara

2009-08-08T13:59:00.001-05:00

2009-08-08T11:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! Well, so far today, I have mangaed to eat breakfast, have coffee with my best friend Keri, out run a storm while listening to the PBO teleseminar on my phone, in the car, and send in my official check in!!!! And that is just the start of things!

I am SO motivated by Cathy and Lindsay!!! Their knowledge of the industry is priceless! I have been involved with competing and in the industry for about 4 years now. One thing that hit home for me was the story about rejection. I have one to go along with that. I do a little modeling in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I live. I was sent on a "go-see" a few years ago. 2007. It was for a company you may know of called Life Fitness! I went in, filled out a sheet with my info, and had a few pictures taken of me by the photographer's assistant. I could hear the company reps talking to the photographer about me while I was posing for my pics. What they had to say was not nice. "Oh no, not that one", "not the look we want", and one nice thing," she has a really nice back"! I got really discouraged. Needless to say, I did not get the job. It really hurt my feelings. Well, WAKE UP! Noone has the right "look" for every company! You are NOT going to get every job you interview or do a "go see" for. It is a tough world out there. Dont let it get you down! Keep at it! As it turns out, this story does have a happy ending! Fast forward to early 2009. I gave the photographer here who shoots for Life Fitness, Octane Fitness, and Hammer Strength, my new comp card, and business card to keep on file. I got a call from him to come in and test shoot. He didn't tell me what company it was for. I got a call back from him a few days later to tell me that I GOT THE JOB! Guess who it was with???? LIFE FITNESS! They loved my look! They got all of my measurements and sizes, so when I showed up the day of the shoot, they dressed me, did my hair and makeup, had an assistant that fixed the wrinkles in my clothing, and everything! It was AWESOME! And this was a legit, paid job with one of the top companies in the industry! So, moral of the story; BE PREPARED! Have up-to-date photos of you, business cards, and comp cards! Keep in touch with photographers, companies, contacts! BE PROACTIVE! Good things come to those that stay on top of things and market themselves!!!

And I need to take my own advice with that! Things in the fitness industry seem to move kind of slowly. I was featured in the "Future of Fitness" in the November 2007 publication of Oxygen magazine. I went to an "Oxygen Casting Call" at the Arnold this year. I brought all of my stuff, business cards, comp card, and of course, a great attitude! I didn't hear anything back from them. But guess what, they have not seen the last of me! I am going to keep trying, by getting new pictures, keeping my portfolio fresh and up-to-date!

I am beyond excited to be working with Cathy and Lindsay as part of the PBO program! I feel that this partnership will help me take this to the next level and reach my goals! Being part of a sisterhood of beautiful, positive, driven women makes me want it that much more! Seeing others succeed brings me so much joy! If you have a second, check out the Oxygen website, www.oxygenmag.com, and see my girl Lori Harder doing some abs!!!! I am SO happy for her, and cant wait to see her workout spread in the next issue!

So, for all of you that want this, want it bad enough to ALWAYS be prepared! Make good connections and establish good working relationships with people! Be a step ahead of everyone else! Words to live by!

That being said, have an excellent and productive weekend!!!!

Tara

2009-08-07T09:07:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! I just got back from doing intervals in the rain with my dog, Hercules. It was so awesome to be outside, sprinting through the rain!!! Now, I am cooking some protein pancakes and waiting for my coffee to finish. Perfect start to my morning!!!

It has been a really busy week for me. I started my PBO ( perfect body online) program! It is different that what I am used to doing, but I am really excited to try something new that will lead me in the direction that I want to go in the fitness industry! The workouts are a little more fast paced, but I feel really good when I am done!

I am SO EXCITED for Camp Savage in a few weeks! I am really looking forward to meeting Cathy, and all of the other girls there! Plus, getting to know the MN Savage girls even better! Looks like we have a great team here, and I think we will all really be able to support and encourage each other through competitions and life! This is the support system that I have wanted since I started competing!!!

Here is the recipe for my protein pancakes:

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup berries, or 1 banana

3/4 cup egg whites, or 4 egg whites

Spray pan with Pam and set to medium heat. Put all ingredients in blender and blend til smooth. Pour batter in pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Top with real maple syrup, agave nectar, no sugar added jam, or whatever you like! Enjoy!

Tara

2009-08-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

HAPPY MONDAY!

I know that it has been a LLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGG time since I have posted anything! I am going to do my best to fix that! Pinky swear:) Anywho, I will have to catch you up to speed with my life! Lots of big things that have happened since my last post.

I went to NPC Jr. USA's and placed 12th in my first National level show! My goal was top 15, so I met that goal! I recieved feedback from the judges there stating that I needed to bring down my hips, ( which are genetic), not really much I could do there. SO, I started doing more interval style training and got REALLY lean. I competed at Jr. Nationals. My goal there was top half of my class, and top 15 again. It was a TOUGH class! I tied for 13th place, in a class of 28 ladies, so again, I achieved the goal I had set for myself!!!! I waited to hear the feedback to see what I needed to work on. I was told that I needed more muscularity in my upper body, and that I needed to tighten my hamstring and glutes! I was at 7.6% bodyfat for Jr. Nationals. I am not sure I could come in much tighter!

After talking to one of my best friends, Lori Harder, I have decided to make a change! First of all, I am working on getting my personal training certification, so that I can have a job that I am PASSIONATE about! Second, I have decided to work with Cathy Savage, and joined the Perfect Body Online program! Check out the website: www.perfectbodyonline.com . I have also decided to compete in the FAP organization! I feel like they might like my look better, as I have decided to remain natural, and dont feel like putting on a ton of muscle would go well with my look! I am super excited to start this journey! I will be attending "Camp Savage" in Chicago, IL with some of the other "Savage" girls from Minnesota, Lori Harder, Megan Moon, Kirsten Erickson, and Emily Lind! I cant wait!!!!!

I have saved the Best for Last! I recently got ENGAGED!!!!! Ben and I were vacationing up at his cabin. We went for an evening boat ride out to Big Trout Lake, and watched the sunset! While we were out on the water, we started talking. All of a sudden, Ben started saying " I love you more than anything, and I cant imagine my life without you", and got down on one knee, pulled a little box out, and presented me with the most beautiful ring I have EVER seen! OF COURSE I SAID YES! WE cried and laughed, then headed back to the cabin. As we walked up the boat launch, hand in hand, grinning ear to ear, we were showered with white plastic doves and white silk rose petals by family members that had gathered there to great us and celebrate!! It was the most precious moment, and it couldn't have been anymore perfect! So, we are thinking about a fall 2010 wedding. No details yet, but stay tuned for those!

So, I start my day, refreshed, full of motivation and determination!!!! I have my new nutrition and training plan, and I am diving into it head first! Cant wait to share my journey with you! Have a happy and healthy Monday, and remember that TODAY is the day to make a difference! Dont wait!

Tara Thatcher

2009-05-18T10:15:00.001-05:00

2009 NPC WISCONSIN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

I had a FANTASTIC time at the NPC Wisconsin State Championships this weekend! Ben and I left Friday around 1 in the afternoon. I had alot of cooking and packing to do, but we left on time! I know, if you know me, this is CRAZY! I LOVE riding in the car with Ben on trips like this. We have such a great time together, and when I get nervous or stressed, just his presence keeps me calm and confident! We arrived at the hotel around 5 pm. It was nice, but the decorater must have been blind, or had a weird thing for 1996! Everything was Navy Blue, bright green, and orange! IT was truly an assault on the eyes! We got all checked in, then started bringing our stuff up to the room. I like things organized, so I got everything unpacked and put everything in its' place.

We decided to just drive around for awhile to kill time. We drove all over the place. IT is really pretty out where we were, green, rolling hills, lots of cattle farms, and not much else. We stopped to get gas and a lottery ticket at a gas station there. $150 million, I'd take that! LOL! Stopped and got coffee, then headed back to the hotel to start putting the color on.

Here is a blog within a blog about the last week of prep, and the color aspect of it:

~ You should use whatever scrub goes with your tanning product to prep your skin. I start a few months in advance, and make sure I scrub my whole body 1-2 times per week.

~ Monday, (week before the show), scrub total body with pre tan scrub. I use the Jan Tana scrub. A little goes a long way, so use just enough. Make sure you get your back!!! If you scrub only the rest of your body, the tan will be uneven.

~Tuesday, ( week before the show). This should be the last day you tan in a tanning bed, if your show is on Saturday. Tanning, especially if you get burned, will cause you to retain water. This is something we are trying like hell to avoid!

~Wednsday, ( week before the show), scrub total body. This is the last day that I apply lotion of any kind to my skin after showering. I dont use lotion Thursday, or Friday, so that my skin will soak up the color better, and more evenly.

~Thursday, ( week before the show), scrub total body. No lotion, ( except for facial), applied to body.

~Friday, Day before the show, scrub total body, shave, do not apply lotion to skin after shower. I start my first coat this evening. I use the new Jan Tana Ultra One Coat Hi-Definition color, and this stuff is THE BOMB! Pat dry after shower. Make sure hair is out of the way, pulled back in a pony, or up in a clip. I apply the product with a microfiber car wax applicator. This works flawlessly for me! No STREAKING! Pump product onto applicator, and apply to skin in circular motion. Make sure to go lighter on areas like elbows, knees, and feet. These areas soak up color faster. Allow color to dry. For me, I wait about 15-20 minutes before I sit down, put any clothes on, or lay down. I recommend putting on some really loose fitting clothing, a zip up sweatshirt, and loose fitting pants, in a darker color, work the best. REMEMBER, if you are competing out of town, bring your own towels and sheets! Otherwise, you may be charged for any stained items in your room. Oh, and a pillowcase.

~Saturday, day of the show. If you can get up early enough, I would recommend applying a second coat, and blending anything that may have happened overnight. Handprints, spots, etc. Remember to get the oil, or glaze that goes with your product, otherwise, it will smear your color, and may even turn it green! You are being judged on your color, so how flawless it looks counts! I do not put any color on my hands, until right before prejudging. Just put a small amount on the puff, make sure you just do the tops of your hands, and in between your fingers. Then, pump up, and apply the glaze. I put gloves on, spray a little glaze, and smooth it on with the gloves. Have someone you trust do your back. DO NOT apply too much glaze, you will look oily, and your definition will be lost. If your color gets messed up after prejudging, or a photo shoot, FIX IT. Do another coat, and blend away all of the marks, or spots. You want to look just as good at the night show, as you did at pre-judging.

Hopefully this was helpful:) I will be back to blog about how the shoot went, my photo shoot with John Lathrop, and the rest of the weekend later!

Tara

2009-05-14T14:20:00.000-05:00

I would like to share a recipe for all of you other figure ladies, and whomever loves peanut butter and chocolate as much as I do! Thank you to Caryn Baker, my friend, for the recipe! These are for chocolate covered peanut butter balls!

You will need:

1 Jar of natural peanut butter, I recommend Lund's or Byerly's store brand
2 Cups of Vanilla Whey Protein powder, ( I use Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey)
1 Cup Liquid egg whites, ( equivilant to about 5 egg whites)
1/2 Cup wheat germ
1/2 Cup Splenda
1 TBSP Cinnamon

1 bag semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup coffee
Spray butter

Mix the peanut butter in a bowl, to get all of the oil blended in. Add the rest of the ingredients and mash together with a fork. I recommend wearing latex gloves while doing this, so it doesn't get everywhere! Use a greased Tablespoon to measure out, and roll into balls. Put on wax paper, and refridgerate for at least an hour.

In a small pot, melt a cup of semi sweet chocolate chips. Add a few sprays of spray butter, and stir in coffee. Spoon pb balls in, roll until coated in chocolate. Put on wax paper and freeze..

YUMMY!

Tara

2009-05-12T10:50:00.001-05:00

Well, I am currently 4 days out from the Wisconsin show, and 11 days out from Jr. USA's! I am tired, a little hungry, but more driven than I have ever been! I am focused on doing my best, looking my best, getting all of my meals in exactly when then need to be, and giving my all every time I hit the gym! I am lean, and larger than I have ever been! My shoulders are soooo much bigger than the last time I competed, as are my arms, and my back is so freakin' wide!

I cant believe that the time flew by so fast! Where did all of those weeks and months go!?! I am so blessed to have so much support. I get an email almost daily, sometimes from someone I know, sometimes from a complete stranger, telling me that I am an inspiration to them, that they really think that I look great, and admire my dedication! SERIOUSLY, these make my day! I never thought that I would inspire anyone, but it feels amazing every time someone tells me that!

This week, it seems like I have so much to do, errands to run, cooking to do, work, workouts. But, I am taking it all in stride. I will not let anything overwhelm me, or mess with my head. I am going in to Saturday the best that I have ever looked. The placing is secondary, I feel unstoppable! I look forward to this contest, and the weekend in Madison.

I cant wait to go to South Carolina! I just love the Carolinas. They are beautiful. For those of you that dont know, I am a former Marine. I went to boot camp in Parris Island, SC. That brings back alot of memories, alot of who I am today was conceived at that base. I took so many wonderful things away from being in the Marine Corps, motivation, dedication, drive, honor, respect. IT was such an important part of making me who I am today.

Well, I am off to run some errands. The big bottle of Udo's Oil slipped out of my hands last night, broke, and spilled all over the kitchen floor! That was such a pain to clean up. Now I need to stop at Nutrition City to get another one! Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Tara

2009-05-09T11:06:00.001-05:00

Just got these new images back from my shoot in Two Harbors, last weekend with Robb Long. He is great! Check out his website: www.rlimaging.com ! We had a blast up there, it was a tad bit cold, but we tough Minnesotans are just fine with that!

Just 7 days out from my first show, the NPC Wisconsin State Championships! Looking forward to a long drive and some time with Ben that weekend! I am excited, nervous, but I feel good about my conditioning and how my trainer Shawn is bringing me in! I trust him completely, and wouldn't think about doing this with out him! THANK YOU SHAWN!

Tara

2009-05-06T10:18:00.000-05:00

10 days to go! Although my first show isn't the one that I will be peaking for, I will still look better than I ever have! I am super excited. Nervous, but confident that all of the hard work that I have put in will pay off.

It isn't about the placing, it is about doing my personal best. I wont lie, the placing is an important part of it. But, at the end of the day, only I control how hard I train, how closely I follow my diet, and how I live my life. The most important opinion of me, is my own!

The extra cardio took alot of out of me on Monday, but I am adapting to it, and I am just fine now. Hopefully this will provide the extra cuts we need to see in my legs, as my upper body is really close to ready right now! I am seeing more striations, vascularity, and size than ever before, and it makes me so happy!

I purchased the new "Jan Tana Ultra Hi Definition" one coat competition color. I am going to apply a little to my skin today after my shower to see what the color looks like. I am excited to use this product and I will do a blog reviewing it after my first show.

Tara

2009-05-04T10:06:00.000-05:00

I had a BLAST at my last photo shoot! My good friend, Abby and I shot with photographer Robb Long, and his wife Erin was there to assist! We went up to Two Harbors, and shot by Lake Superior! It was so majestic, peaceful, and a great day to shoot. We did some shots like the one above, and some fitness shots as well. This was the first shot that I got back and I think it is sooo cool!

My coach is adding a little extra cardio this week. I am so focused and determined right now, so it isn't fazing me. I cant wait to get to my first show, and see what all of this extra muscle, and how all of the changes that we have made to my physique will look like!

Tara

2009-04-28T12:22:00.000-05:00

Hello! Well, I am currently about two and a half weeks out from the NPC Wisconsin State Championships! I am nervous and excited. I have sent in my entry form for Jr. USA's, booked my flight and hotel as well. Really looking forward to the travel! Ben, my boyfriend will be going with me to my show in Madison. He has been so wonderful, supportive and tolerant of all of the madness that comes with my competing. I love him soooo much and am so lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life! My mom with be going to South Carolina with me. I look forward to spending some time with her and being somewhere warm and sunny!

Feeling good about my progress, and how my prep is going. I do tend to be a little weird during the last few weeks. Over-analyzing how I look, thinking about who else will be there. But I have put in the effort, and now it is time to see how it stacks up against the competition on that day!

I got my proofs back from my shoot with Wendi from Satio Photography. I loved so many of them, it was hard to narrow it down to just three images to edit! I will post them as soon as I get them back.

I have a shoot coming up on Saturday with Robb Long, www.rlimaging.com, with a really cool concept. I will post pictures from that shoot when I recieve them. Well, it's off to the gym for more cardio for me!

Have a wonderful day!

Tara

2009-04-20T17:40:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I know it has been quite some time since I have written an entry on here. Slapping myself lightly on the hand as punishment! I had a great day today, I had the honor of shooting with Wendi of Satio Photography! What a great lady! I cant wait to post the pic, and I cant wait to work with her again!

Well, to get you up to speed on what is going on with me. I competed in two NPC shows last year, The NPC Midwest Muscle Classic, where I took the tall class and the overall ( my first one yet!), and the NPC North Star, where I placed fifth in a tall class of 18 competitors. Although I dont really agree with my placing there, I did my best, and presented my best total package yet I had the opportunity to represent ALR Industries at the 2009 Arnold Sports Festival! Thank you for having me, it is always a pleasure!I have also been doing quite a few photo shoots, and even landed some fitness model work with companies such as Life Fitness, and Gopher Sport! I have worked with some really great photographers, stylists and make up artists!

I am still working with Shawn Myzska of Explosive Edge Athletics. I want to CONGRATULATE him on being named "Minnesota's Trainer of the Year"! An award which he is so deserving of. We have been working on adding some more quality muscle to my frame, and shaping out that muscle. I couldn't be happier with the progress that I have made since I started working with him! Check out his website at www.explosiveedgeathletics.com! I have my sights set on competing at the National level this season! I will start out with the NPC Wisconsin State Championships, then move onto NPC Jr.USA's, ( in Charleston, SC on May 23rd), then onto the NPC Jr. Nationals, ( in Chicago, June 19th-21st)! After that we will discuss our options!

I am currently a little under four weeks out from the Wisconsin show. The time has just flown by, and I am really looking forward to getting back on stage! I am excited and nervous to see where I fall on the National level stage, but I will never know unless I give it my all!

I promise that I will be posting new blogs, updating my site, and posting new pictures, so you can all follow my journey through competitions, photo shoots, and whatever else may pop up!

Take care, Tara Thatcher NPC Figure Competitor & Fitness Model

2008-10-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

Hey! I just got back home from a wonderful weekend in Wisconsin! My parents, Ben and I had such a great time! I competed at the NPC Midwest Muscle Classic in Schofield. The host hotel was soooo cool, The Lodge at Cedar Creek. It was clean, comfortable, there was a fridge and microwave in the room, ( bonus), and a waterpark in the hotel! The promoter did a fantastic job with that! The show was well run, and you could tell that the promoter valued the athletes that were competing there. It was low key, and very well coordinated. Everyone at the show was nice, and very approachable. I would sincerely recommend this show to anyone, either first timers, or someone just looking to compete. Thank you for a great show AL!

I feel that I presented the my best package so far! I was pleased with how I looked, the improvement over last season was obvious! I won the tall class and the overall! That is a first for me! My suits were perfect, Ben helped me choose some really different jewelry for each one. My posing was far and away from what I have ever done! I am happy with my results and look to use that as momentum as I continue to train for the 2008 NPC North Star!

I want to thank my family, Ben, for all of his unconditional love, support, we had such a great time this weekend, Keri, ( my ho ho mocha), for her presents, her friendship, and her support, Lori, ( for her friendship, support, and hilarious messages, Emmy, for her friendship and support, Natalie & Jerome, Amber, JulieAnn, Jessica, Andrea, Jeni D, Lyle, and all of my friends for all the well wishes! And a special "thank you" to everyone for their words of encouragement, and congratulations! It means so much to me!

Thank you to ALR Industries for supplying all of my contest prep supplements! It is an honor to work for such a wonderful company who doesn't settle for medeocrity, and puts out the best supplements ever! Thank you so much! You guys are AWESOME!

I also want to thank Tammy Pies of Elite Tan ( www.elite-tan.com)! She sent me the BEST tanning products of all time! Not only are the products easy to apply, they dont smell, rub off on towels and sheets, and look sooooo natural! I got so many compliments on my color! I use the Competition color, Extreme color, the pre tan scrub, the spray oil and the ph balanced vanilla scented lotion! Seriously, I cancelled my spray tan appointment for my next show because I know these products are BETTER!

And a special THANK YOU to Shawn Myszka of Explosive Edge Athletics!!!You helped make this possible! Without your help, positive attitude, pushing, and expertise, this wouldnt have been possible! You are truly a coach and friend, and I am so thankful that you are in my life! You have helped me more than you will ever know:)

I will be posting pics as soon as I get them, so stay tuned! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Tara

2008-09-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

2008-09-13T11:04:00.000-05:00

I had a great time in New York working the ALR Industries booth! We had a blast! I got to see Krissy Chin compete, she is such a sweetie! I also got to watch my friend, JulieAnn Kulla make her Pro debut at the New York Pro, take 2nd place, and qualify for the Olympia! Best wishes to her!

I just got a photo of my suit back from Tamara Oakley, the bikini guru! It is gorgeous, and I cant wait to wear it on stage! She was so wonderful to work with, and I would recommend her to anyone looking to purchase a suit!

Contest prep is going well for me! I am currently 3 weeks out from my first show, the NPC Midwest Muscle Classic, and 7 weeks out from my second show, the NPC North Star! I look forward to both shows! I cant wait to step on stage again, this time with a much improved physique! The prep has gone by so fast, and I cant believe that I am on the home stretch! I will put up the show posters for additional information!

Remember, only YOU can turn your dreams into reality!

Tara

2008-09-08T13:26:00.000-05:00

Featured Product of the Week, LEAN DREAMS from ALR Industries!

Lean Dreams is a nighttimes restoration & fat loss formula from the same great company that brings you Hyperdrive 3.0+! Lean Dreams works by promoting healing of the damage that we do during our day and it also supports fat burning all while we sleep! The ingredients of Lean Dreams allows you to sleep better and wake up refreshed and leaner!

Some of the benefits of taking Lean Dreams are: improved sleep, suppression of cortisol, regulation & improved natural growth hormone release and you feel more relaxed! I enjoy these benefits! Especially pre contest! I have such busy days, and sometimes had a hard time falling asleep. I didnt want to take any chances with any sleep aids with addictive potential. Lean Dreams was the answer for me! It has no addictive potential, and makes 24 hour fat burning a reality!

Lean Dreams is formulated to support:

~Facilitates relaxation
~Supports sleep/recovery
~Supports GH release
~Suppresses cortisol production/prevents catabolism
~Helps target fat utilization for energy

Lean Dreams is uniquely designed and improved sleep. Lean Dreams also fuels the pathways that result in prioritizing fat burning and lean tissue preservation. Lean Dreams works by supporting GH release, suppressing cortisol, targeting fat utilization, promoting relaxation, rest, and a more healthy sleep.

For more information, check out www.alrindustries.com!

Remember, only you can turn your dreams into reality!

Tara A Thatcher
NPC Figure Competitor & Fitness Model
www. taraathatcher.com

2008-08-26T11:45:00.000-05:00

Hi there! I just got this photo back from my photo shoot with Ben Saefke of BESADE. I just love it! Wanted to share!

I am looking forward to my Labor Day weekend! I am spending it with my boyfriend and his family up at their cabin! Then I will be off to Texas to do some demos with ALR Industries! From Texas, I go straight to New York to work the ALR Industries booth at the Team Universe/ New York Pro show! I am pumped and cant wait!

Remember, only YOU can turn your dreams into reality!

Tara

2008-08-18T11:49:00.000-05:00

Hello! Just wanted to quickly mention that I am featured in the new issue of Fitness & Physique Magazine! Check me out on page 38!

Ok! I would like to feature each one of the products that I am taking seperately, so that I can provide information on it, and my personal experience as well! The featured product this week is HYPERDRIVE 3.0+, from ALR Industries.

Hyperdrive 3.0+ is formulated to support:

~thermogenesis
~targets stored fat
~energy
~mood enhancement/focus
~appetite suppression

Hyperdrive 3.0+ is designed to be an exceptional centerpiece to any weight loss program! ALR Industries has developed the TriLean System which is a total weight loss kit! This is what I use, and I love it!

The ALR Industries TriLean System consists of:

~Hyperdrive 3.0+
~Zero Stim
~TX
~Lean Dreams

I take one Hyperdrive 3.0+ in the morning with my meal, and water. It is important to take Hyperdrive 3.0+ with foods and fluids so that your body is properly fed and hydrated, especially if you are sensative to stimulants ( which I am). Because of it's time release formula, it keeps me going all day! I am precontest right now, so I am super busy! In the gym twice a day, running errands, walking my dog, cooking, working, pretty much non stop all day! Hyperdrive 3.0+ keeps me focused, energized, and in a great mood so I can accomplish all of my daily tasks! Usually I hit a brick wall, so to speak, at around 3 pm. I notice that with Hyperdrive 3.0+, that is not the case! I have a great day, all day!

I would highly recommend this product to competitors, and regular folks alike! Anyone needing some extra energy to get through their day, or someone looking for an appetite suppressant! You can have it all with Hyperdrive 3.0+!

Please email me at tara@taraathatcher.com, if you have any questions on this product, or check out ALR Industries website, (www.alrindustries.com), for more information!

Remember, only YOU can turn your dreams into reality! Make it happen!

Tara Thatcher
NPC Figure Competitor and Fitness Model
www.taraathatcher.com

2008-08-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

Hello! I just got back from Georgia! It is so beautiful there, I loved the hot sticky weather too. I was working as a demo girl for ALR Industries. I got to learn alot about the company, their top of the line supplement line, and promote both! I had a blast!

I now have started using some of the products. I have the Trilean Stack, which includes: Hyperdrive 3.0+, ( a fat burner that supports thermogenesis and energy, targets stored fat, provides appetite control, and improves mood and focus), Zero-Stim, ( which is a fat burner with no stimulants! It supports increased metabolism and fat loss, appetite and insulin management), TX, ( which is a Thyroid Hormone support that also supports increased metabolism, fat loss, and protein synthesis), and Lean Dreams, ( which burns fat overnight! Also supports deep relaxing sleep and recovery, natural Growth Hormone release, as well as fat and cortisol reduction!).

I am very impressed with the products so far! I will be featuring an individual product every week, along with some helpful info, and my own personal experience! Stay tuned! And, if you want to check out more info, go to www.alrindustries.com

Tara

2008-07-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I am now two weeks into my contest prep! Things are going great so far! I have lost 3.5 lbs, and seem to be tightening up nicely! I can already see some big differences in my physique! I can tell that my shoulders are bigger and fuller, my back is wider and more defined. My legs are much improved! I cant wait to see what I will look like come contest time!

I am currently 10 weeks out from the NPC Midwest Muscle Classic, and 14 weeks out from the NPC North Star! I feel really good about my progress so far. I look forward to bringing a much improved physique to the stage this season!

Keep training hard! Remember, you are the only one who can turn your dreams into a reality! Make it happen!

Tara

2008-07-22T11:35:00.000-05:00

Hello! If you have a spare moment, please follow the link below, and send a vote my way! Thank you!

Tara

2008-07-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

Hi! I just wanted to do a quick update! I had a great time working the FigureRX booth at Jr. Nationals! Special "thank you" to Stephen for bringing me in to work! I met a lot of great people there. Jill, Chrissy, Cody, Troy, Author, you guys are AWESOME! Thank you for helping to make my weekend so enjoyable! I met so many gorgeous ladies competing, that were so nice! Best wishes to all of the competitors. My friend JulieAnn Kulla, won the "B" class, and the overall! CONGRATULATIONS to Minnesota's newest IFBB PRO!

I will be working backstage at the NPC Flex Wheeler Classic! Best of luck to all of the competitors! It should be a great show! It is at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, July 12th. See you there!

Remember, only YOU can turn your dreams into REALITY!
Tara

2008-06-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

HI! Just wanted to congratulate my friends for their efforts at the NPC Gopher! My friend Keri, looked stunning, and presented a beautiful package! Congratulations, you looked awesome! My trainer and friend Jason, who competed in his first show ever! You looked great! My friend JulieAnn, who took the overall! You looked like figure perfection! Great job to all of the competitors!

I have done a few photo shoots lately. I shot with my friend Leigh of Imirage Photography a few weeks ago. We had a great time, and hope to continue to coloborate on different projects. I shot with Mikal Roberts yesterday, who is a genius! I love all of my pictures! I feel like I am stepping my game up and taking my shoots to the next level!

Training is going awesome! Lots of changes are on the way! After watching the show last weekend, it motivated the hell out of me! I cant wait to get back on that stage! Hopefully for a tall class win, and the overall!

Remember, only you can turn your dreams into reality!

Tara

2008-05-30T13:55:00.000-05:00

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend! I went up north for the weekend with my boyfriend and his family. We had a wonderful, relaxing time!

I had my bodyfat tested, pictures and a training session today, at Explosive Edge Athletics! I had some really great results! I stayed the same bodyfat percentage, but my leg measurements and arm measurements went up while my waist stayed the same! I also put on about 3 lbs. Then for a killer leg workout that has left me a pile! I cant wait to get on stage again!

Have a wonderful day!

Remember, you are the only one who can make your dreams a reality!

Tara

2008-05-23T13:46:00.000-05:00

Hello! Just got home from a killer leg workout with my Trainer, Shawn Myzska at Explosive Edge Athletics! My quads have improved so much over the last 6 months! I now cannot fit into alot of my shorts, and my jeans are really tight. YEAY! My legs are GROWING! I am so excited about my progress.

Some upcoming events that I will be at include:

~2008 NPC Gopher State Championships. Saturday June 7th @ The Myth Nightclub in Maplewood, Minnesota.
~I will be there supporting my best friend, Keri Abbott, one of my trainers, Jason Thompson, as well as JulieAnn, and a few other friends

~2008 NPC Jr. Nationals. Friday, June 19th-Sunday, June 21st. In Chicago, Illinois.
~I will be working the FigureRX booth. If you will be there, please stop by and say "hi". Good Luck to all of the competitors!

~2008 NPC Flex Wheeler Classic. Saturday, July 12 @ The Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
~ I will be there supporting one of my good friends, Jerome Dinh.

~2008 NPC Midwest Muscle Classic. Saturday, October 4th @ D.C. Everest High School, Schofield, Wisconsin.
~I will be there COMPETING! Cant wait to show off my new, and improved physique!

~2008 NPC North Star. Saturday, November 1st @ The Myth Nightclub in Maplewood, Minnesota.
~I will be COMPETING! Looking to obtain my qualification for Nationals in '09!

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend! I am going out of town for the weekend! It will be really nice to have a few days off!~

Keep training hard,

Tara

2008-04-29T20:44:00.000-05:00

Just feeling a little romantic. Wanted to show off some pictures of Ben and I. The first one is from my birthday, the second one is from his birthday. We had an awesome time! He has been so supportive, encouraging, and we just have so much fun together. I have never met anyone that I could spend every waking moment of the day with..... until now! He is my angel:)

Workouts are going great! Putting on some good size and shape. I have been having the competition itch lately. Wishing I could get ready for a show right now! But I know that to make the necessary improvements, I need to wait. Check out my trainer, Shawn Myszka at www.explosiveedgeathletics.com! If you are in the twin cities area, and looking for someone who will help you reach your athletic potetial, shoot him an email! He is really awesome to work with, and I dont know what I would do without him!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far! Keep pushing, never be satisfied with average!

Tara

2008-04-26T09:09:00.000-05:00

Hello! I know that it has been a long time since my last entry. I do apologize for that. I have been through alot since then. I have been training really hard, and super excited with my progress! I am feeling the itch to get on stage, even though I know that it wont be til October/November for me! I have a new one piece, and am working with a designer on a stunning new two piece as well!

I met an amazing man named Ben. He has shown me that waiting for something that takes your breath away is so worth it! He has been the answer to all of my dreams and prayers, and I am so in love! I never dreamed that I could ever be this happy. But I fall a little more in love with him with everyday that passes. He has been so supportive and encouraging. I just want to take a moment to thank him for everything! You are a miracle!

I am currently working on two more suits for sale, and should have them finished by early June. There will be pictures posted in my store. So, if you are looking for a beautiful, new, one of a kind suit, check them out! I should have some new photo shoot galleries up shortly too! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Tara

2008-01-30T08:21:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to post a new blog! I am currently in Florida, visiting my parents for the week! My ticket here was their Christmas present to me. I needed it! Especially after many days below zero, brrrrr! I had a photo shoot yesterday at Honeymoon Island. It was beautiful , and we got some great shots! I should have them posted within the next week or so! I am so thankful to be able to spend some time with my family, especially my mom. I really miss her when she is this far away! We have gone to Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and spent some quality time shopping at St. Armond Square. I know that the time will go way too fast, and before I know it I will be home again, in the middle of a cold, snowy winter! My friend Keri is coming down for her birthday, so we are going to go out and celebrate in Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday. I look forward to it!

Next on my agenda this year will be The Arnold! I have wanted to go for years, and will finally make it there! It should be a blast! I am going with Emmy, a close friend of mine. I have a few photo shoots lined up there. My friend Amy Llinas is competing at the Arnold Amateur, and I cant wait to see here on stage! She is a beautiful person, with an awesome physique, I just know she is going to kick some booty! I am really excited to go to the expo, and meet some of the wonderful folks that I have met online, in person! So if you see me there, dont be shy, please introduce yourself!

Training is going GREAT! I am making changes that I can see every time we take pictures! I am adding some nice size and shape to my legs, shoulders, back and arms! I guess that would be pretty much everywhere! Both of my trainers push me and encourage me every time I step foot in the gym. I am so thankful that I found Shawn and Jason at Explosive Edge Athletics! I cant wait to step on stage later this year, with a much improved total package! Watch out!

Tara