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How did you get started with bodybuilding?

Growing up, I was always involved in sports.  In high school, I was a swimming, speedskating, and track athlete.  After high school, I attended community college, then joined the Marine Corps.  I ate, and drank a lot, and lost my motivation to work out.  This went on for a few years.  While I was stationed in North Carolina, a few of my fellow Marines introduced me to weight training.  I really enjoyed seeing the amount of weight that I could move, and enjoyed becoming stronger.  I even enjoyed being sore!  I tried to learn as much as I possibly could.  I started working as a personal trainer at a local gym.  One of the other trainers asked me if I had ever thought of doing a figure competition. I had no idea what that was! We attended a local NPC bodybuilding show.  This is where I first saw what figure was.  When the ladies walked out, I was amazed at how strong, muscular, lean, and just beautiful they were!  I was so inspired, that I decided to make participating in figure competition a goal of mine!  I had a lot of work to do.  The years of unhealthy eating, and drinking had taken their tole.  I was 170 lbs at 5’8, with not much muscle.  I started lifting, doing cardio, and making better food choices.  I hit it hard, and never looked back! It took me about a year and a half to prepare.  I finally stepped on stage at the 2006 NANBF Mr/Ms Natural Minnesota Invitational.  I won the figure tall class of nine, and was hooked!

What is your diet like?

My diet has really evolved as I have progressed.  I don’t believe that there is a “one size fits all” diet for competitors.  Through trial and error, I have found that my body responds best to a moderate to high carbohydrate diet.  I also use a lot of variety in my diet, and have found that helps me stay on track and not binge.  Some of my protein sources include: chicken breast, turkey, bison, extra lean ground beef, egg whites, and white fish.  Carbohydrates include; oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potato, Ezekiel bread, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, dark greens, berries, grapefruit, apples, banana, and mango.  I have healthy fats every day, Udo’s oil, assorted unsalted nuts, and avacado, are my staples. I eat 5-6 meals every 2-3 hours. I experiment with alot of different “clean” recipes, and post many of them on my blog, http://taraathatcher.blogspot.com/.  I stay relatively clean year round, and do include a couple of cheat meals each week.  I cook for a few days at a time, put my meals in tupperware, and store them in the fridge.  This way, when I need to go, I grab my cooler, a few meals, and go!  A big part of success is being prepared!  This way, I am always prepared with my food!

Where does your motivation come from?

I am a naturally competitive person, so I always want to do my best.  I am also a “Savage girl”, meaning that I use one of Cathy Savage’s programs.  I am continually motivated and inspired by my “Savage Sisters”, a group of women passionate about fitness, leading a healthy lifestyle, and full of positive energy! I am proud to be a part of such an amazing group of women!  We push and encourage each other, and keep each other on track!

When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?

I really like to vary up my cardio. When I am trying to cut down, HIIT is definately a great way to do it!  I will do normal cardio, as well as HIIT every week.

What is your supplementation like?

I used to be a little bit of a supplement junkie.  I also had some really terrible liver issues, that I hope noone else would ever have to go through.  My advice to others would be to educate yourselves about the products, what they really do, and what the ingredients are, and look at some of the possible side effects, before you use them.  I am an all natural girl now, no supplements. I do use a multi-vitamin, fish oils, and calcium.  I use whey protein, from time to time, but would prefer to eat real food.

Plans for the future?

I am really looking to make my mark in the fitness industry! I want to take competing and fitness modeling as far as I possibly can.  I also want to be a strong, healthy, positive role model, and inspire others to want to lead a healthy lifestyle!  I also want to be able to balance my time between family and friends,  competing, working out, my healthy lifestyle, and giving back to the community.

Favourite Quotes?

• “Always stay true to yourself.”
• “Make each day one step closer to achieving your goals.”
• “Only YOU can turn your dreams into reality!”

Website: www.taraathatcher.com
Bodyspace: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/thatchthecatch/

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