Catching up with Tara Thatcher Haertzen & Perfectly Prepared!!!

Hello folks! I hope this day finds you in a good place! I have been so busy lately, but I am really loving it. Yes, it can be a challenge to keep up with clients, a regular job, my workouts and lifestyle, time with my husband ( it feels so much better to say husband then fiance!), dog, family, and friends.  But, if you plan out your days in advance, you really can do it all! Well, maybe do most of it, not all! LOL! So many great things have been going on and I am thankful for all of it, and excited to see what the future holds!

My Perfectly Prepared clients have been experiencing a LOT of success lately! 

Here I am pictured with my client, Tarah Andrews. I worked with Tarah to help get her Perfectly Prepared for her very first competition, the 2011 FAP Great North Championships! She is the Fitness America 2011 Great North Bikini Tall Class Champion! She did an amazing job on stage and I am so incredibly proud of her! Learn more about Tarah by reading her latest interview: http://promotingwomen.blogspot.com/2011/06/tarah-andrews-interview.html, and check out her website, www.tarahandrews.com!! This young lady has passion, drive & dedication! She recently shot for the cover of Gopher Performance Catalog! Watch for this Dynamo to do big things in the fitness industry!!!

Here I am pictured with my client Sienna Bahlmann! She hired me to help her prepare for her first competition, the 2011 NANBF Natural Minnesota. She is the Open Figure Tall Class Champion, and placed second overall to win her IFPA Pro Card! She is a personal trainer, and quite amazing in the kitchen! Watch for her healthy, delicious recipes in my upcoming monthly newsletters! She has been a dream to work with, and I look forward to continuing to help guide her! She is featured as the July "Competitor of the Month" on the World Physique website!!! 

I am now offering a monthly Perfectly Prepared newsletter to all of my clients, as well as anyone else interested in receiving it. Comment on this blog if you would like to be added to my mailing list. Included in the newsletter: Featured client of the month, helpful articles and tips, featured service providers, recipes, and more!!!

A new service that I provide for my competition clients: Blissful Day of Competition services! I have teamed up with the fabulous Jason Molitor to offer tanning, hair and makeup services on site at select competitions! This has been a really nice way for clients to pamper themselves on their big day!

Jason hard at work setting Sienna's hair and makeup after I finished applying her competition tan! We make a great team, and can help you on your big day! I will have a calendar of events that we will be providing our services for. Please book well in advance. 

Perfectly Prepared will also have clothing available coming soon! Be proud of your hard work in carefully selected, high quality workout clothes, and cover ups for the day of your show! This will be available to any clients, past, and present. 

I am now working with several existing and brand new clients for the following competitions this fall:

NPC North Star

FAP Midwest Championships

NANBF Natural Badger

NANBF Northern States Natural Classic

Fitness America Championships

I still have a few openings for fall competition clients, but I am getting booked fast! Contact me at perfectlypreparedllc@gmail.com if you are interested in using me for the following services:

Full Contest Prep ~ This includes workouts, nutrition plan, One on One posing classes, and covering ALL of the bases associated with a competition. There will be weekly check ins to chart progress. I will also sit down with you for a Competition Consultation and help you decide which federation and competition will be the best fit for you! Also included: assistance choosing a suit, shoes, tanning product recommendations, tutorial on hair and makeup, and recommended stylist for your competition. This takes all of the guesswork out of your preparation, and makes it a lot easier and more enjoyable! You will also receive weekly emails, and can schedule phone calls as well, to get any questions answered.

 Nutrition Plan ~ his includes a customized nutrition plan for 12 weeks, with weekly check ins. You will receive a wide variety of foods in your meal plan, so you won't get bored. This includes weekly check ins and emails. The price will be reduced, if you sign up for Isagenix! This way I can incorporate the best quality supplements and protein along with your contest prep for the Optimum results!

Posing & Presentation Classes ~   I will help you choreograph your stage walk to suit your personality and help you present your body to showcase your strengths. You will be poised, elegant, and eye-catching. I use video and pictures to help you look at yourself constructively, so that you will be "Perfectly Prepared" the day of your contest!

Competition Consultation (Figure or Bikini) ~ This consultation is meant to help you cover all of the details, from suit selection, to jewelry, hair and makeup, tanning products, shoes, and also includes the cost of these items so you can keep track of them and maintain a budget for your competition! 

My good friend Megan Moon and I are now offering a class for ladies only! If you are local, we offer a fabulous class called "Fit & Sassy" at LA Fitness in New Brighton! Classes are held on most Saturdays. We specialize in plyometric and boot camp style group classes that are as challenging as they are fun! This is a great way for women to meet others that are passionate about health and fitness, as well as a great opportunity to network with others! This is a class suited for women of all ages and fitness levels. The workout portion is about 45 minutes long, then we break for 10-15 minutes to eat, and refuel our bodies. After that we hold a walking and posing class for competitors and those interested in competing, or just looking to unleash their "inner diva", so bring those heels, and let's get to it! 

For more information, check out our Facebook "Fit & Sassy" page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fit-Sassy-Saturdays/206501542710066 and let us know if you would like an invitation to our next session!!!

 So there you have it! Lot's of interesting and exciting new things happening on this end! Don't forget to check out Perfectly Prepared Facebook pages:

Client and Networking page: http://www.facebook.com/perfectly.prepared

Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Perfectly-Prepared-LLC-Powered-by-Isagenix/177920955576186

Have a Happy & Healthy day!!!

Tara Thatcher Haertzen

Paying it Forward.

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

February Client of the Month ~ Stefanie Rollins

  

Perfectly Prepared Presents 

February 2011 Client of the Month:

Stefanie Rollins!

Hello friends of Perfectly Prepared! It is such a great pleasure to feature Stefanie Rollins as our Client of the Month!!! Stefanie was referred to me by a mutual friend, Megan Moon, who is her trainer. Stefanie wanted to learn more about a local competition, and had met with a little adversity when she had tried previously.  We scheduled a "Bikini Consultation" and met up to discuss everything she would need to be "Perfectly Prepared" for her upcoming competition! She had questions, and we stayed in touch and come show time, this lady was READY TO ROCK!!! 

Stefanie's very first competition was the 2010 NPC North Star, where she exhibited Class & Sass! She was breath-taking on stage, and both Megan and I were so proud of her!!! She let her "Inner Diva" out and really commanded attention on that stage!  She was rewarded with a 3rd place finish. Ladies~ Stefanie trains at her home!!! So those of you that make excuses that you can't get ready for a competition training at home, NOT TRUE! This woman has the drive and dedication to make it happen!

 She also decided to compete at Fitness America in Vegas! A HUGE national level competition with some of the best competitors in the nation and world!  All of her hard work payed off! She placed 11th in the Classic Bikini Division, with 40+ competitors!!! This lady is going places! What an incredible year, and that isn't even the last of it! After her competition, Stefanie did a photo shoot. She submitted her images to OXYGEN Magazine, and she will be featured in one of the next issues on newsstands March 28th, in the FUTURE OF FITNESS section!!!! 

Stefanie ~ we at Perfectly Prepared are SO PROUD of you and can't wait to see what the future holds for you! She will be competing at The Great North Competition at the Mall Of America April 23rd, and FITNESS UNIVERSE in Miami in June!!!!  Stefanie has been presented with a Signature Service at REAL SKIN HEALTH and a complimentary design from Gary at EXTREME FITNESS DESIGNS Look for Stefanie to do GREAT things in the Fitness Industry!  

Tara A Thatcher

Owner/Founder:

Perfectly Prepared LLC

Perfectly Prepared LLC, Kim Kitchen ~ The Jewelry Lady!

Perfectly Prepared LLC Featured Service Provider: 
Kim Kitchen ~ Premier Designs.
Kim is not only a Premier Designs jeweler, she is a friend and client! She is training hard and getting ready for a figure competition, hopefully this fall. She is a charming lady, and is always accessorized PERFECTLY!   


A little bit about Kim:
I have been a jeweler for Premier Designs Jewelry for 7 years.  I attended a Premier Designs show and loved the jewelry so much that I decided to host my own show.   My main purpose of having a having a show was just to earn some free jewelry.  I had no idea it would change my life.  After an evening of fun and laughter, the jeweler shared information about Premier Designs as a business opportunity.  At that point in my life, I was at a stay at home mom and was looking for a job that would allow me to still stay at home and provide some extra income for my family.  I went to bed that evening and could not get the business opportunity out of my mind.  The next day I decided to take a chance and become a jeweler.  Not long after my decision, I became a single mom.  Premier Designs has not only been a huge source of additional income for me and my two daughters, but has renewed my faith and given me an incredible group of women who have supported me in my business and personally.  I work full time and am able to work Premier Designs part time around my daughter’s schedule which allows me the time I need with them while still being able to financially provide for them.  I am so thankful for being a part of such a wonderful company and am glad I took the chance.



 How/when did you discover your passion, and did you know that it would be your
career right away?

I was nervous when I started out as a jeweler, but after having a couple of shows and seeing how easy it was, how much fun the women had and how much extra money I could bring home for my family, I was hooked.  My passion for Premier Designs began when I was able to help another woman start her own jewelry business.  That was the moment I knew I would always be a jeweler with Premier Designs.  It was so fulfilling knowing I helped her find this wonderful business that enriched her life and met her financial needs as it did for me.

What is the most rewarding thing that you take away from your job?

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the smiles and hearing the laughs at my jewelry shows.  There is no feeling better than when someone tells me that I made them feel beautiful or made them laugh when they were having a bad day.  I also really enjoy helping women start their own jewelry business as I know that they will also experience some of the same joys that I do at my own shows.   

How does your service help others? Or what are the benefits of working with you?

Premier Designs gives women an economical and fun way to earn free jewelry.  Just by having a few friends over, a hostess can add an average of 8 pieces of jewelry to her collection and only paying tax and shipping.   In addition to the wonderful hostess benefits, Premier Designs offers an extraordinary business opportunity for women to help meet their financial needs, to meet new people or to just have fun.  


What accomplishment makes you most proud? Describe this moment for us.

I am proud that I took the chance and started my jewelry business.  I had no direct sales experience, was shy and would never consider talking in front of a crowd.  I stepped outside my comfort zone and took a chance with this business.  It has been the best decision I ever made.  Premier Designs has given me confidence, a means to support my daughters and the most wonderful, supportive women in my life that I could ever have imagined.   

If you could give people looking into your service one tip, what would it be?

Be prepared to have a lot of fun, earn a lot of free jewelry and see a business that could change your life. 

How is your service unique? If you have a variety of offerings, could you list your different services?

There are many good direct sales companies that offer you the chance to have your own business, but Premier Designs is one of a kind. They really do care about their associates, their jewelers and their customers. Premier Designs makes being a jeweler very easy.  Jewelers make 50% of their retail sales, no inventory is required, there are no sales quotas, no deliveries to make, no territories, one of the best marketing and hostess plans in America and wonderful support from the home office.  Plus, jewelry is one of the top selling items in America and you can wear your samples. Besides the wonderful business opportunity, being a hostess is a very easy, fun, and economical way to add to your jewelry collection.  A Premier Designs hostess receives 30% of her retail sales in free jewelry, 4-8 items at half price and can earn up to $100 in free jewelry bonuses.  It is not unusual for a hostess to earn $250+ in free jewelry just for inviting some friends over to play in the jewelry.

Thank you for sharing with us, Kim! Best wishes with everything that you do!
If you are interested in contacting Kim, she can be reached at kimkitchen101@comcast.net 
And, be sure to check out her facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kim-Kitchen-The-Jewelry-Lady/173262399383273?v=info

Thank you for checking out our blog! Have a happy & healthy day!

Tara A Thatcher
Owner/Founder: 
Perfectly Prepared LLC
www.taraathatcher.com

Perfectly Prepared LLC ~ More than just a name!

Good Morning! Are you all set for your day today? Have you had breakfast?   Have you been to the gym yet today, or are you planning on going later? Have you packed all of your nutritious, healthy meals and brought them to work with you today?  Have you filled your water bottle and are you keeping track of how much you are drinking?  If you have answered "no" to any of these questions, you are NOT setting yourself up for success!


Perfectly Prepared, isn't just a clever name, it is what we are all about! Helping you be prepared for anything that your day to day life holds! If you take the time to plan, have breakfast in the morning, hit the gym on a regular basis for cardiovascular and weight training, and prepare your meals ahead of time so that you can just grab those meals and go, you are doing GREAT! If you are not there yet, WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!


So, if you blew it today, don't get to down on yourself! Tomorrow is a BRAND NEW day, and you can think about how you will be fully prepared then. Even if you didn't get it together today, you can always choose better options, go get a bottle of water, find some healthy snacks like almonds to keep in your purse, at your desk, and schedule your time in the gym.  Make good habits YOUR habits!  That is the best way to see results!


Consistency and being prepared are the KEYS to success!!!! So, with that being said, what are you going to do tomorrow to ensure a successful step in the right direction?  Don't waste your time making excuses! Either you did, or you didn't, trying to justify it won't get you anywhere!  


So, go out and make the best choices that you can today, and remember that each day is a step toward living a BALANCED, HEALTHY life!  


Tara A Thatcher
Owner/Founder:
Perfectly Prepared LLC

Healthy Eats @ The Good Earth Restaurants!

Here in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, we are lucky enough t have not one, but two Good Earth Restaurants! They feature seasonal, fresh, unprocessed, food! Also utilizing local farmers for all natural and organic produce, and meats. www.goodearthmn.com

This kind of restaurant is a great choice if you are living a healthy lifestyle. Trying to eat whole, unprocessed, natural and organic foods. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast features include: fresh juices, fresh fruit smoothies, organic oatmeal, homemade granola, Good Earth Ten Grain Hot Cakes, Cinnamon Brioche French Toast, Organic Egg Stir Fry Omelette, Egg White Tomato Basil Omelette, just to name a few. If you would like to check out their breakfast menu, follow this link: http://www.goodearthmn.com/menu/breakfast.htm.
A few of my favorites are
*Egg White Tomato Basil Omelette.  It is made with four egg whites, fresh basil, tomatoes, spinach and toasted pine nuts. A great healthy choice that is full of flavor and not fat!
* The Good Earth Turkey Sausage Scramble. Good Earth natural turkey sausage, tomatoes, roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, purple onions and diced peppers, topped with low fat mozzarella, sour cream and green onions. YUMMY!

On their lunch and dinner menu, http://www.goodearthmn.com/menu/lunchdinner.htm offerings include: baked artichoke dip, a Mediterranean Greek Salad, Almond Tuna Melt Sandwich, Harvest Wrap, All natural burgers, Fresh fish, as well as vegetarian items!  My favorites for lunch/ Dinner are:
* Baked Artichoke Dip ~ Warm artichoke hearts mixed with fresh spinach, jicama, sour cream, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and spices. Served with toasted flat bread.  Definitely worth the splurge!
* The Good Earth Burger ~ All natural bison, caramelized onions, portobello mushrooms, avocado, gruyere cheese, sunflower sprouts and a red pepper aioli. I would be hard pressed to find a better, more delicious burger anywhere!
* Free Range Teriyaki Chicken ~ Breast of locally raised chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce, grilled and served with mango salsa, gingered yams, and seasonal vegetables.  Chicken is DELICIOUS, and the gingered yams are out of this world good!
* Wild Ahi Tuna ~ I can get this grilled, medium rare, with brown rice and steamed vegetables! A great clean and healthy choice!


Be sure to check out their wide variety of teas, organic coffees and espresso!  Their carrot cake is very moist, full of walnuts, carrots, and topped with granola.  If you are looking for one splurge worthy item, I think that's the one!

Tara A Thatcher
Owner/Founder of:
Perfectly Prepared LLC

Perfectly Prepared LLC Featured Service Provider ~ Nicki Cullinan!

I would like to welcome Perfectly Prepared LLC Spotlight Service Provider of the Month, Nicki Cullinan!  She is an  incredibly talented lady who offers massage, and an array of other services, with a personal touch that makes her GREAT!

Nicki Cullinan is an acupuncturist licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. She is nationally certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She received her master's degree in Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN.  

Nicki also received her certification in massage therapy from the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis in 2002. While broadening her knowledge and awareness of health and healing she became a Reiki II certified practitioner and began implementing this into her massage practice. 

In a desire to help others integrate mind, body and spirit, Nicki went on to study the mind and behavior through neuro-linguistics, humanistic neuro-linguistics and hypnosis at the Meta Institute in Edina. There she became a certified Therapeutic Coach®.

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its philosophy of wholeness, Nicki has found much success in treating various conditions both chronic and acute.  Nicki is committed to each individual’s unique journey of healing and therefore utilizes TCM and other techniques to help people achieve their goals.  She hopes to utilize her skills to offer people the opportunity to have a more intimate, individualized, and natural way to heal and live healthier lives.

1. How/when did you discover your passion, and did you know that it would be your

career right away?

I believe my passion for massage first began before I really even knew it was a passion!  When I was little I used to give massages to my family; a little back massage here, a little head massage there. It wasn’t until I was a young adult, at a crossroads so to speak, that I decided I wanted to actually go to school for massage. I chose to attend the Aveda Institute and I knew from day one it was for me. As for acupuncture and herbal medicine, it happened quite similarly.  After 5yrs of massage I began to feel like I wanted to learn more, wanted to help people with more “complex” issues.  I then chose to attend Northwestern Health Sciences University and once again, sitting in class on day one I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life.

2. What is the most rewarding thing that you take away from your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is knowing I have the privilege of participating in people’s lives and their journey towards wellness.  There’s no better feeling than when someone tells me their lives are better as a result of the work we’ve done. 

3. How does your service help others? Or what are the benefits of working with you?

I believe the work that I do with people is comprehensive by nature.  In working with the body, one addresses the mind and spirit and vice-versa. I also believe that if one can experience wellness in body & mind than one with lead a happier more fulfilling life. Happy individuals- happy relationships; happy relationships- happy families; happy families- happy communities…so on and so forth. 

4. What accomplishment makes you most proud? Describe this moment for us.

Honestly I’m most proud of the fact that I’m doing what I’m passionate about every day. Each time I help someone feel and live better, that’s an accomplishment for both the patient and me!   

5. If you could give people looking into your service one tip, what would it be?

All I can say is come open and willing and the rest will happen as it should!

6. How is your service unique? If you have a variety of offerings, could you list your different services?

What I believe to be unique is the variety of services I offer and my ability to combine services tailored to the individual needs of each client or patient.  With massage I can address the physical aspect of the body.  As a Reiki II practitioner I can address the more subtle workings of the energetic body. With acupuncture and herbal medicine, I feel I can address deeper aspects of the physical body as well as the spirit.  As a Therapeutic Coach® I have training in NLP (neuro-lingistic programming) and hypnosis; these, and other various healing techniques, allows one to address the deeper, unconscious workings and functions of the mind.  

In my experience thus far, healing occurs on many levels.  As one heals the body, so too do they heal the mind and spirit.  Whatever one needs on any given day may change; therefore, I can be flexible as a practitioner to give them what they need to facilitate their personal healing.     

Thank you so much Nicki!  If you are in the area, and would like to contact Nicki about any of the services she offers, she can be reached at: souliness30@yahoo.com

Tara A Thatcher

Owner/Founder

Perfectly Prepared LLC

A company offering lifestyle, nutrition, competition, and modeling consultation. Promoting success through support and networking. Helping women meet their goals through nutrition management and healthy lifestyle.

www.taraathatcher.com

Follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Perfectly-Prepared-LLC/177920955576186

A little about moi, founder of Perfectly Prepared, Tara Thatcher.......

- How do you deal with stress?
My workouts are a great way to deal with stress! I just think about the things that are stressful in my life, how to overcome them, and move on.  Cardio is a great time to think about these things. Another great way to deal with stress is YOGA! I have been doing a lot of it lately! It is really a great way to compartmentalize stressors and release them!

-How do you satisfy your sweet tooth?
I have quite the sweet tooth! I have found a few great tricks for satisfying my sweet tooth. I purchase mini peppers that are sweet and crunchy. Sometimes I dip them in hummus, or sometimes I eat them straight out of the bag! I also really like Yogi Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut tea.  It is DELICIOUS.  Some good "go to" fruits are berries and grapefruits, which are low in sugar, but full of flavor and texture.

-What's your favorite fat burning cardio?
I really enjoy running stairs and hills to burn off that stubborn body fat.  I also incorporate HIIT ( High Intensity Interval Training) when I get closer to my competition.

- How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by being goal oriented! I always have goals that I am working towards and if I need extra motivation, I bring them with me. You are the only one in control of your actions. Do they take you one step closer to achieving your goals, or are the taking you a few steps backwards?  I surround myself with positive, supportive friends and family, who support me no matter what I decide to do!

-If you compete, how do you stay on track after a competition?
I always go back and see how I looked at my last competition, honestly. I also ask for judges feedback.  This gives me an idea what I need to work on before I step on stage for the next competition. My physique is truly a work in progress.  There is always a weaker spot that needs a little extra work, and I always want to continue to improve my "total package" each time I step on stage.  I stay on track by eating relatively clean in my off season, and making sure that I get all of my workouts in, as well as the cardio that I need to do. My trainer likes me to stay 8-10 pounds over my contest weight.  That way I don't have a huge amount to shed the next time I am getting ready for a show. For me it is truly a way of life, I really don't do well without structure and planning.

-How do you maintain a well balanced life?
Balance is something that we all struggle with.  I really try to keep a good balance between my lifestyle, spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and my job.  If something takes up too much of your time, all of the other areas of your life suffer. I don't think I will ever be perfect in this regard, but I really do my best to keep everything in order. One day at a time.

-What's your favorite song to work out to?
"Adrenaline" by 12 Stone. One of my favorite lines in this song is "I've waited long enough, I want it more than anyone. It's time to step up and deliver what you want to see."   This sums up my work ethic in the gym. No one will out work me, because I give it my all each time I step into the gym.  I LOVE this song on the last set of a heavy lift! It gives me that extra edge and push to get as many reps as I can in! Only you are in charge of how hard you work, and know when you have pushed yourself past your limit.  I am intense!

-How do you deal with friends/family that don't support your lifestyle?
When I first decided to compete in '05 and started becoming serious about my training and dieting, I dealt with a lot of adversity. Friends weren't particularly thrilled when I announced that I wouldn't be out drinking and eating.  You have to understand that this sport isn't for everyone, and a good deal of people don't understand why you chose to do it.  Try and be understanding, and explain why it is important to you, and that you would really appreciate their support.  I am incredibly blessed, because my family has always been supportive and amazing.  I have made quite a few friends through competing and modeling, and people will do what they want. If you are a good friend to others, some will be good friends to you. Those are the people that will stick with you through the up's and down's in life. I am so very grateful for the people that are in my life. I have the best friends that anyone could ask for, an INCREDIBLE fiance, a wonderful, supportive family, and a trainer that truly has my best interest at heart!

-If you've ever been a yo-yo dieter, how did you end the cycle?
I have never been a "yo-yo" dieter. But, due to lack of knowledge and maturity in my younger years, I made several poor "diet" choices. I remember my friends and I going on a diet coke, twizzlers and metabolife diet.  I had no idea what I was doing, and got very sick as a result of not eating enough food, and not getting proper nutrition.  I wanted to be skinny then. Now, I want to be strong, lean and healthy. So, my idea of what "beautiful" is has changed over the last 15 years.  I sought out nutrition help from a trainer when I decided to compete and did a lot of research to educate myself about food, nutrition and training.

- How do you stay motivated during the times when you aren't seeing results?
I don't experience a lot of time not seeing results. My trainer switches up my training and diet if we aren't seeing the results that we want.  If you are not seeing any results, take a look at what you are doing both in the gym, and your nutrition.  It isn't working, time to make a change!

-What's your favorite, clean chicken recipe? Fish?
I really love trying new things in regards to cooking!  I recently discovered that Smart Chicken offers ground chicken breast. I like to chop up mushrooms, cilantro, bell peppers, jalapenos and onions and add a little Mrs. Dash Chipotle seasoning. I mix it all together, then form patties and cook them right on my George Forman grill!  Delicious! For fish, I really like to use a variety of seasonings. Jerk seasoning is one of my favorites for fish, be aware that it does have quite a bit of sodium, so use sparingly.

-Favorite veggie recipe?
I LOVE baked Kale.  Many people think of Kale as just a vegetable that is used as a garnish, not something you actually eat!  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Break the Kale leaves into bite size pieces and arrange on a baking sheet. Spray with Olive Oil cooking spray and sprinkle with Lite Salt, fresh ground black pepper, red pepper flake or garlic salt! Bake for 8-10 min, or until crispy and enjoy!

-How do you maintain clean eating when you live with somebody who doesn't eat the same as you do?
You have to respect everyone's decisions. If the person that lives with you doesn't like the food that you eat, or choses not to lead the lifestyle that you do, that is ok!  As long as they respect your decision.

- How has getting involved with in the fitness world changed your life?
Being involved with fitness saved me from a potential drinking problem, and gave me some much needed direction in my life! I have learned how disciplined I could be, how far I could push myself, and how strong I am as a woman and person. I am passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle, competing, being a healthy and strong role model for other women, and helping others meet their goals!  I want this sport and industry to continue to grow and thrive, so that is why I started Perfectly Prepared! We offer Lifestyle, Nutrition, Competition, and Modeling consultations, as well as support and networking! I have been involved with the Fitness Industry for years, and have learned SO MUCH about myself!

-Any other tips, suggestions you want to share
Always stay true to yourself.  Stay positive about yourself. Everyone has something different to offer. Embrace your uniqueness and show it to the world.  If you want to be successful, you will be willing to put in the time to be prepared and take the time to do things right.

Welcome Perfectly Prepared Followers!

Hello! I want to welcome you to my newest venture, Perfectly Prepared. I started this company to help educate women and help them achieve their goals through a healthy lifestyle! I offer Lifestyle, Nutrition, Competition, and Modeling Consultations as well as support and networking! 

Please check out our Perfectly Prepared Facebook Page by clicking on the underlined text. Check out Client Pictures & Testimonials, Tips, Recipes, and more!  

We will be featuring interviews with amazing service providers, learning about a variety of topics, and sharing inspirational and motivating stories!

Stay tuned for some great upcoming content!  Please let us know if you enjoy the topics we cover, by referring your friends!  Nothing is better than sharing the gift of health with those we love.  If you have any content you would like to feature on this blog, or our facebook page, please email me: tara@taraathatcher.com

Have A Happy & Healthy Day!

Tara A Thatcher,

Owner and Founder of 

Perfectly Prepared