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.