Las Vegas, Here I Come!

"Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become."
-unknown

March 2008 /November 2009



I move to Las Vegas in two months. This past February I hired a trainer and started to take my workouts more seriously. I changed directions in my education, to learn more about the science behind weight training/fitness/and general health.

Jasmine (my closest friend ) asked me what I wanted to do in my life and what my goals were regarding my future, and I told her "I want to work in the fitness industry, to be a fitness model, fitness personality". Seem foolish? A bit. I definitely did not look like a fitness model, and I was starting pretty late in the game.

Fast forward 9 months: I just took a job as business manager/fitness representative/model for NFC Nutrition out of Las Vegas. This past September I took a trip to Las Vegas that changed my life. They say 'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'!, well..NOT true for me! I took my experience with me to Indiana..and everything changed.

The purpose of my trip was to network at Olympia (a bodybuilding/fitness convention), and get a feel for the industry. The first thing I noticed was I was not in good enough shape yet. The fitness models were MUCH leaner than I expected. So I made a mental note to change my diet and add more cardio immediately when I got home.

In the process of trying to make connections with Bodybuilding.com, I met Cody Holt, the owner of NFC Nutrition. He was also scouting and networking for sales representatives for his company, and we ended up in conversation in front of their booth. After meeting with him, I met with his business partners, attended a launch party, and we began working together after I left. I put in a lot of time and recruited several fitness models to work for him in sales, and he offered me the position as Business Manager/Fitness Representative/Model for his company (!!!!!). This will require extensive traveling, so I am fortunate that my job will include two passions of mine: travel/and fitness.

I will be working closely with Cody on the launch of his product line, SportFit. SportFit is a drink that is actually carried in many stores on the west coast, and in parts of Europe. But we are moving that launch across the US, and he has another line of products that will be coming out shortly.

Life is definitely crazy! I am starting over again..in more than one way. I am following a path of change. Is it easy? No. Is it comfortable? Definitely not. I feel as though I have lived several different lives, but I am optimistic about my future, and I trust my instincts.

For once, I am following my heart completely, and it has been a test of my emotional/spiritual/and physical strength. If it weren't for my closest and dearest friends, I would not be where I am today, or the person that I am today.

So Vegas will be my new home!!! It sounds so strange to say that. I have never lived anywhere outside of Indiana, so I am most definitely ready for this! I am lucky that my closest friends live in San Diego, a puddle jump away. :)

I will keep updates on the process of this all, and the products, and fitness/health tips as much as possible, I am finally feeling back on track and ready to move forward :)

xoxox

Char

2009 Olympia In Las Vegas!

Jamie Eason and Me



I was at Olympia the weekend before last in Las Vegas and had an AMAZING time. It was quite phenomenal!

This is my first trip to Vegas, so I was a bit nervous, but determined to make it worth my while. The first morning I said a prayer, worked out and got ready to head over to Olympia. It was about 100 degrees, I wasn't expecting that, but I survived. I arrived early, and it was already packed.

I must say, next year I will forgo the coffee. I had three cups that morning, and I quickly realized my mistake in doing so when I walked from booth to booth to talk to individuals, and at every booth I went to ..they of course wanted me to try their product. The majority of the products i tried were energy shots. I have never had so much energy in my life LOL. But about after the 12th one (no joke!!!) I started to decline the offers and hit the booths that were most important to me.

It was amazing to get to meet people I have only seen in magazines or on television in person. Griffin/Sylva (UFC Fighters), Jamie Eason and Jennifer Lee Nicole (top Fitness Models) and Hulk Hogan were there as well as many others. Once I met the fitness models, I also realized how much leaner and smaller they are in person. I took a mental note of that, and already adjusted my routine and diet to lean out..so far im losing weight rapidly - It is obviously mix of fat/muscle/and water. I hope to not lose too much muscle in the process, but it isn't always possible to avoid.

I will be working with NFC Nutrition, who I met during the time I was there. www.nfcnutrition.com I won't give out all the details just yet, but I will be flying to Utah shortly to shoot with other fitness models, and working closely with the owner, Cody Holt on several upcoming projects. Very exciting!

Self Magazine also contacted me back and may be using my success story as well (fingers crossed).

I have a lot I learned during the course of the trip, but I will use that knowledge to help build a career in the industry. I met many wonderful people, as well as creating the beginnings of new friendships, and it will only snowball from here. So watch out fitness world, here I come!! :)

It wasn't all business though...Jess, a close friend of mine from San Diego, CA. met me in Vegas and we had the opportunity to participate in the night life, and meet with Aranda at the Hard Rock Hotel and watch them rock out. It was a night to remember.

We had a blast, and hope to do it again next year!!

I posted my diet below, to give you an idea of what leaning out looks like, is it easy? no..but I'm motivated, and I'm so thankful for my friends and their support. It means a lot. I am still figuring out what works for my body, and everyone's is different. I can't believe how quickly the weight is coming off...but this is a rarity for me. I had to back up on the heavy lifting to a lighter routine including cardio. I will post before and after photos in the end. Eating Clean Works!!!

Next year I plan to compete in bikini - I will post projects and more as they come to share with you.

xoxo

Char

Jennifer Nicole Lee: Fitness Model


Griffin: UFC Fighter (um wrong camera buddy)

The Last Supper (or dessert!) before I started the new diet plan: I didn't eat all I swear!!


My Wonderful Friend, Jess and I in Vegas!




Gabe Aranda and Me


Aranda!!!


Dameon Aranda


www.myspace.com/aranda

The Leaning Diet Plan
Breakfast:
1/4 cup of Oatmeal/1 teaspoon of honey/Milk/Chocolate Superfood
Protein Shake: Powder/Coconut Oil/Water/Half Banana

Snack: 3 Egg Whites/Half protein shake/1/4 cup of oatmeal

Lunch: Plain Salad (no dressing, unless spritzer) and chicken (4 oz)

Snack: 3 Egg Whites/Half protein shake/ Veggies with black beans

Post workout shake/Oatmeal

Dinner: Veggies (plain) and chicken or ground turkey with mustard