Charlotte Pro Cup 2023 SHOW DAY | IFBB Natalie Matthews | Ep.13

Experience the excitement and intensity of the IFBB Charlotte Pro Cup 2023 with Bikini Pro and vegan athlete Natalie Matthews! In this vlog, I take you behind the scenes as I prepare for and compete in the prestigious Charlotte Pro Cup, my second show of the season. You'll get an exclusive look at my competition-day routine, meals, and final preparations for back-to-back shows. I also reflect on what it means to compete as a Puerto Rican.
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[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I’m so grateful for all of you! Thank you so much for all the amazing support on my last video. I hope you enjoy today’s video. BIG NEWS & more updates coming soon.👀😜 What did you guys think of the purple? Are you team purple 💜 or team. Blue💙?

[@shaynahanus4034]

My favorite colors are purple and green so I would say purple BUT YOU totally rock the blue!! Matches your home flag 🇵🇷💕

[@edus82]

💙💙💙

[@pamelajensen5961]

I love the purple bikini, but I do agree with you, blue works better for you.

[@teacherhowdoi4643]

I loved the purple, but the blue is even more amazing. You just look beautiful in everything.

[@tracynance1217]

💙💙💙

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

The prettiest I’ve ever seen ❤❤❤❤

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Love u 😘

[@dannymoore2534]

have a wonderful week and a wonderful mothers day with your mom next weekend .

[@krystelortiz426]

Hey Natalie! I don't know if you remember me, but we went to high school together. I am so amazed by you and I am really proud on how you represent our island 🇵🇷. I found your channel when I became vegan and was looking for high protein recipes. It was a really nice surprise finding you on YT and I am genuinely happy for all you have accomplished. ¡Te ves espectacular! ¡Vamo' arriba!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Nooooo way!!!! Krystel!!!!! Claro que si me acuerdo 🥹 you were a huge part of my senior year💙 I will never forget you. I just showed my hubby a photo of us in high-school. Espero que estés bien… message me on IG 🫶🏽🙌🏽

[@amycnews1593]

Yay! Yay! Yay! 🥳🥳

[@betzy7560]

Looking lean and full !! The purple looked the best!

[@patriciavazquez3047]

I know you prefer your signature blue but I LOVE you in the purple!!!! The fuller look is better on you because you are so tiny. Happy to see your placement is not hindering Your enthusiasm and love for the sport!! I believe this is a much better approach with this coach as she is helping you fine tune and develop your potentials and maximize them!! 🤗♥️🌺👍🏻

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much! That’s what is all about doing my best, controlling what I can. The professional league is soo competitive, it’s an honor to be up there.

[@TheFitdiva]

We are rooting for you!!! And I just love the way you and George support each other. It is really a beautiful thing to see. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 💙 it’s a beautiful partnership. We like to take turns. I can’t wait to do the same with his CrossFit competitions😜🙌🏽

[@weronikasulej1927]

You’re glowing girl ❤

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Aw thank you so much ☺️

[@Lc_Flores]

Absolutely love this series and style of video, George is doing such an amazing job 👏 Natalie you look phenomenal, purple looks amazing on you but blue is definitely your color 💙

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Aw thank you so much! I’m glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 💙 he is crushing it

[@liamurati]

GIRL! Looking glorious in this photoshoot with PR Flag !! 🤩🤩🤩

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 💙

[@calisongbird]

@@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef omg yes!!! That PR flag shot is freaking AMAZING!!! ❤️

[@katrenabradshaw5682]

You look amazing.

[@botanicallybuilding]

You look amazing, whichever look you go with! So excited to see how girl power went for you!

[@hollymarie235]

The way you carry yourself and remain positive after the placing is what inspires and amazes me most. You don’t let it defeat you. You continue to work hard and stay dedicated. Such an inspiration

[@scienceislove2014]

I was really looking forward to this video 🌱💚 I just wanna remind you to take care of yourself and also..please never forget to wear your sunscreen

[@nalafitness9152]

You looked so amazing! I say keep giving them your perfect natural physique and hopefully they’ll eventually bring bikini back to where it was meant to be!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

💯 yeah the division has gotten so muscular, I have hopes about this too🫶🏽💙

[@nailahthompson4848]

Um yeah, I agree... I know zero about body building, BUT on some human shit, I disagree with them judges. I say you should go even leaner. Really lean into showing them vegan built muscles and show the world what vegans are capable of. As opposed to trying to fit in and look more like the other girls. Fuck a trophy be a legend.

[@pgelenius]

You look great!🎉❤

[@Yeahthatshowifeel]

I love your dedication! I started following you because you were vegan like myself and you inspire me to try to build a better version of myself.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much! You can do it🙌🏽💙

[@rubychavez2994]

The blue looks beautiful on you!

[@sashaleG1]

Loved every minute of this, thank you for sharing your journey!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much for tuning in

[@amycnews1593]

Can we just talk about how pretty and beautiful your curly hair is though?! Love! 😍 And your make-up! Stunning!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 💙🫶🏽 I’ve been loving the curls

[@amycnews1593]

@@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef - You’re welcome! ☺️💜

[@stephanieplowman5902]

Keep kicking ass! Lovely as always

[@KenzNurse]

So THIS is why you didn't have time to hit the slopes in Utah!! 😜 You're such an inspiration!! 💚

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Lol 😂 guilty I’ll have to go again

[@krizzleschizzle8500]

You really are inspiring Natalie! Keep pushing forward, you got this! We are all super excited it’s to be along for the journey. 🙌🏼. Thank you also to George for all his hard work on the great content!

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Awww thank you! I’m just lucky I accidentally stumbled into making videos and that Natalie has an amazing story to tell!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much ☺️ I’m excited to keep improving 🙌🏽

[@MamitaGomez]

You are soooo dedicated! Love that you’re not putting all your self-esteem chips into random, subjective placing! You ARE such an inspiration! Also, props to your husband for being so supportive! ❤️ Amo tu mensaje!

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Thank you. She has always supported me! I’m just lucky I can return the favor.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Gracias 💗 he is so sweet 🥹

[@rowenaanderson3739]

Excited for the next one. You're amazing!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

This Saturday 👀

[@jackharrington697]

Natalie you look so pretty and the blue is your color girl wow!! 💙💙🔥🔥

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much

[@richardrodriguez9098]

Natalie your physique looked amazing on stage!! And blue is your color and it looks good on you!! Good luck on your next show !! ❤💪🏻

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 💙 blue for life

[@jesshatchette]

Another awesome video! I cannot wait to see your next show physique! It looks like you’re having a lot of fun, and we’re all having fun watching your journey. Great job with the video George! Nailed it again!

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Aw thank you so much. I’ve been having lots of fun with the videos!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much! I’m enjoying the journey sooo much more💗

[@louisborsato7676]

Well done Natalie! Continue to stay positive! You're truly inspiring! Thanks to George for another great video production. Cheers to both of you!

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed it!!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I can’t wait to see the next one👀👀 thank you for all your support 💙

[@carnismiscancer2108]

Looking great as always! I'm very proud of you!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 💙

[@teacherhowdoi4643]

You are awesome. I am excited about this whole year for you. I know you will do well. You keep me going everyday. I adore you and your dedication. Keep going. You can do it.

[@virtuosa69]

Stunning!! 💯♥️‼️ I personally think you look best a little fuller. Fuller slightly softer looks more healthy and youthful. Sometimes, that tight, super lean look makes women look drained less radiant, but of course, I'm just a spectator. ~ Blue not only represents a portion of the Puerto Rican flag but also looks great on you 💫💙💫

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much! Yeah the judges prefer me fuller too so I’m all for delivering what they want🙌🏽

[@renatapeters3681]

Thank you for sharing that I really enjoyed it. And I loved watching your emotional maturity, grow as well as your muscles, your beauty and your pride. Love and encouragement from Central Australia.

[@lauratuohimetsa9049]

I'm always looking forward to your videos ☺️ I have followed you for 4-5 years. I'm a vegan too and I lift weights. You are killing it, keep going!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much Laura! I’m so glad you are here 🫶🏽

[@JaxxBaum]

Love your content and the shoot. Nicole is amazing!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

She is!

[@GTC7702]

You and George are awesome! You look amazing 👏

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Thank you! She’s def carrying the team!!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 🫶🏽

[@FitnessYogawithSarah]

Natalie, I accredit my body building career to you. You have been such an inspiration and I would have never stepped on stage if it wasn't for you and your youtube channel. Thank you George for the great footage and for supporting Natalie through this season.

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Aww thank you so much. I am lucky I get to tell Natalie’s story. Knowing that you find value in these videos makes it so rewarding for us. Keep crushing it!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

No way?!?🥹💙 Thank u so much for sharing with me. I hope you have enjoyed your stage journey🙌🏽 are you hooked?!?

[@Jilleyful]

I think you looked amazing! I agree that the blue suit works better for you, though, and I can see why the judges liked your fuller look better. What great feedback they gave you! I'm rooting for you to rock this next show!!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much

[@mrsmarsh97]

I have been checking your channel every day (sometimes more than once!) for your next video! So happy to have this latest update and looking forward to the next one. Your winning attitude and sweetness are so inspiring. I’ve refocused my training and nutrition bc of you. Thanks for all you’re doing, Natalie!!

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Sorry it was a day later than I wanted! Lots of technical difficulty trying to edit on the road! So glad your enjoying these videos. That makes me happy!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Aw thank you so much 💙😜 so glad you are enjoying the series 🙌🏽 if you click the notification 🔔 bell… KZbin will notify you when I upload a video. I’m posting my next one this Saturday 😜

[@johannachan9685]

Been waiting for an update!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Here it is🙌🏽 another video coming soon👀👀

[@jessacjames7170]

Natalie! Yass 💙❤️🤍🇵🇷 I’m proud that you represent us Boricua’s! Wepa! Te quiero mucho. These videos are top notch. Thank you for allowing us into your world 🌎

[@PaigeSabedra]

Really love your vlogs, your husband does a great job helping with it to! so wanted to show some love to that. Purple was very pretty!!! but blue is very nice with your hair color and curls. Looking forward to the next show. PLEASE DO PITTSBURGH PRO !!!!! (so i can meet you) haha

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Aw thank you! I’m so happy that you like them!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 💙🫶🏽 you are so sweet! I won’t be at Pittsburgh 😅 but I have a good reason👀. Have fun for me!!!!

[@lilianaleca6813]

You look amazing!!! Keep going 💪💪💪

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much beautiful

[@pamelajensen5961]

Omg! So exciting!! What a treat for us to see you go to 3 shows! Get it girl! Thanks for wearing a purple bikini for us 😍 can’t wait for the next episode!!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much… next episode this Saturday 💙

[@LarisaSlav]

Thank you so much for this video !!! Love it

[@divinelyred]

You have no idea how beautiful it is to see you representing our beautiful isla✨ 🏝 🇵🇷 And as a vegan competitor too 🥦🤓 So inspiring!! Gracias bella. Eres un orgullo. Voy a ti!! Let’s GOOO WEPAAAA!! 💃🏻

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Gracias 🙌🏽😜💙

[@teagoldleaf4137]

Natalie, I'm like you, happy,.sad, angry: I cry. Some people mistake this for weakness but, then they learn the hard way lol

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Haha 😂 definitely not a weakness 💗

[@neeniesfitlife413]

Loved this vid and love George’s new way of editing!! I am one of the people who voted for the purple suit! I LOVED it on your skin tone. It stands out. The blue is beautiful too and I understand that you are much more comfortable with the colour. If the judges want fuller then know you are on right track as your coach has to carb load you days before the show! Like me, you are tiny and petite and beside the taller/ thicker girls we tend to look too small. However your final stage package was amazing!! Lean and muscular!! Hope to see you in many more shows this year girl, your time is coming.

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Thank you! It has been a lot of fun learning new ways to make these videos. I am glad you are enjoying them!!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much! Yes, listening to feedback is key! We will only be bringing the fuller look from no on, unless judges say otherwise 🙌🏽💙

[@mrslnj]

You look great and you are such an inspiration!

[@nataliewilkerson8739]

I'm such a fan! You seem like such a beautiful soul. Rare these days!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 🫶🏽

[@TangoMasterclassCom]

Congratulations!!! So well done, you look amazing!

[@teagoldleaf4137]

So much focus, determination, discipline. Beautiful woman. Thank you for sharing your journey with us 🌷🌷🌷

[@JoseSanchez-fp3mp]

Hi, nice vlog Im so happy for you and very proud you have done an amazing progress congratulations looking good always thanks so much for the video I enjoyed it a lot have a nice week.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 💙

[@boutiquelavoliere3933]

You are amazing! So inspiring!

[@tweety1028801]

All i can say is Caliente 💯

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Siii🫶🏽🙌🏽

[@GracefulStrengthCoaching]

Orgullo de Borinquén! Well done!!

[@copperpenny0209]

I'm an empath too and cry easily so I get it. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I agree, the blue suit is a better color for you over the purple. The purple seems to disappear against your tone.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

🫶🏽💙 I’m glad I’m not alone 😅

[@alejandraradice2142]

Te ves hermosa. Gracias por demostrar que los veganos pueden ser excelentes atletas ❤

[@teagoldleaf4137]

🌱❤️💪

[@kristitompkins9265]

Congrats Natalie, you look amazing! Your curls are so pretty too 💙

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

I always vote for the curls!!!

[@sarahhagen2051]

Too bad you can’t compete in those little jean shorts. You look so flipping cute in those! I think that’s my favorite look on you. Probably because you’re so down to earth, it fits my impression of your personality. You look fantastic!!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Haha thank you so much! Me too🤣 they are way more comfortable.

[@hannahwelton7455]

You and George are so cute together.

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Thank you!! The vast majority of the cuteness is because of Natalie haha

[@calisongbird]

@@GeorgeRitchieMatthews lol! Trust me, you’re a hottie too. 😄❤️

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

@@calisongbird haha thank you!!

[@evolveoverfifty]

Were you able to find some good vegan options in Charlotte. We do have really good options.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I’m doing back to back shows,, so I had a really yummy beet salad 🥗 at a lil restaurant next to the host hotel 😅 I don’t like doing cheat meals until I finish my season.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

It will give me a good excuse to go back 🤪

[@caitlinh8613]

Is a lighter green suit color an option? I love the blue but think you’d totally rock green too!! And a lighter green might still pop 😊 dunno if anyone does light green or not though!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Green is tricky on stage😅

[@Vindicator73]

*One day I want to see a video where the roles are reversed, and George is always smiling and Natalie is always mean mugging.* 😝😝 *But another marvelous performance and documentary in the books. Great representation all around. Look forward to seeing more.* 😎

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

I'd likte to see that too...I don't think Natalie can pull off the mean mug though!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Haha I definitely don’t think I can live up to your iconic mean mug 🤨

[@annmariefiske8750]

Beautiful!!! Love the OG Blue suit Best! Show us those side hips/glutes! You've got them! ❤🎉

[@lcrooks69]

Another amazing performance! Congratulations Natalie!

[@skidmarksteven69]

lean af.great job