IFBB Bikini Pro Prep UPDATE - My Journey To The Stage | Ep.3

Welcome to my IFBB Bikini Pro Prep UPDATE! In this video, I'll share my journey to the stage, including posing with my coach, some travel lessons learned, and my experience speaking at Cuties Conquering the Stage. I discuss my progress and let you in on some strategy moving forward. Tune in for this IFBB pro prep update and be a part of my journey!
▻Get My Cookbook Here: fitveganchef.com
#bikinicompetitor #veganbodybuilding #ifbbpro
_____________________________________________________
FOLLOW ME:
♥Instagram: / fitveganchef
♥Website: fitveganchef.com
♥Tik Tok: / nataliematthewsofficial
______________________________________________________
*LINKS + DISCOUNT CODES*
▻My Favorite Supplements
(Get FREE Shipping use code: FITVEGAN)
livbody.com/?r...
▻All Outfits Are From BuffBunny Collection
(Discount Code: NATALIE)
www.buffbunny....
▻Shop Pride Foods Hot Rice Cereal, nut butters, & More
(Discount code: Natalie)
www.pridefoods...
▻My Favorite Protein Bar (Discount Code: NATALIE)
www.good-cravi...
▻Angel Competition Bikinis (Discount Code: NATALIE )
bit.ly/3eXKZtH
▻My Favorite Vegan Competition Heels From The Shoe Fairy
(Discount: FITVEGAN)
shoefairyoffic...
▻Protan (Discount Code: Natalie10) protanusa.com
▻My Favorites Items From AMAZON (Affiliate Link):
www.amazon.com...
▻George's Camera Equipment: amzn.to/35gvPdG

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Spoiler Alert: I did get sick from my travels 😩. Hopefully it passes soon. Thank you so much for watching my prep series and all the support 🫶🏽 Make sure to leave your IG handle if you are entering the give🎁 away 🫶🏽

[@GeorgeRitchieMatthews]

Look at you all boss babe in those new outfits!!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

@@GeorgeRitchieMatthews 😂❤

[@tweety1028801]

@@GeorgeRitchieMatthews 🤣😂

[@Vindicator73]

Sending good vibes and well wishes for a speedy recovery. 🙏😊

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

@@Vindicator73 thank you so much ❤

[@kelseymoore8116]

Hi Natalie! My travel tip for flying on the airplane is to meal prep all my meals ahead of time, excluding breakfast, for breakfast I will bring oatmeal packets and the individual protein packets. I use a cooler that can hold up to 8 meal prep containers and I bring the refillable ice packs (like the ones you put on your head when you get injured) and then I just refill it at the hotel, since every hotel has an ice machine! I also bring a real fork and spoon from my kitchen instead of using the plastic ones! I am traveling every week since I’m a airline pilot, and this is what has worked best for me! Hope this helps 😊

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Expert tips!!! Love these🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 Thank you so much for sharing!

[@cathyfromcsu7411]

I just found your channel and I'm so happy about it! I've been vegan for 15 years (just an ethical junk food vegan though not healthy) and I'm wanting to get into strength training. Your videos have really inspired me and are already helping me put together foods in a more balanced way. Hoping to purchase your cookbooks soon as well (tight budget). My best travel tip is to drink electrolytes while driving because they don't make you need to use the bathroom as much as regular water. Or at least that's how my body works! Sending good vibes to you and George!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the videos. Electrolytes are perfect for travel days🙌🏽

[@JaxxBaum]

So wonderful to meet you. Thank you for sharing your journey and for spending the weekend with us!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

🫶🏽 what an epic weekend 🙌🏽

[@saif23boukhatem22]

The first comment. I hope you see it. I follow all your videos. I like your work. I hope to continue

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you very much!

[@PraveenSrJ01]

Glad you are doing much better Natalie 🤩

[@lindsaytoussaint]

Your coach seems so cool! I’m literally packing my meals right now for a weekend trip so making us think about this is perfect timing - my tip is to sleep on the plane/train/boat whatever if possible. This has kept me sane and calm and well rested when I arrive (no matter the time zone change, more rest never hurt anyone!). Also I learned the hard way that if I don’t bring my own macro-friendly snacks I will have more indulgences OR go hangry until the next meal.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes, these are great tips! Thank you so much for sharing. Have fun during your travels!

[@briannekasica6894]

These videos look SO PRO! We see you leveling up girl. Excited to follow you along this prep!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much! We are just trying to bring you quality. Hubby George is the mastermind behind the filming. He has gotten soo good. Yesterday, I was watching one of my first videos and omg we have come a long way🙌🏽

[@AmandaMahoney-fn2uf]

I hope you feel better soon! I wanted to thank you for your Seitan recipe in your last video. I made it. So easy and worked out great. Thank you!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yay! Enjoy 😉

[@jessacjames7170]

Yasss this update was awesome 🙌🏽 💙 Love seeing your journey. Can’t wait for the next update 💪🏽🇵🇷

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much beautiful 🤩 I’m so glad you are enjoying the series 🙌🏽

[@charlottepizarro8093]

Estoy tan emocionada por ti! Mi mejor amiga y yo estamos pendiente de tu prep cada vez que subes video lo vemos y nos emocionamos. Un abrazo desde PR🇵🇷🥇

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Muchas gracias...quisiera competir en Puerto Rico, voy a tratar. Creo que hay una en Julio.

[@charlottepizarro8093]

@@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef Si deberías de venir y competir estás hermosa!!!

[@veganbodybybelinda]

So excited to follow your prep- you look amazing! Let’s go 🏆🌱

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much 🙌🏽 I appreciate you

[@krizzleschizzle8500]

Thanks Natalie! So excited to see you get back out on stage! As far as travel tips, I’d say always carry on when you can. Look at what happens during the recent SW fiasco. We don’t often need nearly as many clothes as we think! Haha!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

That’s so true! Carry on and do your best🙌🏽

[@andreabranson7313]

Right now you're tips are my best tips for travel. It is wonderful appreciating how the past brought you to your present.

[@andreabranson7313]

@andreaalmab

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much. Yes, pass mistakes are learning opportunities. We can grown and do better from learning from them. 🙌🏽🫶🏽

[@rathersnappish]

Travel tips: the three Ps - protein, pillow and plugs (for your ears). Don't leave home without them! Also choosing hotel/accommodation based on nearby gym that will let me fit in a session before I have to work/attend whatever conference I'm there for. My biggest tip for any fitties travelling to Dublin is the Spencer Hotel in the Docklands, which has an *actual* gym for guests: fully fitted out with free weights - power racks, bumper plates, etc - plus all of the machines you'd need for ... they even had a sissy squat machine!! 😅

[@louisborsato7676]

Keep up the great work Natalie! I see a winner in the very near future!

[@brendaochs262]

Hi Natalie as a former Flight Attendant I totally know what you mean on meal prepping for your flight and trip. I did that for years and still do it now as I am retired. I always had my lunch box full of healthy vegan meals and snacks. In all the hotels I stayed had a crew lounge or area with a micro wave for heating food up.. The plane food was full of salt and very unhealthy. I really enjoy watching your channel and following your journey. The best of luck to you Brenda Ochs

[@myleneboutin]

Love your content! I wish you the best for your season xxx

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much ❤

[@stefanietummolo8109]

My best traveling tips are to get a lot of packs of salmon/tuna, FREEZE YOUR PROTEIN, bars/protein snacks, edamame, popcorn, beef jerky, etc. I like to also get the microwaveable rice so it’s easy to bring in your check bag! The frozen protein helps so it stays cold and then it’ll be thawed out by the time you arrive. Perfect to put in check bags as well. More easy items to bring are rice cakes, a lot of bagged protein powder, oatmeal packs, and even frozen veggies! You are killing this prep so far! ❤🎉

[@samantha-kemp-therapy]

Really interesting information on the rest day swaps and listening to body

[@amycnews1593]

Yay! Yay! Yay! Love these prep videos so much! I’m so glad these are back! ☺️🥳💕

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much beautiful! I appreciate you saying that.

[@harmonylife4430]

Love ur vids nd tips. Been watching u a little over 3 yrs and all the info u"ve give has helped me go vegan and still get adequate protein. I don't travel much but when I do it by vehicle. My tip is to pack plenty of healthy snacks and stay hydrated. Keep doing what ur doing 🫶 ur journey is awesome ❣️

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so happy the content has been able to help you in your own journey 🫶🏽that’s sooo cool!

[@jezbilinka]

Hi Natalie! Thanks for all your amazing recipes and inspiration! My goals and macros are different as a runner, but I love your high protein meals. Also, your positive energy is refreshing. Traveling is especially hard as a vegan, so I’ve learned to pack lots of delicious, easy snacks. Mostly fresh fruit and veg, hummus, nuts, ultima electrolytes, protein powder packets and oatmeal packets.

[@amandasuriani7838]

My tip is always making sure I have easy protein snacks with me to make sure I’m hitting my goals - bars, dried edamame, powder, tvp, Catalina Crunch are all easy options to travel with!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes, love it! those are some of my favorite hp snacks❤️

[@gcianci3390]

We plan and meal prep as much as possible - on a two day road trip with our family of four I had enough food to get us to our destination without having to eat out. We all felt so much better and healthier for it!

[@spinelli6666]

Stunning

[@jackharrington697]

Your coach seems like cool and I love your content Natalie!!💙💙💪💪💗💗

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes she is pretty amazing! Thank you so much for following along.

[@nitrothea]

My best travel tip that worked amazingly when I travelled to another country for my competition was to take rice cakes and baby rice. Literally saved me because I couldn’t find rice cakes anywhere!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes 🙌🏽 rice cakes are soo convenient!

[@tianag8383]

Ahhh dang. Sorry you got sick afterward, hope you feel better soon! 😫 But this was such a great video! Loved seeing you do a check-in in person with Jamie. Ok, so here are my top travel tips (I'm not a competitor but I like to eat healthy vegan food while traveling): 1. Pre-track my macros ahead of time 2. Bring lots of single serving snacks - edamame, bada bean, protein bars, individual (sample size) protein packs 3. Longeve or protein crumbles are a must - just need hot water to rehydrate) 4. no shame in stopping at a gas stations to use a microwave on road trips 😅 5. I bring the travel-size purse scale

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

How did I forget The gas ⛽️ station microwaves?!? Those always come in handy. Thank you so much for sharing these amazing tips.

[@girlforhappiness1783]

Does someone know, is Natalie still natural? Love to follow your vegan journey! Big inspiration, please keep us updated :)

[@ssfnp]

You look amazing 🤩 Great physique update 🏋️‍♀️ excellent advice when traveling meal prep 🍽️

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much beautiful!

[@starchystacy4224]

All about The List! Prep is easy once you create a master List😉

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Facts🙌🏽👏🏽

[@mikereynolds2313]

Gotta say I'm very impressed with your physique!!! I can believe you're vegan I definitely not my thing it's hard enough to maintain my physique with meat. Keep up the hard work you look fantastic

[@carnismiscancer2108]

Looking good! Keep up the great work!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much for all the support

[@eminadeau]

I always have quick oat, vegan protein and instant coffee. I bring a thermal bottle and I look for hot water anywhere!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes! Quick oats are so convenient🙌🏽

[@sheilacandelaria743]

Be prepare to bring the stuff you need and look for places that are vegan restaurants or that they give vegan choices because a lot of them ask you if you are allergic to anything or if you have a special diet

[@brehil8810]

Hydration, snack/protein bars, and fruit.

[@Mp47Ak5]

Have you tried a wider stance on your glute biased 45 degree hyper extension? For the upper shelf

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I have! I love it🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@Littledudesontheprairie]

My biggest travel tip: Don’t forget your vitamins and stay consistent with water intake!

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yeah we have to stay on track with the supps🫶🏽🙌🏽🌱

[@botanicallybuilding]

My travel tip is to drink more water then you normally do. Flying can make you retain water. I also love to travel with tvp and have not Chickun and not beef flavored bullion cubes, or pt the tvp in oats.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I seen people add tvp to oats. I have to try that hack

[@lostgirl17kv]

My go to with travel is to pack my food as carry on if flying and if driving I go by the motto there is no such thing as overpacking 😂lol P.s hope you feel better soon

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I like this motto 😂

[@judygadde8708]

I totally missed that you aren’t with Paul now!

[@keishakeesh]

wait how did i miss you joined FBF?? In one of your videos can you discuss why you made the switch?

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes, I started working with Jami June of 2022. I talked about it in previous videos. No tea ☕️🫶🏽 I love Paul and my time working with him was great. I just wanted to learn from Jami.

[@rowenaanderson3739]

Travel tip: make sure you have happy cow downloaded.

[@kvill11]

Coach details?

[@erikauribe4613]

Beat travel tip when traveling abroad is to go to your bank and order foreign currency before your trip. Only for tips and little expenses.will save you money and the hassle of getting money at a foreign atm. At the destination use a rewards card with no foreign currency fees .

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

That’s a great tip

[@na5108]

I will always like your videos. I’ve been liking your contact for a while. Your videos are great so people will naturally follow I am commenting for the giveaway. My best travel tips? Have a bag ready to go no matter what. So much time is wasted to set a bag up. If you have a designated take and go bag, it’s is the biggest time saver. Take nights or weekends to tweak or refill anything in the bag so when you wake up, it’s grab n go! Even having a few emergency travel size things help. And essentials only. Try to stay light if you can. If you can’t, pack a smaller bag in the bag so that when you get to your location you can leave the big bag in the car or lock it up in a locker room and switch to the smaller bag to go around. No IG handle. I deleted mine, i just don’t have to time to manage both. I could always put down a friends if that helps.

[@na5108]

Oh! I just saw, I’m sorry you got sick. I always wondered how you would manage your prep when you catch a bug? I know it’s mostly recovery. Do you skip meals for sleep? Do you keep the same calories? Do you still keep up with your cardio? Are you risking your gains if you dos and Don’ts? I’ve always wonder that? I usually try to keep my calories the same. I’m not sure if I’m screwing things up. It’s definitely an interesting topic I hope you cover one day. Much ❤️ wishing you a quick recovery

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Wow these are great travel tips! Thank you so much for sharing. I definitely need to do better at packing light.

[@spinelli6666]

Scoop and poop 😆

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

😂🤣

[@mvac2289]

So excited to see you back in prep! Can’t wait to see you crush your goals for this year. I use frozen water bottles to keep my food cold! And the buff bunny bag insulated pocket helps 😂 @fitveggiemeg

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Wow! How have I not heard about this tip before??? Pretty genius 🙌🏽 thank you so much for sharing. I’m definitely going to try it.

[@gabrielaherrera3665]

You freaking rock, I love following your journey.💪 I pack 2 Scoops of protein, a protein bar, lunch, and 2 apples when I'm on the go. Oh and I forgot rice cakes because they are so delicious and low in calories. @therealconflictedvegan

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much

[@GourmetFood4u]

@gourmetfoods4u I start taking ginger shots before during and after traveling.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

That’s a good one!

[@taryndalton9920]

I check out the restaurants, stores, etc. before I go. I pack sample packs of protein powder, packs of dry roasted edamame, protein bars (which I only eat in emergencies - LOL), brami beans. Just stuff that can hold me over if there is nothing around. Loving the cookbook! I put minced garlic on the tops of some of them, WOW! @tbeth_dalton

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I’m so glad you’re enjoying the cookbook 🙌🏽🫶🏽

[@tenapit]

We take lots of fruit, protein bars and we plan our stops for vegan meals. Great video❤. @tenapit

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes 🙌🏽 great tips❤

[@sarayingling318]

I always pack baggies of protein powder so I can add to my coffee or oatmeal to make sure I’m getting protein in first thing! @yingers1

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Same! Protein is my priority 😅

[@robino941]

I would love to try the Good Cravings protein bars! @historynibbles My best basic travel tip is to drink plenty of water and pack healthy protein bars. =)

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes, Hydration is so important during travel days.

[@angelaschildkamp701]

These are my favorite weekly videos to watch!! I don’t travel often but I never leave home without healthy filling snacks and my supplements to keep my immune system in check. @angieschildkamp

[@Mandy0456]

I do a lot of traveling and backpacking, so I have figured how to fit extra protein in pretty well. Of course travel with lots of extra protein snacks like bars and powders. I also love to use pea protein powder as a hummus substitute- easy to bring a powder, and add whatever seasoning or fats that you want. Dehydrated marinated tofu is also a favorite. @am.anne.da

[@laracosta9]

Best travel tip is to freeze your proteins! @lararunningwild

[@traceyrooschuz2130]

Love watching your journey, thank you for making these videos. Best travel tips is I always take a water bottle with me and can fill up, especially for long flights as I find long flights are so dehydrating. I also pack a few empty containers so when I get to my destination (normally self catering) I can cook and prep and store my food for a few days. I find some places don't have containers for storage, only cooking appliances. Ofcourse, I always take a few snacks for emergency situations, like nuts, protein powder, fruit, rice cakes. 😁 @traceyroosch

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes! Staying hydrated is so important. Thank you for sharing these tips.

[@merlinmarinova8845]

Your coach seems really nice :) like someone who's going to push you without breaking you. My travel tips are: pack a lot packed treats like rice cakes and bars. And don't forget your vitamins. Also check for vegan restaurants in the area. :) (merriimarinova)

[@mo_guffens1667]

Your lupini seitan travels with me all the time! I have it in my purse if a restaurant has no vegan protein option, I irder food and quickly add (cold) lupini saitan to my plate and a meal is created! @moniqueguffens

[@Findinglifesbeauty]

I always take literally every thing with me that way I’m not bouncing from store to store in a different place if I can’t find what I need. That’s stressful!! Would love to try some new vegan protein bars 🎉 @plantbasedpump

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes! I’ve should have packed everything… I know better. Definitely doing that next time 😅

[@dawndavis3428]

What works for me as a prep travel tip is packing my mini food warmer because sometimes hotels do not have a microwave available and some foods I just can’t eat cold 😩. @azddavis

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I really want to invest in one of those. A lot of hotels don’t have microwaves now. Which one do you have?

[@dawndavis3428]

@@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef I purchased the Aotto Personal portable oven from Amazon ❤️

[@tweety1028801]

If traveling by plane, make sure to find what size containers and foods you can carry on. And a Bagnet helps to for those nasty bathrooms 🤣 @tweety102880

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Facts lol

[@firebrandfitness3689]

I like to bring oats and protein powder, also green drink powders. Often I will bring some gluten flour to make seitan if I have a kitchen. Dried blueberries are nice too! Thank you for sharing your journey. @firebrand.fitness.

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I love dry fruits for traveling🙌🏽

[@emmabushby1152]

Loving the prep series videos !!! I always take a protein snack with me, usually homemade protein bars as I haven't found a shop bought one with nice ingredients... The good cravings bars sound amazing... pilatesemma_spacorepilates

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much for following along. These are great tips!!

[@jennygersack7181]

😊your best travel tips! @jennyd4c

[@candiceo2009]

My travel tip: make the best choices you can but also don’t miss opportunities to experience new things! It’s such a short deviation from your normal routine it’s not enough to derail healthy habits and not worth diminishing the joy of special occasions! In short balance. See the big picture. @healthyfitandvegan

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

I love this❤️

[@zdenkakanov4963]

Hi Natalie, I watched ur video after all the instastories,alredy knew u got sick. Hope,u already feel much better. My travel hack - prepare some fruit and veggies to snack on, combine with few nuts. It will fill me up, give me boost of nutritions and I don't need to buy something else,that would bring me down from my path.....always be prepared, I actually never go somewhere without mealprep. I'm kinda person I wouldn't eat at all and that NOT GOOD 😵😵‍💫 Love you, Zdenka @zdencabonkie

[@kerikennedy6795]

I’ve been wanting to try these protein bars! They are so clean and I love that it’s a small business ❤ _keriakennedy

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Yes! They’re the best… the flavor and texture are sooo good. It’s a labor of love ❤️

[@eileenn8358]

I enjoy your vegan recipes! I usually travel with an elderberry or immunity-boosting juice. I feel like it helps fight the yuckies off. Hope you feel better soon! 🪷💕 @pinkkiti

[@Crazy-wr5nx]

🤩 your making amazing progress girl!! Also I’ve been wanting to try these protein bars! I tried the GoMacro bars you recommended and they were really good! @amandalord111

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Thank you so much! If you liked the go macro...you will love these.

[@ElaineSilva-vb5yh]

When traveling I like to have at least 2 days worth of food on hand because you never know what’s going to happen. Also I have my gallon jug that I can fill after going through [e-mail]

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

Loved these… that’s what I should have done 😅 lesson learned

[@MeditationsWithSam]

My best travel tip would be to look at the maps of the airports before-hand when traveling to a big airport ESP if it's international. I'd go as far as looking up youtube videos on your route in the airport to get to where you need to go safely, which is everything when you don't speak the same language and the airport is huge. (like MEX) I watched youtube videos from point a to b repeatedly, because relying on the english language is not ideal, and you want to make sure you are going to the right place with minimal stress, because who needs that when you're already traveling! Wish i could go to Cuties Conquering the Stage! Maybe someday it'll be in Boston. Thanks Natalie! My insta handle is @sam.lee.machado

[@NatalieMatthewsFitVeganChef]

This is amazing! Such valuable info. Thank you so much for sharing 🙌🏽