Tiffany Baker: Natural Figure Champion

Tiffany Baker is a Single-Mother, Natural Figure Champion, and a Positive Fitness Role Model with a very Bright Future!

PowHERhouse recently had an opportunity to sit down with Tiffany Baker.  What a pleasure it was to chat with this lovely lady about her recent rise to the top of natural figure competition, her mission to help others and how she maintains balance of it all out along with her first and foremost priority, her gorgeous son.

Tiffany, we understand that 2014 was your first year of figure competitions, and that is was a very successful year. Can you tell us more?

Yes, I began competing in 2014 and was fortunate to win 1st place in my figure class at my very first show in May at the Western Canadians.  That win qualified me to compete in August at the Nationals against women from all across Canada where I placed in the top 10 of my division. I also competed in Mixed Pairs with my partner Ali Najafian, winning 1st place in Canada. Together, we travelled to Montreal in October to compete at the World’s and placed 4th in Mixed Pairs.  It has been quite a year! I’ve always been athletic with soccer, kickboxing and snowboarding but I decided to take it to the next level.

Describe your Mission.

I want to help people to bring out the very best in themselves.  I’m just a ‘regular girl’ who was motivated to change my lifestyle and realize my fullest potential (I’m still on my way!), and I’d like to help others to do the same.

Describe how you stay PowHERful and on the top of your game.

For me it boils down to making a plan and being organized.  I hit the gym to stay positive and regularly pause to enjoy the simple beauty of life that is all around us.  We just need to STOP – breathe – centre – and enjoy!

What is your ultimate dream for your business/Mission and where you’d like to take it.

I am in the process of establishing my own personal training and lifestyle coaching business.  I want to take what I’ve learned from my own personal experience – on all levels – and share it with others.  2015 will be a year of professional development, certification and establishing my business.  I can’t wait!

Describe what success looks like.

Being happy with yourself – fulfilled at a soul-level.  Quality time with family and friends.

Describe your success strategy in one sentence.

Being prepared sets you up for success.

What would you say your Top 3 Excellence Habits are (ie. habits that ensure your success).

•           Keep motivated.  I use my competition photos and trophies as a reminder of what is possible.

•           Have a plan.  Keep your goals in front of you – daily, weekly, monthly.

•           Schedule regular ME-time.  You need to restore to be able to produce and share more positive energy to yourself and others.

Describe your Top 3 Time Management Tips as they relate to your Mission.

•           Prioritize.  We can’t do it all at once!

•           Roll with it when you have to.  Plans change, and we have to be flexible.

•           Breathe and keep focusing on the Bigger Picture!

Describe your Top 3 Consistency Tips as they relate to your Mission.

•           Use positive self-talk.  It’s powerful!

•           Create a positive mantra – one or two positive phrases that resonate for you.

•           Understand that each day is different and unique – a new set of 24 hours.  Appreciate each one and use it wisely.

Describe collaboration and what the looks like/feels like on the ground – how does it show up in your life?

These days I am collaborating with my coach and partner  Ali Najafian.  We have similar aspirations, and it is fun to brainstorm, fuel each other’s fires and keep each other motivated and accountable.  Collaboration is the connection of energy.  Two sources flowing and working together is much stronger than one.

Describe a favourite hobby or adventure.

I love, love, love to cook!  I used to live in Chicago for a few years where I was inspired to create beautiful dishes which led me to cater for high-end clients.   It is my art and allows me to unleash my creativity!

Favourite energy meal or snack (healthy).

•           Greek yogurt with blueberries,cinnamon and almonds

•           Pita bread – I make chips in the oven or the microwave for quick convenience accompanied by homemade salsa (finely chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt & pepper)

•           I use ALOT of cinnamon on my food for flavour

•           Hot sauce is my friend – it speeds up your metabolism

Favourite recipe to share?

Easy Grilled  Cinnamon-Spiced Chicken  Breast with  Shirazi Salad

Rinse 4 chicken breasts and pat dry.

In a small bowl mix:

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon pepper

pinch of salt

Sprinkle the rub over all chicken breasts and cook on a medium heat grill for 6-8 minutes a side, until the juices run clear.

Shirazi Salad- This is a persian salad and is simple and healthy.

2  large tomatoes

1 medium red onion

2 medium cucumber

juice of 2 limes

1/4 cup mint

1/4 parsley

salt & pepper

Chop all ingredients into small pieces and mix together with lime juice salt and pepper.

Put in fridge set the flavours for 30 minutes.

What’s your favourite protein shake?

Protein Shake -Peanut Butter Chocolate Shake

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder

1/2 teaspoon peanut butter

1 cup non-fat milk

handful of ice

Favourite indulgence or treat.

I’d have to say chocolate, a good burger or a great bowl of pasta.

Top 3 things on your Bucket List.

•           Go travelling to Mexico & Spain

•           Swim with the dolphins

•           Attend a Super Bowl game – I love football!

What does giving back (fulfillment) look like to you?

Helping people to realize what they are truly capable of.

I never leave home without my……..

Tupperware!  ***grin*** and water.

Current favourite running song…..

Take Over Control by Afrojack

I listened to this song back stage before my first competition and it pumped me up so much!

What’s not being said?

I’ve always been athletic training in the gym, and competitive in soccer, kickboxing and snowboarding.  If you had asked me one year ago what my year would be like… I couldn’t have even dreamed achieving  such amazing goals all in the same year.  Thank you 2014!

The previous year I was faced with a few struggles which allowed me rise up and spread my wings and show the world what I’m made of!

I had overcome quite a few obstacles while prepping for my year of success, and along the way I found out just how STRONG I really am. I was working full-time as a high performing executive assistant for four advisors while training twice a day. I also had to manage the care for my 3- year-old son after school. I really wanted to compete, and I was driven to do my best.

WHERE THERE IS A WILL… THERE IS A WAY!  

I made a plan to help me succeed and recruited my sister, my son’s teachers and other resources to allow me to manage my time. On my third competition, last year training for the Worlds, I lost most of my childcare options, so I bought a treadmill for my house. It was a great idea as it created a positive, healthy and active environment for both my son and I.

My whole mantra last year was just BE OPEN and let the GREAT THINGS happen.

Once you remove your own obstacles…. anything is possible!!

I am honoured to have inspired many women over the past year to make changes in their lives and to spread their own wings.

Feel free to follow me on PowHERhouse.com as I share my preparation for this year’s competitions along with motivation and tips along the way for others and their journey to achieve greatness.

Connect with Tiffany on Facebook and watch for her upcoming website.  Sign-up now for our regular PowHERhouse updates to be sure not to miss Tiffany’s upcoming articles.  Photo credits:  Bake Photography