Power Eating
Lauren Jacobsen
BSc. (Biochemistry)
Lauren received a degree in biochemistry from Trent University in Ontario, Canada where she studied creatine and its effects on sport performance. After graduating, Lauren decided to use her biochemistry background to develop performance-enhancing supplements for many of the top supplement companies in the industry. Lauren also practices what she preaches and has competed in bodybuilding and figure competitions throughout the world. In fact, Lauren placed 1st at the Canadian Natural Nationals, qualifying to compete at the IFBB Women’s World Championships in Spain as part of Team Canada! Lauren’s also a regular contributor to Inside Fitness. She’s also the co host of the hit TV show “Body Fuel” where she presents viewers with the proper use of sports supplements for enhancing athletic performance. Lauren will arm you with the latest research on novel ingredients, delivery systems and of course new product releases. If there’s something that works or is a downright scam, Lauren will be the first to report on it!
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Competing in the USA vs Canada
Q. I saw you last year onstage at both the North Americans in Cleveland and a week earlier at the Nationals in Toronto. No, I’m not stalking you, I swear! I honestly think you are beautiful and should be a pro right now, especially with the complete package you brought at the North Americans. How do you find the Canadian shows, venue, support, and judging different from the US shows?
A. Thanks for noticing! It’s not an easy sport to stand out in, being highly competitive and given the very steep competition of the many beautiful girls who bring their best package to the stage. Last year, I focused on making improvements and coming in more conditioned than previous years, and I also started working with a new trainer, Eric DiLauro. I was very pleased with my physical outcome and my placing for both shows. I even tightened up between the Nationals and North Americans. I know I brought a far better package to the stage this past year than I have any previous years. It’s hard to say why some get the card and others do not, but I’m still proud of my successes to date.
As far as comparing organizations and differences between the Canadian and US shows goes, the one thing I’ve found from competing in both is that there is more consistency across the US shows. The shows are run like clockwork; they’re smooth and consistent, which can be a stress relief for an athlete. US shows are typically held by the same promoter at the same venue, and are set up as a one-stop shop! The event registration, accommodation, tanning, and athlete meetings are all there in one venue.
Competing in Canada at the National level has been a challenge. The shows rotate on placement and promoter throughout Canada. Shows are not always at the same venue or organized by the same promoter, which can be challenging when planning or prepping for a show. The one great thing about competing in Canada is the support of friends and family at the shows, provided the show is close to home. Media coverage can also be great in Canada since we have great supporters of the sport such as MUSCLE INSIDER. American shows are highly competitive, and it can take a lot to stand out and get coverage by the international mags, especially if you aren’t an American. That’s not to say it isn’t possible; it just takes more work!
Judging until recently was different depending on where it was and what they were looking for. Canadian shows tend to favour the more muscular girls, while American shows seem to look more at the overall package brought to the stage and less about muscularity. With recent changes, the CBBF, NPC, and IFBB amateur shows are now starting to define consistency across all organizations, with a focus on symmetry, aesthetics, and overall muscle tone. Now you can prepare for all shows the same way, without worrying that you need to change your whole body to suit one organization’s set of criteria!
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