In this episode, Celeste speaks with Carolina Araujo, an IFBB Bikini Pro who has been competing since 2015, obtained her degree in psychology, and helps women love their bodies through weights and balanced nutrition. Carolina is also the cohost of the podcast The Center Stage. Celeste starts off by asking Carolina her pre stage ritual then transitions into asking Carolina about her background in psychology. Carolina shares what inspired her to pursue her degree in psychology and how her childhood and growing up in Brazil influenced said interest. She talks about how her studies led her to find a passion in developmental psychology to be able to better understand and help people. Carolina discusses the cultural differences between Brazil and New York in terms of the emphasis and value that was put on body image. Carolina mentions how her views shifted as she became aware of the cultural differences and how she handled those mindset shifts. Carolina talks about what inspired her to come to the US after having grown up in Brazil, and how having dual citizenship gave her the opportunity to pursue higher education in the US, something that is highly valued in Brazil. After learning more about Carolina’s background, Celeste asks how she got into competing. Carolina shares how she got into weight lifting because of past injuries & for preventative measures, then realized she found a love for training. Research led her to find the sport of bodybuilding and she was inspired to try competing after learning about Amanda Latona. Celeste asks Carolina to share more about her first prep and how her approach and strategies have changed over time. Next, Celeste and Carolina discuss the habits that Carolina practices both in prep and the off season that set her up for success. Carolina talks about the importance of consistency yet allowing more flexibility in the off season. Also, she talks about supplementation. She notes that while supplementation has its time and place, girls should focus on the other important elements like sleep, hydration, nutrition, bloodwork, cortisol management etc. to ensure one’s internal health stays a priority even when competing is not the primary goal. Carolina and Celeste then talk about confidence, to which Carolina shares her definition of confidence and she shares how fitness has helped her foster that for both herself and her clients. She also talks about why she started her business and how she goes about teaching her clients healthy lifestyle habits to help reach their goals. After discussing programming protocols she takes with her clients, she shares her best advice for novice competitors and for the girls on their road to pro. Topics Covered: -Inspiration to study psychology -Being Brazilian growing up in New York -Inspiration to come to the US -Differences between East & West Coast Meccas -What inspired Carolina to compete -Lessons learned from Carolina’s first prep -Strategic time away from the stage -Habits for a successful prep and off season -Supplementation & cortisol management -Definition of confidence -Tips for new and national level competitors CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html CONNECT WITH CAROLINA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolaraujo_fitness/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/carolaraujo_fitness Time Stamps: [1:00] Celeste introduces Carolina. [2:35] Carolina shares her pre stage ritual. [6:30] Carolina discusses what inspired her to study psychology. [11:15] Celeste asks Carolina if what she experienced in her teen years was due to developmental psychology. [17:00] Carolina shares what sports she played growing up. [18:40] Celeste asks Carolina what inspired her to come to the US. [21:00] Carolina talks about what inspired her to move from New York. [24:50] Celeste asks Carolina if shes adjusting to the California lifestyle. [26:50] Celeste asks Caroli