Raw Vegan Bikini Fitness Model Erin Moubray

WBFF Pro Fitness Model Erin Moubray is someone who is not afraid to go for what she wants.

After her daughter was born she decided it was time to pursue her goal of competing as a fitness and bikini model, and within a matter of months she was on stage in her first competition.

Shortly afterwards she was on stage again, but this time in the WBFF World Championships, where she placed third and received her pro status.

Now anyone who has trained to compete as a fitness model, as well as all of us who would love to, should know what a huge achievement it is to get into this kind of shape and do so incredibly well in such a short space of time.

I am thrilled to feature this fabulous interview with this sensational woman, as given to Loving-It-Raw.com in December 2011. Perfect inspiration for all our 'get in shape' New Year's resolutions!

Bikini Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Can you tell us about yourself?  Age, where you live, occupation, children etc?

I am 31 (almost 32!!!), I live in Northern British Columbia, Canada, where I work as a personal trainer. I train a lot of clients online as well as in a local gym. I have a beautiful 2 yr old little girl.

Bikini Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: How long have you been following a low fat, high carb raw vegan diet?

Actually not that long!! It has been about 6 months now!!

Swimsuit Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Can you tell us about your dietary progression, i.e. was it vegetarian, then vegan, then raw? 

About three and a half years ago I went vegan...literally overnight. My parents went vegan and I loved learning how to cook for them. I read some books..and the one that hit home for me was Skinny Bitch believe it or not.

Up until that point I had never considered all the animal cruelty associated with what I was eating. From there it has been a progression.

I've had different trainers along the way (non-vegan) that encouraged me to eat fish....so for a short while I incorporated that back into my diet.

However, after a competition this April I was very tired and hated all the processed vegan fake meat products, fish and powders...I started looking more into the raw world.

I began sprouting and making raw nut pates and was spending a fortune on Spirulina, Chlorella, seeds, maca...you name it in the "superfoods"!!!

I honestly felt pretty awful...and had no idea how much fat I was consuming. I was convinced that I needed all those superfoods as well as the nuts and pates for the protein in order to maintain and continue to build muscle for my next competition. I struggled for about two months with low energy and poor digestion until I came across The 80/10/10 Diet

I joined a few raw facebook groups and online forums where the members were following this way of eating.

I basically just picked up on what to eat from there....while I waited for my copy of the book to arrive. I immediately started feeling amazing. My training got easier and the results came fast! There was no looking back!!

Beautiful Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: What was your diet and health like before vegan/raw vegan.

I was fairly healthy in terms of how a standard diet goes...however it still included a lot of protein, not very many veggies, and fruit only on rare occasions. I wasn't incredibly active and preferred the "social" scene! I was about 20 lbs heavier when eating meat!

Fitness Bikini Model Erin Moubray Interview: How did you find the transition to a raw diet?  Did you struggle with any aspects of it? 

I struggled going from cooked vegan to the initial raw ( high fat). I realize now it was only because of what I was eating. Once I changed to fruits and greens only....it was so simple and easy!!

Vegan Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Is there any aspect of a raw diet that you still struggle with?

Since I live in the North...I find the abundance of fresh fruit minimal. I do crave the summer fruits I love so much!!

Raw Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Are you now 100% raw or do you eat any cooked food items occasionally?  If so, which cooked items do you include?

Well I have had some cooked vegan food. I've always loved Indian cuisine and spicy dishes. Having said that...since going raw...they don't love me back!!! I end up with stomach and digestion issues, low energy and feeling overall awful for about two days. it is never worth it for me!

Vegan Athlete Erin Moubray Interview: What benefits have you experienced from a low fat raw food diet? 

My energy is high, I sleep soundly, my training comes easier and I can go longer without any lulls. I recover much faster and my weight is stabilized.

Vegan Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Can you tell us about your career as a fitness model, how you got into it, how long you've been competing and your accomplishments so far?

Well it came very quickly and unexpectedly!  I started training seriously about a year and a half ago and entered into my first competition last November.

I was hooked after that...and decided to do another this spring. I placed third in the bikini division and fourth in fitness model.

I knew I wanted to compete at the WBFF Worlds that summer...so training got serious. It was then that I started playing with the raw foods as well. A month before the Worlds competition I switched to high carb low fat.

I did really great at that show placing 3rd in Fitness Model and winning my pro card status. I give whole credit to my diet on the results at my last show! Since then I have been in a couple of magazines that promote vegan athletes as well as some online publications.

Raw Vegan Bikini Model Erin Moubray Interview: What do you eat in a typical day?  How many meals etc?

ALOT!!! lol

I start my day with a huge bowl ( it's about the size of a basketball) of blended fruit. I love eating it like soup!!!

Then around 11 am I have a few bananas, then lunch is mangoes chopped on a bed of spinach or other leafy greens.

Mid afternoon I may munch on a couple oranges...then dinner is either spiralized zucchini with a raw marinara sauce, or a huge salad with peppers, tomatoes, celery and a blended fruit and tomato dressing. If I am hungry before bed I'll snack on a bowl of berries.

Bikini Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: How much exercise do you do on a typical day?

I workout for about an hour with weights per day (6 days a week) and about 15-20 minutes of cardio...usually sprints on the treadmill!

Swimsuit Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Has your athletic performance and recovery improved as a result of a high carb raw food diet?  How so?

YES! I find I am lifting heavier, and my endurance is much higher. I am rarely sore the next day following a heavy lifting day!

Hot Female Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Do you tend to keep track of roughly how many calories you eat per day?  If so, how many calories do you generally eat per day?  Is this constant or does it change pre-competition?

It averages around 2000-2500 calories per day right now. This may be low for some people...however for my size (5 ft, 92 lbs) I find this amount is great and keeps me fuelled! If I am working out with clients I will add another 500 or so calories.

I find that with eating raw I can eat so many more calories than I did when eating cooked vegan.

I was averaging about 1500 a day before.

Vegan Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: How does your diet and lifestyle differ from other fitness models?

Well...having spoken to many girls about this, they've told me that they eat a lot of eggs, whey protein powder, and chicken. Most eat very little fruit....and if they do it is only one piece with breakfast. Again...that may not be the same for all...that's just the typical menu for most.

Raw Fitness Bikini Model Erin Moubray Interview: What kind of attitudes have you encountered in the fitness industry regarding a diet centered on fruit?  Are people amazed that you can get enough protein?  How do fellow competitors react to your diet and lifestyle?

People are usually astounded, hesitant, curious, belligerent, intrigued....you name it and I've heard it. Of course the question is always asked about protein....my answer is....do I look like I'm getting enough?? lol

As for my fellow competitors .....I found backstage at my last competition they were shocked that I was eating fruit...especially right before stepping on stage. Since the competition I've had alot of people wanting to know how they can incorporate more vegan and even raw aspects into their diets!!

Vegan Athlete Erin Moubray Interview: Did you ever have any struggles with excess weight?  If so, how did this resolve?

Yes..I think most of us have. It requires moving more!! Get off your butt....even when you don't want to. if you want results....you need to be consistent and get active.

Pairing exercise with this high carb low fat eating is the perfect equation to attaining the perfect weight!!!

Vegan Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Do you ever make compromises with your food choices, i.e. while traveling or during winter etc?  If so, what kind of compromises and what effects do these have on you?

So far no. I have found it very easy to continue being raw. I've even resorted to the fruit basket at a gas station when travelling....not my ideal choice....but it worked!!

Bikini Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Do you take any supplements at all?  Why or why not?

No. I honestly don't feel the need. All my dietary requirements are being met and exceeded eating fruits and greens!!

Raw Vegan Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: What would you say is the best thing about eating raw foods?

How easy it is!! You can find food almost anywhere. Fruit is so portable and you don't have to prep or cook a thing!!

Vegan Bikini Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: What do you think is the most challenging aspect of this lifestyle?

I think going out for dinner. I still find the aroma of cooked food delicious....and when out with friends I find it hard to eat a salad next to them. Like I mentioned before....when I give in I pay for it. When I fill up on a big green salad I ALWAYS feel so much better....physically and mentally!

Raw Vegan Bikini Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: How do you find socializing on a raw diet?  Do you go to restaurants, or socialize around food? 

I still go out....however I go prepared. When you ask for chopped veggies and fruit on a salad....they never give you enough! I bring a big container of chopped fruit or veggies and add it to the salad when it arrives. When I am out it is always with people who know how I eat....so they are already expecting me to bring my own things. Even when dining at a friends house...I always bring my own food. It makes life easier for me....and them!!

Vegan Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: What would you say is the biggest factor in your success with a raw vegan diet and lifestyle?

The ongoing support from others. I am daily getting emails from people wanting to know how I eat....or sometimes it's just a positive note. I find this so inspiring!! I can honestly say that when eating a traditional (SAD) diet...I never had this much support!!!

Raw Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: What do you think is the biggest challenge most people have with sticking with a raw food diet long term?   

I think there are many! They may not be mentally ready. They may be doing it for the wrong reasons.

I think with anything that requires a change of habit....you need to WANT to do it. If you are told you have to or are doing it because everyone else is....that is wrong. A lot of people follow it and start seeing great results. Then they go back to cooked food. They think they are "better" or have "lost the weight"....only to end up on a food roller coaster in the end!

Vegan Athlete Erin Moubray Interview: What advice would you give to someone just starting out with raw foods?

Read The 80/10/10 Diet! Surround yourself with like minded individuals! You may not find them next door....but there are tons of wonderful and credible online resources for those inquisitive about raw eating!

Vegan Swimsuit Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Do you tend to just take it day by day or do you think you'll be on a raw food diet for life?

I can honestly say this is for life. I can't imagine another way of eating coming along that will be as simple and make me ever feel as good as I do!!

Beautiful Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Do you think a raw food diet would be good for everyone?

Yes....anyone that is willing to give it a go and is in the right mindset!

Swimsuit Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: What are your goals for the future?

Right now I am focusing on working with my clients....getting them to their goals!! I really want to help promote this lifestlye in any way I can!!

Vegan Fitness Model Erin Moubray Interview: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I'd love to hear from people!! Please drop me an email at me@erinmoubray.com!!

Okay - where do I sign up!?! I want what this woman has please. Yes I do. Thank you. (Update: I DID sign up and Erin is now my online trainer, kicking my ass BIG TIME in the gym each day - I practically crawl out of there, hahaha! She is the BEST trainer! No doubt)

And the moral of the story is? Eat fruit be cute, move your butt and GET inspired. And that's what we're doing here at Loving-It-Raw.Com, BRINGING the inspiration as much as we can! EAT that fruit - NEVER limit - NEVER restrict - EXERCISE as hard as you can and enjoy the heck out of it, sleep like a champion, LIVE like your life depends on it. Cos it does.

If you don't look after your body, then where will you live?

If you need some guidance in how to go raw, then get my FREE ebook, Go Raw In 4! and for amazing recipes to keep you loving it raw, check out my recipe ebook: Simple Raw Food Recipes: Easy Raw Food Recipes for Busy People.For detailed info about the high carb low fat way of eating, including loads of info on carbs, calories and all those common questions, check out Freelee's Ebook: Go Fruit Yourself!

For more amazing interviews and success stories with fabulous vegan athletes (and non-athletes - but all looking FAB!), check out these fabulous pages:

Raw Food Health - Freelee's Story
Raw Food Diet Testimonials and Success Stories
Female Triathlete Kathleen Leonard
Josh Fossgreen Raw Food Eating
Raw Food Health Interview Andrew Perlot
Raw Vegan Diet Interview - Chris Kendall
Woman Athlete Ashley Hamilton
Yoga Girl Kath Ford
Organic Raw Food Pioneer Krstina Carillo-Bucaram
Raw Food Vegan Diet Interview - Michelle

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