Christian fitness model and mother of two, Nicki Prpa (second from the left) knows how to balance hard work and family time. With her two girls as her #1 priority, she understands that by placing her future in the hands of God, He alone can give her the ambition and courage to push her body past what most think possible. Think it's impractical to keep fit while looking after your kids? With God - all things are more than possible.

Just ask Nicki.

Bikini modeling journey?

I actually have been modeling since I was 17. My mother met a agent on a plane headed to Berlin and two weeks later I was moving to NYC. From there, I did lots of bikini work for Maxim, FHM, multiple campaigns like Shiseido and Bud Light. I quit modeling, moved to LA, worked for Mark Burnett casting shows like Survivor and Amazing Race. I then moved to Chicago, opened up women clothing boutiques, started a family in Racine (Wisconsin), closed the stores and found myself back right where I started 10 years later modeling swimsuits again after I began competing in 2014.

Inspiration?

My kids: Mila and Lola. Somedays are rough, but I know that my choices are so impactful for little girls. I want them to not just know but to see what a real, hardworking, independent woman looks like. They inspire me to be better every day. My friends inspire me, too. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by the toughest, strongest, fastest group of women in the world. I’m in awe of all of their accomplishments everyday and they make me want to be a better woman. I originally started doing triathlons, and truthfully, I just wasn’t that good, and I like to win. Two years ago, I broke my foot and could no longer run, so by a happy accident I found a sport that worked for my body and my lifestyle.

Importance of having a healthy lifestyle?

Everything. About four and a half years ago, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember exactly where I was standing when I decided to change my life. God gave me this vessel, this one vessel that is all mine. It CAN be ANYTHING you want it to be both body and mind. What do you want it to look like? I didn’t want to be trapped in anything other than the best possible version of myself. Just like that I took my first step, and gratitude has taken me throughout the entire process.

In-training workout routine?

6 days a week! No less than 15 min and no more than 30 min of fasted cardio, followed by weights in the afternoon for 40 min to 1 hr. As the season picks up - so does the cardio, so sometimes an additional 30-40 min of cardio is added before bed. I have never gone over 50 min of cardio a day. I have had so many variations to this plan depending on what my needs are, but that’s the basic idea.

Average daily meals?

It depends on where I am in season, but 5-6 meals a day, always, along with 1-2 gallons of water. Lately, I have been trying out carb cycling, so for example:

Day 1 - I’ll have 5-6 meals with 3oz lean protein (egg whites, chicken, white fish) with 1-2 oz of fat (almond butter, avocado, MCT oil, almonds).

Day 2 - I'll have 2 meals in which I add a carb to, a 3 oz of lean protein and no fat, and the other meals are protein and greens only.

Day 3 - I'll have 5-6 meals, 3oz lean protein (egg whites, chicken, white fish) and 1 cup of greens, then back to Day 1, and so on!

Juggling motherhood and fitness?

First, it’s not juggling - it's definitely tightrope walking! It’s all about prioritizing and not compromising on the important things. Let’s face it - we are ALL busy, but it’s important to never lose sight of your priorities, whatever they may be. For me, it looks like this: My Kids, My Brain (School), My Body, and if there is any time left over - Fun. So it’s a mantra I live out daily: My Kids, My Brain, My Body... repeat!

Advice?

My advice for women in general is do something that scares you. Push yourself to try something that seems completely outrageous and down right impossible, and I guarantee not only will you succeed, you will come out the other side feeling like the most powerful woman in the world, and that's really what’s important. It’s who YOU believe you are, not what others believe you are. I remember the first time my friend Jean Jacobsen asked me to run, I was terrified. I had never ran one mile in my life. Flash forward four years and I’ve competed in several Ironman triathlons, as well as a nationally qualified NPC competitor. It truly just takes that first step!

I also want to tell women to be patient with themselves - that’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed when someone wants to start a new diet or lose a few pounds. They set these huge goals, and when they don’t hit them right away, they give up. Or, they may have had a bad weekend and then it rolls into a bad week - and you know how it goes. Trust me, I’ve laid in my bed after a rough day and said to myself, “I’m going to be better tomorrow.”

If you totally mess up and decide to have the entire pizza (I have done this) let it be what it is, don’t give it anymore power than, “well, okay…that happened.” Start the next day fresh and ready to conquer the world. Don’t sit in the guilt from yesterday because it will literally eat you alive. Don’t think for one second all these supermodels and swimsuit models don’t mess up once in a while - it’s the sum of your choices that matter, not the individual ones!

Favorite Bible verse?

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

Yummy recipe?

I don’t eat too many yummy foods, but I do have my favorite new go-to when I am starving! In my eyes, veggies are FREE! Here's my recipe for Cauliflower Fried Rice!

• 1 medium-sized head of cauliflower or bag of cauliflower snow
• 2 cups of chopped brussel sprouts
• 1 cup of chopped asparagus
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 bag dried porcini mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons Bragg’s Aminos (tastes like soy sauce)
• 6 green onions, minced
• 1 T MCT oil

Heat 1 tablespoon of MCT oil in a large skillet over medium low heat.  I honestly just use Pam unless it’s a high fat day, and then I use the oil. Add the veggies and garlic and stir fry until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower, and one tablespoon of Amino to pan; stir fry quickly to cook the cauliflower to a soft (but not mushy) texture. Stir in the additional Aminos and green onions just before serving. There are many variations, you can add eggs, egg whites, carrots, green peppers etc! Enjoy!

Life quote?

“Never look back, you’re not going that way.”

Nicki is a resource for women wanting to get involved! Contact Nicki at nicolette@nprpa.com & nickipfit.com!