STUART-Amber Garrod, 21, has been selected to represent Florida at the 2009 Miss American Coed Pageant.

Garrod, a Business Management major at Indian River State College, beat out around a dozen women between the ages of 19-22 for the honor. She was judged on personal appearance, interview skills and evening wear. She also took home the Photogenic Award and Volunteer Service Award.

Garrod credits the shakes and supplements provided by StartUp Nutrition for helping her win the state crown.

"The weight loss challenges really helped me get in shape and look my best in my evening gown and interview suit," she said. "And the support was fantastic. Everyone was rooting for me, from the owners to the other challenge participants."

Garrod signed up for her first weight loss challenge in January. After 12 weeks she lost 8.6 pounds, 10.5 inches and gained two pounds of lean body mass.

As the Florida Coed, Garrod will compete for the National Pageant title of Miss American Coed, as well as cash awards, prizes and scholarships, at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort during Thanksgiving week.

To prepare for the competition, Garrod plans to participate in the July weight loss challenge to maintain her physique.

"I'm also continuing with the products," she said. "I'm bringing the supplements and protein bars to nationals, and I'm shopping for a travel blender. After all, I have to fit into the same evening gown!"

Amercian Coed Pageants, Inc. annually holds state pageants to recognize and reward outstanding young women between the ages of 3 and 22 for their past and present accomplishments and to encourage them to set and achieve high goals for the future.

For more pageant information, call (850) 432-8662 or go to www.gocoed.com.

StartUp Nutrition is located at 738 Colorado Ave. in Stuart. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Call (772) 731-5999.