The 21-Day RADIANT Challenge 2013

First, congratulations to everyone who participated in this years Radiant challenge!  Everyone did fantastic! 

Our 2013 Winners are......

1st Place: 

Deneen Rizzuto

Day 21: I feel radiant!!! Thank you Kristie Belliston for an awesome challenge. I had a blast doing it and I feel great. Thought I would share some pics. First day I started TBFC and today as well as day 1 and day 21 before and after pics of the challenge!

AMAZING JOB!!!!

Our Second Place Winner is....

Shannen Polize

Before Feb 2013 today June 2013. I've worked so hard in this challenge and I'm so happy with my results so far. I have so much more energy. I can't wait to work out when I get home from work. Thank you Kristie Belliston! You are the kindest, most unselfish, motivating women I have ever known.

 Thanks for not giving up on me and pushing me. I hope someday I get to see you in person.. :)

And our 3rd place winner goes to...

Angie Brown

Friday, June 21st Day 21 of the Radiant Challenge

I actually came across this challenge by accident. A lady I was flying with was commenting on the strange (read:healthy) ways in which I was eating. She told me about the Bellistons and I was immediately turned on to TBFC. Originally, I was just OBSESSED with Kristieʼs skin and wanted to look as radiant as her! But in the end, the challenge turned out to be so much more. I was able to encourage others to join, tried new food, made sacrifices, pushed my limits, had to be one creative flight attendant!! But most of all, I ended up learning a lot about myself.

HARDEST PART:
The nutrition challenges were definitely the most difficult part for me. For two reasons. First, I had to be creative on the road and make it a priority to get out and find certain items that I needed. Secondly, I am used to following a pretty healthy diet so the foods werenʼt the problem. It was that I had my “rules” about when Iʼd eat certain foods and what foods Iʼd combine together. And whatʼs funny, is that my body responded BETTER to the challenge than it had been for the last few years. I donʼt think the diet I was following was unhealthy, I think that this new one was healthier! Maintaining my progress and then achieving new become so much easier! I also attribute this to how clear my mind was because of the food I was eating.

EASIEST PART:
I felt that the exercise challenges are where I excelled. Itʼs always been a make time not find time mentality to me- so I was always looking forward to this part of the challenge.

WEIGHT:
Iʼm not big on weighing myself constantly. My weight normally fluctuates within few pounds, and the once-a-weekish plan I used for weighing in had kept me on track pretty well. My current weight was stable and I assumed that because my nutrition and exercising were on par that I had reached my goal weight. That I had seen whatever my physique was capable of. However, within DAYS, my body was starting to change. A few days ago I stepped on the scale (I know we werenʼt supposed to) and I was down almost 4 pounds. I was worried that I was losing muscle mass and so I had 2 separate body fat measurements done. Even though it had been about a month since my last one, I couldnʼt ignore the results. It was as though my body was seriously just dumping the extra fat off of my body. One morning I woke up with something under my shirt and couldnʼt figure out what it was. Then I realized, my abs were poking out!

GIVING UP:
This is a strange way to look at it.. I never wanted to give up, but at times, finding a way to get the pictures and post them to the challenge page was trying. Also, I was at the mercy of whatever hotel I was in and their facilities. But i didnʼt want to go without posting and have anyone think I had given up. Or disappoint anyone. Also, Iʼm very competitive and I wanted to win!! But soon I realized that this challenge was for ME- 

and only I knew if I was on track.. If I finished every rep and every set, if I was following my diet to a ʻTʼ, etc. I had to stop worrying about others because it was taking the joy out of it. Once that sunk into my brain I was good!

LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF:
I learned how much I stand up for what I believe in. Not everyone tries to, or even wants to, understand the healthy way in which I chose to live. Even though Iʼve always been active, I used to imbibe a lot more. Parties, drinks, BBQʼs, Snow Cone shacks, etc. Iʼm a people person by nature and never want to disappoint anyone. Before, I would try to appease everyone by having a piece of cake, or another shot of whiskey or even blowing off the gym. When others were negative about my forward progress it was often times because they were unhappy in their life. I was actually making excuses for being happy, healthy and productive. Strange, right? I had to remind myself that in order to continue to be the best woman, mother, daughter, sister, significant other and friend- my health needed to be my number 1 priority.

KEEP GOING? PERMANENT CHANGES?:
I would be very disappointed in myself if I derailed at this point. The past several years have been mostly forward progress and successes, but this challenge CHALLENGED me. It challenged everything, down to my education..which I paid good money for! It was also eye opening because when I work with the Inspire guests I want to be able to give them every bit information that I can. My approach with the cooking demos has had to be re-evaluated. They are rebuilding their health from the ground up, and I hope to help them avoid road blocks that I encountered.

I have been sleeping better, have more energy, increased libido and my mood is great. Letʼs just say, psychologically Iʼm killing it! Anytime you shock your body with something like the TBFC challenge, it almost becomes a spiritual journey. Iʼve been kind of sappy and emotional throughout the challenge. Iʼve gotten back in contact with some good friends and shared more intimacy with those close to me. I felt CHANGE. At some points I was almost uncomfortable in the way I was experiencing things. I was so much more in tune with my emotions. Eliminating certain foods and practicing meditation has seriously grounded me. I feel more in touch with life, with the planet, with my breath..

Is this the juice (green lemonade) talking?

I have a HUNGER for more knowledge and will continue to educate myself and ask questions. I have never personally met the other TBFC members but they inspire me every day. They are right by my side, sacrificing and holding strong. The Bellistons were a great support, especially Kristie with her posts and timely responses. Iʼm kind of sad to see the end of the challenge but Iʼm looking forward to the next one! Iʼm also excited to see where this newfound knowledge will take me!!! 

and only I knew if I was on track.. If I finished every rep and every set, if I was following my diet to a ʻTʼ, etc. I had to stop worrying about others because it was taking the joy out of it. Once that sunk into my brain I was good!

LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF:
I learned how much I stand up for what I believe in. Not everyone tries to, or even wants to, understand the healthy way in which I chose to live. Even though Iʼve always been active, I used to imbibe a lot more. Parties, drinks, BBQʼs, Snow Cone shacks, etc. Iʼm a people person by nature and never want to disappoint anyone. Before, I would try to appease everyone by having a piece of cake, or another shot of whiskey or even blowing off the gym. When others were negative about my forward progress it was often times because they were unhappy in their life. I was actually making excuses for being happy, healthy and productive. Strange, right? I had to remind myself that in order to continue to be the best woman, mother, daughter, sister, significant other and friend- my health needed to be my number 1 priority.

KEEP GOING? PERMANENT CHANGES?:
I would be very disappointed in myself if I derailed at this point. The past several years have been mostly forward progress and successes, but this challenge CHALLENGED me. It challenged everything, down to my education..which I paid good money for! It was also eye opening because when I work with the Inspire guests I want to be able to give them every bit information that I can. My approach with the cooking demos has had to be re-evaluated. They are rebuilding their health from the ground up, and I hope to help them avoid road blocks that I encountered.

I have been sleeping better, have more energy, increased libido and my mood is great. Letʼs just say, psychologically Iʼm killing it! Anytime you shock your body with something like the TBFC challenge, it almost becomes a spiritual journey. Iʼve been kind of sappy and emotional throughout the challenge. Iʼve gotten back in contact with some good friends and shared more intimacy with those close to me. I felt CHANGE. At some points I was almost uncomfortable in the way I was experiencing things. I was so much more in tune with my emotions. Eliminating certain foods and practicing meditation has seriously grounded me. I feel more in touch with life, with the planet, with my breath..

Is this the juice (green lemonade) talking?

I have a HUNGER for more knowledge and will continue to educate myself and ask questions. I have never personally met the other TBFC members but they inspire me every day. They are right by my side, sacrificing and holding strong. The Bellistons were a great support, especially Kristie with her posts and timely responses. Iʼm kind of sad to see the end of the challenge but Iʼm looking forward to the next one! Iʼm also excited to see where this newfound knowledge will take me!!! 

~Angie Brown

 Other Radiant Challengers! 

LIVE RADIANT, BE RADIANT!!!!!!!!

Love you,

Kristie Belliston

21-Day Radiant Challenge 2013

DONE! Welcome to the last day of the Radiant Challenge! If you've made it this far, no matter how many challenges you've completed, you deserve a party, a parade and a million dollars. I can't give you any of those, but I can give you my congratulations and my admiration for your perseverance.

Living healthy takes hard work, as you've found, and you aren't always 100% perfect. However, my definition of success isn't someone who's perfect, but someone who keeps going no matter what. As we end this challenge, that's what I'd like to leave you with: The idea that there is no such thing as being perfect all the time, but that putting some kind of effort into your health (even if you can only muster the smallest bit) every day is what it's all about. I hope this challenge brought that home to you and helped you learn a little more about yourself.

Celebrate your success!

Whether you celebrate today or plan a future reward for yourself, make sure you take some time today to revel in your success. It's a very big deal to make it through such a difficult challenge and you deserve something great, whether it's a night out or a trip somewhere tropical. Some ideas for you to chew on:

·         Get a massage

·         Plan a vacation

·         Buy a new exercise outfit

·         Update your home gym with new equipment

·         Go out to dinner

·         Have dessert

·         Hire that personal trainer or dietician you've been thinking about.  Hey, why not me! J www.thebellyfitclub.com

Notice where you started out and where you are now and give yourself credit for any changes, no matter how small, you've made.

Now, you may be wondering where to go from here. I'm working on a sequel to this challenge yet, for now, there are some options for you to continue on with your healthy lifestyle:

We are starting our quarterly Juice Cleanse Friday, June 21^st.  You are all more than welcome to join us.  There is a private support group set up on Facebook for this event.  To join all you have to do is private message athttps://www.facebook.com/kristie.belliston and title your message JUICE LOVIN. J

Your Life Transformation Challenge-  No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you're missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

Great Job and Best of Health always,

~Kristie

Getting Ready for {Juice Lovin}

Are you ready to rummmmble?

The last juice cleanse that we did together was crazy awesome. Oodles of lovely ladies and amazing gents, just like yourself, committed to cleanse with us.

Juices were being made left, right and center, lemons were squeezed countrywide and many green leafy vegetable were consumed.

We (officially) rocked it.

We rocked it so good, that we decided to share the goodness with you!

So, we have a new group, a new plan, a new shopping list…

Let’s get this party started!

3-Day {Juice Lovin} Cleanse – Meal Plan

The fun begins Monday, June 21st. Are you with us? Yes?  Continue on then....

Follow these 3 steps to make the most of your juice cleanse experience:

1.      Purchase your produce using this shopping list.

2.      Make three 64-ounce juices a day, sit back, and let the cleansing begin.

3.      Going longer than 3-days?  Check out our 10-day menu at www.thebellyfitclub.com

Answers to your questions:

·         What is a juice cleanse? 

It is where a person consumes only fresh vegetable juices, fruit juices and water for a period of a few days to a few weeks.

·         Why do you cleanse? 

I use juice cleansing as a reset button for my digestion. I’ve practiced Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cleansing for many years and find that my body does best with a 3-10 day cleanse every 3 months.

·         Can I expect to lose weight? 

You may lose a bit of water weight in 3 days, yet it will likely bounce right back to your normal weight once you’ve come off the cleanse. Going more than 5 days?  Most of the weight lost after 5 days will remain off if you follow a healthy lifestyle like our Jumpstart Plan after the cleanse.  Juice cleansing (at least for me) is not about weight loss, nor is this program targeted to promote weight loss in any way, shape, or form.  

·         Is this program safe for me? 

It’s best to check with your health care provider before you begin a cleansing regimen.

Everyone, including myself raves about how great the cleanses on PureBODY are, yet there are some side effects you need to be aware of.

There are many wonderful benefits to cleansing. Yet, there are some side effects that you should be aware of before you choose to start it.

Cravings are normal. Some of the most common cravings are generally for greasy foods such as pizza and hamburgers, and for many people sugar. Although it is common to see a shift in your cravings as you go deeper in a Cleanse. I always seem to want whole wheat toast after the 3rd day. It's important not to give in to such cravings, and keep in mind that the cravings are the worst on the first and second day. Once you get past those it does get better and easier.

Another side effect of a Cleanse is energy fluctuation. Although this cleanse detoxifies your body and gives you more energy in the long run, initially people may experience tiredness and fatigue. The reason for this is that the body will divert all its energy to healing and detoxifying the system. That means that people on a Cleanse may have less energy available for daily activities. The good news is that, in most cases, tiredness during a Cleanse only lasts for a day or two. It usually occurs several days into the process. Due to energy fluctuations, people may also experience mood swings and general irritability.

Fluctuation in blood pressure, nausea and physical aches and pains are the most serious side effects of any cleanse.

Usually those effects only occur in rare cases where a person's body is severely toxic to begin with.

The main purpose a Cleanse is to remove toxins and waste material from the body. Many of the toxins and wastes involved are acidic. Due to the acid content in them, people on a Cleanse may experience some heat and discomfort during bowel movements. This does not happen in all cases. However, when it does happen, it is actually useful because it is a clear sign that toxins are being flushed out in significant amounts.

While on a Cleanse, many people drink an herbal laxative tea. The idea of the tea is that it assists the cleansing process by stimulating the colon and moving waste material through the body and out faster. The obvious side effect of that is that people need to use the bathroom frequently and with little warning when on a Cleanse.  The tea, called Smooth Moves, is optional. Yet, I would recommend it to be taken on the first day.

That is a side effect which people should be especially aware of if they are going to be out in public for long periods of time. The herbal laxative tea can also cause some stomach cramping.

As I mentioned above going on a Cleanse will cause your body to force out built up waste, and it does this in many different ways. The obvious ways this detoxing happens is when you go to the bathroom, but you might also experience:

·         Heavy sinus draining

·         Excessive ear wax

·         Sweating

·         White coating on your tongue

·          

That last one the "white coating on your tongue" is a good way to measure the effectiveness of the cleanse. When the white coating fades away and your tongue turns pink it's usually a sign that your body is free of internal waste.

Some people on a Cleanse also have described mild swollen glands and cold-like symptoms that last for a day or two.  This is all a sign that the Cleanse is working.

Anyone who is used to having a lot of caffeine in their system from things, such as coffee, also may experience caffeine withdrawal headaches when they go on a Cleanse. That problem is usually most prevalent during the first few days of a Cleanse.

Although most of these side effects are mild and don't occur in all people, it is wise to be aware of them before starting the process.

I know everyone like to talk about all the good things that happen when you do the Cleanse, and believe me there's A LOT of good things that happen when you do the cleanse. I just wanted to give you the other side of the story. I hope this doesn't scare anyone and keep them from trying a Cleanse because as I said there's a lot of good things to be had by doing it. Just keep in mind that it's can be difficult at times, but it's well worth it.

If you want to reduce these side effects to the bare minimum I will show you ways to reduce or eliminate the most common side effects when they arise.

 Why Green Juices During A Juice Cleanse?

While doing a juice cleanse you will be taking in nothing but

fresh, living and raw juices. During this time your body will be detoxifying, cleansing, repairing rebuilding and getting everything it needs from an abundant source of nutrients that will be entering your body by way of juices! When a lot of us first heard about a juice cleanse or juicing in general I am sure the first juices that popped into our minds were fruit juices. There is nothing wrong with having a fruit juice here and there and they do taste absolutely amazing!Fruit juices do contain plenty of nutrition themselves, but also come with a lot of extra sugar that in large quantities can be detrimental for our bodies overall health. When juicing you are taking most of the insoluble fiber out of equation and even though there is still soluble fiber left. A lot of what remains when juicing fruits is sugars.Insoluble fibers help our bodies to digest foods at a slower pace so that sugars take a lot longer to digest. This is a good thing when relating to sugary fruit juices as large spikes in our blood sugar can be not so good for health and for diabetics it can be downright dangerous.Fruit juices can be a good introduction or also a way to help our palates adjust to the stronger flavors of green juices and can definitely be mixed in with our juices in smaller amounts during times where we are making juice our main form of nutritional intake.

When doing a juice cleanse and especially when doing a 

juicecleanse for an extended period of time. You will want to 

be sure that the majority of your juice is coming from 

vegetables and especially from leafy green vegetables.

Now we get to the good stuff!

The reason for this is that leafy green vegetables contain so 

much more of all of the nutrients your body needs without the extra sugars that are in fruits. Green juices contain many major nutrients; trace nutrients, a whole lot of chlorophyll, living enzymes, probiotics, and antioxidants. Not only this, but they contain amino acids in larger quantities which when combined build proteins!When it comes to leafy green vegetables the darker the better! Darker leafy greens tend to be more nutrient dense and so be sure to include things like Kale, Chard and Collard Greens into your juices. Lesser known, but packed with nutrients as well are other greens such as Bok Choy (Pak Choi), Beet Greens, Turnip Greens, Dandelion Greens, Arugula, Cilantro and many other herbs and lettuces as well! Sprouts are also a great and amazing source of green nutrition that you can utilize during a juice cleanse or in any juice!  When doing a juice cleanse you are feeding your body nothing, but readily available nutrient dense nutrition in the form of liquid juice! This means that your body does not have to take all of that extra time to digest this food and can take the nutrition directly from the source!

This abundance of living raw nutrition gives your body 

everything it needs and more. The rest and nutrition your 

bodies organs and other systems get during a juice cleanse 

gives them time to recover, rebuild and strengthen from all of the toxic damage that other foods or our environment has 

done.

Green juices play a major role in this and you cannot do a juice cleanse effectively without them. If you have not done a juice cleanse before or have not been juicing a whole lot as of yet and you have a harder time with the flavor of green juices. Warm yourself up to them slowly by starting to include them in your juices.

When I first began juicing the flavors of some of the leafy greens were very strong to my palate and it definitely took me some time to adjust. What helped me get into them quicker is that I started looking into their nutritional benefits and found out that they truly are unbelievable!

I have slowly gotten to a place in my own life where I am aware that what I put into my body effects my entire well being, my daily energy as well as my attitude, health and entire outlook on life. Over time and honestly most of the time right as I am having a juice I can feel the change it is making in my body. This stuff literally is liquid green gold! The more I have felt these changes, the more I just want to get this stuff into my body. This feeling and knowing what it is doing for my body is a huge part of what helped me to get used to the flavors of darker leafy greens in the beginning.

Now I am at a place where I absolutely love the flavor of green juices and can a lot of the time drink them straight. Our website  can give you some more ideas and ways to help you move onto some of the stronger more nutrient dense green juices that you will want to include in your juice cleanse or your daily life. Your body will thank you and your life will be more enriched as a result! Have a great day and may all of your juices be great!

PURE BODY by TBFC is a source of information only. The information contained on this page should by no means be considered a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical professional, who should always be consulted before beginning any new diet or exercise program. TBFC disclaim any liability for any adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. 

Sincerely, ~The Belly Fit Club

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