Sun Salutation by Kristie Belliston

Did you know that Sun Salutation is not just physical exercise for weight loss? This beautiful set of yoga postures work not only on the body but also on the mind and at the spiritual level.If you have been doing Sun Salutation so far only to shed off those extra inches, here’s some food for thought. This wonderful gift of yoga, if practiced regularly, can work wonders for every part of the body – from head to toe! Yes, Sun Salutation (also known as Surya Namaskar) is a set of 12 yoga postures that helps improve overall health and well being.

Burn a Pound of Fat a Week!

Stay slim this holiday season following this 7-day plan on your ProForm Treadmill!

Monday

·         Power walk increasing incline % by 1% every 5 minutes: 30 minutes

·         Strength-train: Whole Body Workout

Total: 50 minutes

Tuesday

·         Warm up: Walk easily, then briskly: 3 minutes

·         Power walk: 2 minutes

·         Run fast (but don't sprint): 2 minutes

·         Repeat Steps 1 & 2: 10 times

·         Cool down: Walk easily: 2 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Wednesday

·         Warm Up: Walk easily: 5 minutes

·         Do your favorite strength-training move: 12 reps

·         Power walk at 4% to 6% incline: 3 minutes

·         Repeat Steps 1 & 2: 6 times

·         Cool down: Walk easily: 5 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Thursday

·         Warm Up: Walk easily, then briskly: 3 minutes

·         Power walk: 2 minutes

·         Run fast (but don't sprint): 2 minutes

·         Repeat Steps 1 & 2: 6 times

·         Cool down: Walk easily: 3 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Friday

·         Repeat Monday's routine

Saturday

·         Warm Up: Walk easily, then briskly: 5 minutes

·         Power walk: 2 minutes

·         Run fast (but don't sprint): 4 minutes

·         Repeat Steps 1 & 2: 6 times

·         Cool Down: Walk easily: 4 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Sunday

·         Rest

For the ladies and the gents! :)

If you're limited on time yet want great results....

Get Lean with Supersets

Day One

Chest/Back 

(4 sets of 8 reps)

Dumbbell Bench Press

-superset with-

Bent-Over Rows

(4 sets of 8 reps)

Incline Bench Press

-superset with-

Reverse Fly

Day Two

Quads and Hamstrings

(3 sets of 10 reps)
Squats
-superset with-
Deadlifts
Leg Extension

(3 sets of 10 reps)
Standing Calf Raise
-superset with-
Seated Calf Raise


Day Three
Biceps/Triceps

(3 set of 10 reps)
Biceps Curl
-superset with-
Overhead Triceps Extension

(3 sets of 10 reps)
Iso Curl
-superset with-
Bench Triceps Dip


Day Four
Shoulders/Back

(3 sets of 10 reps)
Overhead Shoulder Press
-superset with-
Lat Pull down
Alt. Shoulder Press

(3 sets of 10 reps)
Pull Ups
Shoulder Circles (front to side)
-superset with-
Straight-Arm Pulldowns

To see this workout in it's entirety, with pictures and exercise descriptions, go to www.thebellyfitclub.com

Happy Birthday Belly Fit Man!

Happy 29th (45th) Birthday! 

What's a Party without CAKE!

Instead of adding years to your years on your Birthday, give your body LIFE and the gift of HEALTH.  That doesn't mean you can't have something delicious on your special day.   

This takes minutes to make and is OUT OF THIS WORLD amazing! :) 

RAW CHOCOLATE CAKE by The Belly Fit Club 

"Cake" Ingredients:

"FLOUR"

1 1/2 cups raw walnuts

1 1/2 cups raw pecans

"SUGAR"

1 1/2 cups medjool dates soaked in water for 20-30 minutes

"CHOCOLATE"

6 TBS Raw Cocoa Powder

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

In a food processor:

1. Process nuts until they are well blended.  They will look like a chunky 'flour'. 

2. Add Dates and process until a cookie dough texture develops. 

3. Add remaining ingredients and keep processing until everything sticks together. 

Once you have a giant Raw Chocolate Cake dough ball, then the fun begins.  Just press the dough into the desired shape you wish on a pretty plate.  You can also press the dough into a pretty bowl like I did. 

Place in the freezer to set while you make the 'Frosting'. 

Raw Cake 'Batter"

Frosting

Ingredients:

2 medium avocados

1 cup medjool dates (soaked for 20 minutes)

5 TBS raw cocoa

3 TBS raw honey

1/4 tsp Celtic Sea Salt

1. Place all ingredients in a high powered blender like a Vita Mix or Blentec blender.

2. Use your wand to help mix everything thoroughly. 

3. The texture will be very smooth and creamy. 

4. Chill for 20-minutes. 

Spread 'Frosting' on top of your cake to your liking. 

Cut as you would any cake and serve with Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream. 

 This is so rich....

One or Two bites is enough. 

A glass of homemade cold Almond Milk goes great along side this scrumptious dessert. 

bon appetit

Featured Recipe on Instagram Sunny Sunflower Pate'

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