How One 6-Month Journey Erased A Lifetime of Pain – In a world overwhelmed by fad diets, gimmicky workout plans, and quick fixes, the concept of “eating to lose weight” can easily become lost in a maze of conflicting advice and unsustainable practices. Although weight loss is usually the most common goal, women (and men over 40) also desire belly fat loss, stop menopausal issues, reduce pain, improve mobility, live longer, and simply feel better. However, the key to achieving sustainable weight loss lies in the depth of developing a better relationship with self and food, establishing healthy boundaries, and a sustainable exercise routine.
The roller-coaster weight loss journey that most struggle with is a result of torment, deprivation, and dieting, an approach that is not sustainable, unhealthy, and messes with your metabolism. This article is dedicated to sharing a healthier lifestyle approach as I tell the story of a 6-month transformation. Big thanks to Life Extension: The Science of Healthier Life, JumpSport Fitness Trampoline, Brain Amping, Key2 Numbers, I Live For Leggings Athleisure Apparel, and The Mani Co – empowering nails.
Meet Cat Bellavia, whose weight loss journey started 2 years prior to winning the $15,000 Life Extension Makeover with presenting sponsor JumpSport Fitness Trampoline, designed and promoted by fitness guru Becca Tebon, founder of 17 Minute Workouts Training Method and creator of PowHERbands and transformed her body composition, going from a size 12 to 6, releasing 7.4% body fat, 20 pounds and gaining nearly 7 pounds of muscle.
The Journey
Q: What was your lifestyle like before you decided to make a change in your health and fitness?
A: I work full-time and always rushing. I never took the time to eat lunch; I would work right through it. I am never a breakfast eater. My first meal was usually around 5-6 pm with only drinking several cups of coffee or espresso. Some unhealthy snacking. No routine whatsoever other than riding my bike on weekends. I did the roller coaster diets and boxing clubs etc. Never consistent. Whatever was quick and easy. Fast food and often eating out.
Q: What initially motivated you to apply for the Life Extension Makeover?
A: Simple. I wanted to feel better about myself. My physical and mental health were not good. I always put myself on the back burner. My weight has been an issue since childhood and I had never-ending stomach issues. Goal Setting and Planning
Q: Did you set specific goals for yourself at the beginning of your transformation? If so, what were they?
A: I wanted to lose fat and gain muscle with more definition. I never thought my stomach could feel good, and I accepted it for what it was. Coach Becca assured me a new food plan, supplements, and structure would help me achieve my goals and she was right. She helped me set attainable monthly goals and nurtured me with mindset coaching, which helped me release a lot of triggers and emotional eating. This has been a game-changer for me.
Q: How did having an accountability coach help you stick to your plan?
A: #1 I gained awareness of my actions. I knew I could always text or call my coach for advice or options if I was struggling with something. Becca guided me with eating obstacles and injuries and modifying my workouts. Travel and dining out are no longer an obstacle or excuse for me, Sending my coach my daily routines and logging my food intake, etc. helped narrow down areas of concern as well. Becca had two other coaches who helped me release past shame and pain too. I loved working with Coach Sunny Arfa, Brain Amping™, whose technique was also a huge support in clearing my negative energy and provided great tools for dealing with stress and overwhelm. I am so grateful to work with Coach Daphney Antoine, Key2Numbers, for helping me focus and feel more harmonious with myself and others.
Challenges and Obstacles
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced during your transformation?
A: My biggest challenge during my transformation has to be when I went on a 3-week European vacation. I thought it was going to be extremely difficult and was afraid it would set me back big time. (smiling) I was able to continue my workouts easily by using the PowHERbands and continued my daily 17 Minute Workouts wherever I was located. I also am proud that I was easily able to make conscious decisions on food. It was difficult at times, and I enjoyed all of the flavors of Italy.
Overall, I had a goal in mind and I was not going to take a step backward because of a vacation. If anything, it motivated me even more.
Q: How did you stay motivated when faced with setbacks or plateaus?
A: I only had a few small plateaus during the challenge. The game-changer for me was when Coach Becca took me food shopping, helped me with finding foods that would work better for me, and shared invaluable quick prep tips. I love my new JumSport Trampoline and use it every day. I love the health benefits and find it fun while challenging. Becca also introduced me to her indoor cycling class — Bike n Bands which also helped with my most challenging area, my lower body.
Changes in Routine and Lifestyle
Q: What changes did you make to your diet and exercise routine? Share before and now
A: I have made this habit of drinking water nearly every hour, helping me flush toxins, feel better, and improve my skin quality. I drink 90+ ounces a day now. Prior, maybe 16-24oz.
I learned how to include more and better protein. My prior food was imbalanced. I now enjoy carbs the right way. Becca’s coaching helped me learn how to make better food choices for MY body, resulting in not only my belly not hurting, but I fall asleep and stay asleep now. I can’t remember when I ever slept like this.
I always keep healthy snacks around, like fresh fruits, veggies, and homemade protein bites, so I don’t crave junk food.
My biggest challenge with staying consistent to any exercise program was the time! Using Becca’s 17 Minute Workout, there is no excuse not to have the time. 17 minutes is all it took per day. I knew that I could commit to this with no problem. Who does not have 17 minutes a day?
Q: How did these changes impact your daily life and overall well-being?
A: I feel like I have accomplished a lot during this journey. I feel younger and I no longer rely on caffeine for energy. So many people who approach me saying they love my energy (my inner glow). More confidence than ever before. My emotional strength was at its worst when I started this. Now I am feeling the strongest mentally and emotionally. It was the best I have ever felt in my life. I have learned to make time for myself — no excuses. I have learned to love myself first.
Support and Resources:
Q: Please share what your Key factors during your transformation:
A: #1 My coach supported me from start to finish — in person, by phone, text, and Zoom calls—with physical and mental guidance and monitored me daily. I have a 3-ring binder with a road map. I found my sessions to be very informative, engaging, and enjoyable. Becca’s approach to training is very effective, and in the subject matter of HEALTH, her expertise is evident. I was fully encouraged throughout the process.
Educating me on vitamins and supplements I would have never known to take. Thank you, LIFE EXTENSION for providing vital testing that has been a great insight into my gut health and sleeping issues. I was addicted to Nyquil and woke feeling groggy. “We are thrilled to partner with Becca Tebon and support the pursuit of healthy living for Cat. Way to go, Cat. We are so proud of your transformation,” shared Rey Searles, Chief Marketing Officer of Life Extension.
I am a tramp queen like my trainer, Becca, for life.
I would have never thought working out on a trampoline would give me such great results. This was another key factor in my journey. I also must share that my bad knees have always bothered me and caused me to stop working out in the past. JumpSport Fitness’s Master Trainer and Product Developer, Steve Carver, said, “We are always here to support our Bounce community and are so happy to see Cat’s great transformation and love of rebounding.”
Becca’s strength training of my legs, better food, and supplements have alleviated my knee pain. I love indoor cycling now, but I admit the first few classes were difficult. I can’t believe I can cycle and Jump with zero pain — at a top level. I am proud of this accomplishment, and my trainer was right beside me the whole way, always offering me modifications. Overall, I found Becca’s band workouts to be very effective and efficient. I feel more confident in my ability to apply the knowledge that she shared to move forward and continue in my journey.
Results and Reflections:
Q: What physical and mental changes have you noticed since you started your transformation?
A: I feel less tension, anger, and fatigue. I sleep better, experience less stress, and am more confident in every area of my life. My energy is at an all-time high. I am more mobile and fit. My body is in its best shape ever. My sex life is better because I feel more confident with myself overall.
Q: How has this journey impacted your overall perspective on health, fitness, and mindset?
A: I have much better mental clarity and stability. I have a newfound confidence in making healthy choices concerning my food intake and the people who I surround myself with. I am a positive person and I will no longer have negativity around me. I will walk away to where I used to tolerate it. My mental state of mind is so much stronger now.
Advice for Others:
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their own health and fitness transformation?
A: You can do it. Don’t give up. It will be life-changing. It has been for me. Be patient and consistent, and change will happen.
Future Goals and Aspirations:
Q: What are your future goals related to health and fitness?
A: I would love to someday be a motivational speaker to women out there that feel like they are lost, unfulfilled and no chance at making their life healthy and happy. I am living proof that you can and would want to share this with women who need to hear. I never thought I could be this happy and I can honestly say for the first time in my life at age 54, I am actually living life and happy.
Q: How do you plan to maintain the changes you’ve made and continue progressing?
A: I will continue to use all the tools I learned from all of my coaches and my 17-minute workout. I want to stay healthy and still get stronger. I turn 55 this year and want to be in the best shape of my life. You are never too old to get healthy and in shape. I have a routine now, and it’s a part of my life.
Imagine how 6 months can alter your life!
*At the time of this article, Cat was 4 months into her reveal. Please see the updated pictures on 17MinuteWorkouts.com and the rest of her story.
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