Kristie Belliston

Name: Kristie Belliston
Year of Birth: 5.15.1973
Height: 5'9”
Weight: 135
Birthplace: Layton, Utah
Current Residence: Logan, Utah
Sports: Biking, running, weight training, kickboxing, yoga
Website: www.thebellyfitclub.com

Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have
CEO of The Belly Fit Club (www.thebellyfitclub.com) Spokesperson for the largest fitness company in the World (Icon Health and Fitness). The Fitness Expert on HSN (Home Shopping Network).

Kristie Belliston exemplifies fitness. With over 20 years of experience as a Certified Personal Trainer through AFAA, NASM, YogaFIT and Kickboxing. She is a leading force in the wellness industry and currently works with the world's largest fitness company, Icon Health and Fitness, educating other businesses on fitness equipment and wellness. Kristie has consulted on health initiatives with Jillian Michaels, The World's Toughest Trainer and many other celebrity trainers. She has inspired millions during her 11 years as an HSN Fitness Expert. In 2009, with her husband, she started a cutting-edge health company, The Belly Fit Club (www.thebellyfitclub.com). In addition to her health and fitness achievements, this trusted motivator is the proud mother of a 21 year old boy, a 15 year old boy , and 6 year old girl, a step-mother to a 20 year old young lady, 16 year old girl, 14 year old boy, and 12 year old boy. When she's not busy coercing her children to eat healthy foods, she loves helping others live a healthier life by providing daily tips and information to anyone in need, watching movies, listening to all kinds of music, photography, camping with her family, and spending every spare second with her husband and children.“My goal is to help the world become a healthier place...physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually”

When did you become vegan?
29 years of age so 10 years ago

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I grew up in the fitness industry. My mother opened the first fitness club in Layton Utah when I was 12 years old. I spent most of my childhood there. I loved the environment and the energy. As soon as I was able and old enough I trained hard and received my first Certification through AFAA and started teaching group exercise classes. I was 17 years young. 21 years later, I am now certified in Kickboxing, Yoga through YogaFit, Spin, NASM, NFRA, and 2 years of training in Pilates.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
Organic, Natural, Clean, Fresh, unprocessed, and Healthy. I follow the food combining rules of eating and aim for 80/20 alkaline/acid balance each day.

How would you describe your training program?
Since I have switched to a vegan diet I find I don't need to train as hard to have the body I want. I train 4 days each week for 1 hour doing Interval/Circuit based routines combining cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility training.

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
Earth-I love the taste! It is extremely grounding and supports colon health, detoxification, and many other amazing benefits. Vitamineral Greens- I think of this as my daily medicine. It's extremely alkalizing and great for travel when I'm unable to get my daily fresh green juice in. Hemp Protein Powder-I add this to my smoothies. This is my main source of protein.

How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
I get asked a lot of questions. You know, the usual....”Where do I get my protein?” “What about calcium? Iron? b12?” Once these questions are answered...most people often seemed confused because of what they have heard, have read, or have been told by the media, magazines, ect,.. I hope to be an example of what a vegan can achieve and look like. I competed in body building competitions in my twenties living on a high protein flesh eating diet. I remember how hard I had to work to have the physic needed to win. Today at 38 I don't have to work half as hard, I am stronger than ever, and maintain a fit, lean, physic every day.*

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
I have had great success. I believe pushing veganism on people by throwing gruesome pictures of abused animals in their face is NOT the way to help people make the switch. First I help them understand the importance of nutrition and clean eating. It's amazing how naturally most make the switch themselves. It has to be a choice they make. It should never be pushed on anyone. I love and accept everyone no matter what they eat. My clients therefore are more open to me and my way of living. I live my life by example. I want people to see me as kind, compassionate, happy, and healthy. My wish is to inspire others to want to live the same way.

What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
Nutrition! I love the saying, “You can't out train a bad diet!” That's so true!!!

What do you like best about being vegan?
The Feeling! The Energy! I love knowing no living thing had to die for me. Since I went vegan I haven't had to count a single calorie. Coming from a place consumed with calorie counting this is such a great freedom. It has taken so much fear out of my life.

What do you like best about being fit?
Again, the feeling! Being fit has no limits! I know that whatever physical activity I want to do or my kids want to do (I have 7) I CAN! It's a wonderful life when you're fit and healthy!

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
Start slow and focus on the journey. Also, make health your goal! We all know that exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting out saturated fat and sugar is healthy. When health is our goal we will do these things naturally. By doing this, we lose weight quickly, have more energy, and feel amazing. This keeps us consistent which soon becomes a lifestyle. I have always believed that consistency is the key to success. In my 21 years of training, I have found those that are most consistent understand the importance of exercise for health and not just weight loss.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
Start by making one vegan meal each day. Start with breakfast. Do that for a few weeks. Then make breakfast and lunch vegan based. Pretty soon you are eating vegetable based meals all day every day.

What motivates you in life?
My kids, they are my life! I want to be there for them physically and emotionally for a really long time. I see my grandmother at 83, whom I adore, and she motivates me to live healthy and stay fit each day. My mother, who at 56 looks like she is in her 40's, because of how she lives living a vegan lifestyle fit and healthy. Also, all of the other women who want to look and feel better. If you are a busy working mom or someone who has tried every diet to only be frustrated with the results...I want to be an example for them to hopefully inspire them to get fit and healthy without dieting, without frustration.

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
There are so many myths about living a vegan lifestyle and being an athlete. Finally, a website to help answer all of our questions and concerns as we live this amazing lifestyle!!! I love seeing the motivational pictures of those that live this lifestyle looking fit and fabulous, strong and healthy! It's comforting to know I'm not alone. Thank you veganbodybuilding.com for providing everything I need to continue living and feeling my best the VEGAN way!