Need some inspiration to join the Challenge community this year? Check out the impressive results of these 6 amazing women who completed the 21-day Challenge last year and had mind-blowing results.
"I lost 10 pounds in 10 days!"
Photograph courtesy of Cindy Moon
After going back to school to get her associates degree in business management, Cindy Moon, 54, felt like everything in her life was finally falling into place. The only problem: her body couldn't keep up. At 179 pounds, she couldn't get out of bed without pain, had difficulty getting up from the floor, and felt exhausted almost all the time. "I knew if I didn't do something soon I'd be at risk for heart disease and diabetes—they run in my family—so I signed up for the Challenge," says Moon. It didn't take long for Moon to make a complete transformation. "I lost 10 pounds in 10 days! I couldn't believe it," she says. "I can also move around easier and without pain. This Challenge has improved me physically, mentally, and spiritually. I couldn't be more thrilled."
What she learned: "That I can enjoy foods and beverages without added sugar. I don't even miss it!" (You won't miss the sweet stuff either with these 10 tasty low-sugar smoothies.)
What kept her motivated: "How quickly I lost weight. In the beginning I lost 1 pound a day, and that really felt great!"
Biggest benefit: "My health is improving daily. I feel amazing."
"I Traded Migraines For Energy!"
Photograph courtesy of Michele Cannarella
Before the Challenge, Michele Cannarella, 43, suffered from frequent migraines, low energy levels, and constant back pain. To make it worse, her monthly cycle would bring on huge emotional swings with severe physical symptoms. "Following the 21-Day Challenge program made a huge difference," says Cannarella. "I noticed that my mood and emotions were stable, the physical symptoms of PMS were either non-existent or much less than normal, and my migraines improved so much. I was shocked."
What she learned: "That I was consuming way too much sugar. This Challenge showed me changes that I needed to make to become healthy and stay healthy."
What kept her motivated: "Seeing the positive changes that took place in my body. I'm amazed how much better I feel."
Biggest benefit: "Finally understanding how to shop smarter and cleaner to keep my family healthy." (Make shopping easier by choosing these 100 cleanest packaged foods you can buy.)
"I Finally Kicked My Sugar Addiction."
Photograph courtesy of Carol Kinsley
Carol Kinsley, 79, had never met a carb or sweet she didn't like; Bread, cookies, cakes, pies, and diet tonics were staples, and one treat almost always led to another—until she signed up for the Challenge. "I thought getting these foods out of my diet would be almost impossible, but the Challenge was a lot of fun and the 21 days flew by," says Kinsley. "I loved the discussion groups; everyone had their own cheering section and you never felt like you were on your own." Now her energy levels are up, she's lost 7 pounds, and her clothes are looser than they've been in years. "I feel great and I won't give up that feeling," she says. "Also, I play golf and I'm hitting the ball a lot farther too—I didn't expect that bonus!"
What she learned: "That I can be in control of how much sugar I eat. I can go to any restaurant and eat healthy without feeling the least bit deprived." (Learn how Kinsley kicked her sugar addiction when you try Sugar Smart Express, the 21-day sugar detox plan that was used for the Challenge.)
What kept her motivated: "I had success right from the beginning, and that always keeps me going."
Biggest benefit: "My cravings are G-O-N-E—and that feels so good!"
"This Challenge helped me control my MS."
Photograph courtesy of Judith Haines
Judith Haines, 46, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 14 years ago. Although she'd always done her best to stay active with walking and weight lifting, this past winter left her feeling exhausted and depressed. "When I saw this Challenge I thought, 'What could it hurt? What if I discover a healthy lifestyle that gives me more energy and focus?' " So Haines signed up, and began following the 21-day nutrition and fitness plan. "Cleaning up my diet and getting back to a regular exercise routine made a huge difference," she says. "I have so much more energy and no longer need a 3-hour nap to get through the day. That might not be a big deal to someone who is healthy, but for me—I feel like I've gained back time in my life; time to do whatever I want. And that's huge."
What she learned: "That I have what it takes to challenge myself and change my life."
What kept her motivated: "Definitely the Challenge discussion boards. I was able to read each post of encouragement from the other Challengers, which made me see that I was not alone."
Biggest benefit: "My energy levels are amazing and I am more in control of my body."
"My sleep improved and I toned up all over."
Photograph courtesy of Caroline Bass
For Caroline Bass, 58, the busyness of life made getting fit and staying that way a constant battle. "When I read about the 21-Day Transformation Challenge, I knew it was the plan I needed to jumpstart me back into better eating and regular exercise," says Bass. "Health and the ability to move are a gift that I do not want to squander!" After diving in and giving it her all, her efforts paid off. "In only 21-days I lost 5 pounds and 4 inches, toned my body, and skyrocketed my energy levels. My complexion has never been clearer and I'm sleeping better, too."
What she learned: "That it is possible to fit healthy eating and exercise around a busy schedule; you just need the right plan. It has to be quick and flexible."
What kept her motivated: "The daily lessons and the communication with the other Challenge takers and Chris Fretyag. I loved the WOW (Workouts of the Week) videos, too; they really helped keep me motivated to work out." Give this sample WOW a try!
Biggest benefit: "Remembering that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I lost weight and gained so much more."
"I lost 7 pounds and gained a healthier life."
Photograph courtesy of Deborah Munoz-Chacon
Exercise wasn't the problem for Deborah Munoz-Chacon. "That part came easily," says the 52-year-old grandmother, who always found ways to stay active. "But I knew my food choices were keeping me from losing weight and toning up. I joined the Challenge to get past this plateau and jump-start a healthier eating lifestyle." (These clean-eating secrets can help you get control.) The first 2 days were a major challenge (she was in Las Vegas for her 10-year anniversary), but after she committed, it paid off big time. By the end of the Challenge, she'd lost a total of 7 pounds and about 4 inches. More importantly, she can keep up with grandkids and have more fun. "I'm less tired, less moody, and my clothes fit better," she says. "I never want to go back to sugar having a grip on me again. I feel great!"
What she learned: "That I can live without added sugar and still eat delicious foods. Also, I can work out for 15 minutes and get a great workout; it doesn't have to be an hour long."
What kept her motivated. "The Challenge community. Everyone was so supportive on the discussion boards and getting advice from others really kept me going."
Biggest benefit: "I feel more physically fit and have more energy than before I started the Challenge."
