Originally from Connecticut, I grew up with 2 sisters and 3 brothers. I’m the middle child. I moved to St Louis, MO in 2014. The first thing I did when I moved here was go to the zoo to see the elephants. I absolutely adore elephants because they always reminded me of myself, gentle giants. I’ve always love art and science. I love photography, I recently started my own photography business and I love to paint in my spare time. Health and fitness has become a huge part of my life since having weight loss surgery in 2017. I love going to the gym most days and it’s been fun trying to find healthy variations for old foods I used to love. Most days you will find me editing pictures, at the gym, checking out a new park, spending time with friends, dancing randomly, and reading.
ELITE ATHLETE BELLAH UPADHYAY
Photographer & Health Enthusiast | St. Louis, MO
ABOUT BELLAH
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Q&A
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BELLAH
what got you into fitness
Growing up, health and fitness were never a priority for me. I was always overweight and that was it. I played sports in school but it was just something to do with my friends. I didn't even consider weight loss until I was an adult and my poor health standards started to effect me. Anytime I'd attempt to lose weight, I never stuck to anything for longer than a month.
When I went to Nepal in 2016 to get married, it was one of the most physically exhausting experiences of my life because of my weight. After returning home, I looked into different diets, but didn’t stick to anything. October 2016, I was attending a party and getting ready. I took a moment to look in the mirror and hated the person I saw looking back at me. That was my wake up call. I knew I had to make a change in my life to save my life.
what's your Source of inspiration
I have many sources of inspiration, but my biggest is my mom. She’s one of the strongest women I know. As a kid, I watched her raise my siblings alone, push through hard moments, and always keep pushing for more. She taught me to always keep fighting for what I want in life even when times get hard.
what's your go-to cheat meal
Pizza! It has to be New York style with pepperonis, green peppers, onions, mushrooms and extra cheese! Why... pizza is life! I mean you’re hitting all your food groups with a pizza ... right?
what's your favorite tv show
The Simpsons! As a kid, it was a funny cartoon and I loved Bart. As an adult, I realize I probably shouldn’t have watched it as a kid!
what does 'never settle' mean to you
It means never backing down. Never letting outside forces stop me from obtaining my goals. Some days are going to be a struggle, some days you’ll want to quit, but you push through regardless.
what's your biggest achievement
There are many achievements that I’m proud of! I’m most proud of taking control of my health, my life, and starting my own business. There was a time in my life where I had no hopes. Everything was bleak and I thought nothing would get better. When I decided to actually put in the work to change my lifestyle, get control of my health, and find what I was truly passionate about ... I was able to see the path I was meant to be on.
what keeps you going
There are a lot of things that drive me but the main one is proving the people who doubted me wrong. When I started this journey, I remember my bariatric surgeon telling me I'd never be under 200 pounds even with hard work. He was one person I thought would have my back and tell me the sky is the limit. What drives me now is continuing to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle to motivate everyone around me!
how has 1st Phorm changed your life
Becoming a part of 1st Phorm allowed me to see that I am capable of holding myself to a higher standard. I thought I did before I won, but being a part of this phamily has kept me on a straight path towards success. I've been able to improve my communications skills, face my fears, learn new things, and be around the best people this world has to offer. All this and more has brought out the best in me, and I wouldn't change it for a thing.
BELLAH'S PLAYLIST
BELLAH'S FAVORITE SUPPLEMENTS
"Opti-Greens 50 has helped me tremendously since having weight loss surgery! It's been difficult for me to digest foods, and the greens help to make sure everything is broken down and partitioned effectively!"
"Micro Factor is a staple for me because of my surgery as well. I have to make sure to stay on top of my essential vitamins and minerals for my body to function efficiently!"
"Full-Mega has really helped me with my inflammation in the legs, and making my joints feel less stiff!"