The 50 Million Pound Blog

Hello my name is Chester I actually started the challenge back in January but never registered. I'm glad i did , in doing so I found out i have diebetes. I started out a hefty 261 lbs but am glad to announce I am now at 219 lbs. and I feel great. My wife and some of here friends are about to join me. Thank You !

I am a 37year old recently single nurse an mother of 5. I feel bad because being in the medical field for over 15 years i've allowed myself to get to this point I'm 5'6 an weigh 240 lbs, this is may highest weight ever. I live a highly stressful life style both in home an @ work.I was recently sufing the net an came across a site where a young lady in South Carolina lost 125lbs. on Dr. Ian's Fat Smash Diet Book.I was so impressed i went out the next day,brought the book and read it from cover to cover in 6hrs REALLY. I could not put it down. The more i read the more i saw were i went wrong.I've come to realize healthy eating is pointless with out excerise,i.e excerise is pointless with out healthy eating the two go hand an hand. After reviewing the plan an mapping out day to day schedule i plan to start on Saturday June 6th.It's my weekend off, an the kids are out of school the house will be quite. keeping the Faith I pray all goes well i'll keep you posted. Starting wt 240- Goal wt 145 duration 6mos (Jun 6th- Dec 6th)

I am 50 a fun, young 50, I have, as alot of you given every diet a worthy shot! I can lose weight, I cant seem to keep it off. I have a background in culinary and nutrition. I am probably 30#s over weight says my Doc. So many programs want you to weigh what the Men/Woman scale says. I am 5'7" and am very muscular for a woman. I work hard at work and home, I know what to eat. It just gets away from me. I have been down to 160# which is way too thin. I looked like I just got off the boat from ethiopia. I am here to say start off slow and strong, keep moving, moving, moving! It will come off. It will firm up!
Make movement a part of everyday, fast walk biking, stretching, restistance and some weights. This is a forever thing. You will feel and look like a MILLION BUCKS whatever your age. Your life will change along with your health. I wish you all the luck and remember you are not alone!
Thanks for reading!

I am a 27 year old mother of 4 children, 11,8, 7, and 3. It's not enough that they keep me busy but I also work 34 hours a week and I'm attending collage full time to become a nurse. I have been gaining weight steadly for the last three years. I'm a very short 5ft 1in. and weigh in at 174 pounds. I'm not sure about the type of excersize I should be doing or if there is a right or a wrong time of day to do them. I really want to loose 30 pounds, but I'm affraid that my hectic lifestyle will not allow it. Please help!

I am a 34 year old female with a 4 year old and 3 year old. One would think that would keep anyone in shape but I cant seem to lose the 32 lbs to get back to my pre-mom weight. I am 5'4" and weigh 161 lbs. I have tried the low carb diets but need as much energy as I can get to keep up with these 2 little one's. Help, If anyone has any advise please email me...

i'm a 28 year old mother of three and i weigh 200 pounds but i'm only 5`4 some days i feel so uncomfortable and i hate that i wanna lose weight but i don't know how or where to start i really need help. My dads side of the family are pretty healthy people and i don't want that nor do i want my daughter to grow up and be a big girl to so please if you can help feel free to e-mail me.

okay, so i am new to this and very eager as to where to start? does any one know? i know the first step was for me to join the challange. whats next? i am like a child, I need to be guided, (with may be a little hand holding:)! )is there anyone out there that can help me?

My name is tiesha i wiegh 364 pounds and m only 23. i just recently had my first baby a little girl name tyasia. I really want to loose 200 or more pounds but i really need help so if any one has any other ideas please feel free to send me email.

well my story is a lil different. Im actually trying to gain weight (muscle) and i have started my own 5 month program. I am on week 3 and i have already gained 10 pounds, and im not taking any supplements besides protein and a high carb, high protein diet. i would love to share my workout routine with ppl who have a fast metabolism and are trying to gain weight, whether it be for sports or just improving there overall health.

Hi, I'm 30 years old I just recently had my second baby five months ago.Not to mention my oldest is only 16 months old.It's a hard job for me having to meet their needs on a daily basis and trying to lose weight. I have tried diets and everything else , my problems iI love food. I eat to get full, I am trying my best to go the gym to lose some fat. But i have every excuse in the book, atleast i think it. Help.. I am 5'6 and 170. I want to be around for my kids, watch them grow! I don't want to stop eating, but I want to get into the habit of eating healthier, not to mention the fact that diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure runs in the family! HELP ME!! I'll do anything for my boys, I want to get to atleast 146lb.
Thank You,
Juanita

i want to lose 50 pounds

Im a 33yr old mother of three sets of twins and I didnt have enought energy to play with my children or even get out of bed to see about them but im taking the challange and it is working for me I am able to get up and make my bed which for me is a big deal thank you

I am confused about the dirty rice we are to eat. Do you mean the pre-packaged dirty rice mix? If not could you please send me a recipe that we are suppose to eat?
Thanks

I don't know about the program is about yet but Ilike what I was reading.

I am a 27 year, old young man my body fills as if I am at least 47. I was always tired, excessively thirsty, constantly urinating. I work 55-65 hours a week managing a restaurant food is constantly available to me rather it be for (haacp) quality control reasons or I just because want a quick bite. The kind of work I do you really don’t get to sit down for a healthy meal you just grab some thing quick. Then get back to the other many tasks you have to do.
Recently I figure something had to be wrong with me because of my symptoms and like other young to middle age black men(or at least the one I know) I don’t visit a doctor regularly, there was always some good reason to avoid the inevitable .my excuses were I didn’t want to take a day off from work. The doctor wouldn't open on the weekend, or I would have to do something for the kids.
So about two weeks ago I decided that enough was enough I was done fooling myself. then right before I finally decided to buckle now and take that trip to a doctor I came home from work as I normally do sat down on the couch for a minute, then suddenly out of nowhere a sharp pain filled my chest, almost as if somebody was beating me with a sledge hammer.
I thought to myself I’m only 27 it can’t be possible for me a guy that’s only a little cubby not really that fat at all to be having a heart attack. so my wife came home and see's me curled up on the couch she said "you don’t look to good but base on the way I was filling I already knew that, so we got the kid's hop in her car and rush to the hospital. I didn't know what to think I will admit it I was really scared.
The doctors had me hooked up with IV and EKG's and given me pain reliever. I was really mad at my self because the way I eat and don’t exercise and smoke a pack of Newport a day is about to cost me my family. I manage a high volume restaurant that profits 6.2 million a year but couldn't manage myself to eat right and stop smoking and being so stressed.
Several hours later after fighting the agonizing pain and when I finally came too the doctor came in the room and say sir I have good news and bad news for you. He didn't realize any news was good news because he was telling me and not my wife. So at this point any thing was better than dying. The doctor says sir you weren't having a heart attack. It is acid reflux (but take it from me you definitely can not tell the difference in the two) and your blood sugar is extremely high. I’m thinking ok and I eat a lot of junk so what, he say this means you have type 2 onset diabetes.
So I start a vigorous search to do some home work on diabetes and I find out that it’s more common than I thought it was, and I also could possible shake it by loosing some weight exercising and eating right. So that what I did since my horrific near death experience, I have put down the cigerettes, fried food and regular pop and started using all the amenities around me to work out. I was late signing up for the 50 million pound challenge but I wish I would have found it earlier.
I don’t want to regress so I stuck to the diet and working out and I am even still not smoking. For me I now it has only been one month but from the beginning to now it has been 18 pound in just one month I plan to get down to 210 I will keep you posted on my progress

Ryan

only comments i have is how do i join in so i can lose 50 pds? Help!!!!

I was listening to Tom Joiner this morning and Dr Ian was on talking about taking the 50 lb challenge and send in your story.
I'm 55 years old a senior female living with Diabetes for 7 years and have been trying to do the right thing but it's very hard.I'm on the Commitee for the American Diabetes Ass. with a program call Project Power to educate black churches about the disease. I was featured in Woman's Day magazine in Nov 06 Living with Diabetes.I need to live and this disease can affect all parts of my body.I need your help and thank you for helping me.

I had been contemplating on losing weight for some time now. However recently, the urge of losing weight has been getting stronger and stronger. I would sit on the couch watching t.v. eating chips, cookies, dinner, lunch and whatever edible item came my way and wouldn't move. I just ate and ate and ate and ate and ate!..All the while im eating, i'm feeling like im cheating myself outta life, cause i wouldn't move. I thought about the purpose of food, you know how its used to give you energy and as you use that energy the calories you've just consumed would burn, and if not, it turns to fat and is stored for later use....well, can you imagine, i was eating, but not moving so the fat was storing itself all over my body!
Oh, by the way, i am a 40 year old working woman and i weighed in at 237 lbs AND I AM SHORT, so yes i was very round..Anyhoots. The straw that broke the camels back was when i had put on one of my favoirte skirts for church. and i went to sit down and the skirt ripped. As i turned around to see what ripped, the other side ripped, that poor skirt just shreded off of me. That was it....i knew i had to do something...Now mind you of course i have tried in the past to lose weight..I've done the Jenny's and the watchers, and starving myself, and atkins...lets just say i've tried anything and everything out there! i've tried the "buddy" system...my friends always gave up first...i've done the group thing where we put in money, hey after i won the money, i just put the weight right back on....so i needed something else! I am one who always loves a good challenge. And i have NEVER been challenged to lose weight. I figured hey im grown, i can eat what i wanna eat and however much i wanna eat, imma die HAPPY! but in truth i was living a miserable lonely life!!!!
But i had to put on the act as if i was happy..
Finally after I ripped my skirt, i figured its time to really lose the weight, later on that day, a commercial flashed in front of my t.v. which said the 50 million pound challange...CHALLANGE, thats the word i need. i found the website and joined, printed out the list of suggested foods to be consumed and read up on the execising and everything. Not only that but Lendora has a "Lean for Life" book that i read to help keep me motivated. It has a lot of ways to challenge your mind and helps you to think differently about food, it helps alot. I am exercising and walking 40 minutes a day. To date i have lost a total of 18 pounds and i just started the challange June 4, 2007. one month and already i can see the results. i am more motivated than ever. And for once i can really forsee myself as a slender beautiful individual.

I don't know who this Dr. Ian is, but the challange came right in the nick of time.

Thank you...I will keep you posted of the results of this here challenge!

Phyllis.

P.S. im doing it with or without my friends, im sure as they notice my weight loss, they'll soon join in as well.

AFTER WATCHING CELBRITY FIT CLUB IT SHOWED ME THERE WAS PEOPLE OUT THERE JUST LIKE ME. I STARTED THIS WEIGHT LOSS AROUND FEBRUARY I WEIGHED 295 AND I WAS MISERBLE TIRED ALL THE TIME NO ENERGY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING WITH MY CHILDREN I STARTED HAVING CHEST PAINS AND THEN WAS I REALLY KNEW IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE. I WEIGH NOW 255 AND FEEL SO MUCH BETTER I CAN RUN PLAY WITH MY SONS AND ENJOY LIFE I'M NOT AT MY GOAL YET BUT I WILL BE THERE SOON THANK U DR. IAN FOR HELPING ME TO MAKE THE DECISION TO LIVE.

I have severe case of ecezma and I couldn't get any relief from doctors. My mother heard about the weight loss challenge on Tyra's show where Dr. Ian's group lost the most weight.My mother bought the book and read it and invited some friends and me to read the book and start the plan. We started the plan on April 9, 2007 and as of today June 26, I have lost 53 pounds and my ecezma is healing and I feel so much better. We meet every Monday to discuss the book and encourage each other. We have over 25 people who have join the plan.
Thanks to my mother for hearing about you.
One question am I losing the weight too fast?
Please respond.

I lost 3 more pounds in the past two weeks which brings my total weight loss to exactly 20 pounds.

From my past experiences, it is usually at this point that I throw in the towel because now the weight loss is slowing down and I will probably plateu soon. But my determination now is like never before so this time I'm armed with DR IAN'S PLATEU BUSTING TECHNIQUES! HA HA HA HA HA

I tried on some of my old pants thinking I should at least be CLOSE to fitting in them . . . uh . . . didn't happen. Then I started wondering what happened that I didn't notice my weight getting out of control. Some people have struggled with weight since childhood. But I didn't pack on the pounds until I went through a long period of depression. Food was never "comfort" for me, but thinking about what I was eating was the furthest thing on my mind. Things are very different now and I thank Jesus.

Armed with this new revelation I now know that I will get healthy and STAY healthy. I LOVE me now. And I show my body love with the right foods and exercise each and every day.

I JOINED THE 50MILLION POUND CHALLENGE ON JUNE 10TH AND I STARTED AT 242 AND ON JUNE 19TH I WEIGHED IN AT 228 FOR TOTAL SO FAR OF 14LBS LOSSED. I'M REALLY ENJOYING THE CHALLENGE AND LIKE THE ACCOUNTABILITY THAT IT PROVIDES KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK EVERYONE!!!

I just joined the 50 million pound challenge tonight (June 21st) after seeing the advertisement during the BET Awards nomination special! I'm so excited to be involved. My 8 year old daughter "the comedian" says "Gosh mom, I knew you wanted to lose weight - but 50 MILLION POUNDS!" (Never-the-less, I'm doing this for her too =) I teach, and it is HARD to stay motivated to lose or maintain your desired weight over the summer. (Or at least it is for me!) I enjoyed reading all of your success stories. You guys are truly an inspiration. I'll keep you posted on my progress...

Thanks,
Pam =)

Hi, I didn't actually sign up with you guys until 6/9/07, however, I actually started the challenge for myself on May 15, 2007. I started running every morning at about 4:15 am and eating more mature, I found out I was a diabetic and decided to loose weight once I found out that I sort of brought this disease on myself. I was feeling tired all the time and the back of my knees began to ache. My husband is a trainer and told me that I wasn't healthy and that he would assist. Because I was embarrassed to go work out at his gym, I decided to do this on my own. I am determined, so, you guys as we say in ATL, "walk it out". I am not ashamed to say that I was 218 and my last weigh in with my doctor is 206. Praise GOD. I have 56 more pounds to go. I will get there.

I think this should be an ogoning challenge. Us Black people need to revolutionize our culture for greater positive change and advancement. We have to do more proactive things like this in all of our high problem areas that challenge communities across the nation to effect a culture of awareness and positive change. We have to challenge ourselves to do better in our lives and communities all around. Thank you for your stepping out brother. I was woring towards something similar already, but there is a time and reason for everything, so I am just umping on board with you and promoting this like nobody's business.
Local Mount Vernon Registered Nurse, Passionate about my desire and efforts in being healthier and healping others too. I have my CD, but my computer will only play the first part.

I was at a Memorial Day cookout and some friends were admiring 2 women who had lost 20-30 lbs. They looked great. We asked their secret and they said that they had done Dr. Ian's Fat Smash diet. The next day another friend shared that she planned to start the diet and invited us all to join. Within a few days about 10 of us had joined her. Within a week, our group (sistahealth) had grown to 35 men and women and now we have about 45 people, including my mother. As others have seen our weightloss and asked our secrets, we have invited them to join our group. We have an email listserv where we share our progress, struggles, and tips. I never would have made it this far without the support group.

I should say that this is my first ever real diet. I assumed that all diets were unhealthy and I know that losing weight is all about eating reasonably and exercising. I love the Fat Smash because there is no gimick. It's simply a healthy lifestyle.

I posted a comment on June 18 stating that my start weight was 191.

I must have been in denial that day. My start weight on June 7th was 291 at 5'1". On June 11 I weighed in at my doctor's office at 291. When I went in for a follow-up today I weighed 278.

I am constantly have to correct my numbers because I continously key weight in the one hundreds. I don't know when I saw one hundred pounds last. I can't believe I was ever in the military and maintained a decent weight.

Life is hard right now. The bones in my lower back are deteriorating due in large part to the stress of the weight on my small frame.

I joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge to see if I could commit this time. I joined in March and have lost 23 lbs to date. It doesn't seem like a whole lot but for me it is wonderful. People have noticed and I haven't. I have lots more to lose and I think this is best for me. I am doing it on my own with support from some very close friends. They give me the pat on the back that I need.
thank you for giving me this challenge. I needed something like this for years. I have tried other things and programs and they work for a little while but not forever. This is a LIFESTYLE change not a DIET. Thanks for your support in this and bringing the challenge to me.

hi dr smith i have battle my weight all my life i am now 42 year old and have 2 kids to raise. (my baby gril Branna 4yrs and a son D'Aundre 6 he is my newhew who has been with me from 3month old he is mines. we adopted Branna at 4 months no bio kids of my own but two great kids who i love very much and have to be around to see them grow up) 4 months ago made a life discision to get heathy i have lost total of 35lbs only been with 50m for 3 month stated a month before u did have lost 20lb since joining with you/started at 315 now at 285 thank GOD

I am a foodie. I love to eat and I am still trying to see food as fuel and not a pleasureable activity. I am staying away from bad carbs and sugar. I have lost 4 pounds, which was very difficult and wished that other people could see it. I know it's not much and weight loss wont show for another 15lbs or more. I can't wait to hear the first person say "Have you lost weight?"

I am glad that other people are doing this with me. Misery loves company :-)

It is getting easier.... thanks to this community I will get to my goal. Thanks for your inspiration.

I joined on June 7th and today, June 18, was the first time I checked in. There was a message from Dr. Ian--Ethel, you joined on June 7th and you have lost 0 pounds. Well, I went to my Dr. on Monday, June 11 because I am having problems with low back pain. I weighed in at 191 ( my height is 5 ft 1 in). My doctor's last words to me were "loose some weight." I decided to just try to eliminate the excess sugar and over-abundance of carbs that I eat. I weighed in on my new home scale this morning and I was 179.4 lbs (GOD is good). I have a long road to travel and my body feels as if it is at near breakdown. I still need to pick up a start-up packet; I am on my way out the door. Thanks for listening.

Major Question: Why do women who exercise at least 5 days a week and eat right still have weight problems ( 3 fruits, 4 vegetables, 6 oz of meat, 64 oz of water each day)? Snacks would be a Slim Fast Bar --three times a day--so the body doesn't feel starved.

where are the 50 million pound challenge T shirts or line of exercise gear (smile)/ with maybe an artistic picture of a black family. I will be among the first to buy. I am now pregnant with high risk gestational diabetes, but I know that its important for me to watch what and how much I eat and include some sort of physical activity in my regular routine--even if it's jogging in place at home for 10 minutes a few times a day. It has helped to keep me off medications previously too. I was hoping to wait to get down to a healthier weight before pregnancy but it is not so, though I had recently went down from 214 to 182lbs in 3 months.

I am more than greatful that a black man who is a professional and expert in this field has spoken out and challenged us blacks ti improve on our failing health in America. It is so desperately needed and I hope that this continues to be a part of our culture forever more. If we don't care about ourselves in such a manner who will and when. Thank you Dr. Ian. I recently lost 30lbs since February 2007 thru May 2007. I grew up with the worst eating habits in a household of alcoholism, drug abuse and other types of abuse. There was little focus on healthy lifestyle strategies. I am a Registered Nurse and have recently become active in my community about health/obesity. I feel sad to see my black and hispanic sisters walking around overweight and suffering. With your efforts, I feel more at ease. I also have something to refer my sisters and brothers to for self-help. It is so needed my brother and I love you for it. May God bless you forever more. I am registering today on your site and I want to do what I can to help keep your efforts alive. Black people are at the lower end in so many ways and our passport or color is not setup in this system to make it through the glass ceiling of wealth, health and education, but we must still strive to show love and empower one another and to thank the creator for whoever he has made us and whatever we have in this life. I wish you and your family prosperity, long life, joy and happiness in every way. Thank God also for the Steve Harvey show and people like Oprah Winfrey.

Sincerely
Proud to be an implanted New York Neighbor.
Much love my brother.

Hi everyone!
I started Dr. Ian's Fat Smash Diet In april 2007. I have lost a total of 31 lbs. I have about 55 Lbs to lose to reach my weight goal. I plan to reach that goal by my birthday, March 13, 2008 I decided to join the challenge for weight loss support. Good luck to all of us and God Bless!!!!

Since getting out of the military, my exercise routine slowly vanished. While I used to run 15-18 miles per week, I'm good if I get 20 minutes on the treadmill today. Since the birth of my first son, the weight continued to go up. Now three babies later, I went from a size 8 to a size 16, on a 5'3" frame. Although I would love to blame it on the pregnancies, I know that I have to take account for where I am today. I tried various diets in the past but lost interest in them. Even though I fell off the diets, I continued to do some exercise but not consistently.

I listen to Steve Harvey every morning, and I heard Dr. Ian give Shirley the 15-pound challenge in 30 days. As I listened, I decided to do it with them. I delayed signing up on 50 million challenge until yesterday (6/14/07). To date I have lost 2 pounds since starting with Steve and the crew.

I slowly started changing my diet about a year ago, and I would slip some time but I got stronger every time I got focused again. To date, I have eliminated all red meat, pork, refined sugars, and processed foods. I also started forcing myself to eat more vegetables as close to its natural state as possible. I noticed my taste buds changing and actually wanting healthier choices.

Thanks Dr. Ian for putting the challenge in front of us. It helps when you have a community to be accountable to. Oh! I love celebrity fit club. Keep doing what you are doing.

Live well, Love much, and Laugh often
Tesha Creamer

It is true, that you have to have a made up mind in order to accomplish anything in life. Loosing weight has been a battle not struggle for the last 20 years of my life. You know the story, just call me Miss Yo Yo Give Up. Well I finally trusted God with this battle and since March 25, 2007 I have let God fight for me.
I was very shapley and let myself blow up to 225 pounds. Lost the pep in my step, ankles swollen, no more cute shoes. Knees, hips, back, shoulders hurting like crazy. Low self esteem and on blood pressure and cholesterol meds, water pills, you name it. I was dieing but God's Spirit lifted me up and told me to fight with Him at my side. So I started March 26,2007. I eat CORRECTLY and work out 5 days a week. I have an hour for lunch and was eating myself to death. Now I work out for 30 minutes then enjoy a heathly lunch. What made the difference? No white flower,rice,sugar or pasta. Only healthy fats, lean meats, raw and steamed veggies, I even steam collards and saute them in Olive oil and garlic. Plenly of fruit, no frying no icky sticky desserts, no soda. Guess what don't miss it.I am actually having fun working out, planning meals and I feel better. I have lost 15 pounds and a lot of inches and have gone from a 18-20 to 16. Yesss!! Success feels great and I can't wait to get rid of all the meds. Let God be your power and be sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am looking forward to being a healthier mother, daughter, friend, emloyee and servant in my church.

I was told by the doctors that it is imperative to loose 20 pounds. I am suffering from a vintrical hernia. I have started a diet and have only lost 5 pounds in 3 months, motivation is minimal. Hearing of 50 million pounds gave me incentive to try harder. I spent 30 minutes with the Drummers on 63rd St @ LSD and feel great. If anyone is in the Chicagoland area and would like to join me that would be great! The drummers are there nightly - weather permitting. Let's help one another and achieve this milestone!!!!

Hey,there's an awesome contest going on at At&t
Wireless each participant gave 25.00 and the one to loss the most weight by Aug will get the money we weigh in every 2 weeks...I can't wait to go on my shopping spree...There's way over 300.00 dollars involve what an incentive....this is in Memphis,Tn..

Hello, my name is Sonya from Fontana Ca, Im 40 years of age. Back in March 2007 I weighed at 183 pounds, my goal was to lose 40 pounds by May 2007 so that i could have gotten a tatoo around my belly before I went on vacation to the Bahamas. Nop I didn't make it, but I did lose 13 pounds, and sorry for me I couldn't get that tatoo. I also gain 5 pounds while I was on vacation. So here I am now joining the 50 million pound challenge. Which I challenge myself to lose 30 pounds by August 2007. Before I take my next vacation, on a cruise to alaska. June 11, 2007 I weighed at 175 pounds, as of today June 14, I'm at 172 pounds. My goal is to lose 15 pounds for the month of June, 10 pounds for July and 5 pounds by august 17, I Sonya will be at her idea weight of 140 pounds. Also I will treat myself, to a 600 Nijia sports bike black on black. This is a challenge to myself for myself. Thank you Mr.Ian for the Challenge, I will keep you updated weekly on my weight lost.

Hello Everybody:

I must say it is so good to read all this positive stuff about losing weight. After I had my son, two years ago I ballooned up to 246 pound and I was miserable, and I decided to move back home, so I want to make some changes in my life and losing weight was one of them. My brother and I started the celebrity fit club diet 25 days ago and I have already lost 18 pounds and I feel great. We get up every morning at 6 am to walk and I have not missed a day since we started. I also taken up bellying dancing, and kickboxing. My goal right now is to get out of the 200 by my birthday and that is the end of July. I sorry for rambling on but I am so excited about my weight lost and about the people who have taken the challenge to lose the weight. Thank you Dr. Ian for looking out for us. May God bless you and your family.

Losing weight is not hard, because it's just a mind set that you are tired of yourself and ready for a change. Good luck to everyone and keep up the good work.

I am pleased to say that since I no longer eat sweets 2-3 daily-I eat one sweet per day NOW, not eating after 9:00 p.m., eliminating drinking soda, cutting down on fast food from 4 days a week to 2 days a week, I went from a size 10-12 to a size 6-8. I even fast on Wednesday mornings until noon. This has also helped with my weight loss. In March my weight was 154. My weight is now 135 and I'm loving it. Mid-April, I begin buying work suits and dresses in a size 8. Since early June I begin buying jeans and suits for work in a size 6. I've always exercised by running 5 days a week and lifting weights 2-3 days a week. But now that I learned to control my eating habits, my pounds just fell off. It feels great to have friends and family noticed my slim face and new size. What more could I ask for!!!

I joined the challenge in May, but had not put much effort into it. For most of my life I had been "little." I am about 5'1" and always wore those cute little size 4 or 6 clothes. Even after haveing three children, I was able to pull a size 8 out of my closet and wear it, two weeks after my youngest son was born. Then went to graduate school. I finished this past December with straight A's and an extra 45 pounds. My academic achievement was second to none, but my weight gain was a blow to my self esteem and confidence. I am usually so good at everything in my life, a real overachiever, but this seemed to be the one thing in my life where success seemed to escape my reach: Rather than try and fail, I chose not to do anything. Well, this morning I got on the scale and had lost one whole pound!!!! That makes a full 4 1/2 pounds since March!!! While this is certainly not a model effort for others, it is a major accomplishment for me and motivation to go further. I can be successful and if I just try a little harder I will see success.

i started walking for one hour about four weeks ago after hearing about the challenge. the support from dr. Ian and Steve helped motivate me. I bought a pedometer to monitor by efforts. Everyday after walking i check how many miles walked, etc. I am totally surprised to find out that each day of walking for one hour, 7700 and more steps, that i burn 400 calories. I am so proud of me, because i suffer from diabetes, hypertenstion, and just rececntly was informed that i had high chloresterol and need to exercise. I haven't gotten onto a scale yet but i can feel the weight loss, question, i can see a waistline developing but my stomach is not firming what can i do to firm my stomach. I have gotten to the point know, where I can jog some, so I incorporate that into my walkout. Thanks for helping to save my life.

I joined Curves March 07 (weighed in) May 12th I had lost only 2 lbs. I was very discouraged and wanted to stop going but started watching Dr. Ian and joined the 50 million pounds challenge and lost 10lbs in a month. I have changed my way of eating along with curves I walk. I have added more fruit and veggies to my diet and less meat and I feel like a new women. My goal is to loose 50lbs and go from there.

Tennessee

I started a weight loss contest in our branch at the Miami Airport. We had 13 managers sign up for the contest. We took the before pictures and the after shot will be taken at the end of the contest. The contest ran from April 1st, to June 28th, 2007. The goal of the contest was to loose at least 2 lbs a week. If you didn't loose the 2 lbs you had to pay $2.00 dollars. If you gained waite during the week you had to pay the $2.00 dollars plus the amount you gained times 2. The money was collected by the secretary and the weight was tracked on a spreasheet that I set up that will caculate your weight loss or gain on a weekly basis and it also provides your total with a trend of how you did during the contest. Everyone had to weigh in in the Accounting Office every Thursday. The enthusiam was so high as people started noticing the weight coming off. At the end of the contest every one will receive a certificate with their total weight loss on it. The money that we collected will go to the first, second, third and best intent winners. As of today we have raised $220.00 dollars and have a total of 68 total pounds lost between everyone. I use the advice from the 50 million challenge to pass on to the other participants.

Last November I weighed 240 pounds, I am now down to 197 and I feel so good. I have a long way to go to meet my goal but with the inspiration of seeing other people do it, I will once again be the beautiful person from the inside out.

Thank you,
Michelle

I joined the 50 million pounds challenge as well as starting Fat Smash with my hubby on May 1 2007. My starting weight was 181pds, 5 feet 7 inches tall. My hubby Steve is 5 feet 5inches tall and was 197 pds. I am now 168.4 pds and getting toned and my hubby is 170 pds with 14% body body fat he looks great. My hubby is a mailman so he gets in plenty of exercise as well as strength training. I work out 5 days a week for an hour at the gym with cardio & strength training even though its hard work the rewards are awesome!!!! We will follow the FatSamsh Lifestyle for Life. We are recruiting as many New Jerseyans that we can. This is the first thing that worked for us. Thank you Dr. Ian

Dr. Ian, my name is Cody Blackmon, Auburn, AL and I am so proud to be a part of this challenge. I started changing my eating habits in January, 2007. I also started walking and exercising. Since January I have lost a total of 70 pounds. I have made up my mind that I will look forward and continue to eat and exercise. Since this weight loss I am no longer taking medicine for diabetes. My blood sugar hasn't been high in a while. I am proud of myself. I am not on a diet, I am just living healthy. I love the way I look and feel.

Dr. Ian, I'm proud to announce that prior to the first week ending, even before beginning exercising, I have lost 8 lbs!!!! Myself and my kids exercised yesterday and also did some yard work. We are excited about this. We went by Barbara Perry's State Farm office in New Bern, NC and picked up a package. We had salad for lunch and no meat. I couldn't beleive it, my children really didn't want meat. So we are going to keep this up as long as possible up to the 9 day limit. I will keep you posted: got to go exercise. The kids are rushing me. GREAT!!!!

I started a weight loss program about 2 years ago 2004. I weight 182lbs. I hate the way I look and most of all the way I felt. Too tired to do anything. So I decided to change my life. I prayed about it then I decided to do something about it. I change my eating habits, and I exercise everyday. My lowest weight was 140lbs in 2005. I wrote a journal for 12weeks about my weight loss journey. I have many family and friends asking me how I did it. I share them my story. It not easy losing weight by yourself. I did it. I did not join any health club nor bought into the advertisement diet program. I realize that God gave me everything that I need to take care of by body. I have gain a few pounds back in the 2 years. But I am determine to get back to what I started out. Eating every 3 hours, drinking plenty of water and exercising everyday or at least 5 days a week. I hope joing the 50 million pound weight lose program will help me get back on track. I know if I don't take care of myself who will. I look forward to joing others in the Life Changing Event.

Hi everybody, well I join weight watcher on Feb.4th I have lost 35 lbs.I heard about the challege I was so proud what state farm and Dr.Smith was doing. I went from size 14 to size 8 within 3 month.I watch what I eat.I workout 7 days a week.I set my treadmill incline on 15 and 4.3 mph for 35 minute.I have comitted my life to living and eating healthy.I will be 37 in September I plan on wearing a size 6.I want to lose 25 lb by Sept. 18 th we can and we will take that fat off our body live longer without taking medicine.Our body is our temple so we sholud take care of our temple.The key to losing weight is eating right and exercising.
I am a living witness.I look so small people think I have a personal trainer.I'AM my own personal trainer.I put the pounds on by myself.I well take it off by myself.Don't quit hang in there we can do it.God bless everyone

We are having just started the Maximize Life Fit club for our church. (June 11, 2007) We will have weekly fitness and eating tips in our program. We also plan to participate in walk-a-thons, have group workouts and support/accountability. We are excited about this and invite anyone in the community or the city of Fort Worth to join us. Thank you for inspiring us to do this for our health and out community. We will have pictures and expect great results in the next 3 months. We will keep you posted.

My name is Tracey Brown and I live in Louisiana in a small town about 48 miles north of New Orleans. In March the Health and Healing ministry in our church wanted to get our members healthy, so they started the Biggest Looser Contest.Many members took the challenge and signed up. The first weigh in was on March 11th; I weighed 267 pounds. I started to change my eating habits and have lost 25 pounds to date.I have never tried to loose weight the natural way but I am doing pretty good... Three days a week we do arobics and two days aweek we have boxing training I have only missed one day since we have started.This is a wonderful way to get fit because we do it in group settings and we fellowship with our church members... it's really fun.... I am now walking in the mornings for 45 minutes in an effort to change my routine, because it seems as if I am at a plateau... however I am not giving up I want to be the biggest looser.The leaders of the ministry have decided to go beyond the initial date of the contest so when the contest is over we will continue to workout and exercise. I was in a size 20 and sometimes I had to buy 22 size I can now fit into some 16 bottoms! I am really excited about that. I want to say God Bless and BE HEALTHY!

Hi, I am a 34 year old married mother of 3. I have always been a plus size woman(240lbs), and I am tired of hearing,"you have a pretty face". I want to lose this weight, but its so hard especially with my family being healthy eaters. I recently stopped eating sugary foods, chips and sodas,and lost 10lbs in 2 weeks, but that is where it stopped. Can you help me with an excersize plan?

Dear Dr. Ian, After hearing you one morning on the Steve Harvey show, I personally decided to change my life. I was currently as of May 1st 370lbs. I decided that day i didn't want to die from all the health risks that plague we as african americans from being obese. I took charge, have started a healthy eating regimen and walk 2.5 miles a day. i weighed myself on may 31st. I had lost 30lbs. i know i have a long way to go but i'm in this for the long run, i just wanted to say thank you and Mr. harvey for giving me the encouragement that i needed to become motivated. both of you are truly an inspiration to me. thanks and God Bless.

My church's Health & Wellness ministry joined the challenge this month (St John Missionary Baptist Church, Panama City, FL). We are making plans to attend the Atlanta event. Our ladies are commited to eating healthy and consistent exercise. We walk as a group each Saturday morning. However, we are trying to get more challenge kits for our church. Can anyone help????

Charlotte

Hi I am so glad to see this program even though I just signed uo today Prayer works I am a new recording artist of Black Butterfly Records here in Charleston South Carolina with a women's group called Women on the Move we come together to support each other in every event and I will be adding them to this challenge. I did not take my weight until today to weigh in for the challenge but we dont check weight what we do is cut out the wrong foods with healthy foods, increase water, and add a 15- 20 minute work out each day with a 3 day resting period where we have to relax relate and revise, we started this in Jan of 2006 since then I used to wear a size 28 in clothing and now I am down to a 16. we see more results in not weighing but watching for results thru inches. I say hats off to all of you who sat down and put this plan together it's a great thing cause it will change America. I saw the program on Meet the faith BET so that is how I joined. I am a celebrity for the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation so again thank you and take care love all of you and what you do
kimiko

I think everyone is doing a great job by just starting something. I beginning my new life transition as of Feb 1st 2007 after my doctor recommended me to have a weight lost surgery. I declined right away, but it gave me something to think about. I weighed in on 1/30/07 at 330lb at this time I am down to 272 which is a total lost of 58lb and I still have a weight lost goal of 115lb over this next year. I have gained my success from the fat smash diet book and now I have moved up to the extreme fat smash. The 50millionpound challege have help me push forward for my goal at a more aggresive pace. I have talked to several people that I know to join the 50millionpound challege to try and develop a group of walkers to help America and Dr. Ian meet our goal to become healthier Americans. I know if I can go from not having a workout plan at all and eating fast food 4-5times a week. To working out at least 5times a wk. This plan includes min days of walking at least 4miles a day and my longer days are at least 12miles a day. I will also add to my program beginning this week a personal trainier to assit me in my weight training progression. I also now prepare healthier meals. If I go out to eat I am very selective from the menu so I do not mess-up my plan. Everyone keep your head because as a community we can afford to lose over 50million pounds over the next 2yr period.

Go team Go!!!!!!!!

I started the challenge on 6/1/07. I weighed 152 lbs. at the time. Today is 6/10/07 and I have lost 10 pounds! I am so excited and I feel great! I live in the Atlanta area and my major source of exercise came from walking up Stone Mountain (not an easy task). I did this a total of 5 times during Phase I along with other activities such as softball and jogging. Getting back into the swing of things after having a baby was tough at first but every day gets a little easier. I am definitely a fan of the challenge and I am actually enjoying my healthier eating habits. I look forward to Phase II and my next weigh in!!

I am a 26 year military service officer stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia with the Defense Logistics Agency. I actually began this program on April 16 2007 after seeing the results for two friends in Texas that lost 50 and 55 pounds respectively. I bought the "Fat Smashing Diet" book and started the program with the Detox. Since that time, I have lost 27 lbs. I am curreently at the plateau of 206 - 208. My energy level has gone up and the fitness center where I work out has gotten the bug due to my success. I am a 49 year old male, I run/jog 4.5 to 8.0 mile three time a week and I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is serious about losing weight and developing a healthy life style for living. I am approaching my goal of 195lb and look forward to reporting my progress and sending a picture of my success.

I joined the challenge after listening to Dr. Ian on Steve Harvey I had already joined weight watchers through my job and have lost 15 pounds in the past 8 weeks. I am enjoying losing weight it is certainly a lot more fun than being fat!! I had my first child at the age of 15 then had my 2 daughters while I was in college. I graduated with my Bachelors degree as a single mom with a full time job, home, and family. Because of all the rejection I experienced in my life my self esteem was nonexistent and I could not feel good about myself or my accomplishments. I have gained 100 pounds over the last 16 years. But praise God all that is changing now. My confidence is growing, I am feeling worthy and very good about myself. Losing weight and my relationship with God has drug me out of a pit of depression I had been in for 15 years!! I am here to tell you I will never go back!! Thank you for offering black people the support and encouragement to get healthy and improve our quality of life.

I first heard about the challenge on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. My mother and I drive over 60 miles each day to work. We are used to being one of the few people sitting in traffic smiling because of what they are saying on the radio. But on the morning of March 29th 2007 we were not smiling when Dr. Ian came on and began to speak about the challenge. There was someone out there explaining the importance of being healthy and losing weight. Not only that but he was going to help us get there for Free! We talked about how great it was and when i got to work I signed up. A few weeks went by and I went back to my old habits. i spoke to my mother once again and reminded her of the day she called me upset because the close she wore last summer did not fit. I told her I don't want to be fat anymore and she agreed that she did not want to be either. Ok that's fine and good but what are we going to do about it? Then we came up with the idea to pay people to lose weight.So we started making calls...a lot of calls, to friends, family and co-workers. We came up with 10 woman,1 man and a bunch of kids willing to push the ones that they love and themselves to lose weight to get paid. we decided that if we each put in $5 each week for a total of $20 a month and the person who loses the most and checks in at least 4 times a week with a break down of what they ate and did for exercise(if they did) would have the chance of winning $220 at the end of the month! I don't even have to tell you that once it became a contest everyone was down. we email each other daily just to keep each other on track. I even kicked it up a notch by walking with my friend on the beach(3 miles) 5 days a week! and i purchased a cardio salsa dvd that really works up a sweat that i also do 5 times a week. even though it is a contest it's fun and really helpful to know that we are looking out for each other. almost everyone who is doing the challenge with us will be going to Disney World in July of 2008. So with the majority of us being able to reach our goals by that time made this even more exciting! Ihave lost 13 pounds so far and about 70 to go and for once i know i can get there. i am one of those people who can't lose weight without support. but what i found out is that i am not the only one who is trying to achieve the same thing.So why not do it together. Long story short(i know too late) but i want to say thanks because not only am i losing weight but i am gaining friends!

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK EVRYONE!!

Dr. Ian, I heard about your challenge on the Steve Harvey Show back in April of this year. I had been frustrated with my weight because I keep losing and gaining more and more back. In the south we are surrounded by nothing but food, we often talk about what we are going to eat for out next meal while we are eating. So after hearing you on Steve Harvey I decided to purchase your book and discovered that this program was the one for me. I started at 300lbs and now I am 263. I am so happy. I can breath. I actually reach for healthy stuff. I when I do crave things I shouldn't have, I ask myself is this food really worth my health. I try to reach for healthy fruits like apple and pears. I have inspire several of my family members to take charge of their weight and they have lost weight too. I can not stress how easy it was for me this time around, I am ready to lose all of this weight because it is causing me alot of health problems. Thank so much for making this challenge possible. God bless you.

On my job at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles-- Harlem District Office we started a Biggest loser Club. Each employee had to give a total of $50.00 each to join. They had to take the challenge to commit themselves to lose the most weight in an 8 week period. The final weigh-In is June 18th, 2007. On that day there will be three monetary prizes given out to the biggest losers. I can honestly say that people really get motivated especially when you have others watching out for you.The employees stay after work and do exercise tapes together. They bring in information and it is all shared amongst each other.I am looking at my co-workers and watching the pounds shed right off of there bodies. This is amazing. The winning money will help purchase a new wardrobe after losing the weight.

I read about the challenge in Essence Magazine shortly after my 38 year old cousin had a stroke and heart attack and a family friend died at 47 of a heart attack. I will be 42 on June 11th and I was 315 pounds. I joined the challenge on May 18th 2007, today June 8th I have lost 11 pounds. I still have a long way to go. I am married with a 13 year old son. I have a lot to live for and I just believe the word of the Lord that says that "I will live and not die"!

I have never been so determined in my whole life. I am making better food choices and subsequently changing my lifestyle. The biggest change so far is that recently I made a conscience effort to avoid driving through McDonald's because it was quick and easy but instead I went to a local grocer and bought Sushi and drank a Vitamin water. I was very proud of myself.

I love reading all of the success stories, stay tuned for more of my own too!

i just joined today but my weight loss began almost 4 weeks ago. after years of failed diets and feeling bad about my body i ran across this weight loss doctor in tampa,fl. i was thibking that it was going to be a wast of money but i told myself i tried everything else. i am proud to say at my weigh in on 6/1/07 i was down 17 pounds in 3 weeks. i had never been able to loose more than 10lbs before. the diet and medication they given me has really changed my life. they have several past participants who once off the medication have been able to keep the weight off. i am very optimistic. while on the medication i am able to eat the diet they eant me to eat and i think the diet i the key. there a no CARBS!!!!!. carbs were my demon. i thought i would not be able to do it but in almost 4 weeks i dont even think about carbs no more. i'm eating healthier and smaller portions and i feel great. i tell my hubby to watch out becuase i found the self i lost. i weigh in again on saturday and i am sure i will be 20+ pounds lost. everyone has to find what works for them and this program does cost money and i had to sacrifice getting my pedicure everyweek and no new shoes for a while but it has been well worth it for me.

I started my weight loss some time in March. I decided to lose weight because of a job opportunity. I am a 27 year old male who, at the time, weighed 316 pounds. I really thought I couldn't do it but because of Dr. Ian's encouragement that he showed his guest on the celebrity fit club, (even for those I felt didn't deserve it) I felt that I could do it. I realized through Dr. Ian that when you cheat on a diet it doesn't mean it gives you the right to give up but it should give you motivation to keep pushing forward. If the path was easy and no obstacles were in the way, then there wouldn't be so many of us overweight. I weighed myself last saturday morning and with a grin on my face I said, "Another 5 Lbs." which leaves me at 270 lbs. My goal is to weigh a cool 220 lbs. Dr. Ian please keep putting the word out there because my life has changed for the better. My feet use to have a shocking pain every time I stood up, my acid reflux was so bad my wife had to call the fire department because I couldn't breathe because so much acid would come up in the middle of the night (I stopped taking medication since weight loss). The fact I could go up the stairs w/o suffering the embarrassment of being out of breath in front of people, and the greatest part of all is being able to take and teach my kids bike riding not to mention the extra strength and flexibility I have to play w/ my wife. If you have as much weight to lose as I have, please stay in the struggle because the journey will end. Remember the journey is the most rewarding part. But, although Dr. Ian has been a great support, I must acknowledge my wife that has supported and loved me all these years no matter how I looked. To find somebody that wont let you talk about yourself in a demeanig manner and raise you up and tell you, "you are the finest man I have laid eyes on," gave me the best motivation I could ever have because I had to become it and believe it. So, I'm saying, thin people please encourage because that is the greatest weapon you have. Dr. Ian please keep doing what you do and I'll keep doing what I do. I've been watching since last season and I have to say, this season is DRAMA. I pray for the best results for all of you.

Dr. Ian,
Do you have any helpful tips about PICA...I find that the weird craving are keeping alot of the pounds on me. I know it's not healtly but I can't help it. I eat things like cornstarch etc... I know you probaly no alot about these things already. Help, I need it bad. Everytime I lose I gain it right back because of this..... Im really up for the challenge. I haven't been successful in ant diet program. So I'm up for the challenge!!!! Lets see those pounds come off.. IM READY TO CHANGE MY LIFE FOREVER

Hello,

Well I started my weight loss April 2007 with the Jenny Craig program. My starting weight was 284, I have lost 12 pounds,and it has been rewarding. I am losing weight slowly and I am ok with that because it took me years to put this weight on. I feel good about my weight lost because I am doing it for me. Since I have started my weight lost I have been so excited. I have never really spoke publically about my weight, but once I weigh in once a week I can not wait to tell people what my weekly weight lost is. Good luck to everyone who is taking the challenge.

I have been apart of the 50 million pound challenge since May 7, 2007. Finishing my third year of Medical School at the University of Miami, I asked myself how can I be a living product of my beliefs. And I remember hearing Dr. Ian Smith on the Steve Harvey morning show saying "loose the pounds and not the fight" and that saying served its purpose to me in so many ways, because I want to promote preventive health to my future patients, especially my African-American brothers and sisters who are subject to certain diseases/disorders due to our overweight factor. So I made a personal goal to lose at least 25 pounds. On May 7, 2007 I weighed 154 lbs and just about a month later today, I am weighing 122 lbs. In my pictures you can really tell the difference. But not only do I look better (to myself) I feel so much better, and it will definitely be worth maintaining. The key in my accomplishment was setting a goal and using the tools to accomplish it. In my case, it was just daily weight training and cardio. I made a few changes in my diet but nothing drastic. So I thank you Dr. Ian for having this dream. You are doing a wonderful thing.

I heard about your challenge on either Oprah or Tyra but have heard it also on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. I have been planning for my family and I to start a weight loss program when school recessed for the summer. Well it is here...I am 37yo, 5'10", 234lbs, my daughter is 13yo, 6'2", 230lbs, my son is 8yo, 5', 120lbs. We are a somewhat active family. My daughter plays basketball year round and participates in track during school year. My son plays recreational sports also. I have run behind them doing the "soccer mom" thing. I have two jobs and also care for my ailing grandparents who are 93yo and 77yo. My max weight was 263 lbs. I am not unhealthy in the sense of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and the like. It runs on both sides of my family though. I don't want to become unhealthy. Starting Monday, my children and I are pledging to exercise and take better care of ourselves. We eat McD's and BK a lot. We pledge not to do that anymore. We pledge to pack healthy lunches when we hit the road to basketball tournaments. I purchased a nice cooler and ice packs. I'm ready!!!! I do not want my children to think that obesity is ok. I want them to feel comfortable with themselves but know that they need to be healthier. So I am doing my best to set the example. So wish us luck....we are accepting the Challenge!!!!

Hello!

I joined the 50 million pounds program at the end of May and thus far have lost 7 pounds! After having my baby in 2006 I was 205 pounds at 5'4 (It was not cute!) Now I am 152 and I plan to lose an additional 26 pounds. I am also a coach in our FITNESS MINISTRY here in Atlanta. It is a great 8 week program that groups women and men with a personal trainer that gives them a great workout two times a week and the coaches look at the nutritional aspect of their diet and pray with the teams that they reach their goals of weight loss, strength endurance and decreasing the needs for various medications. At the end of each week, there is a challenge which tests the ladies on their levels of endurance. Anywho, I have gotten the 12 ladies on my team, GOD'S TEMPLES, to sign up! I plan to continue to get people to sign up! Have a great day and God Bless

I just joined but I have lost ten pounds. I started off weighing 255. I went to therapy for my back in May. Then after finishing a month later I lost about 15 pounds. Then I was able to get a free month at the gym for going to therapy 100%. I am using my free month for June. I weighed in this morning. I weighed 245. I know I have lost weight but I said to my self that muscule weighs more than fat. I think I am off to a good start. Leaving pretty much the fried foods alone. Not snacking that much. Trying to get ride of my pepsi habbit and drinking more water and juice.

My name is Taylor Bowman and I live in Upper Marlboro, MD. I started the 50 million pound challenge on April 23rd. I started out at 216 pounds and 45 days later I am at 178 pounds. 38 pounds in such a sort time is unbelievable. However, I am living proof. Friends, co-workers and family are all in aw. Co-workers saw the change daily and I have inspired at least 5 people to start the Fat Smash diet. I feel like a super star, being the talk of the building. I am very happy with the way I look and feel. No more heavy breathing, as I walk up a flight of stairs. Now, I am running 2 miles with no problem. I haven't done that since my military days, 10 years ago!
Still in stage 3.

Yours truly,

Taylor

I joined the 50 million pound challenge today after hearing Dr. Ian on the Steve Harvey morning show. I have been struggling with my weight all of my life. However, I reached 300 lbs, and became very depressed and unhappy. My boyfriend wants to marry me and I will not agree because I feel I am too ugly to be a bride. My mom bought me a cardio workout dvd about 2 years ago. I busted the package off that sucker and started working out!! I have back, knee, and leg problems and some of it hurt like heck!!! But Iput in the effort day by day. I figure a little a day will never hurt me as much as I have already hurt myself. This is not just a weight challenge for me this is a new life that I am curious to see life through new eyes. I want to know what it like to own a belt for fashion instead of necessity. I want to be healthy. I will be 30 years old this year. I promised myself that I would NOT see another fat birthday!! I am glad that there is place that people can come to get help and support from all over the country. Dr. Ian, you are truly an inspiration. I watched celebrity fit club, and I like your approach to helping folks like me have a healthier life. Thank you!!

I recently joined The Challenge and felt lead to challenge others. I'm on staff at a church in Rockford, IL and so approached my Pastor/boss (who IS Mr. Fit, himself) about our accepting this challenge as a church and a community. He said "GO FOR IT". Since then myself and Davita, another member, have been implementing our challenge as follow:
1. Setup a signup box w/forms in the church lobby
2. Had an ad in the Rockford newspaper challenging others to either join our group or form their own.
3. Setup a "Give Up The Pounds, Not The Fight" rally at a local community center for the end of this month. We are now through our health and fitness ministry, gathering healthcare personnel along w/fitness experts to be present, some to speak for the rally. We are asking them to commit to the challenge as well and be willing to give a break on their cost for 50 mill.lb challengers.
We have also got a team of healthcare workers that will be doing blood pressure checks and other health screenings during this rally.
We plan to offer the people a variety of options so that they will find what works for them. For ex: if someone likes to walk early in the morning, we will see if someone else at the rally likes to do the same things.
Or if someone likes to dance for exercise, maybe we can hook them up w/a dance partner, etc.. We also plan on having some kind of healthy potluck and recipe exchange in the future.
We have already received calls from the community and several other churches who want to join in on this life changing adventure. As each day passes, we realize that so many of us just needed this extra push to get started moving toward living a healthier lifestyle. Bless you, bless you, bless you for this awesome challenge!!!!!! Kim Thomas

I have been overweight for most of my life. I have tried other diets and failed. My family is a family that always is together and we eat all sorts of foods that are not healthy. We love to cook and love to eat. I had done a good job of keeping myself at an overweight status, but over the last two years I have climbed into the obese category. My sisters and my mother have consistently tried to motivate me to go on a diet but with all the good eats they always bring around it was hard. My sister Theresa and I work together so when she heard about the 50 million pound challenge she gathered all of the information and asked if I would like to go on the diet with. She has really inspired me and keeps me motivated. We are on day 10 and I have lost 15 pounds. She helps me plan my meals so I won't be tempted to cheat. She is really the angel I have been needing to conquer my weight problem. I Love You Sis. Thanks.

P.S. I know I have a long way to go but I think I can finally change myself FOR LIFE.

I WAS A MEAT & POTATOES GIRL...

I began my new healthy lifestyle with Dr. Ian Smith's Fat Smash Diet on May 15, 2006. The Detox was an eye opener for me and my entire family. We kept a bulletin board in the kitchen of all of our meals and by the end of the first week, we had seen differences in our sleep patterns, eating patterns and significant differences in the content and odor of our disposable waste. My family got through the first 3 months and then dropped off, but I kept going. I incorporated daily exercise, 6 days a week of bike riding (I never knew I loved bike riding so much), starting at 2 miles a day then going up to 10 miles day. When the colder weather arrived, I became nervous because I couldn't continue the bike riding, then a friend told me that I needed to change up my routine because my body would become accustomed to the exercise. By that time I had lost 43lbs and I did not want to become sedentary again. I loved the way I was feeling, but I was not completely satisfied. So I decided to check out my local YMCA and they offered a full service gym experience with personal training options. I went to the gym 6 days a week and worked out 1 1/2 - 2 hours a day. My workout consisted of an hour of cardio and 45 min to an hour of weight training. It was also a dream of mine to learn how to run. Within a month of training myself running on the treadmill in 1-minute intervals, I began running for 10, 20 minutes at a time. Within 2 months I was running 60 minutes straight. I now run 5 miles 3-4 days a week. I ran my first marathon 3 weeks ago and finished it! I will begin training to run the Marine Core Marathan this fall. I literally see my body sculpting out. Muscles have appeared that I have never seen before - its amazing! None of my clothes fit - I look at myself in the mirror and cannot believe the person in front of me. People at the gym stare at me and encourage me and actually admire me. Who would have ever thought that this one time overweight woman, for most of her life, would actually be respected in a gym! To date I have lost 60lbs. I have gone from a size 22 to a size 10. My life has totally changed! I understand food and nutrition, I respect the power of overeating and gluttony, I realize the damage I did to myself over all those years of poor food choices and poisioning myself. This has been a true education. Physical fitness is now a permanent part of my daily living. I encourage everyone in all my circles to just live healthier, my friends have all joined in with me and they are all losing significant weight also. I give my testimony freely every chance I get and I finally feel I am in control of my life and my health. My doctor is astonished - it was thought that diabetes and hypertension would be inevitable because I could not control my eating. He is so proud of me, all of my blood work is within normal ranges and I am not on any medications. I am truly blessed and I am so grateful for Dr. Ian Smith for developing a system by which the most extreme case of out of control eating and food addiction can be turned around.

Darlene Mitchell
Clinton, Maryland

I started doing a group challenge at my job; we all put in 10.00 I think the total is about $300 winner takes all. After going in the second time I'd lost an additional two pounds. People began complaining that something was wrong with the scale. So the scale was switched which added 4 pounds to my weight loss which some thought was funny.

I am an avid fan of Celebrity Fit Club. I have all my friends watching it every Sunday. We use it as motivation. Dr. Ian was fussing at Dustin (aka Skeeter) when it dawned on me that I can lose the weight hands down no question with his weight loss plan.

I went to the bookstore and started his plan the next morning. At the next weigh in I lost FIVE pounds!!!! Now of course the scale was switched again, but guess what I lost weight on both scales. Everyone wanted to change the rules of the game.

Of course I have gone and bought my own scale. I received Dr. Ian message asking me to update my weight tracking. Today I went to weigh in from last week I'd lost an additional 5 pounds and was told that I was disqualified???? I was so hurt that they would do this to me. When I questioned why? Then they said, "Oh well maybe disqualified is too harsh." We are not going to count this week. Of course that puts me out of the running. All total I'd lost 15 pounds, this would have made me a close winner.

What they don't know is that I am still a winner. I have changed my life I exercise every day. Spend more time with my man and our baby. I eat healthier and take time to rest. Most of all I am proud of myself, no matter how many obstacles were placed in my way I never gave up.

Dr. Ian I want to personally tell you thank you, for adding fifteen years to my life. A doctor once said for every pound lost is a year added.

I am confused about the dirty rice. Are you talking about New Orleans style dirty rice with meat? Please provide a recipe for the rice that you are speaking of.

Congratulations on the new baby.

Veronica A. Davis
Yummy Mommy

I just joined the site after seeing Dr. Ian on the morning show in Memphis Tennessee. About a year and a half ago I weighed 346# and began trying to lose weight. I have lost 100# todate but have not been doing it in the healthiest way. I have been at an impass for the past 6 months or so going back and forth between 5 pounds and so. I recently earned my Masters Degree in Fine Arts and am currently working on a Doctorate in Christian Counseling in Psychology. Hopefully by joining this program with the exercise and diet I will learn to change my eating habits to a healthy eating style and increase my exercise level. I am 54 years old and the mother of two sons and the grandmother of three adorable grandchildren and am married to a wonderful husband. I enjoy oil painting and reading. Please wish me luck with this new diet regimen.

Susiewil

I was so exited to join the challege. I am 39 years old and found out I have diabetis @3years ago. My only choice was insulin and I am deathly afraid of needles. I lost 80 pounds right away! My doctor recognized my efforts and together we found a regimen that will work with just pills. I have since lost 99 pounds since last year! I have @70 more to go before I will completely satified, but I just wanted to encourage anyone that is reading, a diet is a lifestyle change. You have to make up your mind to change everything. I also gave up red meat, pork, condiments, and the most important thing, added salt. Good luck to everyone that is trying like myself. It is a constant struggle, but I can't wait to see the reward when I can put on my size 8 hot pants again!

I started losing weight about 6 years ago, not just to look good, but for my children and health reasons. High blood pressure and diabetes run in my family. Six years ago I had to go to the emergency room due to me thinking I was about to have a heart attack or stroke. The doctor told me that I was a good candidate for a heart attack, diabetes or a stroke, all I could think about what I would miss. I wouldn't see my children graduate from high school, get married or have children of their own. I wanted to be part of that, so I knew that I had to do something. I was 5' 7" wearing a size 20 and 22, now I am a size 8 and 10. I lost the weight naturally by counting calories and walking everyday and the Leslie Sansone "Walk Away the Pounds" exercise tape. As the pounds continued to fall off I purchased a treadmill and it helped me by increasing the pounds to fall off even more. I have lost a total of 100lbs and have been keeping the pounds off, just by continuing to exercise daily and still counting my calories. I still have about 20 more pounds to go, but I will continue my journey for a healthy long life.

I listen to the Steve Harvey Show every morning and on May 31, 2007 I heard Dr. Ian talking about the challenge. I don't think I have been movitivate enough to loose the neccessary weight on my on. I've been on several diets and none of them ever work, so I started to give up. I weighted 306 pounds and I'm 6'0" and from childhood I've been told by relative that I have "big bones" whatever that suppose to mean. I decided on the day after my 32 birthday to make a change in my life and that was to better my health. Since that day I have lost 14 pounds and I'm very proud of my self. Eventhough I still have a long hard road in front of me I'm up for the challenge. I would like to thank Dr. Ian for starting this challenge and helping many people overcome the battle with obesity.

Daria Damon

I'm a 32 year old mother of three I also work as an office manager for a doctor and I'm the program director for an adult day care facility, plus I'm enrolled in college part-time.I have no time to breath some days. I listen to the Steve Harvey Moring show every morning and on May 31, 2007 I heard Dr Ian dicussing the program and I decided that I would sign up, I wieghed 306, but mind you I'm 6'0". I needed to loose some major weight and I needed to start A.S.A.P. but I always had an excuse. So I decided to change my eating habits and started walking as much as possible whenever I can find the time and I have manage to lose 14 pounds. I need to loose alot more but I will take it one day at a time. I would like to say thanks to Dr. Ian for making a commitment to helping other overcome the battle with obesity. I live in southern Louisiana and we eat everything that is not tied down. Changing eating habits was hard but I did it and will continue to do so.
Thanks

Daria Damon

I started the 50 Million pounds challenge on June 1, 2007. My starting weight was 265 lbs. Today is June 7, 2007 and I have lost 10 lbs so far. The key to my success so far has been exercising. I've been eating healthy, staying away from junk food and soda drinks. I also think drinking 64 ounces of water has contributed to my success as well. I recommend drinking a glass or bottle of water before you eat. It seems to cut the appetite in half. I've noticed a big change in my energy since I started this challenge. I want to thank Dr. Ian for being the pioneer of the 50 million pounds challenge. The free website has provided me with the necessary resources to continue this life long journey of being healthy. I still have a long way to reach my goal, but it feels good to take that first step.

I joined the 50 million lb challenge on April 5, 2007 and since then have lost 16lbs! in total bringing me to 70lbs and now I have 100's of women taking part!I am a member of SparkPeople.com and I wanted to let you know that I lave lost 67 lbs to date since November 2006 and I decided to go PUBLIC with my remaining 65lbs that I need to loose, I started a challenge called 30 in 90 - 30lbs in 90 days. I realize that I have a tool that helps in my weight loss but I still have to exercise daily , drink my water , watch calories and etc. So I decided to share my personal goal challenge with the women in the BBQ group- Beautiful Black Queens- Forum on spark people. Well to my surprise over 100 women have joined in since May 23, 2007.June 1st started the challenge and we share with each other our goals and how we're are going to get there. WE have agreed to only weigh in 2xs a month and identify a piece of clothing that we can't fit right now and try it on 1X per month to measure our progress because I know that I can no longer be a slave to the scaled. I am a member of you 50million challenge and I love the site! I HAVE ASKED ALL THE WOMEN TO SIGN UP AND THEY HAVE! MOST OF US HAVE YOUR BOOK SMASH DIET AND ARE FOLLOWING IT!I support your effort and understand your "mission" ! I would love for our group to join you when you come to NY on your tour because we are in the Phili area! Although we realistically know that we all won't lose 30 lbs in 90 days but we are going to put forth our best effort! I hope this note reaches you personally. Thank you for your support and effort -Our people need to understand the importance of good habit and a healthy lifestyle not a diet! If you want to take a look here's a link to our page and thread :
http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/team_messageboard_thread.asp?imparent=6732982&imboard=249