The 50 Million Pound Blog

Weight loss is not just physical it is in the mind as well,it is not an easy process,all the books and motivation is not enough unless discipline and hard work and a goal is in place.weight loss can be life transforming experience.All the Best to everyone trying to loose weight.

I joined in 2007 have not been doing the challenge and my weight is out of control. I joined a gym but my job has long hours and i am too tried to go . I need help . I look at the mirror and I know I need to lose weight just can't seem to kept started and stay motivated. I am 54 and have always been heavy.

i have been so depressed about myself so iam here trying to get so inspiration to get fit from you all i have iam starting today i need to change before i die. iam morbidly obese thats really hard to say but i am i need help . lets pray for each other and courage each other to keep trying i know si need it its good to read you all letters of hope thanks to you keep them comming and i will keep reading. but first i guesss i need to contact state farm for the pkg. but metally i have stared today. Dra.

Yes hi everone i've being dieting for three months know so far i only lost 7 lbs. i need to loose 70 lbs.am tring to do it by january any suggestions.

I decided to join the 50 million lb challenge to keep me motivated to loose the last few pounds . I'm a 5'10 186 lb man but my BMI is still to high. The suggested BMI is 174 but I think that is way to low a body weight for me so I compromised at 180. So I have 6 lbs to loose. I know it's not the 20 - 50 lbs most have to loose but I think the last few are the hardest to take off and keep off. What I can suggest to all for motivation is to link your workouts to a sport. There are plenty of leagues or run/walks out there to participate in.

Good morning to all,
First let me start by saying this is wonderful what Dr. Ian is doing for our people. I just join the challenge on 7/13/07 after hearing about it on the radio and thought what the heck why not. You see I,m 47 and been informed that i am a Diabetic (about 1 1/2 yrs.) and been struggling trying to lose weight on my own; even went as far as making a weight room in my house and have all the things needed to assist me except the most important thing; motivation. I've ask guys I know and seems noone has the time to exercise or they are just too busy. Like some of you, I need to be push to get moving. What I would like to see is Dr. Ian connect all the people in the same area together to possible help and encourage each other. I know you have the web site to go to for some encouragement but some times the best way is for someone to be there with you, making you accountable to each other. I live Jacksonville, Fla in arlington area. I'm looking forward to this challenge and possible others in the same area to create a buddy system to help each other. All of you keep up the good work.

Hello everyone-
It's Saturday morning and as I was reading the blogs I thought I would share my experiences to perhaps help someone in my position.
I am 28 years old soon to be 29 and had never been weight conscious until I became a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. I wanted to help others achieve their goals and be HEALTHY - not THIN, HEALTHY. This lead me to begin honestly evaluating my habits, 'am I be able to courage my clients looking the way I am?' or 'am I setting an example in the way I eat and exercise?' Sadly I saw the truth and decided to take action.
The first thing I did was be honest with myself, knowing that I would NOT be motivated to work out on my own, I began running again with a friend. I also joined a weight loss center that focused on nutrition where I didn't have to purchase their foods or use meal replacement shakes. I wanted to be sure that I knew how to eat properly and would continue to do so long after reaching my goal weight. It's been 6 weeks, I am 5'6" and weighed 156 pounds when I started. I've lost 13 pounds as of today.
One of the highlights of my weight loss is logging onto this site and seeing how others are reaching their goals as well. I can only imagine the excitement, the joy, the increased self confidence that so many are experiencing as a result of taking charge of their health, the same as I feel. Had I not been honest with myself, I would still be sitting here watching others meet the challenge and wishing I would do the same. Don't think of what you did, think of what you are doing right now and let it move you to either keep up the great work or start right now to take one step towards your reward.

Hi Everyone,

I just returned from a 5 mile walk (1:43). I started The Challenge on July 1 while watching a replay fo the BET Awards. I have been training to walk a half-marathon (13.1 miles) in October. I've been working with the plan given to me by Team In Training (TNT) with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and have determined that I will not let the Leukemia get the best of me. I need to lose about 70 pounds and I've gotten a start at that. I'm also going to try the Abs Diet for Women. Theorectically, you can start to scuplt your abs and strengthen your core within 6 weeks. After the initial 6 weeks, you must continue to excercise and eat right-- so you won't have Janet Jackson or Beyonce Abs in 6 weeks (unless you are already thin)-- you'll just have stronger, more defined abs, core and back. My goal is to finish the half-marathon 30 pounds lighter and in much better shape. I'll still have at least 40 more to go, but walking that far with 30 fewer pounds will help alot! I'm glad this is here. I need to journey with you all so I don't feel so discouraged.

Hi everyone,

My name is Melina and I'm from NY and I am 23 yrs old. I joined the 50 million pound challenge because I loved watching Dr. Ian on Celebrity Fit Club and envied the weight loss I watched each week. I had been trying to lose weight for quite some time now and just could not get myself motivated. Last September I started graduate school and life got a little more hectic. I decided that I should join a gym close to where I lived so I joined Lucille Roberts; that was back in October. I never went back. To top things off, I signed up for a 2 yr membership. Thought I'd be a little ambitious.

Time went by and the thought of working out alone scared me. I really wanted a gym buddy, but no one I knew was willing. I made a great friend at school who really encouraged me to work out and eat healthy. The working out didn't start too well, but the healthy eating did. I began to pay attention to calories and fat and carbs and I read every label.

I knew that eating healthy wasn't enough and that I had to go to the gym because it was important to work out and exercise. It wasn't until I joined the challenge that I started going to the gym. I was on summer vacation and had no excuse now. So I went on a Monday and worked out for an hour and it was great. I went the next day and the next day and the next day. It's been 4 weeks since I started my diet and exercise program and I've lost 10lbs and I go regularly to the gym at least 3 days a week. When I work out I just do cardio for an hour and do ab workouts at home because I have a few dvds for that.

It's gotten to the point where if I don't go to the gym I feel like something is missing and I make sure to do at least 15mins to 20mins extra the next day.

I am so happy I joined this challenge and it's encouraging to read the blogs and be inspired by others. It feels great knowing that I'm being healthy not only to lose the weight, but to lead a longer healthier life.

It's important to remember that if you don't have anyone to encourage you to work out or eat healthy, you have to encourage yourself.

My weight loss plan is this:
Healthy Diet + Exercise + Prayer + Self Confidence = on the way towards my goal

I started this program in March and to date I've only lost 10 pounds. I need some help. I am getting discouraged and just about ready to quit. Please Help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As an African-American woman with a family history of various Chronic diseases, I decided to take the challenge as a personal goal to be more serious about living a healthier lifestyle. Since the start of the program, I no longer feel fatigue and mentally drained at the end of the day. My mind and body have done a total 360. During the first week I started a detox phase which allowed me to only consume fresh fruits and vegetables and drink only water along with prayer and meditation. During that short period, I started reflecting on what caused me to not care about my body. (Get down to the emotional issues that caused me to eat.) Once the problem was revealed to me, I did a cabinet and refrigerator makeover. I threw away the bacon, the pork chops, the beef, the eggs, the chips, the dips, the you name it I had it foods, and replaced them with various locally grown fruits and vegetables, fish, oats and chicken. I replaced the computer and TV with outside exercise, whether it is mowing the lawn, swimming in the pool, or walking a mile with the dog everyday, I had to get my body moving. When I first started loosing weight, I felt a little discouraged as to how slow the weight was comming off, but then I realized that ROME was not built in one day. This is going to take time. Slowly but surely I AM going to get there. Thanks Dr. Ian

Well, I must say that I have definitely been motivated and inspired by the vision Dr. Ian Smith has about changing the unhealthy weight cycles that are festering in the Black community. I consider myself "in shape" however I am still guilty of carrying a little "extra" that could eventually effect me in the future. So my best friend and I have decided to push ourselves mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and PHYSICALLY to another level by committing ourselves to start marathon training. Now I am not a runner at all, however, the motivation from all of you has inspired me to "kick things up". Of course we plan to start small and work ourselves and our bodies to running a full marathon by next spring. Pray for us! :o) Continue to press forward in this challenge!!! This challenge is empowering movement that will change lives forever and WE ALL are a part of it! :o)

Hey Dr. Ian!!!

I just want to commend you for coming up with this idea for the african-american community.

Now my questions is 1.) How can I increase my energy so that I can exercise and 2.) I work in the field and I find myself eating out a lot more. What foods can I take with me in the field or what options can I use to order food. My last question is when is a good cut-off time to stop eating in the evening. I really want to loose 50 ilbs before my birthday in October. HELP!!!!

This message is for "Free" and anyone else who can identify with us...I too am scared about my eating habits. I never realized that I was an emotional eater. I always attributed my weight gain to pregnancy and a post-child birth illness. I have NEVER had a problem with weight until the past 5 years (I am 38 years old). I am currently 30 pounds overweight (borderline obese). I know that I have got to change in order to provide myself and my family with an adequate future. Any encouragement is greatly appreciated.

I am severely over weight. I am 37 years old and want to do it, but I can't seem to find the motivation from within to do it. HELP PLEASE!!! I don't want to be like this for the rest of my life.

Hello Everyone. I joined the Group on 6/27/07. I also bought the Extreme Fat Smash Diet. The book is wonderful!!!! The first week, I didn't think I could do it but once I started, I noticed that I was not a hungry as I usually am. Fast forward to today and I have lost 12 pounds!!! I am really excited and very happy. For excerise, I workout to a cardio dance dvd for 40 minutes in the morning and I walk for 30 minutes in the evning. Trust me when I say that the Extreme Fat Smashe Diet works. I bought my copy online for $7.00 and it is well worth it.

Hi Everybody My Name Is Cornesia Casey And I'm From A Small Town Called Foley Alabama. And A Couple Of Days Ago I Was Told That I Have Polycystic Ovarian Diease I Know It Sounds Like It Doesn't Have Much To Do With Weight But It Does. Over The Past Couple Of Years I Have Became Okay With My Weight That Was My Problem And I Love Calling Myself Big Sexy I Do Think I'm Very Pretty For A Big Girl But My Health Is At Risk So It's Time For Me To Lose Weight. So I'm Taking One Step At A Time First Start Walking Them Giving Up My Sweets (That's Going To Be So Hard) But I Would Love Some Support From Everyone And I Hope That Dr. Ian Plans Work For Me

Love Ya
Miss Neshia

E-mail Address: Bishopchica2005@yahoo.com Or
Myspace: www.myspace.com/Big_iz_Sexy05

Hi, I'm 44 years old, and I'm an educator. For the last fews years, I've been place on blood pressure, reflux, and insomina medications because of overwhelming stress loads and occassional poor eating habits. In additional diabetes and hypertension runs in my family.
Therefore, I decided to really make a serious effort to work on my weight before I heard about "The Challenge" because my family doctor wanted to increase my blood pressure meds., but I refused. After conferencing with my doctor, I decided to lose weight, eat right, and take control of the stress in my personal and professional lives. I've develop a plan. I set target goals for myself each week and create an exercise routine following Dr. Ian's tips.
Dr. Ian's "Challenge" only provided me with a support system. I am determine to reach my goal and get off of some or all of the current medication I'm on. I want to live a healthy and productive life for myself and my children.
I don't want to waste another day finding MY solution in a bottle if I don't have to do so.

Can't afford to go to a gym, plus ashamed about my size to be there. So what are some good exercises to do at home for an African American woman, 46 years old and more than 100+ pounds overweight? I really want to lose but it's so hard starting again and sticking to a system.

Please, ANY suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thank you!

I just started this challenge yesterday , I feel I am ready to lose the weight more now than ever,I am ready for a real change in my life I have been trying for 15yrs to lose weight & all I kept doing was gaining weight now that I have read Dr. Ian's 1st book and have followed it to some degree I have lost 10 lbs. Starting this challenge has made me feel good about continuing & being more consistant, emotional eating & being bored play a big part in my gaining weight. I try to go online talk to my friends & family or call people in my family I haven't spoken to in a while find some mini carrots to chew on, or strawberries , make a salad ( big plate) clean my house or I try to find other things to curb that wanting of junk food.. I know it's hard but it can be done. It's an everyday struggle for some of us out here ...

I decided to join the 50 million pound challenge to help me keep track of my progress. I am a member at a gym and have been trying to work out at least 4 days a week. The elliptical trainer is my favorite cardio workout because it is not strenuous on my knees. If anyone has problems with their knees, I would recommend trying it instead of the treadmill. I'm up to 45 minutes (a little over 4 miles) each workout. I also work with with weights, alternating between legs and arms each workout so I can allow that part of my body to recuperate. I also exercise my abs with each workout. My best friend works out with me so that we stay motivated to go to the gym. I have started to "unlearn" my current eating habits. I started using Weight Watchers Flex Plan as a guide to learn better portion control and healthier eating habits. I have lost 2.5 lbs. in one week. It's a long, hard process, but it's worth it. I had to come to the realization that I'm worth the work. I want to lose weight not just for my physical appearance, but for my emotional and mental well being. I will be praying for everyone to reach their goal. Stay strong!! Much love.

I have lost 40lbs on another diet plan and I just cant seem to keep it together right now.I am eating things I should not be eating and I just can't control this right now, but the one good thing out of this is I am still exercising I walk and run 4miles a day, and I really love the exercising but I need to eat better because the weight will come back on, I am 5'10 and my weight right now is 221 I really don't think I look that bad but I still need to continue with my healthy lifestyle. I thought I had the emotional eating controlled but I still have my days of over eating for the wrong reasons. I wish I could learn how to get over the emotional eating for me that is the key to my success, PLEASE HELP ME !!!!! I know I can do this, I know deep down inside I can be better than what I am how can I get that person out of me ??? I think I am SCARED !!!!!!!

This comment is for Latoya Skidmore. You and I are on the same page. I am down 167lbs from 190lbs and I am 5'0 and I was wondering the same thing, should I try to get down to my healthy range or get down to 130lbs ( the weight I was in high school) which looked good on me. I was told that 130lbs is not all that far away from our healthy range, so it will be okay to stop dieting at this weight. I was wondering what is your diet and workout regime?

I just started the challenge today. I need to lose like 37 lbs to meet my goal, and I need some support to make it. Please continue to post encouraging words because it helps. I will let you know how I did for week one next week.

I AM 28 YEARS OLD AND I JOINED THE 50 MILLION LB CHALLENGE TODAY.I STARTED A WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM BACK IN FEB. I HAVE LOSS 40 LBS SO FAR AND IT FEELS REALLY GREAT! TO BE ABLE TO ACTUALLY WALK WITHOUT KNEE PAIN I FEEL GREAT. I JOINED THIS CHALLENGE SO THAT I CAN STAY ENCOURAGED AND FOCUSED ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHICH IS MY HEALTH AND BEING HERE TO SEE MY CHILD GROW UP. LOSING WEIGHT IS ONLY HALF THE BATTLE YOU HAVE TO COMPLETLY CHANGE THE WAY THAT YOU THINK.

I AM 59 1/2 YEARS OLD, A DIABETIC WEIGHING 225 AND AM 5'7". I CANT SEEM TO LOSE MORE THAN 10 POUNDS NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRY. I NEED HELP. I THINK I AM A PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR YOU SHOW.

I more or less have a question. I am 5' 0.5" and I currently weigh 159lbs down from 192.5 lbs. I intially set my goal weight as being 120lbs which would make me a size 1/2. According to my BMI this where I should be to be considered healthy. I changed my goal weight to 130lbs since this is what I use to weigh five years ago which is a 5/6 depending on who makes the clothes. I am a naturally thick and big bone person. So in saying all of that, should I stick to what my healthy BMI weight says I should be or should I keep the goal weight of 130lbs? I have changed my lifestyle so now I do not eat pork, beef,fried foods, or anything high in fat. I now focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and fiber. I exercise daily and I also try to keep moving everyday. I also have something called insulin resistance so that is another reason that I am concerned about how much weight is good for me to lose without developing any more medical problems.

I recently join the challenge two weeks ago. I've only lost 2lbs., but I actually started a weight loss program after the birth of my third child. I have lost a total of 10lbs. I have for about 14 yrs now been on some kind of weight loss program. I would like to know what your thoughts were on a person who has a medium frame , I have combined cardio with calisthenics. My question is , if your building muscle , should your ideal weight be a liitle more than what's considered normal? I'm so excited that Dr. Smith didn't forget about his people , He actually wants to help us lose weight. My prayer is that this will just the beginning for African-American to deal with this crisis. I also would like suggestions to how to eat healthly on a budget. I think so many people are discouraged from eating healthly, because it can be expensive. thanks God bless.

I gained over 100 pounds as a result of injuries to my back and knees as a victim of a car accident. I am always in pain and that has become my reason for not exercising. As a result, I am not getting any better. I struggle to do the simplest things that most people do normally. After watching Celebrity Fit and Dr. Ian Smith along with exercise guru Harvey, I was encourged about losing weight. My real motivation occurred with the 50 Million Pound Weight Loss Challenge. I am not alone in this struggle and I have a whole nation of people engaged in the same struggle as myself. I am proud to be a part of this historic health challenge. Each week I will chart my progress. Now I am understanding how Angie Stone felt when she was on the show. I pray for the success of both of us and for all of the people going through the 'fire' of losing weight.

Let me start by saying, I love this challenge! It is a wonderful way to keep my self accountable and to feel apart of something greater than myself...
However, I am afraid that I am doing too much too fast. I am trying the South Beach Diet and exercising 4 days a week. I have lost 15 pounds in about 8 days. Currently, I am only eating lean meats and vegetables. Is this natural? Do you feel the South Beach Diet is O.K. ? Please comment, because although I am happy to lose the weight I do not want to hurt or deprive myself of something that is needed.
Thanks for the support. Everyone lets do it!

I am starting slow and losing slow but I am so encouraged to really succeed this time. Thanks a million. I pay for gym membership but never really use it so it will be nice getting back into the gym and the pool and especially the jacuzzi.

I started The Challenge one week ago along with The Extreme Fat Smash Diet and Exercise Program. For cardio, I workout to a walking exercise DVD three days a week for 30 minutes, walking for 2 miles. I also do strength training with resistance bands twice a week. So far, I have lost 4 lbs. and I am 41 pounds away from my goal weight.

I love to workout. Several years ago, I ran over three miles every other day. While attending school, I could not find the time to workout, after awhile my weight increased to over a hundred pounds. Why can't I lose this weight? I try to walk every other day for around one hour. Please help!