The 50 Million Pound Blog

Hello everyone, I was reading the success stories and I am totally inspiried. I am 47 years old and weigh in at 130 lbs. I am now a size 5, I was previously 230 lbs.

Please listen, and listen carefully. I weighed 230 lbs the year 2005, it has taken me almost 3 years to get down to a size 4. It can be done, but honestly--It takes prayer, committment, pitfalls, mistakes, and a lot of encouraging from family members.

I am not a member of the 500 million lb, nor do I participate, I am a Chicago Marathon runner for Abn Amro Bank. I run 10 miles a day and walk 5 miles when I get tired of running. I do not eat meat, none what so ever including chicken and fish.

People listen, it is impossible to exercise and eat a lot of food, I could not do it, If you can, God Bless you, I started to get full so quick, bloated and constipated. I have limited my self to sometimes just fruit for breakfast and lunch and no dinner. Once you truly start to exercise, your body tends to change and you do not have an appetite. How anyone is able to eat a lot of food and exercise, I will never understand, my body does not allow me to do that. But please be encouraged, it takes patience and prayer. I made so many mistakes, but now I am 47 years old and have the figure of my high school years, a size 4.

With love and prayer, A Chicago resident

Hi Mr. Davis,
Your story is inspiring...please give an update soon.

I HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH MY WEIGHT FOR A WHILE NOW.IN JAN 07 I WEIGHED 306 POUNDS THAT'S WHEN I RELAIZED I NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING SO I JOINED WW, SINCE THEN I HAVE LOST 9 POUNDS. I NOW WEIGH 297. I JOINED THE CHALLANGE IN JUNE 07 AND I HAVE ONLY DROPPED 1 POUND. I HAVE SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS SUCH AS HIGH BP, DIABETIC, JUST TO NAME A FEW AND I READ WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO ME IF I DID NOT GET MY WEIGHT UNDER CONTROL. SO ANOTHER YEAR HAS ROLLED AROUND AND I AM STILL HERE, MEANING I STILL HAVE TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERNCE. MY GOAL WEIGHT IS 178 AND I NEED TO LOSE 10 POUNDS AT A TIME. WITH THE HELP OF THE OTHERS IN THIS CHALLANGE I CAN DO THIS. " MIND OVER MATTER." PLEASE SEND TIPS. SHOULD I DROP WW OR STICK WITH IT?

Hi all !!!

Hey Dr. Ian,
I heard you talking on the radio today about the 50 million pound challenge. After some serious consideration and thoughts of the countless relatives as well as friends I have lost to deaths due to weight issues and those that come with being over weight. I plan to join the challenge.

I live in the Chi-Town area and recently lost a very dear friend who was like the big brother I never had to complications from a stroke but I know that those complications came from when he was really over weight. Funny thing about that he was a radio personality and had lost a considerable amount of weight and had been promoting a 1 million pound challenge when he fell ill and I was on my way to join the challenge.

I said all of that to say this, I may be late getting in the game but the game will not be over without me. Count me in and whether I lose 1 pound or 100 pounds I want to do my part. I thank you for continuing on with a promotion that will benefit so many people. I believe one of the first thing to go when a person is not satisfied with themselves for whatever reason is the self esteem.

God Bless you Dr Ian and all of your efforts to help not only the people of color but all people that suffer from health related issues know better so they can do better.

BIG KUDOS FROM LT

Hey Brothers and Sisters, I am new to this, just read about it tonight and am at least 30 pounds over weight. I am also a poster child for any and all illnesses due to weight. I am willing to try and make the committment if this works.

Well, I', so proud of all my people. We are moving towards the mark and we all look great. I just signed up but have been working on the program. I just didn't have the time to sign up. Well, I started the program on July 13, 2007 and my starting weight was 167.2. I'm proud to say that I'm now weighing in at 147.4 as of August 23, 2007. I follow by diet and drink my water. I try to walk 2-3 miles four times a week.

Thank you Steve Harvey for passing the word on to your radio fans!!! We love you boy!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am going to purchase the Fat Smash Diet this evening. I am really going to need all of your motivation to get through this. I presently weigh 310lbs. I am on medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Weight loss has been a challenge for me for a long time. This website and the stories from all of you has started me in the right direction again. I will do my best to be an example to others. I will keep you posted. Thanks. Peace...
Sonnyjoe

Hello to everyone!

Yesterday was my birthday - I made 39 and I am extremely overweight. For many years I have steadily gained weight and I am now over 300 pounds. I am married with 3 children and I have been very unsuccessful committing myself to diets and excercise programs. I am hoping this challenge will help me.

Many years ago, I said to myself, "as long as I don't go over 300, I am alright". Well now, I have surpassed this and I feel awful. My mother died at 41 of complications from diabetes and this disease along with high blood pressure, heart disease, and others are in my family. I am fast approaching 41 and my greatest fear is that I will not live to see my kids grow. I want to live!. I pray that the motivation and commitment by others on this site will assist me in reaching my goal of 160 lbs.

Thanks for providing such a comprehensive site that motivates, educates, and uplifts the human spirit in the quests for healthy, smart living.

Hello and congratulations to everyone for their weight loss efforts. I myself have lost 26 pounds since joining in May 2007. I've gone from 220lbs to 194lbs. My key to weight loss is WATER I drink it as much and as often as I can. I also try to watch what I eat and exercise when I can. Keep up the great work everyone and remember we are making history!!!!

Greetings,
I've just joined the challenge. I've been overweight since I was 19 and now at 36 I've made a commitment to get in shape, get healthy and create a better quality of life. At 23 I stopped eating pork, 2 years later I stopped eating meat for 2 years and for the past 7 I've improved my cooking skills to include learning more about foods in general and preparation. BTW, I've always been a pretty good cook since I was kid but, as I got older and with the help of the food channel I've learned to infuse herb, spices, oils, exotics, fat minimizing techniques and so on; I am a much better cook. LOL!

Anyway, I'm 6'1 and as of 4wks ago 285lbs. My goal weight is 220. I told my cousin, who has a phenomenal physique to me(not to be a builder), that I want to experience a metamorphasis and have an unveiling, if you will, in the summer '08. I'm committed to change and ready to work.

Good Luck to me!!! And Good Luck to all of the other challengers!!!!!!!
Me Presently as of this Post:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j2/sodapopcurtis35/me3a.jpg

Join my groups for support!

My group:
http://www.50millionpounds.com/challenge_teams/teamprofile.aspx?id=e72a389d-b73f-4e51-9ea8-6a77bf4d9137

myspace url:

http://www.myspace.com/sfh50millionpounds

SOOOO SORRY..I WANTED TO SAY THAT I WAS @ 240..AND NOW UM @ 234 SOOO SORRY WHEN I LOOKED AT WHAT I TYPED I KNOW PPL MUST HAVE THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY..LOL.

Hello, everyone. I have been wanting to lose weright for a while now. In the past, I was never consistent with my dieting and exercising. Most that look at me say that I look healthy and that I'm not fat, but they don't know that there are clothes that do good jobs at hiding how overweight you are. I borrowed Dr.Ian's book from a co-worker but I haven't looked at it that much. However, I feel that I need to change my diet and weight before I get too far gone and it's harder for me. I plan on starting the diet on Monday August 20th!!!! I hope that this diet/challenge will give me great results!

I am starting this challenge on Monday, August 20th. My goal is 50 pounds. I will continue to exercise and start eating healthy.

hi I'm a 26-year old female, who has heard about this for some time now, but never really thought about joining. I started my plan last week and have lost 8lbs so far, my overall goal is to be 160, i started off at 142 and now I am at 134, I have not purchased the " Fat Samash Diet" book, however i will do so, so that i can increase my weight lost...I'm like most I'm just tired of being over weight and i want to live a healther life style.

I need some help since I've joined in July, I have only lost 14 lbs. I think that is slow I walk 2miles a day drink plenty of water have stop eating bread and sweets. Any suggestions on what else I can add to my weight loss goal.
By the way I am 5'5 246 now, but I was 260.

Hey Guys, I've read so many of your stories and I continue to struggle with the weight. What I realized is that in reading others stories is that I'm not alone amd that I can look at others people situations and be blessed for where I am and know that if you guys can be honest and share your stories and morover start to do some thing about it so can I. yOU SEE I know what ti takes mentally, spiritually and physically. I also know that I have to commit ot a lifestye change in order to change my health. I have to also do it for the right reasons. i know this but knowing and applying is two distinctly different things. hopefully with the sharing of the stories I've heard and the applying of the principles to my life I'll be able see thius tihing out and not just start it only to stop it. thsnks and good luck to all of you including myself

Hi my name is cynthia and i've been in a relationship for 24 years.And he hates the fact that i've 30 pound and he always calling me fat so my children was watching bet and told me about the 50millionpound so Dr Ian i need help my eating habits are bad please helpme to lose 35lbs.

I just joined and need all the help I need. I am 60 years old and in bad health. I have heart failure, diabetes and high blood pressure. I am starting today to get myself together. I really enjoyed reading the blogs because the helped me.

I am looking forward to sticking with this plan. Currently weighing 174 lbs., I hope to be at my goal weight of 140 by December. In the past, I have started exercising and would last for only two weeks and stop. I hope that I will be able to keep going this time. This challenge is worth being a participant.
For those of you who have reached your goal, congratulations!!!

I am a 39yr old female who has tried everything from yoyo diets from pills and now i feel like nothing is going to work.I have seen this 50mp.c on tv and i turned the channel now i am more determined than ever because being a single mom of two and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol i wont be here long to raise my boys. Its about being healthy now my life is depending on it. Now 291lbs trying for 200lbs for my 5ft11 Queen Latifah frame.Look out world a diva is n the works.ROSEMARY WATKINS,CHICAGO ILLINOIS

Today, I started on the 50 million pound challenge. After reading several of your comments, I think I'm ready to do something about my weight. Afterall, I don't really like how I look, how I look in my clothes or how I feel sometimes. I am 5'2 and I weight 202 lbs. I'm hoping to stick this one out as I have tried several other diet programs with little to no success. Looking forward to losing with the rest of you!

I want to get on this plan as of today. i want to take off 50 pds. my current weight is 182

I was just reading the blogs to get some encouragement. I started the challenge a couple of months ago and fell into the trap of yo-yo dieting. Thank God I came to my senses. I've always worked out in the past but the eating was never stable enough to lose or maintain my weight. People would always say that I didn't look as heavy as the scale said. If they guessed my weight, they were always off by 20-30 pds. I fooled myself into thinking that it wasn't that bad because no one could guess my weight. But over time I began to feel bad and I really don't like the way I look. I had a physical and the doctor said I need to lose weight because my gluscose level is starting to elevate.

I've lost a total of 11 pds so far. Coming from 184 to 173. Still too much for my 5'2" frame. But I am determined to feel better and look better by making lifestyle changes. My first goal is 150 pds. Second will be 135 pds. I'll get there.

Stay encouraged as we fight this battle together.

I'am A Firefighter in Shreveport, La and I pondered on losing weight when I heard about the 50 Million pound challenge when I had a house fire. After the house fire I was completely wore out and and I wondered much do I weigh and I stepped on the scale and it read 313 pounds. I felt so embarassed and did not want to tell anyone but realized that if I did not want feel this way I needed to lose weight and now I have lost 30 pounds down from 313 to 283 and I feel great but it feels good knowing I'm not alone in this and the tips provided are very helpful.

I love celebrity fit club so, I bought the Fat Smash Book in April 2006. I went from a size 26 womens to 18 womens by November 2006. I haven't gained any weight but, I am going to detox and start the life style challenge from the beginning. My new goal is to wear a size 8 and stay there.. Good Luck to all and stay encouraged.

Hello,
I'am 49yrs. old I actually started on my weight lose over a year ago,I use to weight 374 pds. I've been doing weight watchers but I still have a long way to go. I've heard on the radio about the 50million pd. challenge, I'am very serious about losing my weight I still have an good 100 pds. to go. I need all the help and suggestions I can get to keep going.Today I weight 279.8pds and I'am taken on the challenge to lose 100 more pds.

I heard about this challenge on the radio while driving to work one day. I pondered about taking this challenge everyday for more than a week. When I stepped on the scale and it read that I weighed more now than when I weighed in to deliver my daughter; I broke down right there. So I am taking a stand today as a 29 year old single mom of 1. I am going to regain control of my life, eating and exercise habits and I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!!! I weighed in at 200 at 5'7 and I will reach my goal of 165.

I am serious about losing weight. I joined the challenge 08/08/07 after really becoming depressed about my weight. My weight use to be 368lbs, and I got down to 195llbs about 5 yrs ago. Well now I am back up to 270, and I know I got to do something differently. I set a goal to lose 70llbs, and once that has been accomplished I plan to lose 30 more. I hope this encourage me to work hard on achieving my goal.

I started walking early mornings for 1 hour, and I am on a 1200 calorie diet. I am determined to beat the fat, because I am tired of it beating me. I am open to encouraging words, and suggestions for motivation, because I know I can do this the healthy way.

I joined the Dr Ian's program on June 7, 2007. It was at an ideal time, I had just completed a program through my employer. I started out at 240 lbs on a very diminutive frame. I take an aerobics class 3 times per week and walk 5-7 times per week 30-45 minutes. In just two months, I am down to 222.8 (the healthy way). Be encouraged.

I am 49 yrs old, and after listening to Steve Harvey & my doctor stress how important it is to not be over weight, I decided to join. I have tried several diets through my whole life, and they were all temporaty, So I decided to really put my heart and mind into it,ask God to help me daily, and get my encouragement from all the people on the 50Million pound challenge trying to do the same thing I am trying to do. It has been (4) weeks, I have lost 11 pounds & some inches. I have a blazer that I couldn't button all the way down, so I wore it open. But this past Sunday, I buttoned it all the way down comfortably. So I say to everyone, keep up the good work, stay encouraged, We Can Do It!

Hello to all,

I am a 26y/o black male and I started the challenge back in May. Since then, I've joined and committed myself to a gym(Gold's). I've even hired one of the personal trainers there. I have completely changed my bad eating habits. I stopped eating beef and pork, and started eating more fruits, raw veggies, and lean meats. Since, I have lost about 14lbs. And I feel GREAT! I don't get short of breath like I use to. I just wanted to say thank you sooo much Dr. Ian Smith for this wonderful opportunity and for your book "The Fat Smash Diet."

I AM 40 YEARS OLD AND IAM VERY SERIOUS ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT AND EATING RIGHT. MY DOCTOR TOLD ME I WAS HIGH RISK FOR HAVING A HEART ATTACK OR CLOGED ARTERIES.I NOT ONLY NEED TO DO THIS FOR MYSELF BUT I NEED TO DO THIS FOR MY KIDS AND MY NEW GRANDCHILD.I NEED TO LEARN TO LOVE ME AND MY GOD WILL DO THE REST.SO TODAY IS THE DAY OF A BEAUTIFUL ME TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL AND FILL HEALTHY AND FREE... WATER WILL BE MY BEST FRIEND AND THATS WHATS UP.

I am 30 years old and I found working out very stressful and time consuming but since I began walking with The Walking Ministry at my church in New Jersey, my thoughts about working out have changed greatly. After my detox stage,according to "The Fat Smash Diet" book, I began to walk .5 miles once a month. Now am I walking 2 miles three times a week and I've lost 7lbs. since June 2007. I love taking care of myself and I have more energy than ever before.

Hello to everyone who is trying to lose weight. I'm writing this to A. Thomas, and A. Cosey, and anyone else who seems to have a problem getting the weight off. 1st: "NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN". 2nd: Forget buying the tapes. If you can't get your butt on the floor why waste the money for the tapes. You have to get to the 50/50 club (50% exercise, 50% diet). sugar has to become a thing of the past, and Fiber has to become the love of your life.

I am fit,fabulous and Fifty. I have to work on this every day for the rest of my life and so does everyone else. getting the weight off is one thing, keeping the weight off is the real game. I'm a walker, and work out person but it's the food you put in your mouth that's going to get the weight off.

Fruits, vegetables, and lean meats for me. No pork, or beef, with a gallon of water every day. This can do miracles' for your body.
That means those late night meals have to go away.

My point is this: Talking, and Praying to lose weight sounds and reads good but you have to live it. Good Luck!

ps: I'm on no meds.

it is so good to see others losing i started on july 26 and i have not lost nothing but my mind i want to lose 100 pound i don't have any will power and don't really know which way to start other than just walking everyday i need help with my eating and meals planning any ideal i not eating right and i hate looking at myself and nothing fits right any help i would like to hear thank l mckibben

I CURRENTLY PARTICIPATE IN EVERY HEALTH PROGRAM THAT IS OFFERED WITH OUR COMPANY WHICH IS ALABAMA POWER. I CURRENTLY WALK ABOUT 10 TO 15 THOUSANDS STEPS A DAY USING MY PEDOMETER TO RECORD. I EVEN ENROLLED IN THE GYM AND PAID FOR A TRAINER BUT I AM STILL NOT SEEING ANY RESULTS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR QUITE A WHILE. I AM 37 YEARS OF AGE.I HAVE CHANGED MY EATING HABITS BUT IT IS HARD TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND A HUSBAND ALONG WITH GOING BACK TO COLLEGE AFTER ABOUT 15 YEARS. SO IF ANYONE HAVE SUGGESTIONS THAT YOU KNOW WILL HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT A LITTLE FASTER AND SAFER, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT THERACETRACKERS@AOL.COM OR BJRICE@SOUTHERNCO.COM. I WANT TO THINK OF ANOTHER PROGRAM FOR MY CO-WORKERS AS WELL. IT IS A LOT OF FUN..THIS PROGRAM WILL BE PERFECT BUT I GUESS I NEED TO CONTINUE TO READ ABOUT THIS ONE.
BARBIE

I am loving this program, I recorded music on my MP3 player (about 70 songs) and I walk vigorously each day. When I start my legs are stiff but I concentrate on my music and work thru the pain. It has indeed helped me out a lot, reading how everyone has been inspired by Dr. Ian program really keeps me on track, when my mind starts in gear to walk, its like God's takes over my feet. Many blessings to everyone and good luck, I have about 18 pounds to go, and I have to admit I did slack a bit, but I got right back on track. Thanks Dr. Ian for the reminders.

I'm so happy to read all of these stories. Congrats to everyone who has committed to living a healthy lifestyle. I signed in for this challenge July 17 and have since lost 9 pounds. I weigh myself on Saturdays and hopefully I am down another 2. My goal is to lose 50 pounds which is a lot of weight but I am excited that I have committed myself to eating healthy and exercising regularly. Let's keep it going my people!

Is Mr. Davis single :-)

Congrats, Sir, I too served in the military for 16.5 years and had to get out on a medical discharge. I have always struggled with my weight. My whole military career I was taped but I was never put on the over weight program. When I first got out I kept doing my usual physical training but slowly that went away. I got out in June 05; my husband was deployed then and now deployed again. His last tour in 05 I was able to deal with it but this tour seemed to be so hard, i went into a deep depression and starting eating. I am 5'4 and I was weighing 194lbs, my husband did not say much but I can tell he really did not like the weight I was gaining and at the time it look like I was not going to stop gaining. Well when they denied him retirement and he had to deployed I thought well that is it. But when I heard about this 50 million pound challenge something sparked inside me. I began the program in april 2007 since that time I have lost 23lbs, and my goal is to lose another 25lbs. Reading your story tonight has given me that much more motivation. When my husband comes home on R& R I think he will be very surprised. He does not think I am losing weight since I wont send him any pictures. I just want to see the look on his face when he sees me. So, Sir keep it going hooah!! ARMY OF ONE !!

I, joined the challenge 4/19/2007. I have lost 30lbs. to date. I am a exercise physiologist and specialize in meal planning and had the hardest time dropping this weight. Boy it was serious. I looked at a photo of me and I really thought that was a day I was looking great. However the photo revealed a ROTUNDA. I did not recognize me. I grabbed the photo and posted it in my car. I started at 239lbs. today I am 209. I am truly on my way. I added running and walking to my program. I run/walk 5 miles plus three times a week early morning and cut out eating after 7pm. My God I never thought I would have a problem.......... My first goal is 199 my next is 170. 42years and loving it.

I am so happy that a group of us at work decided to take the challenge. I have tried all kinds of diets and have failed at all of them. I have trouble when I can only eat certain things.
I pray that we are all able to stay focus and lose the weight for a healthier,happier life.

It is so great to see that so many of us have decided to do something about our weight. Collectively we are going to make it. I joined in May and so far lost 11 lbs. Slowly but surely it is coming along fine. I am so grateful that God has given me the willpower that I asked him for to be a winner at this battle. Everyone continue to keep on keeping on. God Bless...

I went to Universal Studios in Orlando, Fl June 2005 and road on a ride called the Hulk. I knew after I went through hurricane Katrina in August 2005 I gain some weight, however I realized I gain a lot of weight 50+)when I went back to Universal Studios 2 years later in May 2007 and could not ride the Hulk rollercoaster because I was to big. I was so embarrassed at first, I told my family that I got off the ride because I was scared. From that day I begin my weight lost challenge. My start weight was 279lbs and my current weight today is 254 lbs. With God's help, the 50 million pound challenge, and the success stories of other individuals who conquering their weight lost I know I can do this with prayer, faith, and praise.

Today, I viewed the BET program that featured the challenge. I made the decesion to eat healthy and excercise.
I am a 50 year old woman who needs to change my eating habits in order to live. I choose LIFE and expect great results with the CHALLENGE.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME....................

Congratulations on your success. I recently lost 65 pounds with a lot of hard work. My goal is to lose 100. I wish you much success in getting to your goal. Good luck.

Congratualtions Sir. Wooo. You have motivated me very much. I will look in to purchasing the book. Like you I am also in the military and I struggle with my weight. I am not the best runner but I try. I am sick and tired of paying a personal trainer only to return back to the condition I started out at. One day I will post my success story, so look out for it. My goal is to lose 30 pounds. It is a struggle. However I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

Be blessed

A Soldier proudly serving

I found out about this about a week and a half ago. I decided earlier this month that I had to do something. I went to the doctor and my blood sugar and blood pressure was fine, but I had gained more weight. My doctor told me that if I lost weight, I could get off my meds. That is my goal. I joined weighing 246 pounds; I have never been this heavy. I know that if you guys can do it so can I. Congrats on all of your successes, but I plan on joining you. I have started exercising and eating right, but I haven't weighed yet. As soon as I do I will post; but I feel better. Pray for me and God bless you all.

Mr. Davis, I am encouraged by your progress and your tenacity to stay the course. I too began a weight loss program earlier this year and have made some good progress. I live in California where every fruit and vegetable one desires is available and in abundance. That is mainly due the deeply diverse mix of cultures here in the Bay Area. So the food preparation part of this venture is fascinating.

I joined the challenge the first week of July. My exercise program has been regular for over 15 years with walking being the form. I even got my husband into walking and he became more consistent at it than I was for a time. However, with my weight beginning to creep up slowly in the past 7 years, I started experiencing problems with my knees. I blamed the pain on the years I spent playing high school and college basketball. Needless to say, the problem was the weight gain. So in March of this year I joined a Fit Camp that was being held at the local high school. The first day I thought I would not return – I was so out of breath with just the warm-up. By week two I was looking forward to each work out and then the instructors added weekend day hikes to the regimen and that boosted my endurance to the point that I set a goal to attend the group on a trip to Yosemite National Park to hike and climb Half Dome. Well with 17.3 miles, 13 hours, and over 4,000 ft in elevation gain, I accomplished that goal. Need I say that a tremendous amount of fear accompanied that climb! Along with that goal I had lost 10 pounds. With that I decided to continue on and have now reached a 21 pound weight loss and I am still counting down. I now am on my way to my goal and look forward to celebrating being “Fifty and Fabulous”.

Each day is a new opportunity to try something new in the way of exercise and having been an Air Force Brat all my, I am truly open to change and new things. When I go out to walk now, I will spot something up ahead of me like a tree, or a lamppost, or something as simple as shade and I determine to run to it. Once I get there, I will momentarily walk to catch my breath and vie for the next running point. I weight train 3 times per week and hike at least once a week.

How do I feel you ask? I feel like I am twenty again and in a few months I will be at the weight I was when I was twenty – I was really fit and in good form!

Hello. I began the program on the 29th of Jun. I was checking out the website while eating a Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate chocolate chip muffin (which was like 500 cals) Once I put in my wt (191) and saw that I was obese according to my BMI (which was 30.8) i knew it was time to do something. I treat myself once a week but I have lost 12 lbs so far. And people are already noticing the difference. When my husband comes home from deployment in Nov. it is on!

Mr. Davis,
I commend you on reaching and surpassing your plateau weight. I am a 40 year old mother and wife and I joined the challenge on 06/14/07 at 180 pounds and have lost 15 pounds. I am trying to do it slowly and healthy to ensure that I keep the weight off for good. My goal weight is 130 pounds. I changed my eating habits and starting going to the gym two weeks before I joined the challenge. I work out 3- 4 times a week. I commend each and every person who has made the choice to lose weight and become healthy. No one is going to lose weight for us. We have to choose health and longevity for ourselves and our families. Too many people my age are overweight, unhealthy and have many medical problems. Obesity is a handicap that can be conquered and I thank Dr. Ian Smith for giving African-American men and women the incentive to do just that! WE CAN REACH OUR GOAL WEIGHT!!!! WE CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!

Thanks a million Dr Ian for statring this wonderful program, I am 58 , with a wide range of illnesses , hp and diabeese being the major ones so I want to do this for my self , as much as for my only daughter, I am tired of her having to take me to the Dr month afte month, my weight is 178, I want to lose at least 30 lbs and feel great by the time I reach sixty, I want to be sixty and Fabulous, ( smile) Ijust love your smile I have wathhed your celebrity fit show and was inspired by that ,also by harvey , I retired from the Military and it has ben down hill with my health from there so with god's help and your knowledge Ipress on , thank You.

I joined the challenge but haven't been dedicated. I want to REALLY begin to lose, but I need some tips. I have a treadmill that I NEVER use, and I intend to begin with that.Also, I need some eating tips. I would appreciate if some could leave me some tips.

Thank you

A. Thomas

I started on the road to lose 50 pounds then I dicovered I had MS in 2004. I gave up all hope of losing the weight. I saw this and I said that I could try again. I always loved to walk so my main form of exercise will be walking. I do not use a cane at this time. It may take me longer than most but I will not give up. I have exercise bands and yoga tapes. I know that I can succeed!

I am 32yr old Black Lady, and I joined the Challenge on 7/27/07 after leaving a doctors' appointment and finding out that my weight was 245 lbs. The biggest I have ever been and the biggest that I am going to allow myself to be. I have starting to have problems with my knees and being fatigued when walking. I have once lost weight but did not keep it off. This time I made a promise to myself for myself, my kids , and my husband that I will stay healthy, and I will be around to see my girls turn into healthy ladies. Its not hard to lose the weight but it is a challenge to keep it off!! But guess what ? I am up to any challenge to make sure that I am a healthy black lady. Thanks Dr.Ian Smith for the information on the web site . Reading it was alarming but also a wake up call for me .My goal is 175 lbs in 8 months or less. I CAN DO IT !

It was inspiring to read Mr. Davis' story.
However, I can relate to his recent plateau that he did overcome. I can't say that I am having any success overcoming mine. I am a 46 year old active woman and somewhat discouraged that my body does not seem to respond to all the exercise I engage in (even when I change my routine). I am aware that I am pre-menopausal and feel that has a large effect on my progress right now. Can some ladies who are feeling me give me a shout out and some advice. I've been part of the challenge since April 2007. Thanks Dr. Ian.

Hooah!
Congrats Sir

Praise to God and All healthy living participants.

As of 0830 hours today, I have smashed the plateau and I now weigh 203 lbs and my waist line is a trim 30/31 inches. I am so excited by the support that each of your blogs gave me. With Gods help, I refused to allow myself to be discouraged and it paid off. I am pleased to report that I am starting to look at anew waredrobe and I refuse to look back. Thank you all for your support and I will continue to provide updates as I approach my goal of 195 lbs.

COL2b06

Hello!! Great story Mr. Davis!!
I joined the challenge in May 2007. I vowed to lose weight when in January 2006 my doctor put me on blood pressure meds. I was 28 years old. That was unacceptable. I had just had my second child and he was not even a year old.
She told me I could possibly come off the meds if I control my blood pressure by losing weight and changing my diet. I started doing so. I did not see results right away but eventually my weight started coming down and I was officially released from needing blood pressure meds in May 2007. I had lost 10 pounds by that time and then I found out about the challenge and signed up. I also lost 8 pounds since joining. I am so excited that I am recruiting my friends and family to join me in this quest to lose 50 MILLION POUNDS!!

This has been a great experience being 18 and done with my high school football time it was time for me to lose weight. And I have I lost 20 pounds in 3 weeks and I 40 more pounds to go to get to my goal so thank you DR. IAN

I want in! How did I miss this! I am just finding out about the challenge tonight.

I am a 5'1" lady who currently weighs 179lbs. Far too much for my little frame. I would love to lose 30lbs by New Year's day, 2008. My long term goal would be to lose 54lbs total.

With encouragement and tenacity, I'm sure I can do it (Praise God).

I will like to take this moment to thank you Dr. Ian for your vision and for enlightening the African American community about your wonderful system. I lost 22 lbs. in 12 weeks and my husband lost 49 lbs. I'm encouraged and will continue until I reach my goal. I was 205 lbs. when I first started and I hope to be at least 165 lbs. by my 35th birthday in Dec, 2007. I've even encouraged my baby sistah. She's 334 lbs. and she wants to lose at least 100 lbs. Keep her in your prayers, however, she's a tough cookie so I know she's going to do it. I thank you 50 million times (pun intended)! Laugh. Also congratulations to you & your wife with your new addition.

I signed up for the 50 million pound challenge in May after losing 15 pounds on my own. Initially I performed really well on the program and purchased both books and followed them to the letter and I saw much success, getting all the way down to 175 from 205, but in the last 30 days I have sky rocketed to 185! I have lost my motivation. I am a full time mother of 6 and a full time student. I have just gotten tired. I need help!

Great story Mr. Davis!

I signed up for the challenge today (7/26/07)and after reviewing your story, I have more motivation to begin the program...immediately. I have a family history of diabetes, sugar and high blood pressure. I'm only 26 yrs. young, 5'5 and weigh 170 lbs. I've been an athlete since 3 yrs of age, been in the military (army branch) and my weight is totally unacceptable. After having two children, it became much easier to skip exercise and do the daily routine of being a mother. Today, however, I vow to change my attitude on my health...I have to live for the sake of my children for as long as I could...at least for being healthier's sake. Thanks Dr. Ian, for such a user friendly program and for the sake of African American health! Love ya!

Great Job,

I went to the doctors office on March 17, 2007 and my doctor told me i was over weight. At the time i weighed 247. As a former college athlete is was unacceptable. I was unhappy with my apperance and my energy level was getting worse as well as my moods. I vowed that day by telling my doctor that on our next visit my stomach would be flat at his wall.

I did not buy the smash mouth diet but i did purchase the three seasons diet book that my mother a recently certified nutritional counselor recommended to me. I began following her advice as well as the advice with the guidelines of the book. I become reaquainted with my favorite activities such as swimming, biking and running. My unlce has a recreational room with weights and cardio machines that i use.

I am now on the treadtrac machine for 1 hour at level 12 and 4 speed the highest on the treadtrack. I also run five miles a day and weight train 5 days.

When I went back to my doctor on june 17 I weighed 220 pounds. I had lost 20 pounds. My doctor could not believe that I had lost all that weight and even jokingly said that his nurse had written my weigt down incorrectly. I then went on a detox called the master cleasner for 13 days and lost another 20 pounds.

I now am very conscious of what i eat, buy at the store, and how my exercise. I am now at a plateau with a weight of 206 but i am striving to reach my goal of 193 by the end of the summer. These post make me excited and happy to see that black america is taking a different approach to how they eat and then incorporating a regular exercise program into their busy lives.

If you have time to go to happy hour and cook out then you have time to workout at least 3x a week for an hour is what I am saying this days. And my physique is proof of the results.

Congratulations!!
Your story is one that will motivate people to lose weight. I just signed up for the challenge. I actually made a life style change in January 2006. My goal was to come off my medications. I'm happy to say I lost 35 lbs and was able to come off my diabetes medication and now I'm working to drop another 37 lbs and come off my blood pressure medication. I told my doctor I wanted to be the three F's (Fit, Fabulous and Fifty).

I joined the challenge in April 2007 and have lost 32lbs. I wanted to lose at least 35lbs by my 40th birthday on July 27th, although I fell a little short it has been well worth the effort. My goal is to get to 150lbs, so I still have a long way to go. It's because of Dr. Ian's help, the motivational comments made by other challengers and a dedication to living a longer, healthier lifestyle that will make us all weight loss winners. Good Luck Everyone!!

I should have gotten started a long time ago. I read you story aand was motivated to do something for myself. I have joined the team and I am determinded to get under 200 pounds before the year 2008 with a positive atttitude.
My goal is to get to 140-150 lbs.

What a wonderful success story! Thank you for sharing!

I just have to DO IT!

Thank you and be embraced.

Margaret of SC

Congrats LTC! Since you only have a few more pounds to go and are at a plateau, you should kick up your workout a little more. That should help get those last few lbs off. Good luck.

I started the Extreme Fast Smash about a month ago and I've lost 11 lbs and everyone has noticed. Yippie! I could have lost more, but I cheat every now and then. I work out 6 times a wk (3 days of Karate, 1 day of either belly dancing or a cardio kick boxing boot camp and 2 days of cardio kick boxing, I also do a fitness boxing class once a wk after one of my karate classes). I'm 4'11" and I need to make sure the weight stays off of my small frame.

congrats - I signed up for the challenge and got serious about my training.

I finished the Texas Irongirl Sprint Triathlon on Sunday July 22nd. I am working on the nutrition parts of things so I can have more weight melt off.

My BMI is still 26 but working on getting it down.
Thanks for the challenge and the report

Congratulations!

Today I decided to become another Virginian to join the challenge. I do exercise, but really need to be more proactive in reducing the weight.

I decided to take better care of myself because life is valuable and I want to live. That is the first and most important step.

Realizing just how important you are and then taking responsibility for protecting God's precious gift of life is up to us.

I am very proud of you. Best wishes for continued success.

Congratulations Sammie!! That is a great success story. I have just started the program and I can already tell a difference in my energy. I hope to be as successful as you. Hopefully I will build up my endurance so I can run as many miles as you!!

I joined the challange in June and I've lost 10 pounds by eating differently and by walking. I intend to continue the lifestyle. I am 5' 4" and I weighed 200 pounds. I now weigh 190 and I feel a sense of accomplishment! Looking forward to a size smaller in clothes.
Good Luck and God Bless to everyone who is trying.

Special K

I JUST STARTED THE PROGRAM ABOUT TWO DAYS AGO AND I LOST JUST A POUND,BUT I FEEL GREAT GOOD LUCK IN
REACHING YOUR GOAL. GOOD BLESS YOU KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

good job i to live in fort.worth texas
i started may.7-2007 i am 5'4 i was 240lb
now i am 219 my short time goal for me is to get under the 200 pound mark by 11-17
that my birthday i no God has not brought me
this far to leave me he said if i make one step
he would do the rest ,if its to be its up to me
i start a weight war at work so we all put 5.oo in every monday if you gain you pay extra
a $1.00 a pound,i will be fit for kingdom work

Good for you. I have not been able to lose anything. Nothing works for me. I guess I am destined to be fat.

I AM TRULY THANKFUL TO DR. IAN SMITH FOR CHANGING OUR LIVES. IT'S ABOUT TIME THAT WE AS AFRICAN AMERICANS STAND UP FOR A POSITIVE CHANGE. I JUST PRAY THAT IN LOOSING THE WEIGHT WE LEARN TO DEAL WITH THE CHALLENGES THAT HELPED PUT THE WEIGHT ON OUR BODIES. SO MAY GOD BLESS US ALL DAILY AND WE BECOME MORE PRAYERFUL, POSITIVE AND POWERFUL IN OUR LIVES.

Mr. Davis, good job on your weight loss. I heard Dr. Ian on the Steve Harvey Show last week and I know I had to stop being lazy and lose this weight. I purchased the "Fat Smash Diet" and started the Detox on July 23, 2007. I have worked out two days straight, that is a wonderful feeling. I could not believe how much I enjoyed it. I am going to conquer this weight issue, thanks to the 50 million lb challenge!

I have lost 33 lbs. and I feel so much better. I am going to lose an additional 60-70lbs. With God's help I will do it!!!!!

I JOIN THE CHALLENG IN JUNE AND I HAVE LOST 8LBS., POUNDS AND I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. WE AS BLACK AFRICIAN AMERICANS MUST TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOO BETTER OUR LIFE BY TAKING A LOOK AT YOUR WEIGHT AND LIFE. SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION, SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE A LONGER LIFE BY TAKING CARE OF THEIR HEALTH FOR A BETTER LIFE, AND LONGER LIFE.