The 50 Million Pound Blog

Too often we get bogged down with long-term goals. One of the best ways to succeed on an exercise program is to set weekly goals. There are all kinds of attainable goals you can set: complete four 45-minute workouts, ride 3 miles on a bicycle during 3 different sessions, jog for half of the time you would spend on the treadmill. The idea is to set smaller goals each week so that they will help you build to your larger goals. If you reach your goals for the week, treat yourself to a reward such as a massage or a new top you’ve been eyeing for your wardrobe.

Be realistic with yourself as you work on your weight loss target. Develop attainable, intermediate goals and build up successes that motivate you to keep going. Encourage yourself and others you know on The Challenge to create a rhythm, and commit to the steps that lead you to your desired results. 

The Challenge tour will arrive in Chicago in style as part of the 78th Annual Bud Billiken Day Parade & Picnic. 

We have a special opportunity for early registrants in Chicago. The first attendees to show up at the event and present a print-out of their e-mail confirmation showing they registered online from Aug. 2–11 are eligible for VIP access near the stage and stars. Please review the details for more information.

Register online for The Challenge before the Chicago event, and tell someone you know to do the same!

Don't worry, be happy! That's important when it comes to losing weight. Several studies have shown that stress leads to all types of bad habits, especially when it comes to eating. If you reduce your stress, you have a better chance of being successful on an eating program and losing weight. Try meditating, doing yoga, listening to your favorite music, walking, reading a book, or any other activity that helps you relax. Stress reduction is also good for your cardiovascular system, so your heart will thank you as well!

Creating a healthier lifestyle stretches beyond diet and exercise. You have to pay special attention to your mind and soul as well. Make room in your busy schedule and find a moment for yourself. It doesn't have to be a lot of time- you can create an extra 10 to 20 minutes in your day by waking up a little earlier, have lunch on your own or even delay turning on the TV until you've had time to clear your mind.

You can manage your stress. Be intentional and find time to relax, and you'll gain a stronger perspective on what is truly important in your life.

Best ~ Dr. Ian

Just a reminder about the special opportunity for early registrants in Chicago.

The first attendees to show up at the event and present a print-out of their e-mail confirmation showing they registered online from Aug. 2–11 are eligible for VIP access near the stage and stars. Please review the details for more information.

Register online for The Challenge before the Chicago event, and tell someone you know to do the same!

I have to take a moment to share what happened this weekend at a small, spirit-filled church in South Central LA… 

Reverend Daniel Williams and his wife, First Lady Toni Williams, have been leading their 150 member congregation through the Fat Smash Diet over the past 3 months. They invited my team and me out because they were falling off the program and they wanted to re-start their commitment to health—collectively—by joining The 50 Million Pound Challenge.

The Rev. and First Lady Williams, along with a few members of the congregation, had already picked-up some Challenge kits which is exactly what you and anyone else can do by visiting www.50millionpounds.com.  So they were getting ready for our visit. But, no one was ready for the powerful love, spirit and emotion present in Divinity Christian Church yesterday! 

I wish there was a way for me to share with each of you the warmth and spirituality of the church members. We experienced a sense of what our journey together is all about…and that is hope.  

I need each of you reading this, and each of you involved in this movement, to believe something… you are a precious and unique creation. Each day we are given an incredibly powerful opportunity to change our lives and the lives of the people we love in our own, unique ways. 

The decision to live healthier is, without exaggeration, a matter of life and death.  

You are creating habits to eat properly and exercise. You are changing a culture. You are generating a spirit like the one my team and I experienced yesterday in South Central LA. And, I hope you realize the power of your influence.

You’re not just making the change to eat right and exercise for yourself… your friends and your families are influenced by the example you set. Commit, on a daily basis, to your decision and fight to be a healthy example to those around you. 

We are a strong community, and we’re growing every day. Together we will reverse the deadly trends of obesity. We don’t have to wait our turn to live with type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. We are making a change and a choice to live. 

Little did anyone know, but I needed to be re- energized along with the congregation yesterday. The Spirit and people in Divinity Christian Church helped revive me, and they are renewed as well.  I share this with you because I read your comments, and I know that The Challenge is a battle. I know you hope for better lives. And, I know that your will is fighting every moment to choose between the lives we’re used to and a healthier life.  Believe in a strength that supports you when you feel weak... and take courage. Trust that this entire community supports you.

I pray that each of you understands that we’re involved in something greater than ourselves… this movement saves lives. Your involvement keeps me going, keeps your friends and your families going. 

I learned this weekend that you can only keep up the fight when you keep your hope. 

Best.

Dr. Ian-

Thousands more came out to experience The Challenge event that afternoon in Washington Park, where Dr. Ian was joined by several artists and friends: Common, Musiq Soulchild, Harvey Walden IV, Slick Rick, Rob Base, Tom Joyner, J. Anthony Brown and Da Brat, just to name a few.

Common performing in Chicago

Eating foods that have high water content can be a great way to lose weight. Watery foods allow you to eat as much as or even more than the calorie-rich foods and still get full on fewer calories. Foods that fit the bill include celery, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and squash.

The smell of BBQs have permeated the air and enticed us to indulge in some great food all throughout the summer. Along with BBQs, summer brings an onslaught of fresh fruits and vegetables that need to be included on your plate. Take advantage of these foods while they're in season... the flavor won't disappoint you. And, they are lower in calories which complements the changes you're making in your diet.

Changing your eating habits doesn't have to be a punishing journey into flavorless meals! Experiment by incorporating some of these watery foods into your recipes, or have them on the side to accompany your meals. Trust me... you'll enjoy it!  Best ~ Dr. Ian

Writing down what you eat, how much you eat, and when you do your exercise is a great way to keep you on the right track. Jot down the times you feel hungry or tired or irritable just because you want that piece of chocolate. Journaling can be a great tool to keep you honest and expose the bad habits that are interfering with your weight-loss efforts. Don't look at it as a chore, but as a strategy to better understand your habits and a way to make smarter decisions.

Journaling can give you insight into when and why you do certain things or react in certain ways. Think of it in sports terms, journaling is part of what scouts do to learn their opponents and help the coaches devise a strategy to win the game. Similarly, we can learn to control our habits once we better understand ourselves.

The Ancient Greeks lived by the principle "know thyself" to get a handle on themselves and their situations. So I encourage you to journal and "know thyself" as you develop strategies to better your lifestyle. Best ~ Dr. Ian

We’ve nearly lost half-a-million pounds and we’ve got something special to announce to you. We will present a unique Challenge Prize package, including a $100 State Farm Bank^® VISA^® Gift Card, to the person who registers the pound that puts us at the half-million! You can spend the money anywhere VISA is accepted, please check out the details.

Also, the winner and their story will be highlighted on the site as encouragement to the thousands of us taking on The Challenge. So, now is the time to update your weight, and be the one to reach this important milestone for all of us to celebrate!

Wait 'til you see what we're planning to celebrate a million…

You all responded quickly! We’ve passed the half-million mark and we have a prize winner. Please stay posted to the site and we’ll announce our winner with their story shortly.

Also, we had a great time in Milwaukee this past weekend. Thank you to those who came out to jam with us in the park!

Don't forget, you’re in the family now, WI!.  Remember to keep coming back to the site to update your profile and share The Challenge with your friends and family. We need each of you to commit and strive towards healthier lifestyles.

Milwaukee!

112 signing up for The Challenge

Biz Markie in Milwaukee

We hear great questions from many of you asking for help in designing nutrition and exercise plans. Our team has developed some great resources for you to use. Be sure to check them out, and implement whatever you find useful.

And, always remember to consult your physician as you implement changes to your diet and exercise!

Keep up the fight, we’re making history together!