The 50 Million Pound Blog

My husband and I are just starting the plan. Problem is he is on blood thinners and cannot eat green vegetables (Vitamen K). What are some substitutions for all of the greens on the diet? Is there a version of the meal plans for similar patients?

Hi Everyone,
I'm concerned that the challenge has food on it that I can not eat, such as cheese, milk and steak. My LDL is about 205 and the range I was told should be 0-99, I'm very uneasy about this. Please advise re: any substitutions or whatever I can eat to reduce my bad cholesterol.

If I can't get fresh veggies, can I eat the no salt variety in the can after I've rinsed them under cold running water?

my comment is a question. what is the next step when u a reached a plateu of weight. In this I mean I am stuck at 160 it won't go up and it wount go down. please email some key points or maybe a way I can over come this hurdle.

What comes in the challenge kit? I need to get some time to go by State Farm...

Hi I am Susan and I just started today. I have 50 plus pounds to lose. I have both books, the "Fat Smash Diet" book and the Extreme Fat Smash Diet book. I am not sure which one to start back on. I lost weight with the Fat smash diet book before, but I definatly got off track and I am serious now to get the weight off so I joined the challenge to give me motivation. If anyone could give me advice that would be great. Thanks!

Hello and Praise The Lord!
I am a 50-something woman of God who has decided to take this Challenge on. First for myself then for my son. I want him to see me healthy and happy for a long....long time!
I just signed up last week but each day I'm that much closer to my goal to lose 50 pounds. And when I do that, I'll set my next goal...and the next! I can do this thing and if I can do it, trust me, anybody can!
Stay strong teams and team mates!

Hello,

I am a new member. I just ordered the Extreme Fat Smash Diet. Of course, I have tried numerous diets and failed. I believe this one is it. Today I decided enough is enough. I am tired of the weight. My long term goal is 115 lbs and to get into a size 12-14. I really want to do this naturally rather than opting for the surgery. However, I am not knocking anyone who have or will. We must do what we feel is best for us. I've made up in my mind that I am going to lose this weight. I want men to look at me and say, Wow! Although, they do not validate who I am. I like compliments. You have a pretty face is getting old and so am I. I want the body to match it. I don't want to be the size of a model or even in the single digits. I want to be me, healthy, beautiful and full of life.

Thus, right after I finish typing this blog. I am on the bike for twenty minutes. I may even throw in a few leg lifts. I spoke with a trainer today about coming back to the gym three days a week. If I want this, it is up to me to get it. I applaud Dr. Ian for this. He understand that everyone can not do it alone. Sometimes we need encouraging and I am sorry to say, my skinny friend can not encourage me:).I need someone who has been in the trenches, like Donna. Someone who understands the pain like NayNay. Or someone like Tiasha, who like me, has recently lost to gain again.

So be encouraged and when you can't find that encouragement from others. Encourage yourself! Remember you live with you 24 hours a day. If anyone knows what encourages you, you should.

Hey Donna,If you've already lost 8 pounds after starting to diet on September 17th, thats a really good indicator sister! it means your body is working. I know how hard it can be to get to the gym in Queens. I live in New York and its a very fast, hectic life so that going to the gym seems like a luxury especially when you have work and family commitments.Research after research has shown that this is one major issue with African American women.
If you may, I have some tips for you that have worked out for me in the past:
-Get 7-8 hours of sleep: A lack of sleep causes stomach cells to produce ghrelin, which increases your feelings of hunger. At the same time, there is a decrease in production of a hormone named Leptin, which is responsible for suppressing our appetite and burning fat stores.
-You also need to add tea to your diet, studies have shown and proven that green tea prevents the absorption of fat, and in the process keeping excess body fat at bay. Not to forget its calming effect

-Eat your fresh fruit at the end of the meal:you'll prevent the natural sugars in the fruit from causing a spike in your blood sugar.

-Always remember to eat organic fruits and
vegetables, they won't inflame your body. examples include apples, pears, and grapefruit. These fruits are high in fiber, which gives you a sense of fullness, the fiber also has a moderating effect on your insulin release, which is crucial in combating food cravings.

-Add chili peppers, red pepper and cayenne to your food, They have a strong anti inflammatory effect on the human body and inhibit drastic spikes in your blood sugar levels , which stabilizes blood insulin levels. When this happens you get to suppress your appetite.

Have a great time with your training...hey if the gym doesn't work out you could always go to Kew Gardens. Great place for walking. Go Donna!!

www.ericodera.com

Deborah congrats on your achievement. 14.5 inches is a good number. Here are some suggestions, that I've worked out for me in the past.:
-Get 7-8 hours of sleep: A lack of sleep causes stomach cells to produce ghrelin, which increases your feelings of hunger.

-Perform aerobics exercises before your weight training: This will help in melting that layer of fat. Perform what I call jig jogs i.e sprint 20 secs then jog 10 secs, sprint 10 secs then jog 20 secs sprint 30 secs then jog 30 secs . These are great fat burning routines, you definitely need to perform this routine for about 15 minutes, then move on to your strength training

-Weight training: Perform 12-15 reps for 3-4 sets, working with 65%-75% of your maximum weight. Be progressive with this.

-A secret from Africa and India is drinking soup before your meals. Examples include tomato soup, lentil soup, and old fashioned vegetable/chicken soup. These do a wonderful job in ensuring that you eat less. Focus on drinking your soup at least twice a day. Soups are great for losing weight, this is because they are low-density foods, and they are low on the glycemic index. Having soup right before your meal will help you hold down your caloric consumption over the rest of your meal.

-Add garlic, scallions leeks and chives to your diet. They contain a a compound known as allicin, which must be crushed in order to be activated. This has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which is important for anyone who wants to lose weight.

Hope it helps Deborah!
www.ericodera.com

Hi Everyone,

My name is Donna and I am from Queens NY. I am so excited about this whole challange thing.It is so exciting to see how many other people are trying to accomplish the same goal that I am and it lkinda let's you know that you are not alone. I started my dieting on Monday Sept.17th and I lost 8 pounds. I still don't feel any different and I still don't see any differences yet. I guess it will take a lot more the 8 lbs for me to really take notice, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to take this extra 25lbs off. I just wanted to say thanks to all for their comments they are really helping me stay focus and stay motivated..... Now if I can only get back into the gym.... I might really be saying something and my world would be complete:>)

Thanks again
Donna
Queens NY

After beginning the 50 milion pound challenge, I was motivated, and was exercising 4-5 times a week for about 30 minutes to an hour each. While doing this, I lost 10 pounds in less than two weeks, and was excited. After slowing down, and still watching what I ate, I gained 15 pounds. I refused to log in or update my progress, I was heavier than my starting wieght by ten pounds. My spirit was broken, and I retreated and said forget it, I'm cursed to be obese. I was dieting and gaining weight. I then, realzed that was the problem, I was dieting. I began to monitor how I shopped, and began making better choices in what I purchased to eat, and what I put in the fridge and cabinets. I have even spilled my regular eating habits onto my children by only buying healthier items, and snacks for the house. Now, if I have bad food cravings, they don't control my decisons on what to eat, I can retreat or indulge lightly. This has helped my energy level, my sleep habits, and my thought process tremendously. I'm no longer feeling as though I'm depriving myself of anything, because I'm choosing to love my body and mind and eat healthier. I have gotten back on track, and have lost a total of thirty pounds. My goal is about 60 more pounds, slowly, over a course of about a year. It has been a great transformation of my mind, and I can't wait to see my finished product, my body.

Marguerita,congratulations on your new baby,plus I thank God for the toughness and resilience you have for raising your kids. The ability to alter your health/fitness is right within you. It is more than likely that the reason why so many people are not succeeding with their fitness is because they don’t know how to tap into this power.

Many people desire to change the way they feel and look, they know that they can do better than what they are seeing and feeling, but their current state makes them feel stuck and frustrated because they don’t know how to start to change.
My dear friend, you will need to expose yourself, you will only experience a turnaround in your fitness when you open up your mind, and say “ yes” I’m going to learn something
new today.

Something has to be done with the way you are currently thinking sister. I’ll take you back to the book of John chapter 5 verse 1. We see that Jesus told the paralyzed man to “ Get up and walk”. The way you will break out of that mental trap or state of difficulty is by taking immediate action. I listened to your story and I saw that right after your baby was born, you took immediate action. So guess what sister?, you already have it in you. It will take the same kind of urgency and initiative. This will even have an immediate effect on the way you feel about yourself!So the question now is; what is your first step?, what are you going to do now, to get you back on the fast track. It only takes one thing!

Problems arise when we keep procrastinating what needs to be done. Well, procrastinating is a sure way to failure. Now pick up your mat sister and walk! Take immediate action now and today, not tomorrow.

See you at the finish line!
Eric Odera.

Hi everyone, My name is Marguerita and I started the program yesterday. I am a 33 year old woman with 4 boys. I am a Professional Accountant for the Fire Department. I wanted to start the program because for about 12 years, I have been over weight and now obese. I recently delivered my baby boy in April, and after he was born, I lost over 30 lbs. from my beginning weight before the baby, which was 262 lbs. And after the baby, I was motivated to walk, crunches, eat right, and everything. After my 5th week from having the baby, I started trying to make myself eat in portions, because during my entire maternity leave I had to force myself to eat, so I thought since my appetite wasn't big, this will be a great opportunity to start back on track eating right and taking vitamins. I started my 3 main meals, plus my two healthy snacks each day. The day after my 6th week check up, I exercised on my treadclimber for about 15 minutes(started small)every morning and before bed, I also was able to do 50 crunches(morning & before bed). This was for the daily workout and on weekends, I work as a Security Guard and while I was making office rounds(10 floors), instead of using the elevator to make the rounds, I started at the bottom and worked my way up to the top using the stairs. I noticed that I had lost a little more, because my clothes was becoming a little bit bigger. But anyway, my mother and the physician was advicing me to slow it down a little, because it was too soon to become that active that soon. Of course, I listened and took their advice and slowed down, eventually stopped. And now, I am healthy enough to do all the things that I was doing at first, but I am not motivated anymore. I want to & I will try to start, but one day I will exercise on the treadclimber for about 10 minutes, a few crunches, and eat at least two healthy meals(no snacks). And the other days nothing. I know I have gain the extra weight I lost, plus about half of the 30lbs I lost in the beginning is back. My question is "What can I do to get back motivated and stay motivated to achieve my lifelong goal?" My now weight is 251, my goal weight is between 145, no more than 165. Please Help!!!

Marguerita

HEY DR LAN I LOVE WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING, I WANNA BE A PART OF THIS GREAT PROJECT. GIVING PEOPLE BACK THEIR HEALTH.

I WISH THIS TYPE OF EVENT CAN BE ORGANIZE HERE IN AFRICA FOR THE BENEFITE OF OUR AFRICAN BROTHERS.

I have set a goal of 15-20lbs and I have lost the 5 but I can't seem to get pass thta point. My clothing is fitting differently but the scale is not moving and that is frustrating. What is the nest move. I have changed the exercise program and I gave up meat 3 months ago I am doing veggies,fruit and grains only. I really need some help!!! Deadline was Labor Day and now I am looking at Xmas.

Hi Everybody,

I just started today and I am so excited. Years ago when I went to the doctor, he marked obese on my forms and I really did not know who he was talking about. I have tried so many diets but over the last ten years none have worked like I would have liked --lucky if I lost 10 pounds. But I would like to get serious this time and maybe knowing that I have to report on the challenge will help . To all of you and of course myself--be true to your goal !!

Hello, I just joined the challenge. I were reading some of the comments. Thank a lot for posting your comments. I have one question. Can someone tell me what is the extreme fat smash diet is? Thanks and have a bless day.

Hello guys I have lost 3lbs this month. I started trying to lose weight in July and I've lost a total of 16lbs. My goal is to lose 20lbs by Sept.30.

NayNay, wishing you much success on your journey. I am a soror from VA who said the same thing about never getting this big. Together we can lose the weight.

Hello

It seems as if everyone is really encouraged and doing well, and I'm very happy for you all.

Well, I'm having a lot of trouble getting on the right track. I'll be 54 years young in October and I really need to loose a lot of weight, at least 60lbs. I loose 8lbs and then gain it right back mostly due to fluid retention.

I work long hours and my commute is approximately 48 miles each way, so I'm very tired and stressed when I get home. I try to walk on my treadmill in the morning for 30 mins and that makes me feel better but I can't seem to combine exercise and diet in a way that works for me.

I'm not giving up. I have reared 4 children and now I'am ready to start living my life my way. So I'm "gone keep on keeping on".

Hi Everyone,

This is my first day starting the challenge. It's poinent for me as I was on a great, healthy weight loss program in 2001 -- the summer before 9/11. When 9/11 happened, I think I just gave up, went through a time of depression and never recovered. Now its finally time to move past the excuses and get back into a healthy life for my kids and myself.
Thanks in advance for the support!

Before & After Pictures - http://www.myspace.com/thayesfitness

I have been over weight and or obese, to use medical terminology for nearly all of my youth. I was the chubby one in grade school into junior high school, and as I put on more weight I became the obese girl through high school and into college. Reaching my largest weight during my sophomore year of college, when my dorm was further from the main campus and I began to walk less and use 4-RIDE (campus transportation) more.
Fortunately I was also blessed with a great parents who instilled me with a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Accordingly, though I occasionally made plans to lose weight, I never felt that I was unattractive, or less worthy as a result of my weight. Actually it was more my interest in fashion and modeling that led me to focus on my weight as an issue as early as junior high school. I have tried to lose weight in many different ways in my youth...I just never fully committed to making a life change. I always saw it as a diet plan or short term goal. And as a result whenever the results were not coming quickly enough to satisfy me, I would promptly give up, until I heard about or came up with another get thin fast plan.
In the past I failed to lose the weight and begin my new lifestyle, whether I used an ignorant starvation plan, or used the traditional work-out, eat right plan. Like the time in junior high school, when I decided to only eat an orange a day to "jump start" my weight loss. Somehow I was able to make it through the week with only an orange a day, but the moment the week was over I went back to my normal way of eating and I gained all of the weight back. Or the time, also in junior high school, when I began working out daily, using the "step" and a work-out tape, and eating a reduced calorie diet. I lost 5 pounds in a week and my mother even gave me a greeting card to show me how proud she was of me at the end of the first week. Sadly, that only lasted one week, as I was not in the correct mind frame to continue with that lifestyle at that time. There were definitely times before and after that, when I attempted to work out regularly, but I was never motivated enough to maintain that lifestyle long enough or consistently enough to make a difference.
I have even had good friends try to motivate me, but it has been my experience that no one can give you motivation. You have to locate it within yourself, in order to succeed in the long term. And you have to come to terms with the facts. Once you except what it takes to lose the weight and make that commitment to yourself to do the work and make the appropriate lifestyle changes to make the weight loss last forever, you are halfway there.
My motivation began with the constant news coverage of weight loss via Gastric Bypass, and all of the resulting success stories. Accordingly, I was very much aware that it is a life threatening surgery and that there are complications and side effects associated with the surgery. However, I was definite in my need and want to lose the weight and my goal of living a more healthy lifestyle. I then finally, came to the realization that the only guaranteed way to lose the weight and keep it off with out resorting to surgery was to work-out and watch my caloric intake.
So I selected a work-out that I believed I could handle and the I believed would hold my interest, and I committed to doing it, every day. I started with the 30 minute Tae-Boe Tape, which was a short time commitment and I found it interesting because it tapped into my previous experience in a self defense class. The key was finding a exercise that I can make time for and enjoy. And as I progressed I varied it accordingly, as my aptitude and interests changed, so did my work-outs.
Next I knew I would have to look at my eating habits, but as I loved good food and I did not feel ready for any drastic changes, I decided to begin by cutting one thing. I cut out all liquid calories. I completely switched over to water, but when I realized that I missed flavored drinks, I incorporated unsweetened Raspberry Green Tea. The green tea curbed my cravings for flavored drinks and it added many health benefits to my life. As I saw results, it became easier to focus on calories. I began being aware of my calories and allowing myself to still enjoy the foods I love. I still enjoyed pizza, and fried chicken in moderation.
To gauge how many calories I needed to reach my goal weight I visited the Self website.
So for example if I knew I wanted pizza, I would log on to the restaurant's website. and I would see exactly how many calories are in the pizza I wanted to eat, then I would balance the rest of my meals for that day accordingly.
I learned that you need to take an interest in the labels of the food that you take into your body. Know how many calories are in your food. Know the fiber content and watch for trans fat.
I switched over to Olive Oil for everything. And I have made Fiber a staple in my daily meals. My main point is that I took it slow and I started with the changes I was most comfortable making. The changes I knew I could stick with because this was a lifestyle change, not a diet, and as my motivation and commitment grew, so did my efforts and my knowledge base. The key is not try to do everything all at once, the all or nothing mentality will only lead to failure.
Most importantly I began this journey as the beginning of a new healthier lifestyle. I did not begin anything as a short term endeavor. And as a result, I slowly created a lifestyle that I could live with and I have found it to be very successful for me.
I have lost over 120 pounds to date.

I am interested in sharing my story with your readers and the world. I hope that my struggle and success may provide people with faith and legitimate tips create their own success.

64.5 percent of U.S. adults, age 20 years and older, are overweight and 30.5 percent are obese. Studies of very-low-calorie diets by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine show that after a few months and weight loss of around 30 pounds, the weight comes back with a vengeance. Within a year, most people regain two-thirds of their lost weight, and five years later, they’’’’re back to their pre-diet weight, or heavier. Diets are, by definition, short-term lifestyle changes. No one stays on a diet for life. Diets involve big changes for short periods. That’’’’s the opposite of what you should do. An important key to weight control is to make small changes that you can live with for life.

The 2008 THayesFitness Calendar will provide a map to build your own personal path towards health and fitness. It contains all of the tips and guidelines required to give you the motivation to succeed in changing your life. And its calendar form will provide the everyday reminders needed to maintain the level of commitment and motivation required to succeed.

I am Taisha Juanita Hayes, and I have lost over 120 pounds the healthy way. (I have attached a before and an after picture. And there are more on my web site.) No gastric bypass, no pills and no gimics. I did it through exercise and health-conscious (not perfect) eating. I have been overweight nearly my entire life and I have always hated exercise and loved food. But I was able to lose the weight and I have maintained it for over 3 years. Frankly, if I could do it, anyone can. And now everyone I know and everyone I meet asks me how I did it and how I keep it off. And my response is simply that I began by working out for 30 minutes a day and after about a month I began to watch my caloric intake. But the key was the decision to change my life and my health. My focus was not to lose a certain number of pounds, but to change my life. I took it one day at a time because I knew this was a lifetime commitment, not a short-term diet plan. So each day I kept the commitment to work out and improve my health, which was difficult with such a large amount of weight to lose, as it took a long time for me to see a noticeable difference. To combat such, I did not watch the scale; I watched the fit of my clothes. I focused on my actions, not my weight, and I continue to do so now as I will for the rest of my life. These are all very manageable changes and the only issue that most people seem to face is making and keeping the commitment. Finding and maintaining the motivation to formulate a healthy lifestyle and learning an appreciation for exercise can be difficult, if not impossible, to maintain alone. Allow the 2008 THayesFitness Calendar to be a daily reminder of your goals and commitment to health and fitness. Use my journey from a complete aversion to exercise and an unrestrained love of food towards an actual love of exercise, health and fitness and a more controlled love of food, as a blueprint to make your own path. Make the decision to let THayesFitness KeepYou Motivated. Available October 2007.
THayesFitness
www.MySpace.com/THayesFitness
202-487-5070
2034 34th St. SE
Washington, D.C., 20020

Thank you,
-Taisha Juanita Hayes
THayesFitness
Let THayesFitness Keep You Motivated!

I LOST 52 LBS OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. IN THE LAST SIX MONTH'S I HAVE GAINED 13LBS BACK. I HAVE INCREASED MY CARDIO & DECREASED MY INTAKE. I ALSO JUST BEGAN A NEW ROUTINE. I KIND OF GOT BORED, SO IT'S TIME TO CHANGE UP. AFTER U MEET YOUR GOAL YOU GOTTA FIND NEW MOTIVATION.

How did I get this big I asked myself when I walked out of the Dr's office last Friday, I knew I could not longer claim baby weigh cause my baby is seven. It hurt because I remember as a child declaring "I would never allow myself to get that big". Well now I am and changes have to be made.

My goal is to lose at least 45lbs by my birthday on New Years day. If there are any Zeta's and Sigmas out there who want to travel with me on my journey, join my group Zeta Phi Beta Sigma.

I look forward to chatting with others and just to show you I am serious... 155 crunches/situps on the AB lounge this morning and nothing but veggies and fruit so far today.

I just started this program today. I started dieting last year in Jan 06. I have now lost a total of 74lbs. I now weigh 324, I have so much more to loose. It has been so hard, I checked my weight on Friday and I lost another 6.6lbs since last Thursday, a little over a wk. I am going to take any and all advice that I get from this web site.. I am ready to burn so fat/weight. Good luck to all!

Greetings, I just joined and wanted to purchase the book Extreme... reading some of the comments on the book the diet calls for eating beans. I don't eat beans or cheese. Can anyone tell me if it is worth trying the diet with these food limitations? Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I was so hyped about the challenge but I fell of. Thanks for your words guys because it reminded me about how I really want to be a lot healthier. I'll check back with some results soon. Hopeful

Hello everyone,
I just joined the challenge today. I am so excited. My weight jumped up to 237. Over the past couple of weeks I have been eating less and trying to get in 30minutes on the treadmill. My weight today is 229. I feel very depressed about my weight. I am so happy to have a free web site for support. Thank you so much.

I started the weight loss challenge on 7/12/07 and it has been a roller coaster! However, I've lost a total of 6 pounds and it feels great! What makes the challenge better is hearing the compliments from others!!! My tip: DO NOT get discourage, it is ALWAYS harder the first few weeks. If you fall and forget that you're on a challenge, get back up and start again. Believe me, I started over and over until I FELT that I was ready to re-committ!!!
Good luck people!!

Hi This is my first day on the challenge. I know it won't be easy. But I've tried just about every thing. My weight has ballooned to 223 since i've sarted working nights. I pray this helps. Lyn

I have a hard time exercising but, i stretch and walk everyday. My wheight goes up and down 205 to 200 back to 203 im lost. My eating habits i think are good. I don't eat junk food or fried and i love my salads and veggies. I just decided to go back on the smash diet just fruits and veggies and i did good then as i gradually started adding beans and soups i began to get sick with headaches, stuffy nose, eyes red and burning like a cold. Im lost and need help.

Hey, The only sugar I have is in my tea everything else is sugar free.I get weigh Thursday and I'll let you guys now the verdict.

Thanks

Hi Deborah,

At times, our bodies will stop burning fat. Its usually because it fears a famine is coming. Sometimes we overdue a good thing and our bodies reject it by holding on for dear life. Its just a plateau. I usually push past it by indulging in a treat. Something you normally would not have while changing your eating habits. But... Don't overdue it, and keep up the exercise. Its like tricking your body into thinking that there's a feast going on, and it relaxes and lets go.

Let me know if this works for you. Good luck to you!

I am so motivated about the challenge. I recently picked up my starter kit from my local State Farm Ins office. I want to live for a long time and diet and exercise are a key component. Thanks Dr. Ian and State Farm for this progeram!

Hi Deborah,

Don't give up!!!
How are you doing with eliminating sugar?

Please help.I started Curves in March and by March 2008 I wanted to be 70lbs lighter.I've lost 15lbs and 14.50 inches and for the last 2 months my weight has stay the same. I eat alot of veggies,meat and watch my carb intake and thats not working.Please HELP because I'm driving my co-worker crazy.

Deborah

Hi
I work the night shift and I am sitting most of the time. I don't know when I should eat because I am up doing the day and the night can anyone give me some advise?

Sign Help!

Hi, I feel so bad, I have to start over because I was just in a car wreck. I am certain that I need help with weight loss. I know that I can do this. My doctor told be to take it easy for now. I wish for you all the best!

I am trying but I've only lost 3pounnds since I starterd on 8/21/07. I think I am not getting enough exercise. My schedule is kind of tight with work, school, and a family, but I guess I need to work a little harder. Joining this challenge doeas give me that extra push I need.

Hello, everyone this is my first day signing up to lose pounds. I am excited about this challenge. I hope i receive all the support i can as well as give support until all of our goals are reached....

Olivia

I am enjoying all of the weight loss thus far. Dr. Ian I have been on the extreme fat smash diet now for almost two weeks and I have lost 11 pounds!! I feel great!!! I have a long way to go to reach my long term goal of 58 pounds but each week gets better and better.