The 50 Million Pound Blog

Thank for the comment. PLLEEEAAASSSEEEE DON'T GIVE UP!!! I speak from experience that being healthy and trying to lose weight is very hard. You have accomplished a lot thus far. At times we get unfocused but we have to remember where we were, where we are, and where we want to be. I am actually down 102lb to date and words can't describe how I feel. Reading the comments posted on my blog and other stories like yours is helping to keep me focused. If you ever need encouragement please feel free to email me at charma_d7@yahoo.com We all can be and instrument of hope to one another.

Charmen

RICKETA, I REALLY ADMIRE YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND EFFORT.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.SINCE IVE JOINED THE 50 MILLION POUND CHALLENGE,I HAVE ACTUALLY GAINED 3 POUNDS. I USE TO WORK OUT ALL THE TIME WHEN I HAD A WORK OUT PARTNER BUT NOW I CANT GET MYSELF MOTIVATED FOR THE CHALLENGE.YOU INSPIRE ME,JUST DONT KNOW HOW MUCH YET.

Keep up the good work! I want to lose about 80 pounds as well, and your description of how to take it slow is very helpful.

Ricketa, Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. God bless you. Keep the faith and keep up the fight. I look forward to hearing an update from you.
EJ,
Detroit MI.

I love you and keep up the good work. this is not a easy task for us but if we keep working with eachother we will reach our goal.

!*!*!*!*!* W O W *!*!*!*!*!*!
Keep us updated and stay encouraged!
*!*!*!*!** Be Blessed *!*!*!*!*

Congrads on the loss, keep up the work just remember that God is with you all of the way along with the whole community.

Jennifer - Syracuse

Congratulations on your weight loss and thank you for sharing. Today is my first day doing the fat smash life change (I am not dieting, I am changing my life). I wanted a CHEEZ-IT so bad I could taste it, but I came to the site hoping to find inspiration to move forward and I did...in your story! I am encouraged that I can make it through this day and the days ahead. It is going to be interesting since I have two small boys who can't go through the detox so I have to cook for them, but I am determined to be a healthier me!

Congrats to you and everybody else who is losing weight! Self included. I'm down from 304 to 258 lbs. I got the book and the lap band surgery. Many props to the single moms trying to handle the stress of being mommy and daddy to the babies, struggling to make ends meet and sacrificing on a daily basis. Let us NOT sacrifice our health in the mean time by burying our face in comfort foods for relief. Get fine on a ninga and watch his face drop next time he sees ya! Remember in God, ALL things are possible. YOU CAN DO IT!! Stay focused and love yourself. Every fine inch of you as you continue to polish your body, shaping it and molding it. Taking control of yourself AND your health. I can't tell you how sick and tired I am of going to medical conferences and meetings where (at meal time no doubt, right when I sit down to put the first bite into my mouth) they start talking about obesity and how BLACK WOMEN are the most obese on the planet. More obese than black men, whites and hispanics. I look around the room and I am always the only black woman in the room! I put my fork down and push my plate away...Can I have a carrot, please? Talk about embarrassing! Hey, we can change that, one story at a time. If each one reach one and teach one we all benefit, prosper and grow. Kudos to all in this battle with obesity. Reach out along the way and lift someone up. No more put downs, put offs and "I ain't got time". Take the time. Make the time. Prioritize your life. God first, self second, then family, work, friends, etc...Get er done. Think of all the accomplishments we do as parents, spouses, chidren, workers, etc. We take the time to get our hair and nails done, play Play station or X-Box, etc. We take the time to talk to our friends and watch our favorite TV shows/games. Go Steelers! Hey exercise while you walk, talk, sit and meditate on your day or wind down at the end of the day (careful not to cause insomnia). Make it happen. Just do it, do it, do it!

Peace And Love.

PS Thank you Dr Ian for serving as an inspiration to us all. If you need some help or a professional female counterpart to add to your team, Look me up. I may need a job change. Seriously. DrKim@Kbet515@aol.com

Congratulations and keep up the good work. I am doing a few things on my own and have lost only six pounds but I can tell that I've lost inches, also. I don't have the book, but one day I was so desperate that I joined something on the internet for three months and was overwhelmed. I'm not sure but the email I received was too much for me; I think I have a personal trainer. If someone knows what I have done, please give me some insight. I have begun to workout every morning, but I know I need to do more. Be Blessed.
Edna

You go girl!! Your story was very inspiring. Congratulations on choosing to live healthly. I'd changed my eating habits as well and started exercising more so I can not only lose 35 lbs but have a healthy lifestyle.
Thanks for sharing your story.

Hello Ricketa:

Thanks for sharing your victorious story with us. It has encourage to push harder in my daily workout.

Please continue to press on your life changing journey. God Bless!

Ricketa,

Because you believe in yourself, all things are possible. Hang in there and you will make it to your desired weight. I will be praying for you in your endeavor, and watching as you reach your goal. You will do it. Stay focused, and prayful and God will see you through.

Be Blessed

Queen O
Tomball, Texas

86lbs wow! That is amazing. You will make it to your idea weight. You are already winning the battle on the inside and the pours outside. I appreciate you sharing your story. Keep losing, keep loving you and embrace your change it happens daily.

Your story is truly amazing. I'm signed up for the challenge but,I've been lazy in moving forward.However, I'm going to purchase the bookas well so I can get started with my weightloss goals. Thanks for sharing your story.

God Bless

Angelina

Your story is an inspiration to me. Sometimes I am just so lazy that I don't want to do anything but work and go home and take care of my four children. I will purchase the book from Dr.Ian that I can begin to make changes in the way I eat and I effective immediately I will start working out

Carolie Techiera
Location Antigua, West Indies

Inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your story has encouraged me to stay on track! Thank you again, and good luck!

You go Ricketa!

I am over weight, but because of my height I do not look as big as I weight. I am battling with depression and alway find excuses not to eat healthy. It seems as if loosing weight is easier when you have money and can afford gyms and personal trainers. Are there any creative ways that some one who does not have any money and time can get moving and stay moving. At one point when I was not working I was depressed about not working and I layed on the couch day in and day until I could barely walk (many liters of pepsi and coke-a-cola did not help either). Then I started working again and I felt better but my asthma restricted me from doing a lot of exercise. I just get to the point where I feel hope less.I am sick of people calling me ugly when I use to be pretty when I was skinny, I'm sick of no one being interested in me or I am look at as this fat black woman which equals invisible. I just want to look good again even though it is not about the looks. I am tired being just a good hearted person (aka just another way for people to say your ugly with out saying the word)

O yeah Dr. Ian Smith is really cute!

Ricketa,

Your story is an inspiration and a testimony combined.

It takes courage to tell others your struggle especially when the journey is not complete. Today you have succeeded in encouraging other people, especially those of us who are severely overweight, to continue our challenge of weight loss.

Losing weight means gaining health, and I'm all for that.

Thank you Ricketa for sharing your story. I know that you will succeed in your challenge because you believe in yourself, and you know that you deserve a more fulfilling life. God Bless You my sister.

Lady V
Detroit, MI

Hi Ricketa, reading your story brought memories of my younger sister. She was overweight and weighed as much as you. My sis died in 1996 and I always blamed the by-pass surgery. But I guess the doctors were right. Too much weight cuts years off your life. My sister was only 40 years old at the time of her death. My dad died also in his forties from a massive heart attack. He was overweight also. I was 15 at the time. You have inspired me to get serious about losing weight. I'm a yo-yo dieter. They say this is the worst on your body. I've always been big and deep down inside, hating it. My lowest weight that I can remember was 197 pounds. I wish now, I was somewhere in the 200 pound range. I'm forty pounds shy of 400 pounds and miserable. I made it to age 51 and will be 52 in October. My mom just passed at age 80, but she had so many health problems. I want to do better. Thanks so much for sharing you story. You don't know how much it meant to me. Take care and much success with your future weight loss.

I had joined another program in Jan 07 and had lost 18 lbs by July, I have since gained it all back. I had joined the challenge last week and I have not lost or even tried to lose. I not have the fat smash diet and I am going to use this to get me started. The blog inspired me.

HI THERE GIRL WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL (HEAVY) WOMEN, BUT WE ALL NEED HELP ONE WAY OR THE ANOTHER AND THE WEIGHT YOULL BE THE MAIN ONE BUT,HANG IN THERE AND WE CAN DO IT. I KNOW BECAUSE I DID IT BEFORE AND IM ON A MISSION AGAIN BUT THIS TIME I PLAN ON KEEPING IT OFF FOR GOOD. REMEMBER PRAYER HELPS TOO. BLACKGAL41

Congratulations Ricketa,
For taking on the challenge. I have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure and also need surgery but I am over weight by 50 pounds and can't have surgery until I lose it. The doctor is giving me until December to do something. I am financially challenged and unable to purchase a book at this time but I will be changing my eating habits. I am not a good motivator to self, but for others I am the best cheerleader.

Hello I'm so very happy for Ricktra even that I have never been that heavy I,am obese and I need to lose weight to be put on the lungs transplant list so as you can guess I can't move that much I'm weak or don't understand how to eat I need Dr.Ians'advice and help because according to my dr if I don't get this transplant I'll die please help me

mary wallace

I was looking on the blog trying to find motivation to restart my program and I found it when I read your story. Congratulations on your weight lost. I truly hope that WE BOTH reach our goals. I started losing weight in March 2007 and had lost 10 pounds before joining the Challenge. I lost an additional 5 lbs on the Challenge. Then with vacation and stress I lost focus and motivation. Needless to say I have regained the 15 lbs. The clothes that fit so well are now tight and I refuse to buy more. This is a long hard journey, but with faith and motivation we all will succeed.

Congrats...i myself love the Fat smash..i have dropped 26pds since June..down to 224..looking to drop 35 more before Dec...would have dropped more but fell off with walking..but i will say i kept the eating regime.....back on track...keep up the good work

Hi Ricketta,

I read your story on the internet. I hope you continue with the positive attitude that you have and I know for sure you will reach your goal. Just stay focused and enjoy healthy living.

Congrats to you. I know how it can be hard. I myself have been heavy all my life. Last year I had lost a little over 40 pounds, but gained back 25 since a knee surgery and stress from my job, which I currently no longer work there. I started a new job"this is my 4th week starting and I feel good. I joined the fitness center here a week ago and I am on a mission. This will give me a goal to work to get back on track. Be blessed and take care.

Lacetta

Congratulations, and keep up the wonderful job. Remember in everything you do keep GOD first and give him the glory, he is were we get our strength to move on.

You go Ricketa...
I know losing weight is'nt always easy but, just hang in there the results are outstanding. As you continue on this journey you will find out all kinds of wonderful things about yourself and life. Remember your losing more than just weight and gaining more than a new wardrobe. So, don't let anyone keep you from your goal surround yourself with loving supportive and encourging people. Keep up the good work;your doing fine and getting better everyday. You Go Girl

Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!

Ricketa's weight loss is wonderful! Sharing her story is essential to inspiring and motivating us all to keep pressing on! Hopefully, this is the beginning of many testimonials to be shared by people challenged to to lose weight because it encourages me.

Congrats to you.I too have lost weight 52 lbs so far it has not been an easy journey but I feel wonderful. God bless you and keep up the good work.

I was inspired when I heard your story. I have been struggling with losing weight for years. I am 37 years old and I have hypertension.

Congratulations Ricketa. You know what? You have still made me realize that I'm moaning and groaning about losing the 10 pounds that I want to lose and you are making things happen. You are truly and inspiration cuz if you can do it I can do it. It's all about wanting to be healthy and disciplining yourself. Good luck and God Bless you on your journey.

Way 2 go Ricketa... I don't know you but I'm proud and happy for your taking on a challenge and being successful.. keep it up u CAN do it.. in fact u already have, just keep it up and you will be where you want to be.. GOD BLESS...

I decided to take the 50 million pound challenge after visiting my primary care physician for an annual physical. During this visit, I weighted in at 220 lbs and my blood pressure was at stage one hypertension. I was very disappointed at myself for allowing this to happen. I decided that day, that 220 lbs and Stage 1 Hypertension was enought for me to make a change. I started walking at least 30 minutes a day and I changed my eating habbits immediatley. Today I have lost 16 pounds and my blood pressure is normal again. I encourage any and everybody who is over weight to please make the change. My goal weight is 145-150 lbs and I am inspired to reach this goal and to keep the weight off. I use every opportunity to exercise and the more I exercise, the more I want to exercise. I get these burts of energy and it makes me go?

Have you ever thought about how much time we spend waiting? Those times spent waitng could be turned into valuable exercise times for example: When I take my truck in for service, instead of setting in the waiting area, I fast walk the entire car lot. When I take my son to football practice, instead of sitting in the bleechers, I walk the track and run up and down the stairs for at least and hour. I also keep a pair of socks and tennis shoes in my truck at all times so I can take advantage of any free time that can be used to get some exercise. This is a great way to develop a habbit of staying active. It is payng off for me and I know it can pay off for you! Try it?!

That is a beautiful story. I am encouraged even more by your story. Too many of us 'SISTAHS' are over weight and I am tire of seeing us overweight, including myself. Stories like yours keep me going. It helps me to visualize a happy ending. I am disappointed at the sisters that say big is "IN". That is so far from the truth. We all don't have to be skinny, but being big and hoping to find a man that love a big woman is not a good option. I hope, especially sisters will stop advertising the "BIG GIRL" thing. Because we know it is not a disgrace, but Big Girls are not at all healthy and I feel better with what weight loss I have accomplish. You are truly an inspiration.

Ricketa,

Keep up the great work. You have encouraged me to keep moving.

All I have to say is You Go Girl!! When I read your story the first thing that I noticed was your name, Ms. Love. Everything you do starts with loving yourself, once we make that a priority there is NOTHING we can not do or acheive. I pray that you will continue on this life changing journey, I am with you all the way.

Peace and Blessings

themrswilliams

Ricketa, Keep up the good work, your story sounds a lot like my own, but you have done something that only keeps me motivated and want to continue. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!

Ricketa, congratulations on your 86lbs weight loss. I know it is not easy because I have been trying for more yrs than you have been on this earth. lol

You have encouraged me to get back on track and today is the day. No more waiting until Monday. Today, is the first day of the rest of my life.

You can and will do it because you are to young to turn back. Best of luck to you and your wght loss buddies.

Inspite of the troubled situations that you may be in. I will take you to the book of John 5:1
“After this there was a festival of the Hebrews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate there is a pool, called “ Bethzatha” in Hebrew which has five porticoes……..” we learn that many people with all kinds of ailments showed up at this waters, and they waited for an angel to stir up the water before they got in, in order to be healed of their diseases. We see that the sick found healing in the middle of unsettled waters.

Sister, don’t be quick to run away/give up because of where you are in your relationships. These are probably the troubled waters that you need to face with fortitude in order to be prepared for your next wave of blessings. Coz guess what? Being blessed is expensive, God wants to make sure that you really have the capacity to receive and maintain what he is about to pour into your life sister.
Your healing will definitely be found in troubled waters, and not settled/peaceful waters. Our Lord Jesus Christ said that he found peace in the middle of the storm.

The man in John 5 had been ill for 38 years, which is a very long time, in our lives, we usually tolerate situations for such long periods, that we think that change is impossible.

Verse 6 of the same scripture has Jesus asking the man “ do you want to be made well?” The question to you sister is: do you want to change your life? Until you want it so bad, as if it is a life and death situation, then things will never change. I say this to encourage you and all the other brothers and sisters in this forum.
Keep the faith,change is possible!
Eric Odera

Ricketa I'm glad I read your story, I needed to hear that. I had given up hope but your story has inspired me to continue. I'm going to purchase that book as well now. good Luck to you!!!! I challenge myself to reach my goal!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ricketa, you are such an inspiration! I'm going to start putting some effort toward my weight loss. Keep up the good work. People like me are watching you so we can keep focused.

Congratulations to you Ricketa, I too have recently joined the 50million pound challenge. I know that everything happens for a reason and through God all things are possible. You are truly an inspiration to me. I also have Dr. Ian's fat smash book that I got from my local library and at first I didn't even read it. I had it in my work bag and actually forgot to return it to the library which made it overdue; but when I called the library they RENEWED it for me for two more weeks! I knew this was a sign from God and I immediately began to read it. I still have a long journey before me, but with continued motivation from people like you I know I can reach my weight goal of 135-150lbs.(I'm 5'2" 206lbs.) Thank you and Dr.Ian. I have already began early morning walks with my dog and eating healthier foods; which is hard when you are a full-time parent of five children. Wish me luck!

Ricketa, you GO GIRL! I am so proud of you!! 86 lbs is such a wonderful accomplishment. I am on the same journey you are on and you are definitely paving the way for myself and others. Keep up the good work and just know that you have come too far to turn around. I have lost 38lbs so far and I began in May and slowly but in time I will have the physique that I have always dreamed of. It is a lifestyle change that we have both made and must stand by. We can do all things through Christ...be blessed on your journey!

Ricketa, I am so extremely happy for you. Congratulations! Reading your story has truly inspired me. I've been struggling with my weight loss for some time. I find that I still make excuses to eat things that aren't good for me. You know, like . . . I could eat this bagel with butter and jelly this morning and have the rest of the day to work it off . . . yeah, right!! Anyway, thank you so very much for sharing your story. It was enough to boost me to another level!!

~Rare~

good for you ricketa i pray that you reach your goal keep going

Congratulations!!!! I do not even know you and I am so very proud of you. Keep up the good work and the positive attitude about your health and you will continue to go far and be able to meet your goal.

Hey Ricketa.....

Congratz on your weight loss... Keep up the good work!!!

Hey Riketa, Put God first and everything else will fall in place. Every pound that I shed I say thank you Lord because I just like Pastor Marvin Sapp says in his song "I never could have made it with him" Since signing up with the 50million pound challenge I have lost 27lbs. Girl if I make to 86lbs like you, I guess my husband will need a leash for me. It made me feel so good on last sunday when one of the church deacons who is like a brother to me asked me did I need his belt to hold my clothes up. I am a pastors wife and people always watch you, now I am really giving them something to talk about. What I love the most is I am doing it the healthy way. Thanks for you and Dr.Ians encouragement

Ricketa,
Girl keep up the great work. YOU are such an insperation to all of the people who visit this site. I learned about this challenge through a co-worker, however you are the person who inspired me to take the challenge. Good luck and God bless!

Remember winners never quit and quitters never, I mean never wins: So continue to win!!!

Hello, Ricketa and Dr. Ian Smith!

You are an inspiration to those of us, who have committed ourselves to a better life through eating better and exercising six days per week.

I have lost 12 lbs. since I joined the fifty million pound challenge. Bone Crusher was one of my favorites on Celebrity Fit Club. I hope to be an inspiration like you. My niece, Keisha, now weighs about 300 pounds and she is not motivated to improve her eating and exercise habits to live a better life. I will send your story to her in hopes that you can give her some of that fire that you have in your soul.

I am having fun with this. I am apart of something more than myself. When Dr. Smith came to Memphis it was a celebration. I saw artists and folks that I had not seen in a long time; and, man did I dance. I had lost relations, my best job, income, and apart of myself. I am inspired to just reinvent myself since I cannot recapture my former self. You see, the new me is cooler. She dances, she eats foods grown from local farmers that I seek out; I changed jobs and have hope of something brighter.

Who knows, maybe I will become a celeb and appear on celebrity fit club and give those stars a run for their money. The future is good for us and I am loving it. Praise God!

Thanks to all comments, its not easy but im blessed to have people who really care.
Ricket Love will never give up the fight.

I want to say to Ricketa, congrats on the weight loss and keep going for the goal. Believe that everyone is brought into our lives for a reason. God never makes mistakes. Know that the best reward in life is being able to see another day. Keep your head up know that best is yet to come.

Best Wishes

Hey,

I like your life story and I just wanted to congradualate you on your new lifestyle changes. I wish you the best with your life goals.

Dear Ricketa,

I read your story and wish the best for you. You can do all things thru Christ who strengthens you. Phil 4:13 Losing weight is one of the most challenging feats you'll encounter (outside of raising kids) LOL. 87lbs is more than amazing and I am happy for you and so very proud of you. You Go Girl!!! Stay prayed up, stay committed and watch HIM work it out for your good.

~Hewy~

congrates!!!!! you have inspired me to do something about my weight by your comment , "if you take care of your body, it will take care of you"
much love

Hello all each story is so heart felt. I have known Ricketa all of my life. She is my first cousin and yes, I am the skinniest one in the family mentioned in her story. Cousin, I just want to encourage you to keep up the good work. You have stepped up to the plate and told your story. You are helping millions worldwide whom can relate because they are fighting the same battle. Stay focused and continue to spread the word because you never know who you might be a blessing to!! I LOVE U!! TRISH

Ricketa I just wanted to send you blessings and encouragement! Your story is very inspiring. I like that you remind everyone that just because you're big, doesn't mean you're always sitting around. You've led an active life throughout your youth. Now, you're losing the weight that would take away your joy of movement, as you get older. You are a beautiful woman, and the world will be yours, more and more, as the weight comes off! I'm cheering for you, sister!

Congratulations on losing so much weight. I and inspired by you. I've been trying to workout everyday in the gym. I do at least 30 minutes on the tredmill, 10 minutes on the bike, and the I lift weights. If I could just change my diet I would be ok but the it's expensive to eat healthy so I do what I can. If you have any advice for me please do so. See you late.

Ricky Love JR.

Dear Dr.Smith, I read the article about Ms. Love it was very inspiring, I want help and I don't know where to turn, I loss my spouse to this disease of obesity, I am over weight and need to lose, if I am to live, I just found out that I have some type of spot on my heart, I need to have what may be a blockage unblocked...currently I weight 400 pounds and I am miserable, I want to live, can someone help me?

Thank you for your story. You make it sound true, like it will be difficult but not overwhelming. I appreciate you being an inspirtation. Keep going. you will reach your goal.

Hi, I just want to give encouragment to everyone who is trying to fight the battle of getting healthy. I have been fighting the battle for fifteen years. I can lose alot of weight (50-85lbs.) quickly but i'd always gain it back and then some. But last year I got serious and I've lost a total of 75lbs. This is the first time that I've kept it off. I am going to keep it off because it's a lifestyle change for me. I have instilled the new lifestyle into my kids life because i don't want them to grow up following in the same bad footsteps that i grew up in. Using food for the wrong tools. We all work out together and I'm teaching them the correct way to eat. I live on the low carb lifestyle with fresh fruits,notice that i didn't say diet. Because it has to be a lifestyle change. If i can offer anyone words of encouragement feel free to contact me.

I lost 75lbs. in five months
I walked off the first fiftylbs.
Now I run 4x a week for 50min.
I ate a low carb diet

Hi Ricketa!
Congrats on your weight that you lost.
Keep up the great work.
I'm glad I heard about this site. Your story is a TRUE inspiration.

Best Wishes,
Toni

Just a comment on Kita Love -- YOU GO GIRL! I, for one, am proud of you. Keep on loving yourself and keep up the walking. Always remember that you have someone that supports you---ME!

Mirrortomyheart,
You just keep your head up. We are all on this earth for a purpose for an unknown amount of time. Make the best of each day! Be strong and take care of your health, your daughters will grow to admire you for it. Look at this all as a new beginning. Your concern should be the satisfaction of YOURSELF. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake. As nike says... 'just do it' for YOU!
pepper

hi i just want the world to know that i want to beome a better person a not be a plus size girl.

Hi I am 27 years old and a mother of three girls the twins are now four and my baby just turned 2 today which is June 12,2007. I currently still weigh the same amount of pounds when I had her. I became really depressed because I seperated from my husband a month and a half that I had her and I eat to fill the void. I eat because I get angry with the choices that I made in my life. I am educated and know what I am doing is wrong I hate my own reflection that stares back at me. I know that I must change before my behavior transfers over to my girls. So I decided today on the day that I gave birth to my little joy that I will lose weight and have a more positive out look on life. Despite the issues that I have been having with there father I need not allow it to determine how I mother my children and care for myself. I wanted to give up and even chose the end day because i felt like I didn't measure up to the standards of the men in my life. Husband and father that is. My father seems disappointed in me because now I have three girls that I must raise on my own. But anyway I hope to stay focused and I guess nothing will change unless I decide to pray more and read the word more so I am going to use these tools to try to help me on my journey.----------mirrortomyheart........