My name is Nashanna Madison. I am a 29-year-old mother and wife. In High School and all through college I was always athletic and competitive participating in sports like basketball and volleyball. I must honestly admit back then my popularity and true measurements (36-24-36).
When I had my first child 7 years ago, the weight piled on and stayed on. After having my daughter, Kristian, my weight skyrocketed from 145 lbs to a whopping 250 lbs and in clothes, I was wearing a size 24. I was so ashamed to be shopping in the plus-size area and would try on smaller sizes hoping they would fit. When I looked in the mirror, it felt like I was trapped in someone else’s body. Depression set in and I gave up on getting back to my normal weight. My confidence, self-esteem and happiness went out the window. I developed high blood pressure and severe swelling of my feet due to almost being 300lbs. Being on blood pressure medicine at such a young age, made me realize that I did not want to live the rest of my life like taking pills to control what I needed to control myself.
Dr. Ian Smith came out with his book, Fat Smash Diet; I purchased it in a hurry with hopes of changing my life and getting back to my normal self. In the first phase, I lost 8lbs. It was so hard to let go of meats, but after a few days, I got used to it. Weight loss is really a mental thing and your mind really has to be made up if you want good results. I walk 2 miles a day 5 days a week and work out with a personal trainer on the weekends. I would say my younger sister Ricketa & cousin Patricia encourage me every day letting me know that this weight loss battle can be conquered. My sister has been overweight since childhood and used to be almost 500 lbs. We stepped up to the plate together and joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge. Dr. Ian Smith has changed our lives, gave us hope and is teaching us a healthy way to take care of our bodies and it’s FREE.
My sister and I recently met Dr. Ian Smith in Birmingham, AL. He is a wonderful man and has truly been a blessing to me. He really listened to us, made us feel good about what we were doing, and offered advice that will guide us for the rest of our lives. Since joining the 50 Million Pound Challenge, I have lost 28 pounds. I recently purchased the EXTREME Fast Smash Diet and the next time you all see me, BRICK HOUSE will be playing in the background. Thanks Dr. Ian Smith and State Farm for creating awareness among the African American community and teaching us how to eat and live healthy lifestyles.
Nashanna Madison, Birmingham, AL
Comments (36)
Hello Nashanna,
Keep up the good work "Brick House!"
Shalonda
Posted by Shalonda | October 24, 2007 3:42 PM
Posted on October 24, 2007 15:42
GO GIRL!!!!!
Posted by Anonymous | October 23, 2007 4:59 PM
Posted on October 23, 2007 16:59
Nashanna, you are a beautiful young woman and soon you will be a beautiful HEALTHY young woman. Thanks for sharing your weight loss journey.
Dr.Smith doesn't realize that he has begun a building frenzy. There are thousands of brick houses being constructed, remodeled, and will soon be on display ;-D (I have already purchased my bathing suit for next Summer.) "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb. 11:1 The substance of our faith will soon be evident.
Posted by Reba | October 22, 2007 2:55 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 14:55
Nashanna, congrats on your healthy journey.
to the person that posted on 10/9 that doesn't have support... You have a community supporting you go for it. This is about Your life, Your health, Your vibrancy. Ultimately it is about You! We control what we put into our mouths and what our body does for exercise. Put your headphones on and go for it!
I have saboteurs in my life. I don't tell anyone what i'm doing. this is for me and for God. I choose to take care of my temple( the body). Pray to God to help you make the right choices and to give you strength.
to everyone the more you progress and learn about healthy choices and feel better the more second nature it will become. God Bless!
Posted by tee | October 22, 2007 10:16 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 10:16
Hi Nashanna,
Thanks for your story and your inspiration. I have been on my weight loss journey for about 3 1/2 years now. I hit a point where I had some major stressors in my life and gained back about half the weight I lost. The 50 million pound challenge and people like you were part of me getting back on track. I've lost fifteen pounds since August 6, 2007 and am continuing on the journey. The biggest thing I've learned is that diets don't work - it's changing your eating and exercise habits for good that keep the pounds off. Keep up the good work and I will to.
Thanks again,
Leslie
Posted by Leslie Montgomery | October 22, 2007 8:45 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 08:45
I love reading the featured challenger because u are so inspirational. Im 39 and have to lose 75lbs to be healthy for my height. Ive been running away from the scales a long time but I refuse to hide anymore. I was 125lbs in my 20s then somehow I just let myself go. So far Ive lost 8lbs and just hanging in there. EVERYBODY PRESS ON!
Posted by Lisa C- Birmingham | October 22, 2007 4:48 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 04:48
Hi, this is Nashanna and I am so pleased to here that my story is helping and motivating people. This weight loss subject is a very sensitive subject to me, because I know in the past it has brought my selfesteem down, made me very unhappy with myself and with my life. I even started to blame everyone else for my situation. I did not want to accept the way that I was. So one day I stood in the bathroom mirror and looked at myself for the first and told myself this is you, and this is who you are if you dont like it you need to do something about it. I learned that if I did not accept me then, I would not accept me now. you have to accept yourself if you want to move to the next level. My advice is to always pray trust God and believe and love yourself.
Posted by Nashanna Madison | October 21, 2007 3:58 PM
Posted on October 21, 2007 15:58
Hello Nashanna! I'm 52yrs.old and i can't seem to stay where i won't to be in wt and since april i lost only 16lbs. to date but your story is inspiring. i sometime feel i need
someone to walk with me. all i need is a strong
determination and a willing heart. thanks i do know all my help comes from above. so when i walk my 3mi. a day i'll pray for you and me, and DR. IAN. THANKS TO HIM I READ YOUR STORY
Posted by Sarah Brooks | October 20, 2007 2:32 PM
Posted on October 20, 2007 14:32
Congratulations on your success I hope to be joining you very soon with a success story of my own. I have started excercising but seem to sabotage my self every time I start to see progress. How do you keep going? How do you keep your mind from making you lazy? How do you keep yourself from being the cause of your failure?
Posted by Angelina | October 20, 2007 12:56 PM
Posted on October 20, 2007 12:56
Hello Nashanna! Your story sounds so much like mine it is scary all the way to the blood pressure meds. I was released from needing to take mine in May 2007 after demonstrating for several months that I could control my blood pressure without the use of meds. You are so right about it being a state of mind. I have started and stopped exercising many times trying to be back to the weigh I was. I am thankful that you came to term with your weight and that you and your sister are drawing off of each other to continue in your success. I wish you much success in continuing to shed those pounds and hopefully I will be able to join you in dancing to brick house!!!
Posted by Juanica Thomas | October 19, 2007 10:59 AM
Posted on October 19, 2007 10:59
Hello this is Nashanna I am just checking in with everyone to encourage you to keep up the good work. It is not easy it is all in your mind. Once you make your mind up that this is really what you want you will reach your goal. There has been plenty of times when I wanted to give up after trying so many diets, but when I found what works for me I took advantage of it. I have lost a total of 33lbs and my goal is 50 to 60lbs. I will not stop untill I Get there. So lets continue to motivate eachother.
Posted by Nashanna Madison | October 18, 2007 11:16 PM
Posted on October 18, 2007 23:16
Nashanna,
May GOD continue to give you the strength to continue. I'm a mother of four, I've gained 75 pounds in all. I have tried almost every diet, yes I loose some weight but I have not been able to keep it off. I'm gonna try Dr. Ian's diet and prayer, that's my last resort. I am currently 240 and would like to loose 60 pounds to start. Your testimony has given me hope, thank you.
Posted by Nakita | October 18, 2007 3:06 PM
Posted on October 18, 2007 15:06
Just keep doing your best God will handle the rest. Love your sister keta
Posted by Ricketa | October 18, 2007 6:17 AM
Posted on October 18, 2007 06:17
After reading your story I was inspired to give weight loss another try.Keep the faith and keep up the good work.
Posted by Patricia Pegues | October 17, 2007 8:45 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 08:45
Hello this is Nashanna and first I would like to thank everyone who responded to my story. this weightloss journey is not easy but when you have people like you that care and feel what I am going through it gives me hope and help me to fight for my life. I will not let obesity win. As long as I am on this earth I am here to take a stand with anyone who is ready to say enough is enough and do what it takes to WIN. I Love You and God Loves you to. Thanks Nashanna Madison
Posted by Nashanna | October 16, 2007 10:54 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 22:54
Congrats on your accomplisment. I have just ended phase 1 of the fat smash diet and have lost 7 pounds! I can't beleive it, it feels so good. I don't know if it is an official site or not, but I have found a lot of support on www.fatsmashforum.com. I am also doing the diet with one of my best friends and that has helped. Keep being healthy!
Posted by Angela | October 16, 2007 11:23 AM
Posted on October 16, 2007 11:23
Keep going on STRONG. Weightloss is a journey and some where in the middle of our journeys we feel like we're not getting anywhere or lost, sometimes I feel like giving up because I feel overwhelmed. Between making healthy food choices and making the choice to get the "calorie furnace blazing" aka excercising, I gotta put in perspective it's day by day making the right choices and eventually all those days will add up or in our hopes DOWN to our ultimate goal. For me that is to be comfortable in this new lifestyle to where I am one with understanding and experiencing making healthy choices and enjoying it with a purpose. Everyday.
God speed, may He bless you with joy.
Posted by Angel | October 16, 2007 5:28 AM
Posted on October 16, 2007 05:28
How do you maintain your will power to eat the right things?
Posted by Lolita | October 13, 2007 10:20 AM
Posted on October 13, 2007 10:20
i am so proud of u being one of your bestfriend i seen how you suggle,and it always being hard for me to sit back and watch, but now its all good you are doing it big and i know that you can do it with God help so keep ur head up and know that i always here for you i love you and call me anytime you need me......bestfreind 4 life SUD...lol
Posted by Sarah ragland | October 13, 2007 6:46 AM
Posted on October 13, 2007 06:46
Congrad's and keep up the hard work, it is hard but with God on your side everything is possible, I'm 44 and back in the day i was 135 but now I'm 260 and that is not where I'm supposed to be and I have high blood pressure and I can relate so together we will all lose the weight, just keep pushing even when you get tired.
Jennifer
feel free to email me if you would like.
Posted by Jennifer Williams | October 12, 2007 11:50 AM
Posted on October 12, 2007 11:50
Thank you Dr. Ian for starting "The 50 milloin pound challenge. I'm just starting my challenge and hope to reach my goal with the challenge.
Thank you again
Posted by Doris Thomas | October 11, 2007 10:06 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 22:06
Hi Nashanna,
You have just inspired me. You have my word I will commit 100% to the challenge. Thanks for the inspiration. Good luck!
~Tonya~
Posted by Tonya | October 11, 2007 5:23 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 17:23
Hello Dr. Ian Smith,
I am another person that has been blessed by this show of support. It seems since I started as an State Farm Agent, I've gained over 15 lbs. It may not seem like a lot, but if you have a 5'2'' frame - every 4-5 lbs is another size. I met Dr. Smith in New York for the ATS Conference. Thank you for your book- it has been read cover to cover and after 2 weeks I have done the impossible - lost over the 5lbs that always seems to stump me. You have encouraged me to lose more weight...and it does not seem so impossible as before. Best of Luck to all of the beautiful people...lb by lb!
Pat
Posted by Patricia Ellis | October 11, 2007 5:10 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 17:10
Hello girl you rock!!! I am praying for you and I know with gods help you'll be back to that beautiful, sexy 145 real soon! As you grow don't forget your community as you know there are thousands of people out there who are going through the same things you have but don't have the courage to face it like you're doing. Help a child or a friend encourage them to walk with you.
anyway be blessed dear. here in Alabama i support you 1000%
Posted by Dawn | October 11, 2007 1:21 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 13:21
Nashanna, hang in there! you are doing a wonderful job. God Bless you!
Posted by Theresa Bowden | October 11, 2007 10:03 AM
Posted on October 11, 2007 10:03
Nashanna is my friend and a church member.She announced to us last night that she was featured on here and everyone got excited. I am truly happy for her. I am a student at Miles College which is the first college Dr.Ian teamed up with. I have lost a total of 11 pounds since joining. I have ten more pounds to go. Nashanna you go girl!To everyone else be encourged.
Posted by Tracy Johnson | October 11, 2007 7:42 AM
Posted on October 11, 2007 07:42
hi, my name is brittney. Ok this is hard for me, about 6 years ago i was 12 years old and i was about 120 lbs. over these years i've gained about 85 lbs. Its been really hard for me because i might go to the mall and try something on and im poking out every where its really hard for me 2 see. i see the girls on T.V. and sometimes i wish i was them. when i take a picture, i don't even look at my face i look at whats poking out. sometimes i break down and just cry. so i feel i need to make a change in my life, and thats why im on here.
Posted by brittney | October 11, 2007 3:23 AM
Posted on October 11, 2007 03:23
You are doing a great job! Your storey has inspired me to get off my butt. Keep us posted with your progress!
Posted by APRIL | October 10, 2007 9:39 PM
Posted on October 10, 2007 21:39
Good Job Madison. I am truly so proud of you.
Keep on dancing (smile)and growing spiritually, and you will reach your ultimate goal.Congratulations!!!!
Posted by Stephanie Ford | October 10, 2007 4:52 PM
Posted on October 10, 2007 16:52
Keep Up The Good Work and It Will Payoff.
To the anonymous person: (Anonymous / October 9, 2007 9:07 PM) You have to encourage yourself. I don't have anyone to encourage me but me. I have made up my mind that I don't want to be over weight "No More"! I go walking by myself (sometimes I ask friends but they never have time) 3 to 4 miles 4 days a week. I have a personal trainer that I workout with 3 days a week. I am determine to do this thing this year!
Just like the Bible and song says - you have to encourage yourself. So I hope that everyone who feels like they don't have anyone to encourage them on their weight loss journey would know that they have my encouragement and the encouragement of others to complete your weight loss goal. I am standing on the side line of your life yelling for you to finish this course: complete your weight loss goal.
Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win!
Holla
Posted by Barbara | October 10, 2007 3:30 PM
Posted on October 10, 2007 15:30
HEY GIRL!!!! CONTINUE TO LOSE WEIGHT AND KEEP YOURSELF HAPPY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, IT HELPS.
I JUST HAD A BABY AND THAT DEPRESSION THING WILL GET YOU, BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP PRESSING IN AND ASK GOD TO CONTINUE TO KEEP YOUR MIND ON YOUR HEALTH. IF YOU DONT DO IT FOR YOURSELF, DO IT FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN
Posted by Monica | October 10, 2007 1:46 PM
Posted on October 10, 2007 13:46
Congratulations, 8lbs is a huge success and i pray that you continue to reach your ultimate goal of that "brick house" shape!
Posted by Andrea Evans | October 10, 2007 12:18 PM
Posted on October 10, 2007 12:18
Another YOU GO GIRL! I'm so proud of you I can't stand it. Stay as beautiful as you are, and I'll look forward to seeing you dance to "Brick House." I love yah!
Posted by Naomi W. Nation | October 10, 2007 8:35 AM
Posted on October 10, 2007 08:35
Read all you can about health and wellness. Continue to be a student. Eat lots of raw and steamed veggies, drink lots of water. Stop drinking any kind of sodas and other liquid calories. Remember: You can't make progress and excuses. YOU CAN DO IT. God bless you.
Posted by BColes | October 9, 2007 9:16 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 21:16
I would like to congradulate you on your weightloss.My problem is that I don't have no one to help support me in my weightloss.And like you say it is real hard.
Posted by Anonymous | October 9, 2007 9:07 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 21:07
Hello Nashanna,
I don't have much to say other then continue to grow in your knowledge and continue to evolve in your body and spirit sis. Just wanted to lend some support.
Best of luck and God Bless in your continued puruit of healthfulness.
Posted by connie wilson | October 9, 2007 4:06 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 16:06