The 50 Million Pound Blog

Eat as many meals as possible sitting down without being distracted. Don’t eat in front of the TV or computer; instead sit down with friends or family and enjoy the meal as well as the company. Eating while doing something else tends to cause you to eat large portions and not truly enjoy the food or company with whom you’re sharing the meal.  

People who work in offices should try to avoid eating at their desks. It’s important to clear your mind and change your environment. If you are eating alone, try reading a good book, newspaper, or magazine. Implementing eating habits like this help keep you aware and in control of your diet, and will lead you to success.  

Best ~ Dr. Ian

My Challenge Family,

My team and I had a bittersweet and emotional weekend as we finished up the kick-off tour at the Bayou Classic in New Orleans. We’ve been all over the U.S., nearly 20 cities since April, meeting incredible people and spreading the message of The Challenge. But this is only the end of our 2007 calendar of events. We have a BIG year planned in 2008 as The Challenge goes to another level and we’ll visit churches and college campuses across the country.

Write me if you want us to visit your church or college.

Today, I’m proud to report that more than one-quarter of a million people are participating in The Challenge and we’ve lost well over a million pounds!

The past seven months of my life have been rather tough, I must admit. Within The Challenge team alone, we’ve been away from home; we’ve dealt with difficult personalities; we’ve laughed and cried; we’ve fought and rejoiced; sadly, we’ve even experienced the tragic death of a beloved member of our video crew. But, I am extremely thankful that through it all, we had each other.

The same sentiment rings true when I read your emails and blog comments. I’m stirred with compassion and hope for us because I trust that we’re facing The Challenge together. Our fight against the deadly threats that strip us of our lives is extraordinarily difficult, and the struggle only proves to me that we are doing the right thing.

Each of us are fighting to save lives—our own as well as those of the ones we love—and there is nothing more precious or fulfilling than this.

We are improving lifestyles by making smarter choices that will influence our loved ones, peers, and future generations. We are united, strong and hopeful, and therefore, I know we will succeed. You will reach your individual goals, and you can help others do the same. Together, we’ll not only reach our goal of 50 million pounds, but then we’ll kick it up a notch and go even beyond that.  This is critical to the life of our community and I know we’ll get the job done.

I’ve been all over the radio, on television, and in print asking you to join me in The Challenge and get Black America healthy again. Many have said it would never happen, but I never waivered in my belief in you—in us!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage, dedication, and vision. I look forward to the day when we will celebrate reaching our ultimate goal. As that day approaches, please trust that my team and I are committed to you through this fight. Keep updating your weight loss in your account and get your family, friends, and co-workers to join us as we take better control of our lives and make history!

Warmest.
~ Dr. Ian

The holidays are here and with them come great recipes and meals. I’ve read your blog comments and know that many of you are looking for some extra health tips. Here’s a handful you can implement this season and commit to through the New Year.

Healthy holiday and resolution tips:

• Eat four servings of fruits and vegetables (combined) per day. One serving is about the size of your fist.
• Keep up your exercise. Plan to exercise, anywhere and anytime, for 15 minutes a day three days a week. (It’s important to know and not exceed your maximum heart rate while working out. Here’s an easy calculation to find yours: 220 - your age = maximum heart rate.)
• Limit eating fried foods to no more than four fried servings of food per week.
• Switch to “brown” foods. Rotate brown rice and whole wheat bread or pasta into your recipes.
• Manage and reduce your stress by doing something you enjoy for 30 minutes every day.

Take a moment after you’ve read through these tips to plan how you can adjust your recipes or schedules to keep your healthy momentum moving!

Yours in The Challenge.
~ Dr. Ian 

 YOU CAN WIN A $500 VISA GIFT CARD!

Here's what you need to do to enter the sweepstakes:

• Update your weight tracker daily between today (December 10) and Wednesday, December 19. You get one entry a day, so login and update your profile every day!
• Know anyone who hasn’t joined The Challenge yet? New registrants will also be entered in the sweepstakes. Tell your friends and family that they can get a great prize for joining this community!

Please note: The winner will be chosen on December 20th, and we’ll ship their gift card on December 21. So, be sure to update your profile daily, and increase your chances of winning.

Check out our Bayou Classic sweepstakes winners in New Orleans with Dr. Ian... 

Happy Holidays!

POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE!  

Growing up I was always very active. I played sports year round and had the hardest coach to keep me motivated, my dad. I never had any weight problems until I got sick. I had three cancer scares that put at least 50 pounds on me each time. I tried dieting and exercise but I would stop because I didn't see the results fast enough.

About a year ago at the age of 32, I ended up in the hospital having what I thought was a heart attack. Come to find out I had a weak heart due to stress. When my son asked me if I was going to die, it made me change my life.

I started working out an hour a day and started the Atkins diet. To keep me encouraged my 10-year-old son did it with me. I wouldn't have been able to do it with out him. I tell everyone: make sure you have a buddy and losing weight is much easier. My goal was to lose 100 pounds. I reached my goal in 10 months and my son lost 20 pounds. Unfortunately, I didn't find out about The Challenge until April and I started in December of 2006.

I wanted to be a part of this Challenge, to encourage others and to keep me motivated. This Challenge always reminds me that I am not doing this alone.

Karen Smith Jacksonville, FL