The 50 Million Pound Blog

Thank you for your words of encouragement and tips. Please post as you get closer to your goal of losing that last 18 pounds.

Hi dj,

You will always have the "you need to eat something" people always trying to get you off your plan. If they insisted on giving me food, I would take it and give it to someone who wasn't on a diet...or I ruin it with pepper and ketchup. It sounds crazy but you won't eat a Snickers covered in ketchup.

Will POWER and sometimes I allow myself small treats but never over indulging to the point of fatigue or a stomach ache.

However, I still don't put certain foods near my mouth...FRENCH FRIES, POTATAO CHIPS, or certain COOKIES (G.S.)

I might have a small brownie or dark chocolate snack size piece of candy...maybe once a week. If I do allow myself a treat, I hit the gym extra hard that week.

Sometimes you just have to set people straight and say it like you mean it...I tell them that I am trying to get bikini right for the Bahamas...still doing the plan...keep it moving...and most people now know so they don't even try me. After you say it enough "plan spoilers" will get the hint.

Femi

To everyone I hope all is well...I still have 18 pounds to go before I hit my target. I just joined this boot camp work out group. Pray for me that my muscles stop hurting...LOL!

Hi Femi,
I went and took a peek at your pitures on Flickr. Girlfriend, you really do look great! I don't know you, but I feel like I do because I have some of the same thoughts and feelings you had concerning the weight gain. Your story has truly inspired me to take this challenge to the limit this time. I have lost 23 lbs since I joined the challenge in July 2007. I walk atleast 1 mile everyday, and I purchased a used treadmill this past weekend. I can feel myself getting exciting as I look forward to the big payoff when I reach my goal of losing 50 lbs. Although I haven't yet lost a tremendous amount of weight, I am already facing alot of animosity from some coworkers. In the beginning, it was a struggle because I felt they were seriously trying to sabotage my efforts by offering foods I knew I needed to stay clear of. But I won that battle and resisted EVERY offer. Have you encounter this sort of thing from people around you, and how did you handle that?

Girl,

I am so proud of you. I looked at your pictures and I can't believe how much you have progressed! It's your girl. I would love to hear from you. I have been trying to locate you since you moved to Florida. I am trying to get out there to see my mom because she is ill. Give me a call when you get this message. 951-956-7003 or 951-943-6252.

girl! you looking good! give me a call. I would love to hear from you. 951-956-7003 cell & 951-943-6252 home. Call me

Hey chica. It's Yet2B. Just wow at you!! Congrats sis...you are truly inspirational. I just received my book in the mail and I cannot wait to start! I'd like to lose 100lbs and I plan on doing just that.

Femi,

You sound so real I can relate to everything you are saying. I am on the same so called diet you were on skipping breakfast and making up for at lunch and dinner. You have inspired me to get off my but and move. Keep up the good work and keep it real.

Shar

Hi Tikia,
I ordered the Firm Power Sculpt Workout DVD and power stick from Target.com for $35. The Firm series is a great grouping of work out DVDs. The DVD that comes with the power stick is only 25 minutes long; however, you will sweat and feel every muscle during and after your work out. I hate crunches therefore I use this power stick sculpting DVD. Also, I suggest getting their step bench with the DVD. I am getting a lot more leg definition since using these DVDs along with running twice or three times a week.

I tried the gym membership and found that I was wasting money and never used it, because I was too embarrassed to be in there with all those “fit” people. If you use those DVDs at least 3 times a week and cut your carb intake the weight will just melt off. It is hard in the beginning and I should know…I have been on every diet, gimmick, cream, girdles, pill, because I craved to be skinny again…but I now see that I have to remember that I have to watch what I am putting into my mouth and how I burn it off. If you prepare a journal of what to eat daily it becomes a lot easier. I plan every meal… I hope these suggestions will help you to be successful with you reaching your goals. Keep at it and you will make it.

being a young black woman @ the age of 23, always been a plump child growning up. at after watching Dr.Ian on fit club made me want to change. at 5'2, 200lbs on today i was watching a tv, i saw the web site and right then i got to the computer a joined. Reading your story has given me courage to make a change. congrats on you sucess and to the future on your challege.i will keep you in your prays

U look great, I can't wait til I get ur size, I had a baby in 2005 & it was my first C-section & my stomach feels like dead weight, I really need help in the stomach area. Do u have any Ideas for me??

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to post an update on my weight lost. On Friday, February 15, I weighed in at 170lbs., which is 68lbs. lighter since joining the challenge. (If you remember, I started at 234 pounds.)You can see before and after pictures of me on http://www.flickr.com/photos/freegurl76/.

Some have asked, “What are you doing to get it off?” The key was limiting my carb intake. I was digesting mostly carbs and no vegetables on a daily bases. Usually I skipped breakfast and ate large unhealthy lunches and dinners. I completed a food diary and counted up my caloric intake before I started my weight lost. I found that I was taking in almost 2,500 to 3,000 calories a day.

First, I purchased Fat Smash Diet by Dr. Ian and followed it. Also, I stopped with the excuses about getting my hair wet from working out. I started working out for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. I stopped eating after 7pm, and no more fast food…French fries are a thing of the past and my body stopped craving them. Only cravings I still have are for chocolate, but I still don’t over do it. I do everything healthy from dividing portions when I am at restaurants.

Where I use to eat a full meal at Olive Garden, I will ask for a to-go-box and divide my food before I began to eat. I leave the rest for lunch the next day. I love steamed broccoli, now. Before, it would take the National Guard to get me to eat broccoli. I eat a lot of broccoli, baked chicken or lean meats, and fruits that are not high in sugars. I stay away from sodas which I was addicted to and consumed as many as 4-5 cans a day, but now I am a water and Crystal Light drinker. NO, NO fruit juice because fruit juice is full of high fructose sugars…Absolutely, NO deep fried foods have entered my body since August 2007.

I hope these tips were helpful in knowing some things to do while trying to lose the weight. Best wishes to everyone who is out there trying to take the burden of weight from your body!

HI FEMI,
THAT SOUNDS NIGERIAN....WELL IM NIGERIAN TO..I GOT HERE LAST SUMMER.AND IVE ADDED OVER 62 POUNDS...SINCE I GOT TO THE UNITED STATES....BUT U HAVE INSPIRED ME...I AM GOIN TO TRY MY POSSIBLE BEST 2 LOSE IT....RITE B4 MY EYES I EXPANDED...IVE GOT STRETCH MARKS....IF I MAY ASK...HOW DID DEAL WITH YOUR STRETCH MARKS....MY LIFE HAS TOTALLY CHANGED EVER SINCE I ADDED THIS MUCH WEIGHT.....WELL...THANK YOU 4 INSPIRIN ME

Femi
you have inspired me, I have gained 100+ pounds
I go up & down. but since my divorce 2 yrs ago it has gone up my max at this point is 270. send me tips and ways that helped you loss the wt. I'm currently working out 3days. I'm a nursing student and work 3, 12 hrs night shifts. so, I'm having problems coming up with a menu. can you help.
Christina

Hi Femi,

I am currently doing THE FAT SMASH DIET. I have completed Phase I before but I failed on Phase II. Today is my final day of Phase I and I am looking forward to completing the entire diet. Your story has encouraged me to keep with it. Thank you and congratulations.

Way to go, Femi!!! You're what this challenge is all about. I'm celebrating your victory with you! You've done it...one pound at a time!

Hi Femi,
I just wanted to say congrats. My journey is similar to yours and thanks to my friend, who is a Holistic Nutritionist - she helped me find some awesome all-natural wholefood (fruits, veggies, nuts, etc.,) products via the internet that have assisted with my healthy weight loss. They helped re-start me nutritionally. I hope you have an opportunity to try them. My son gets his 5-recommended daily allowance of fruits and veggies right from the bag with no preparation. We eat the all-natural wholefood meals, soups, smoothie mixes, snacks and treats. I eat the wholefood meals (Phi Plus, etc.,) for a healthy breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. I have never felt better and the pounds are coming off the healthy way. Feel free to contact me at anytime, my number is on the link. Be blessed, Femi if there is anything that I can do to make your journey easier email or call me.

Congratulations on reaching a significant milestone! Keep up the great work, you are doing fabulous and on the right track to reach your goals. I look forward to when I can post my victory in reaching the same milestone.

Congrats loosing your weight!!! I know that you feel so good about your accomplishment. I am 33 5'11 and 220 right now, I started the challenge in Jan of 08 and I have lost 12 pounds. It is very hard but seeing your story and others has motivated me to keep on going. I am so proud of you hopefully soon my husband and I can complete our goal as well. Way to go!!! You go girl!!!!!!

I don't know you but I am so proud of you. Keep up the good work. I have also made a decision to LIVE differently and to MOVE more. I am so grateful you posted your story. I believe you can fulfill all your goals.

Thank you to all of you for your words of encouragement. I got up to 319 lbs back in 2001. I am now down to 266.5 lbs. It has taken me about three years to get this weight off and keep it off. The hardest part for me has been my eating habits. I do well for a period of time then something happens, emotional most of the time, and I go back to my bad habits. I do work out 5 days or more 30 - 45 minutes or more on some days. Please pray for me and I will pray for you as we do this together.

CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you. Keep up the good work! You go, girl!

Congratulations Femi,

I just joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge. Over a week ago I joined a diet program and know that I need as much inspiration and encouragement as possible. Stories such as yours motivate me and make me want to stick with my plan. Again, congratulations. You look great.

I wanted to say thank you to all of you for your kind sentiments concerning my “T.” I am proud of each of you for getting on the road to a healthier you. We have to do this not only for ourselves but our children need to know and see how important eating right and exercising is…Today, I was reading Essence and saw an article concerning women who were 53+ in age that looked like 20 year olds. All stated that the way they stayed so fit and young looking was exercising and not eating processed or fast foods. I want to look like them now at 31 and if a 61 year old can run, ski, and complete marathons so can I! MOTIVATION CAN CHANGE THINGS!

To Rhonda, “Hi, I am so glad that you left a message!” Don’t look at it as ONLY 6 pounds. That is a huge accomplishment and a GREAT way to start off. You are so right that anything is better than gaining 6 pounds. You are well on your way if you have to take out one of those pictures from college—take it out and see what is awaiting you. My motivation was being able to shop from a clearance rack other than those from Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewarts. I stopped buying clothes after I got to an 18W/20 and when I broke the clasp and zipper of a $250 suit that was all she wrote…Now, I am buying size 10-12 clothes. Sometimes I forget and catch myself window shopping in front of Lane Bryant and then I laugh at myself.

YOU CAN DO IT BECAUSE YOU ARE A STRONG, INTELLIGENT WOMAN! Take care and I will see you at the next Black Alumni…

Hi Femi,

I have lost 10 lbs and gained it back and then some. When I saw the 50 million pounds e-mail. I was about to junk mail it. I feel unsuccessful. However, your story has given me the push I needed. Today I am going to begin again.

Hi Femi,

Keep on keeping on girl! After reading your post I've gained more inspiration to keep on in this challenge...May God continue to bless you on your journey to a more healthy you!

Congratulations Femi,

I am sorry that you had such a blow directly on the heels of your weight loss success. I, too wish that you had a chance to turn your aunt's health around; but I hope that she can serve as inspiration to you and everyone else reading this blog. Small changes is all we need. Small, consistent changes are all it takes. I started the Extreme Fat Smash diet back in August of 2007. I successfully completed 1 full cycle and I did indeed lose the weight Dr Ian promised would be possible with the diet. I lost 15 pounds and I was thrilled with the fact that his plan could be trusted. After a few spotty attempts to restart since the New Year, I am fully committed to rejoining the plan starting tomorrow. I had some knee pain last week and as I sat on the bed in the ER the word 'arthritis' floated out of the Doctor's mouth and I was just struck with the ludicrity of it all. Here I was, at age 35 weighing 300 lbs thinking that I was so slick because I dont have HBP or high blood sugar. A year before I had fought my weight down from 370 by following the Atkin's diet and I knew I needed to lose much more weight but somewhere inside I felt like I had a leg up on other folks who already had adverse affects....and here was this Dr giving me a prescription for a cane....REDICULOUS!! This demon called weight will not defeat us all, thank God that there are those of us that refuse to give up the fight. I pray that all of you make it to your goals, and like I always tell myself "You are not a failure until you stop trying!"

Hi Femi,

I attended college with you and I remember you!!! Wow, your story is truly an inspiration to me! Since joining the 50 million pound challenge, I have lost only 6 pounds. While I realize that's better than gaining 6 pounds, after reading your story, I am convinced... I CAN DO IT TOO! I will "dust my kicks off" and do WHATEVER it takes to lose more weight in 2008!

Praise the Lord! Femi, God is Good and Worthy of All the Praise. CONGRATULATIONS, You did it, thats inspiration to me , I have been over weeight for the last 5 yrs and its not easy loosing weight, I have been walking 1hr. and dancing 30min a day 3-5 times a week. I feel much better,I dont see the weight comming off as fast as I would like it too, But I know it took years to put on, Im praying that in the next year I loose 50 pounds, I use to weigh 245lbs.now Im 42. 5'9" an 230lbs. God bless you. Lisa

Hello Femi,

Thank you for sharing. I joined the challenge today, January 19, 2008. I made this decision because I gained over 30bs in 7 months. I previously lived up North and recently located to GA. I was an active indivividual who exercised 3-4 times a week before work. I had surgery on my right knee for a torn Minscus Cartilage in May 2007. Both knees have issues..lol. Due to lack of exercise my weight has increased causing the pain in my knees to be extremely painful. I'm 42 years old and the dr's told me I will need knee replacements in a year or so if I don't keep my weight down. I really would like to adapt a healthier lifestyle. So seeing your accomplishments it inspires and encourages me to achieve my goals through this challenge. Thank you.

Hello everyone! I also have made the committment to myself to change the course that my life is taking. I have gained 90 plus pounds since my freshman year in college. I was the "think curvy friend" in highshcool. I was bigger than my friends but it was in the places it should be in. I participated in beauty pagents and was a cheerleader. I had a ball. But it was not because I just enjoyed all those things it made me fill accepted even though in the inside I did not except myself. To see me now it does not look like I am athletic at all. Even until this day I have a distorted body image. I have had a long journey in 29 years with this weight war. Battle after battle, I have been as small as a 14w and as large as a 20w. This year I have decided to win the war. I now know that it starts with me. Femi thank you for sharing you are an inspiration. In order to reach a goal, I now know that you must first believe it to be possible. Since Jan. 4th of this year,I have lost 21.5 lbs as of today. I also had to realize that it is not going to disappear over night. It has taken 8 years to gain all this weigt. Congratulations on your success, I have faith that you and I both will reach our goals. I am also sorry to hear about your lose. God bless you and your family.

I must truly thank Dr. Ian for the book, "Extreme Fat Smash Diet." After realizing that it was all in my mind that I needed to eat more food than he was advising in the book, I began to fast. After fasting for a few days and then abiding strictly by the Extreme Fat Smash Diet Program, I have lost 5lbs and I'm not even finished with the first cycle (this has been done w/out exercise which I will incorporate in cycle 2). I have two more cycles to go and I'm positive that I will lose 10lbs by the end of the third cycle.
THANK YOU SO MUCH DR. IAN :)

Hello Femi,

It saddens me to hear about your aunt, may God give you the peace that passes all understanding in your time of sorrow. I want you to know that your story really encouraged me. I have always been the heavy girl with the great personality, however this year I have just become sick and tired of being the fat friend. So I decided to join the challenge this year and change my lifestyle because something has to be done I can't continue smiling on the outside and miserable on the inside. I started the challenge on January 4 2008 and so far I have lost 10 pounds! I just trying to take it one day at a time, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I see the big picture I need to lose at least 100 to 130 pounds so 10 pounds is just a very small victory in this huge battle. I just pray God gives me strenght to endure to the end of the battle.

Hi Aaron,

I had a cousin who went under the knife for gastric bypass surgery. She was originally at 5’5” tall, 480+ pounds and had been big all of her life. The effects of the first surgery lasted for about 1 year when she reached 300 pounds. Then her old habits started to kick back into existence.

Well to make a long story short, my cousin decided to have the surgery once again even after getting thumbs down from her primary physician. At the tender age of 25, my cousin never walked out of that surgery room. Her daughter now does not have a mother to see her grow up, tell her about fashion, make up, or boys. Don’t get me wrong I researched the lap band and thought about it, but guess what if you go in with bad habits…making your stomach smaller won’t change those bad habits.

The bad habits are what kept my cousins, aunts, my mother, and other obese family members in this condition. It won’t stop until the bad habits are changed. This is even more of an eye opener because Wednesday, January 09, 2008, I lost my aunt to a massive heart attack. She had high blood pressure, smoked cigarettes, obese, and had insulin regulated diabetes. I only wished that I could have gotten her involved with this challenge to at least stop smoking and eat right.

My mother was up to 270+ pounds and has taken the initiative. Now my mother weighs in at 232 pounds. All by changing from not eating after 6 pm and not eating soul foods induced with large amounts of fat.

We can do this and be successful! There isn’t an easy way, but once you get the mind into it…then you have conquered half the battle.

I successfully lost over 20 pounds and am down to just under 200 lbs (I am 6'3" - not too bad). The program I used to lose the weight made it very easy. But this is not about my weight loss, it is about someone I know.

This person I know has always been larger than she should have been. Dieting did not work for her. This year she decided to be more aggressive about her weight loss goals. Check out her story if you have a chance.

http://thepitstop.typepad.com/the_pit_stop/2008/01/cheater.html

God bless you and keep up the good work! My story is simple; I've struggled with my weight most of my life. Throughout high school I was about 40 lbs overweight, but I lost it very quickly after graduation. I stayed thin for about 5 or so years after that until I had my first child. Then I started packing on the weight again. I'm 38 now and about 138 lbs heavier than I was right after high school. My goal is to lose 75 lbs to start by my birthday (8 months away) and 125 by my 40th B-day next year. I want to look and feel better about myself, but most of all I want to be healthier for mine and my children's sake.

I wish both of you best of luck and congrats on your journey to become healthier. To hersheykyss24, I am 31 and I know exactly how you are feeling. It isn’t an overnight journey. Like you, I had to remember that the weight didn’t get there over night and it won’t come off overnight. I looked at 1 or 2 pounds of weight lost as a tremendous success, and my BMI has gone down from 36.6% to now 27.0%. Anything is worth rejoicing even with being able to stay on the treadmill 5 minutes without up chucking. My original goal was just to see the scale read 199 pounds. Now my ultimate goal is to see 155 pounds and be at a healthy BMI range. This site is very motivational because I started really focusing on trying to get the weight off when I read a featured challenger talk about her 100 pound loss. I said if she can do it at 300 pounds then I can do it too. So good luck and keep the inspirational spirit alive.

Femi,

Your story has inspired me in so many ways!!! I too gained 100 pounds since college and I'd given up for far too long. At 28, I feel like I'm at least 20 years older. It seemed like I'd get depressed about gaining weight, eat, and then gain more weight. What I am realizing now is that this is a journey. I am not going to lose the 100 pounds I lost overnight, but I will lose them this year. It's time to get it straight in '08. I don't want to be sad or limited by my weight anymore. 140 here I come.

I just want to say keep your head up and pray. Before I registered for the challenge I had already lost 65lbs. I came from from 350 to 285lbs. I am know trying to get down to 240lbs.