The 50 Million Pound Blog

I would first like to say ,CONGRATULATIONS to everyone that has put forth the effort to make a change in their lives by losin the weight.It's not an easy task ,I can definetly vouch for that.I have been struggling with my weight for many years now ,and I have had enough.I joined the challenge about a month ago , and up until now I have lost only 5 pounds.I'm not going to give up.I can feel the difference in the way that my clothes are fitting,so I know that I'm losing inches.Stay encouraged,stay active,and be blessed!!!!!

Hello Everyone!!! First I would like to say Congrats to Tikia and Micheal for taking the first step in doing something with yall health... Very soon you will be able to say that you have lost a bundle of weight and able to keep it off....

For everyone, I am 20 years old turning 21 april... Most people ask me why I am loosing weight because I don't look fat to them.. But I simply tell them "You don't see what I see in the mirror when I look at my self", My main issue has always been my stomach which is 90% women most issue... I also like excising anyway... when I heard about this 50millionpound challenge I was egar to know more.. Now I have join and the fact that we was able to have teams was even more better...

I am Massage Therapist which is a job that involes me to be fit and healthy... so I decided to start now!!! Then wanting to be a personal trainer is another reason why I joined because who would want someone who was training them but have weight issues.. I think a personal trainer is suppose to be and ideal image of what someone wants to look like... so that gives them motivation.... So I hope my dreams come true... GOOD LUCK TOO ALL AND HOPE YOU HAVE SUCCEED IN YOUR WEIGHT LOSS...

P.S. I do pilates and yoga which are two leading things to do for a flat tummy!!!

I just want to say thanks to all that have posted. Being a mother of four and a wife to people whom are physically fit is a little frustrating. Being the cook for the family is hard. They are able to eat things that are not in my diet. Boo! It is good to read about people that are on this road to better health with me. Keep up the good work all, and lets keep MOVIN!!!! May God continue to guide and bless our journey!

Mrz. Jonz

Congratulations Tikia, Michael and everyone here on your weight loss! Tikia, the slower you lose weight the better for your health as you are more likely to keep it off. I also think when you work hard at it you're less likely to put the weight back on. I've lost 35 pounds since July 1, 2007 (Weight Watchers + walking) which is less than 4.5 pounds a month but I don't say I "only" lost 35 because every single pound was very tough to lose. Girl, the next time you tell someone how much you lost say it with confidence "I lost 7 pounds and I'm never putting it back on!" Trust me, one day you're going to post on this website "I lost 50 pounds" and leave out the word "only"! Great job!

I think it's awesome that you all are supporting each other. This will make your marriage even stronger. It will also confirm that you guys make the perfect team, when it comes to inspiring each other.

May God richly bless you guys!

Kristina Patrice
www.kristinapatrice.com
www.myspace.com/kristinapatrice
www.d210.tv

Great job! I'm thankful my hubby is willing to work on the challenge with me. He has lost 13 lbs and I have lost a tough 5 lbs. I'm at a bit of a disadvantage having to take Prednisone daily (steroid), but I've been trying very hard to get a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, and have been successful at least 5 days a week. I'm a weight lifter and volleyball player. My goal is to lose 8-12 more pounds to put me at a good "athletic" weight. My hubby has 10 more to go, so he is very encouraged. Stick with it, and get walking!

First of all, Tikia and Michael..congratulations for starting this wonderful journey together. It's great to have a buddy to encourage each other to keep at it. I know it's hard..but it's well worth it in the end. And Tikia, don't worry about how much you lose. Worry about how you feel. Once you concentrate on that, it can only get better from there.

Everyone else...I have been reading your comments. A lot of you are very inspiring. I am 29 years old and I'll be 30 in April. I am DETERMINED to change my life..STRAIGHT UP. I have been struggling for a minute and I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am by myself on this. I have a great family and a great boyfriend..but I'm by myself. I noticed that some of you said that you need a support system. Well, I do too. Why don't we all get together and do something about it.

So far this year, I have lost 10 pounds. I started cooking my own foods (which I'm saving a lot of money from doing). I do not say that I'm on a diet. Instead, I'm eating much healthier. I do not eat any meat, but fish or seafood on occassion. I am also doing Weight Watchers on top of that, which has been great. I also try to exercise (Taebo) 5 days a week, at least 40 minutes each time. I also do yoga a couple of times a week at home.

I have always struggled with my weight and tried diets but I always gave up. I feel very differently this time. If you don't have a support group and you're interested in joining me to really get healthy and lose some weight...join the team We Are Beautiful!

Good luck everyone!!

How did you get your husband to try it? Keep up the good work. The Lbs did not come over night, therefore, they will not leave overnight. I started Feb 10th since than, I am down 8lbs and still and counting.

I THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY, AND I REALLY APPRIECIATE ALL THE OTHERS TOO.

I JOIN FEB 25th 2008, Ive lost 6lbs since
and counting from 318lbs starting out.

Thank you again for the encouragement everyone.

And keep up the great work together Tikia and Michael.

MY SISTERS AND I,

HAVE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE. WE HAVE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND ALL THE SOCIALIZING WE DO IS AROUND FOOD. OUR SELF-ESTEEM IS SUFFERING ALSO. WE ARE TRYING TO LOSE A POUND A WEEK AS SUGGESTED BY DR. IAN. WE HOPE TO STAY TRUE TO THE CHALLENE

i jus want to say to everyone in this program, to keep up the good wrk!!!!its hard i know,im there jus trying to get back on track with eating right and geting back in to walking everyday like i use to, its hard when u wrk and have babies....no excuse.....this website really encourage me to do better and feel better about myself, and for that i want to say thankyou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would like to congratulate each and everyone of you. It is a wonderful thing that all of you have decided that you need to make a life style change. Don't quit no matter what. Keep striving towards your goal. And if no one encourages you encourage yourself in the Lord. God loves you love yourself. You can make it. Tikia and Michael keep on keeping on. Don't stop keep encouraging each other you can make it. I to have joined the challenge. I weigh 194 pounds and I am 5'8 I know it may be hard at first but soon it will get better. God Bless all of you.

The fact that you are even doing this means you want a change. When I first got with my husband I weighed 170 pounds. I worked crazy hours, so he would wait until I got off from work to eat. That was very sweet, but the weight started piling on. In just a short time, I was at 205 pounds. I was so upset, because when I graduated I was a size 20. I worked very hard to get to my size 12 - 14. The worse thing for me was I got married weighing a size 18. That was a very low point in my life.

I have to thank God because he knows what you need right when you need it. There was another couple renewing their vows so we started a LADIES OF DELIVERANCE workout group. It has helped so much. I have lost so many inches, but very few pounds.

My goal is to be at 140 by the end of the year. I am striving for it. I am at 195 pounds now. My husband keeps asking me what he going to do without my butt. I told him love the small one. We are very blessed to have husbands that love us regardless of our size. What we have to do is love yourselves. Keep me posted you guys have inspired me.

Athena Delce
Lady loving who she is in OKC

hi ive have been trying to lose weight and i cant seen to stay on track to do so i need help i know i need to lose this but it seems so hard i would love to ahve a support person so if your our there please write me back

help'''

Hi, congrats. I just wanted you both to know that no amount of weight lost is a small achievement. It's huge. I am currently 243 pounds. My body is changing all the time. I remember being 138 and still thinking I was fat, crazy. I am doing my best to get the ball and loss this weight. I need serious support. Stay encourage and encourage one another.
Blessings,
Jennifer

only 7 when was the last time you only lost 7lbs I think that is great and i know you guys will continue the great work. unfortunately im in this one alone as far as a man is concerned but thats okay im not in it for no man im in it for me so i believe im doing great alone but it surely helps to have some people to talk about this struggle with. before i joined the challenge i weight 356 lbs and i knew i was killing myself and it was up to me to save me and so i did im now at 298 and that is sense july 2007 until now so please dont think only 7 think wow 7 thats great

I am so inspired by the people that have already started losing weight. I am 29 yo 5'3" and 198 lbs. I get easily discouraged and depressed about my weight. So hearing others losing gets me so excited to start my own journey. To be honest I have been on this journey before and lost, but ALWAYS gain it back! Hopefully soon I will be posting some kind of success. Wish me Luck!

Congrats on the weight lost! You both are so lucky to have each others support. Losing weight is a difficult task and it even more difficult without a support system. I'm married and my husband and I are both overweight however, he refuses to make this lifestyle change with me. Which makes it hard to stay focussed because he still wants to eat fast food, and sweets in front of me constantly tempting me. I beg him to excerise with me but he just sits and watches me while eating some unhealthy snack. I started the challenge on Jan. 4 and I am 18 pounds down with 100 more to go. I'm trying not to get discouraged because it has been 15 days since I have lost a pound. What had been working for me is definatley cutting out soda, drinking only water, exercising for 40 mins at least 4 days a week.
You both stay blessed and keeping encouraging one another. Tikia you hang in there girl, you may never lose as rapidly as he does but you just set your goals and run your race. Pray that my husband will see the light and make the decision to get healthy too.
Peace, Health, & Blessing

Tracie
Indiana

HELLO MY NAME IS YVONNE AM A FEMALE WEIGHT 180 AM 5'6 AM JUST HUNGYER ALL THE TIME I WORK OUT 4X WK HELP ME PLEASE.

Hello everyone,
This is my very first time participating in a Blog of any kind. I heard about Dr. Ian's Challenge from my husband who heard about it on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. I am also a HUGE Steve Harvey fan, but can't always catch every segment due to my work schedule. I am 47-years old and have had a weight problem for most of my adult life. The main motivation for me to join Dr. Ian's Challenge honestly did not start out about me. I have a beautiful 25-year old daughter who is married with two small children. Like me, my daughter has suffered with her weight for most of her life. She has now made the life-saving decision to have Lap-band surgery, as she wants to be around a long time to help her husband raise their two lovely children. The thought of her having to make this drastic decision was devasting to me, and forced me to look at how "I" must have contributed to her weight getting so out of control. I realized that I was always the "enabler" in her life. Whenever either of us went through a rough patch in life, we would talk together, cry together and "EAT" together. As painful as it is for me to admit it, I trained her not to look at her weight issue, but to only focus on how smart, wonderful and beautiful she is- and at the end of our mother-daughter talks, we'd share whatever dessert was our favorite at the time.
As I read everything I could about Dr. Ian's persective on living healthy, and took a long look at myself- I feel so ashamed as a Mother that I wasn't a better role model for my daughter regarding health issues. Had I done so, perhaps she would not be facing such a drastic choice today to lose weight. I realize that every time someone made a comment about my weight or hers (especially my husband), I became so defensive that I convinced myself that EATING was my way of standing up for "us." While my husband's words were, at times, very painful to hear, I now realize that his concern about our weight was out of "love" and not malice. I was just too consumed with the need to be "accepted as I am" to see it. So here I am today, trying to support my daughter and myself towards a life of healthy weight control. I started following Dr. Ian's program in mid January 2008 at a weight of 222 lbs. (never thought I'd share that number out loud with anyone). Today, I am down to 208 and praying everyday for God's strength to keep it going. My problem is not that I haven't lost weight before, I just have never been able to SUSTAIN weight loss for any measurable length of time. I don't want to yo-yo anymore. I want to make this "life-style" change once and for all! Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you, and please pray my strength on this long-overdue journey to a healthier lifestyle. It feels good to know that my daughter and I are not on this journey alone. Please keep your inspirational stories coming- they help me more than you know- from A Mother on a Mission in Scotch Plains, NJ.

Hello everyone!!! I am so happy to be part of this challenge. I wanted to wait until next week to start but I told myself, "why wait- let's start it today". I am a 5'4" 29 year old female who weighs close to 160 pounds that comes from a family of healthy plump women. Most people(and family members) will tell me, "Girl, you are not even close to being fat, I'll show you what fat is. Try weighing 200 to 500 pounds." But that comment does not make me content with my weight nor does it make me look at my self any different when standing in front of a mirror. Also, when I go out to public places, I am always being mistaken as being pregnant. I gain a little weight in my face but most of it goes straight to my stomach. When looking at myself in the mirror and seeing what others see, I will have to agree with them, I do look as if I am 2 to 3 months pregnant. But it's all fat. I described myself as some would say "A munchkin.". A short lady with a big stomach and skinny legs.
My main goal for taking on this challenge is not only to lose weight, but to also eat healthier and to feel good about myself. I believe taking on this challenge will help me do that. So today is the day and I am ready!!! But before I close, I want to thank Dr.Ian in advance for the inspiration and motivation and I also want to thank my friend and sister Rhonda for drawing my attention to this challenge.

I admire you for staying together, supporting each other. And you are both beautiful people for being honest and open about admitting that you both needed to make a change. If you don't mind, I would like to share a tip or two. I have always worked on staying fit. However, at time I slip up too. There are some of the habits of my life style: 1. Do not let the time slip away; meaning, do not allow three days to go by without some form of exercise. 2. Do not go on a diet. Learn how to eat healthy by training your taste palate and drink plenty of water EVERY day. I do not drink soft drinks ever! 3. Set real goals...It will take some time, stay focus and positive realizing that it is going to take some time.
I Love you both...Don't give up on each other. Stay encourage…

First of all congrads to the both of you!! I have been on the challenge since 5/07 and I was pretty successful. I lost 30 lbs. Then after the death of my grandmother and family stress I had went ALLL out on a sugar binge. Now that I gained all my weight back plus a few more, I am more determined than ever. I decided to go back to what worked for me and that was shopping at Mom's Organic, drinking gallon a water q day and working out qod.
My doctor also recommended that I write everything down that I eat. That helps alot.
Tikia and Micheal continue on and like me take it one day at a time.
Peace and Blessings,
Peaches 16
Maryland

To puddin

Please dont give up. My body did the same thing when i first began. I was greatly discouraged but from wathcing Dr. Ian's show I know that your body will begin to stabilize. Just continue what you are doing and try to increase your exercise some. If you are putting out more calories than you are taking in then you wont fail. Even if you only lose one pound a week. Worst case you will be 52 pounds lighter next year. So never give up and I agree the key is NO SODAS!!!!

I 'm loseing I so happy its been a long time and I have so much more to lose

I lost 60 lbs successfully. I didn't stop eating. I learned to eat better. I excercised. I currenlty choose to keep the same practices that worked for me. I have chosen not to go back to any bad eating habits.
I over came cravings and all that stuff. I don't have a problem with apetite control. I don't over eat.
Yes, I still need to lose more, only my body doesn't getit. 344 is where I started. I juice, I eat fruit and veggies. My glucose is normal, I drink water. NO soda. No sugar. minimal carbs mabye three times a week. No salt. No prepared foods.
I have heart failure so my excercise is limited. And I had to limit water intake due to fluid build up. I don't believe injumping from diet to diet. I just stay on my plan of eating better.
I cut out dairy. no cheese.
I don't have high cholesterol. Never had that. Basically I have done all the recommended things.
It worked for a period and now as if my body refuses to go on, it just won't. What can I do?

Hello I am 28 years ols and weigh 250 pounds. I am tired of the thighs of my pants eating each other up from teh friction. I am tired of walking up my own stairs and getting winded. My joints ache and my cloths are tight. My 4 year old in all of his childhood honesty is always calling my fat, my Husband tries to help by watching what he says but it doesnt help. I am not doing it for all those reasons, I am doing it for me, so I can put on a pair of jeans and like what I see, and them be regular not maternity. I want to be happier with being me, I love myself, just want to like myself

I have now lost 41 pounds! 28 since joining the program. I was inspired to begin by Dr. Ian coming on the Steve Harvey morning show. Receiving emails to update my numbers and viewing the pictures of others who have lost weight inspires me to keep going. I am only 21 and at one point weighed about 220 a few months ago at 5'3 and barely squeezing into a 22. My lowest point was when I went J.C. Penny to buy a drees for the ball, I had the money, but I couldn't fit a single dress in the entire store. Thanks to this program I now weigh 179 and can squeeze into a 12. This is the first time I have weight under 180 or wore below a 16 since the fifth grade (yes the fifth grade). I even had to put safety pins in most of my pants to wear them now. I try to work out 3 times a week at Ballys, I do pilates, I don't eat anything fried or sweet, avoid white breads, no eating past 8p and 100 ounces of water a day. I am a junior at Hampton University and trying to walk across the stage by next year at 120. Hearing Dr. Ian on the show weekly with Steve encourages me to continue and provides me with faith that I can and will complete my mission. Thank you Dr. Ian and Steve Harvey, with tears pouring from my heart and spilling through the soul of my eyes for changing my life for the ultimate better.

HEY MR & MRS MONTGOMERY,

I JUST WANNA LET BOTH OF YOU KNOW HOW EXTREMELY PROUD I AM OF YOU!!!
IF YALL CONTINUE TO WORK HARD AND HAVE FAITH YOU'LL OVERCOME THIS OBSTACLE. MAYBE WE CAN GET TOGETHER AND WORK-OUT,IF YOU LIKE. AND THE FACT THAT YOU'VE LOST 7 POUNDS IS TRULY AMAZING, DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS FOR WOMEN TO LOSE OPPOSED TO MEN...... KIA, OUR BODIES GO THROUGH MANY CHANGES THAT MEN COULD NEVER DREAM OF, SO IT IS NATURAL FOR THEM TO LOSE WEIGHT FASTER....STAY MOTIVATED!!!!!

I BELIEVE IN YOU AND I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOUR LIL SIS -B-

I applaud you and your husband working together to reach your weight loss goals. My boyfriend isn’t as supportive, because he is very physically fit at 175lbs. at 5’10”. He does try to be more sensitive with the comments about what I (NEED) to work on. I find it more of a motivation when you have someone there to urge you on with positive words and actions. I reached my original goal of 170lbs. on Friday--with a total weight lost of 64lbs. You are so blessed and you two look like a very loving couple. Keep up the spirit to reach your goals.

PS. Like others noted, people will talk when you’re fat and when you are skinny…laugh it off to they are just wanting to unload negativity for what’s bothering them about themselves.

I was just browseing at the challenge this morning, and I too NEED to loose weight, I have high blood pressure and I take medication daily to control it, however I am not a pill person and have been advised by more than one physician to loose weight. My current weight is about 210 and I stand about 5'3, my perfect weight/size is about 175-180 size 12/14. I can do well for awhile but I tend to fall off... I think it's because I always go at it alone so I thought if I could join the challange that would give me some support from other weight watchers (tried them too), I think just the encouragement from others will help this time. Also to ALL of you that have already lost any amount of weight CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!

I can appreciate your honesty I read you story and I seen myself please do not give up especially if you have children i will not give up either. It is one thing I learned about people they will talk when we are fat and they will talk when we are skinny. What I am trying to say forget people do it for you and let the haters talk. Be Blessed

I'm fat.

hello felow weight watcher i have a comment at the age of 44 i was weighting 207 pounds i had a kidney problem an went up tp 247 lbs since joining the 5o million pound challenge i have went down to 230 if you can write me to keep me motivated i was love it i lose some weight then i get bored and stop i want to get back down to 207lbs write me keep me focus on my goal thank you very much jimmie your new friend

Congratulations on changing your mindset about your life. Losing weight is simply a matter of the mind..If you don't mind, then it don't matter.

My husband and I started our weight loss journey in 8/06 - changed what we ate, how we ate, & our daily activity and it has paid off tremendously.

I am thrilled to say I shared our story with Essence Magazine and it is being featured in their March 2008 Issue. I have lost a total of 138lbs (at my heaviest I weighed 276lbs!)--going from a size 18 to a size 4 in just about 10 mnths/my husband has lost over 100lbs & still striving to meet his goal - no tricks, no diets, no surgery. Tikia, celebrate any lbs lost--those lbs lost is getting you closer to your goal which is getting healthy..the weight reduction is the bonus.

I encourage you two to continue supporting each other - stay focus, be deligient, & be sure to reward yourself (1 day a week) for your weekly accomplishments!

Best Wishes
Maleka & Eric Beal

It is great to see a couple doing this together. I don't think that Tikia should think that she "only" lost 7 pounds. Men lose weight faster than women, and your husband has more to lose. Keep up the fight.