The 50 Million Pound Blog

My husband and I follow the meal plan that Dr. Ian has on the website. For some of the snacks that he suggested, we made some substitutions. For the 2"x2" brownie, we use 100 calorie pack cookies. We also eat a Betty Crocker Mini Warm Delight from time to time. They only have 150 calories. I have a huge weakness for sweets, so the Warm Delights and the 100 calore packs help me a lot with moderation. I also buy Simply Apple juice and V8 Fusion. We drink these from time to time and even add them to our fruit smoothies. I make the smoothies with fruit only, no yogurt. The trick is to use all frozen fruit. I also cook brown rice with plenty of herbs & veggies (celery, onions, thyme, oregano, & basil). I make 2 or 3 cups at the beginning of the week so that we can just measure it out and put it in our lunch bags.

I joined the challenge on 5/04/08 and I've enjoyed reading these great tips this is my very first time dieting and when I weighed in on 5/2/08 my weight was 197 lbs. I lost today 5/16/08 9lbs. When I hear the results I get so excited it just motivate more to eat healthier and to exercise.And there are alot I'm learning
from everyone else.

I am grateful for Dr. Ian Smith caring enough about us to start this challenge. My Dr. told me that I was borderline diebetes and that was enough to get me going. I have gone from white foods to brown. drinking more water no soda or juices eating more fruits and veg. I was not thinking so much about the weight my priorty is to become a healthier person, I've even joined a gym I exercise 3 days a week for 1 hour. I feel so much better and I'm loosing weight also. It really works, and it helps being apart of a team that every ones goal is to be healthy.

Thank God and the
50 million challenge

HEY EVERYBODY, MY NAME IS MARY. I'M SO GLAD THAT I CAN BE APART OF THE 50 MILLION POUNDS TEAM. SO FAR I HAVE LOST MORE WEIGHT THAN I THOUGHT I DID. THE FIRST COUPLE WEIGH-INS IT HAVE BEEN ME JUST REMEMBERING THEM FROM MY VISTS TO THE DOCTOR: BUT NOW I HAVE A SCALE, AND I CAN BE MORE SURE ABOUT MY WEIGHT LOST. I WANT TO ALSO LET YOU ALL THE THIS WAS A GREAT IDEA AND NOONE SHOULD GET DISCERAGED. ALL YOU HAVE TO IS STICK TO THE RIGHT FOODS SUCH AS:FRUITS AND VEGGIES, LOTS OF WATER,PLUS GOOD EXERCISE AND YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK TO REACHING YOUR WEIGHT LOST GOALS. WELL FOR NOW THANKS FOR HAVING ME , AND REMEMBER..........DON'T CHEAT!;)

ACTUALLY I SIGNED UP FOR THIS CHALLNGE WHEN IT FIRST STARTED BACK IN JUNE AND OF COURSE I REALLY WASN'T HUNG HO ABOUT IT LIKE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I HAVE BATTLED WITH MY WEIGHT GOING UP AND DOWN SINCE I WAS A KID. BUT KNOW I CAN SAY I TAKE MY HEALTH VERY SERIOUS. SINCE FEBUARY OF 08 I HAVE LOST SO FAR 11 POUNDS!!! I STILL HAVE A GOOD WAYS TO GO TO REACH MY GOAL BUT THROUGH FAITH AND PRAYER I CAN DO IT!!!

After working out for 2 months no less than 5 times a week, the weight wouldn't come off. Even though I only eat wheat (everything), I still had to change my diet. I followed Dr. Ian's Fat Smash Diet. The detox phase wasn't hard at all. Okay, I did have one cup of coffee every day, but I deleted meat from my diet and lost 8 pounds in 9 days. I've also incorporated veggie patties in my meal plan weekly since the detox phase. I find phase 2 to be a little harder even though you are incorporating some foods back into your diet. Hang in there everyone. We can do it!!!

So ok, i get it...reading the labels really makes a difference. Who knew that Subway subs are really loaded with sodium? Anyway, my first week with a new diagnosis of HBP and i am determined to reduce me and my families bad eating habits. Why should we give up our health for the convenience of fat? It is just making the fast food execs richer and in turn they are killing us. Thanks Ronald! (McD's) One recipe I created this week was grilled pork, seasoned with ms. dash and pepper. then added rinsed canned mushrooms (no salt added kind), onion, lots of garlic, carrots and one cup of carrot ginger soup (trader joes brand). Actually, it was tasty and the color helped trick me into thinking i was eating curry.

Popcorn and raw almonds and peanuts are my good snack.

I find it remarkably helpful to not only pack snacks but to pack a lunch. Prepare lunches the day before (or even for the week in advance). Limit the salts and starches and base your meals around high protein, fiber and COLORS (variety of veggies) you WILL see success. You will notice that aside from providing yourself with a very healthy alternative you save tremendous money. We get the idea in our heads that if we eat fast food salads and soups, we are staying in line with a nutritious plan. However, if you have a chance look up some of the nutritional information on some of the things you eat at fast food places believing you are eating healthy... your mouth might drop. Preparing my lunch and snacks for the day in advance has worked wonders for the direction I am headed in maintaining my health and surprisingly, it hasn't been difficult or a burden (and maybe that's because my bank account looks a whole lot better...smile) Whatever the case, give it a try.. you have nothing to lose!

Hey Everyone
This is mainly to "L-Only 1", I know how you are feeling. This road is difficult at times, especially when it seems as if you have no one to encourage you through this journey.Now I am taking care of my mom,but I don't regret it not one bit. Through it all I put ALL my trust in JESUS he is my motivator, I used to always have this urged just to eat all the time then I had to pray. Then GOD gave me the revelation in when HE said that he was the Bread of Life and the Living water. Wow!! I got now when I feel hungry and know that I'm not I grab my bible and get filled with His word and when I finish I drink the living water by absorbing the Word of God in my spirit. Be encorage and know that through Jesus Christ all things are possible to him that believe.
Ma God Bless You!!!!

Hello! My name is Millie and I am delighted to inform you all that I have lost a total of 3 pounds the healthy way! (I KNOW, THAT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE MUCH TO SOME)Btu let me explain why it's grand to me. I joined the 50 million lb. challenge in January. After which,I began attending to the needs of a brother who had a massive stroke on 12/31/07 at age 48. While caring for him, My weight went up to 205 lbs (my excercise program was the first thing in my life to be affected)I became fatigued and my eating habits shifted. I lost him to a massive heart attack on 2/9/08. I realized for sure I would follow the path of my brother, I re-dedicated and committed myself to the program that has made a me "weight loss winner" over the years, "Curves for Women". i eat healthy, sleep and excercise 3-4 times a week! My trainer has agreed to call me at least three times a week to keep me motivated to workout until I reach my first weight loss milestone in my Curves profile! I actually went from 197 to 205 to 197,now 194 (minus 1 inch of body fat in two of my target areas!) Being a "loser" will be a blessing to me in more ways than one!

I joined the 50 Million Pounds Challenge back on March 5 ('08 of course) and I have already lost 8 pounds! I am very excited. All I know is I have changed what I eat. I have never had a problem with food that others do, I am just a junk food junkie and would grab the first thing near to satisfy hunger. Now I am much more aware of what I eat, even if there is junk food in the house and there is I will grab baby carrot sticks or an apple now. In just a few weeks and if really feel like just days I have lost 8 pounds. I don't care if it is just water weight I see a smaller number on the scale. I am just overjoyed. I am really going to get this weight off and keep it off! Here's to healthy living!

Very worried!! My 13 year old daughter's weight is at a tremendous rise. She is 5"4 and weighs 171lbs. I need some real help. Cancer runs on both sides of our families as well as high blood proessure and obesity. Her confidence is failing and she no longer thinks she's pretty. I have recently joined the challenge and tired to incorporate her into my daily walking and eating plan. I'm currently out of work due to a kidney transplant and can't afford a trainer for her. Eating healthy for both of us is a financial strain. She isn't interested. I worry about her self esteem and her health. Some one please help me get her motivated to lose the weight. I don't know what else to do. Please help me, a single mom! Thanks in advanced!

I've just joined the Challenge, and it's a little hard getting back into routine. I also have done Weight Watchers in the past and it has worked for me wonderfully.
Now, I'm back in my workout routine and I get bored easily with my routine. Today made my third day of working out and I need to something to help boost my routine.

I've always wanted to have a personal trainer, but unfotunately I cant afford that so I continue on my own. Dr. Ian I've watched you on Celebrity Fit, wishing I was there for the support and that challenge. Can you assist me in this area???

Hi Dr.Ian: My name is "THE L-ONLY 1". I recently joined the challenge on 3/12/08. Since joining I have loss 5lbs. My goal is to reach 140lbs which is about 1/2 my weight now. My problem is "stress/depression". In the past six years, I've had some terrible things happen in my life. In 2001, I experienced a really bad leg injury that costed me my job. In March, 2002, my dad past away. Then to top it all off, on September 11, 2005, my ONLY son was murdered, shot by carjacker,in front of my home. I've since moved, but it's hard to cope. I've gained more weight than I could lose. It seems as if the weight is at a plateau. Every day is a struggle. Sometimes I want to give up. All of this is killing me. I need help in all directions. COULD YOU PLEASE, PLEASE HELP! Thanking you in advance. Sign: DESPERATE

Grape tomatoes and Fat Free Dill Dip are my newest snack of choice. I am on Weight Watchers and the tomatoes are "0" points and the dip is about "1" point for a tablespoon. It is a refreshing and filling snack. I also like fresh strawberries and Fat Free yogurt (either a cheesecake, vanilla, or strawberry flavor). These have worked for me at the 10:00 AM or 2:30 PM need to have something to munch on.

Enjoy!

Hello My Successful Pound Droppers,

I am so proud of myself, I have come from 205 to 189 since Sep 07. I looked at some pictures that was taken of me in a bathing suit on a cruise ship and said old my goodness, when I got home I started working out, got rid of all the junk, soda's, and fast foods. Known I pack carrots, celery, fruit, and water. I work out everyday doing different exercise, and I walk to different buildings when I am at working instead of driving. Sometimes I get discourage but I have a focal point, I think about FloJo running around the track and how tight she was from head to toe and I know she had to work at it everyday and couldn't give up if she wanted to continue to be beautiful and fast. My goal is 50 pounds by my birthday and relaxing on my anniversary. If I can do it everyone can. God Bless, Shelly, Wilmington, North Carolina

I started weightwatchers in October, when i also joined this challenge. I started to loss but I know workout four days a week, two of which I do weight training. I went to the doctor this week and discovered I was back where I started? I even gave up Meat for Lent and eat mostly veggies and fruit, I know I have lost inches but am frustrated I have not lost lbs. Am I doing something wrong?

Hello all,

My name is Jenova and I know that I need to lose some weight. I use to be able to lose it and keep it off at this point I'm at a stand still and I'm scared. I know that I have a lot of muscle but I also see that I have a lot of fat as well. I can't afford the gym and I can't find the time to work out. It's hard for me to explain but I wish that I can get down to 150lbs. which is about half of what I weigh now. Ian I watch you on Celebrity fit club and I need someone like Harvey to get me back how I use to be and make sure that it stays that way. Please help me and I can handle the rest I normally don't show myself on the internet but if it takes for me to show a picture to get hel with losing weight then I will.

Thank you Jenova
Des Moines, IA.

I found drinking a glass of Silk soy milk with a tablespoon of fiber really helps cure my appetite, and it a great snack. I work third shift, so when I get ready to make my lunch which is nothing but a salad, sweet potatoe, and yogurt. I have a glass of soy milk which is my supper on the go meal, and it is alot cheaper than slim-fast. I work out three times a week for 30 minutes, and I enjoyed the fact that I can lose weight gradually by controlling what I eat verses taking diet pills which cause my liver to swell. I am glad this program exists; it is so hopeful to know someone cares about us and our health.

For snacks, I like the 100 calorie packs. They are low in weight watchers points and taste like the real thing. I also like all fruits, but frozen grapes are really good. Hope that helps.

I do very well during the day and follow all the recommendations but in the afternoon I have an insatiable urge for carbohydrates. I have this urge, and sometimes I do fill it, to just eat and eat and eat. It's awful and usually the time when I consume most of my calories. One sweet snack after dinner doesn't help much either.Any suggestions?

Ive tried to loose weight and now that I've heard about the challenge I am working harder to acheive my goal I weighed 195 on Mar 12th 2008 and on the 20th I weigh 189, I,ve lost 6 pounds. I eat lots of salad and tuna fish for snacks I eat yogurt, lots of fruits and if I eat any meat it's only 3oz and it boiled or baked. It's working for me just wanted to share.

Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegatables per days helps a lot. To avoid a sugar rush, I eat a small box of raisins or an apple right after my lunch. And plenty of water.

I just started the challenge and I am eating Graham crackers 2 large crackers 130 calories or ginger snaps (4 cookies 100 calories), the best snacks for me is eating fruits, mainly apples. I eat the 100 calorie yogurt as well. I try to change the above snack routinely so that I do not get tired of eating the same thing daily. I have not tried chewing on the carrots yet, that will come later...for now I am working with the above.

I know this might sound silly but along with eating healthy and excerising everyday keeping a food journal helps. Somehow looking at what I eat during the day really makes me accountable for my progress and I can determine what I'm doing right or wrong.

I keep a small box of raisins in my purse or in the car. They make a good cheap snack that boots your energy and sustains your blood sugar over the day. Less messy than most snack.

I have been using kettlebells, jump rope, pullups and dips for a whil and it has helped at least keep me healthy even if my diet hasn't been as great as it should have been.

After about three months of good kettlebell workouts, I was able to get off my blood pressure pills.

I recently joined the gym with a personal trainer and I am so excited! I have been successfully going 6 days for about three weeks now and I can really feel a change in my body. I have lost about 15 lbs and I think I owe it not only to my trainer for the simple meal plan that I will be enduring for the next five weeks but also to the rest of the trainers that are so nice and motivational. I'm there so often everyone knows my face! I am shedding weight easily now but I am a little afraid to reach the plateau phase. I'm only twenty years old 5'2 and I began at 233 needless to say, I am obese. I think it's so wonderful that the nation is in high gear and I also notice that the fast food chains are increasing promotions and forcing an excessive amount of commercials on tv and radio.
As far as snacks go, fruits, protein and fiber give me the energy I need for a great workout and they're light enough for me to go to sleep without feeling full. I have also noticed that I am able to focus and study more efficiently.

I carry raw almonds and baby carrots as snacks. My fitness trainer told me to eat something every 3 hours to avoid spikes in my blood sugar (it seems to work as I don't get as hungry so I don't overeat).

Variety! Whether it's food (new recipes) or excercise, I've found both to be very helpful!

Eating something healthy every three hours has helped my energy levels tremendously.

I heard from somewhere that brushing your teeth destroys the urge to eat something sweet

The best quick snacks are Extend Snacks. They actually help to satisfy hunger longer than anything else I've tried. And, they are designed to help stabilize blood sugar control, so it's a double positive for anybody looking to lose weight, and avoid the risk of diabetes. I started using ExtendBar about a year ago before my swims, and they've come out with chips now too. High protein, low fat, low carb, individually packaged servings, Definitely worth checking out. The only thing they could improve is their retail availability, currently you order straight to your home, but well worth it if looking for blood sugar control + weight loss.

I have incorporated oatmeal into my diet. I eat oatmeal for breakfast every morning. The single packets (weight control) oatmeal. I also work out 4-5 days a week. I started out walking, and now I am jogging, riding the bike, jumping rope, dancing, doing female pushups, and using dumbells. My goal is to turn to male pushups, incorporate weight machines, and to run at a fast pace one day.

I have lost six pounds in the past 3 weeks. I walk about 45 minutes to 1 hour at least 5 times a week. I take 2 days off to rest and it can be any two days of the week. I drink plenty of water. I drink from 64 ounces to 1 liter of water a day. I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and bake my chicken and fish. If I go shopping I park the farthest from the store. Every step helps. I know that 6 pounds is not much but it is a start. Finally, I have a pedometer in which I walk over 10,000 steps during the day, before I exercise and another 7000 steps while I am exercising.