Post your comments here!
I made a "New Years Resolution" in January of 2007 to lose 100lbs. I didn't really get serious 
about it until August of that year.
It took watching sad stories of morbidly obese people on Discovery Health, realizing that I was one of those people, and a conversation with a really great friend of mine who happens to be a personal trainer.
He encouraged me to read the book "Mastering the Zone" (a lifestyle of a balanced way of eating), and I have been in the ZONE ever since.
I eat three meals and two snacks daily and I drink LOTS of H2O!! In addition, I weight train twice a week with my trainer and I exercise at home 3-4 times a week for at least 45min.
I did not make my goal for that year but what I accomplished was far greater. I learned how to eat, I'm more mobile than I have ever been, my self confidence is through the roof, and I've lost 82lbs in 5 months!! NO Pills, No Surgery!
I saw a commercial about the 50 million pound challenge in August and I joined immediately. I get so excited every time I see my weight loss tracker.
Thanks Dr. Ian , I am determined to give up MY pounds and NOT the fight!
Comments (49)
Thank for making this valuable information available to the public.m
Posted by Melissa | July 21, 2008 3:49 PM
Posted on July 21, 2008 15:49
Wow I am so happy for you. I thought I was doing great with 60 pounds in 9 months but you take the cake sister. I need to know what you are doing. My goal is a 100 pounds as well. Keep up the great work. I know you look forward to posting a picture next year in a bikini! You can do it. Black women gotta grab our sexy back.
Posted by Angel Rich | May 29, 2008 9:12 AM
Posted on May 29, 2008 09:12
Congratulations. You should be very proud of yourself. Since 1/08 I've comitted to a healthier lifestyle which includes a healthy diet and excercise and I know how difficult the challenge to stay focused is. When you have results such as yours you've earned every right to gloat. Congratulations and continued success.
Posted by Barbara Cox | May 21, 2008 7:04 AM
Posted on May 21, 2008 07:04
Hi to all!
I have started a team named "Women in the Mirror"! Basically the motto is that we have to decide within ourselves first to make the changes that we need to make in our lives. I've read request from some of you that want replies however, I don't know of a way the website allows us to contact one another via email. I will send out emails to those of you that decide to join the team. It is very encouraging to see the desire in each of us trying to make this change in our lives. We are in this TOGETHER and we shall OVERCOME!!
Ms. D -107!
Posted by Charmen Daley | May 19, 2008 4:31 PM
Posted on May 19, 2008 16:31
Hi Charmen:
Like everyone has stated "wow" you are what this web-site is all about. I would like to know if you have a team and if so what is the name? If not, do you talk one on one to give ideas on how to get started and stay focused in reaching a goal.
I would really like to join your team.
Good luck on reaching your goal and I look forward to hearing from you.
Posted by Gwen Brandon | May 16, 2008 8:35 PM
Posted on May 16, 2008 20:35
Hi Charmen I too am a featured challenger and have been excited about the challenge from day one. Continue on the path that you are on it is no better feeling than feeling good about yourself. If you would like to join team Sisters Inspiring Sisters under I would love to have you and if you have a team please respond on my featured challenge comment page and I will join your team. We are all in this together.
God Bless You
Lawana
Posted by Lawana | May 16, 2008 3:06 PM
Posted on May 16, 2008 15:06
Carmen!! Girl you have lost what I would love to lose, that's my goal 101 pounds off. I can't believe it, all in 5 months? I really hope and pray that I could lose mines that fast. Dr Ian, could we get a way to send emails to each other. Good going Carmen!!! What are you eating?
Current: 236 Goal: 135
Ponthetta
Posted by Ponthetta | May 13, 2008 9:15 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 21:15
WOW CHARMEN THAT IS GREAT NEWS MY HAT IS OFF TO YOU. IT MAKES ME FEEL I CAN DO THE SAME KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK GOD BLESS.
Posted by JAZZY J | May 11, 2008 12:25 PM
Posted on May 11, 2008 12:25
Hey Charmen,
I just wanted to say that reading your story gave me so much hope. 5 months and 82lbs thats great and now your at a 102 weight loss, if you can do it I know I can. I have been struggling to lose weight for sometime now but just got really serious with it and reading how you have had so much success in such a small amount of time makes me want to be just as successful. Thank you again and I wish all the success as you continue with your healthy lifestyle change!
Posted by Keaunna | May 7, 2008 9:11 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 21:11
Carmen,
YOU GO GIRL!!!! i am proud of you and i dont even know you personally lol. im really trying to lose weight, what kind of meals do you eat? and what kind of at home work out are you doing each day?
Posted by Sierra Thornton | May 7, 2008 6:13 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 18:13
Charmen,
I have but one expression for you, "YOU GO GIRL!"
Your acheivement is truly inspirational. I love this website simply because of the accountability I feel towards the challenge and to us as African Americans. Since my last weigh in I've lost 15lbs and I am excited about it. I want to lose another 15 by August 13th my b-day. It is a small goal but at the same time I don't want to overwhelm myself with too high expectations. I believe I can continue to lose five pounds each month for May, June, and July.
Nevertheless, this is your moment, congrats.
Posted by Tanya | May 7, 2008 11:31 AM
Posted on May 7, 2008 11:31
Charmen. You keep up the excellent work. I just started today. My goal is to lose 80lbs
and I need all the motivation that i Can recieve. B/c I have little support at home.
Posted by Tonya Martin | May 6, 2008 12:33 PM
Posted on May 6, 2008 12:33
Charmen,
Great job! I hope to follow in your success real soon. You are a great motivation for me I need to lose 90 lbs and I am taking it one day at a time.
Thank you for sharing.
del
Posted by Del Wright | May 1, 2008 10:29 AM
Posted on May 1, 2008 10:29
Carmen,
Your story has truly inspired me to reach my weight loss goals. I need to lose about 45pds and my goal is 5mths and I thought it was not possible, but reading your story has put my negative thinking to rest and pushed me to the next level of losing those pounds. Thanks for sharing your story.
Shante
Posted by Shante | May 1, 2008 9:07 AM
Posted on May 1, 2008 09:07
Hi Carmen,
This is a great story and I would like to say
keep it up. I am on my way and losing 82lbs in
5 months lets me know you were serious. I know
I can do it also. Hopefully you will see my
before and after photo (smile) Good Luck on your
continued success with the program God Bless!!
Felecia
Posted by fharperr | April 30, 2008 9:00 AM
Posted on April 30, 2008 09:00
Wow Carmen! You've totally inspired me. I need to lose 80 pounds and seeing that you have done it really makes me motivated to do so as well. Congratulations and best of luck to you.
Rosie
Posted by Anonymous | April 28, 2008 3:24 PM
Posted on April 28, 2008 15:24
Keep up the good work,Carmen you are an inspiration to me,I'm struggling with my weight, being 50 and on the high level of stroke. I take on a day at a time, and do see the difference when I motivate myself to excerise. Continue to strive so that we can continue to be motivated by you. May God continue to bless you on this journey to a new you.
Posted by Denise Johnson | April 28, 2008 1:20 PM
Posted on April 28, 2008 13:20
Ms. Charmen,
reading your story has truly inspired me to become healthier. I am a mother of 3 but I am not doing it for them I need to do this for me and me alone. They will reap the benefits of having a healthier mom...Thank you for your boldness and telling your story...one day I too will be able to share my story of this battle that I have faced for almost 20 years....Thank you and God bless you as you continue.
Posted by latasha | April 26, 2008 10:05 AM
Posted on April 26, 2008 10:05
Charm- Charm! What a journey you have been on! I know you have the will and the strength to keep on it. I am so happy to see you push through and share your story with others. Hope all is well with you and keep fighting for what YOU want!!
Love ya!
Rich and Cara
:o)
Posted by Cara | April 21, 2008 6:24 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 18:24
hi carmen, you go girl, the key to true success is to love yourself no matter what! i know exactly what your going through, and have been through, it's a fight to get and stay healthy, life is made up of challengies but we you and allof us out there must take it one day at a time. God Bless you on your journey.
Posted by Lydia | April 20, 2008 3:36 PM
Posted on April 20, 2008 15:36
Hi Everyone!!
I just wanted to say THANKS to all of you for the encouraging comments. It is truly a blessing to know that I can inspire others. We are in this fight together; and thanks to Dr. Ian, we now know that. These comments have given me an extra push to keep pressing on towards my goal!!
Just an update for you, I am currently down 102LBS!!!!!!!!!! AND I FEEL FABULOUS!
We can all be an instrument of hope to one another.
Thanks again and continue to fight!!
Charmen Daley a.k.a. Ms.D -102!!
Posted by Charmen Daley | April 18, 2008 6:26 PM
Posted on April 18, 2008 18:26
Carmen,
I was really inspired when I read your story. I have been struggling with my weight since high school. I couldn't sleep last night and I got up because all I could think about was my little girl (6 months) being left with no mom. I can't do that to her. And reading your story gives me hope that I can do this with God's help and the encouragement and inspiration like your story. I want to lose 122 pounds and I know that I can do. All things are possible unto them that believe and I will not let my weight conquer me. Congrats and keep up the good work.
Posted by lanesha | April 18, 2008 4:51 AM
Posted on April 18, 2008 04:51
You are an inspiration. It takes courage to change. Keep up the excelllent work.
Posted by Arnetta | April 17, 2008 3:15 PM
Posted on April 17, 2008 15:15
Carmen, Your such an inspiration. Congrats and keep up the good work. I just signed up today and hope to drop 40lbs. With your story I will try my best to do what i have to do for my both kids.
Thanks girl for the eye opener.
Posted by Nella | April 16, 2008 1:11 PM
Posted on April 16, 2008 13:11
WOW!! You are a blessing. I am so happy for you and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and keep you strong. I am in Orlando area as well and would love to know how you did it...I have lost 19lbs so far and could use a boost. Again congrats!!!!
Posted by BlessedNewMom29 | April 16, 2008 11:29 AM
Posted on April 16, 2008 11:29
Congratulations Carmen keep up the good work you are an inspiration to me and to others you go girl.
Posted by Melinda Williford | April 15, 2008 10:51 PM
Posted on April 15, 2008 22:51
Sweetie you need to pat yourself on the back every hour on the hour. I started the challenge at 283.5 and I've lost 24lbs, my goal is 145, but I'm taking it off 10 percent at a time, that way I'm not overwhelm. When I saw that you lost 82lbs I knew within my heart that I too can do this. GOD bless you!!! I love the support that I see from your family, I think that's great. Be Blessed my sister!!!
Posted by GC | April 14, 2008 9:28 PM
Posted on April 14, 2008 21:28
Way to go! Looking Good, Keep it up. I'm just getting started in the challenge and your story is an inspiration.
Posted by Trena | April 14, 2008 7:52 PM
Posted on April 14, 2008 19:52
Hi,
Congrads! You look great! God is good and a present help in the time of trouble! Me and my husband both started the challenge only a week ago, but we feel sooo much better. It took me looking at my 9 month old daughter and realizing if I kept eating the way I did and not exercising to stay in shape, I might not see her grow. Me and my husband both have been stressed out and used eating has a "excuse" to relieve the stress. We both also knew that God was telling us that we needed to shape up as He could not use us in the current condition we were in. Needless to say, its only been 6 days on the challenge and we feel so good!!! Just by elimanating all that unheathly food and exercising... Girl you keep up the good work!!! Thanks for your encouragement.
Posted by Valarie | April 14, 2008 11:03 AM
Posted on April 14, 2008 11:03
Thank you for sharing your story!!! You serve as an awesome inspiration for me!!! Congrads to you on making such a wonderful accomplishment!! God Bless!!!
Posted by Rhonda B. | April 14, 2008 11:03 AM
Posted on April 14, 2008 11:03
Congratulations Carmen! You are an inspiration to so many people. Keep up the good work and we would love to hear updates on your progress.
Keep striving to...Achieve your Dreams!
GX MAGAZINE
Posted by GX MAGAZINE | April 13, 2008 7:43 PM
Posted on April 13, 2008 19:43
Charmen!
Your story made my day! It was just what I needed to become re-committed to this journey. Keep doing your thing.. dcb
Posted by Niece B | April 13, 2008 1:38 PM
Posted on April 13, 2008 13:38
Hello D-102
I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You have changed so much and I'm glad that I could be here to witness it. I love you and I hope that you'll reach your goal weight soon. Love your sister alicia
Posted by Alicia Warner | April 13, 2008 9:28 AM
Posted on April 13, 2008 09:28
Hi Carmen,
Keep up the good work, my hats are off to you, losing 80 lbs is an accomplishment. I am trying to lose 20 and having the hardest time. I hope to be a success story like you. WORK IT GIRL!
Posted by renita | April 13, 2008 12:12 AM
Posted on April 13, 2008 00:12
Good luck to you. I'm just starting my new program today, after reading your story you inspiring me to get going. You know we give in to our desires so easily but this time I'm sticking with it. Thank you so much for sharing your story and giving me hope!
Posted by Tara | April 12, 2008 10:43 AM
Posted on April 12, 2008 10:43
Charmen Te Felicito Congratulation, I really think you are a magnific person, strong, and special. You made it and there is not words for it the only thing I can say is that you made it girl. xoxo Muchos besos y te cuidas.
Posted by Cindy Gonzalez | April 11, 2008 6:17 PM
Posted on April 11, 2008 18:17
Carmen,
Thank you for sharing your story. You just don't know how much it meant to me for you to share your inspirational story will all of us. God Bless you and congradulations on your accomplishment and future success with your new life.
I'm working hard to do just what you are and trying to not let discouragement bring me down as I know longer feel like I'm alone in this battle to lose weight that weighing down my happiness in life.
Posted by tenderspirit | April 11, 2008 8:42 AM
Posted on April 11, 2008 08:42
Hello, Charmen, I just wanted to let you know that I heard Dr. Ian on the Steve Harvey show this morning and he talked about you being the featured person this month. I was wanting to hear how you lost the weight in such a short time. I salute you! Keep up the good work!
Posted by zanzan | April 10, 2008 7:14 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 19:14
OH CHARMEN!!!! You all over the internet now girl! lol
Posted by Krystin | April 10, 2008 5:49 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 17:49
Charmen WE ARE SO PROUND OF U. U GO GIRL WE LOVE U NO MATTER WHAT AND ARE SO HAPPY THAT UR HAPPY. AUNTIE RAYNA SAY SHE JOINING AS SOME SOON AS SHE GETS OF MATERNITY LEAVE. I WOULD JOIN BUT I NEED TO GAIN CAN I GET SOME OF THAT WEIGHT U LOST.(TAMARA) AUNTIE CECIL SAY SHE WANTS TO JOIN AN LOSE 20LBS, AN U LOOKING GOOD COLUMBO.HOPE THAT YOU HAVE A FUN TIME LOSING WEIGHT AND STAY STRONG.{JENNIFER}whats up cuzz .i heared about yor weight .... and i cant believe it 82 pounds i'm so proud . i cant even do that.(DaMacius) I'm so pround of you keep up the good work(Dyamond) Charmen U already looked good now you look healthier and happy.
Posted by Family in Thomston, GA | April 10, 2008 5:24 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 17:24
Charmen,
I am very proud of you for your great accomplishment and more to come. You have always been a beautiful person inside and out and I know that this change in your life will enhance these things. Continue to put GOD 1st in your life and He Will Be Your Guide! CONGRATULATIONS!
I Love You, Auntie Ann
Posted by Annette Bright | April 10, 2008 4:21 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 16:21
I am encouraged by the amount of weight that you have lost and the time that it took you. You go girl!!! I really just got started and was looking for information that could help me to eat better. Thank you for the name of that book, I'll be looking for it this weekend. Blessings for your continued success.
Posted by Latisha Jones | April 10, 2008 3:31 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 15:31
THATS MY LIL SISTER I AN SO PROUND OF U. U HAVE DONE SO MANY THINGS IN YOUR LIFE BUT THIS IS THE GREATEST THING THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY BABY SISTER DOING FOR HERSELF, YOU HAVE TRULY SET A GOAL FOR YOUR FAMILY.
LIL SISTER WE COME FOR A LINE OF BIG WOMEN IT RUNS THROUGH IOUR FAMILY LIKE WATER. BUT YOU HAVE CHANGED THE TIDES IN OUR FAMILY AND WE ARE PROUD OF U, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WE LOVE U
Posted by LAQUINTA YOUR OLDEST SISTER | April 10, 2008 3:24 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 15:24
i dont know you personally but i am sooooo proud of you.. congratulations lady! keep up the good work!
Posted by martina | April 10, 2008 2:41 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 14:41
Hi your story has inspired me to get back on track. My story is on the sight for the month of september. My goal is to lose 200lb by my 30th bithday thaks so much for that story. Be blessed in your succsess.
Posted by Ricketa Love | April 10, 2008 2:13 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 14:13
Congratulations Charmen!!!! It is truly amazing to see what we can do with just a little determination and support! As a fellow challenger on a mission, know that I am praying for your continued success as you continue to follow this journey. As you go down this road, remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.... Press on and keep pressing! If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. But by all means...KEEP MOVING! You can do this Charmen..one step at a time! I can't wait until we can all cross the finish line together!!!
Posted by Deborah Wright | April 10, 2008 10:37 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 10:37
Congrats Charmen!!!
Posted by Jon | April 10, 2008 8:34 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 08:34
Congratulations Charmen, Wow!! When I clicked on your bio I was amazed because I said to myself,"She looks like ME." First of all you are simply beautiful. I too am trying so hard and just this month I have become serious about getting rid of the weight(80 LBS). Keep up the great work and you are an inspiration to ME. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!
Posted by Marian | April 10, 2008 8:15 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 08:15
Congratualations to you...sharing your story will help others to move in the right direction as well....you are an inspiration and keep up with the good work!!!!!
Posted by Michelle Thomas | April 10, 2008 5:12 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 05:12