The 50 Million Pound Blog

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My husband is a huge Cavs (and Lebron) fan and he told me about it.  I started a healthy diet and exercise plan faithfully a little over a month ago.  I bought a scale, started keeping a food and exercise diary, and I have my husband measure me once a week.  Every morning, I step on the scale to see my progress.  It is exciting to see the pounds just drop off!  To lose the weight, I work out everyday - sometimes just walking my dog for a mile or two, sometimes working out to Fit TV, and sometimes walking 2-3 miles to go to the library or the local video store - it saves gas and it gives me GREAT exercise!  I try to eat at least 4 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and I strive for upwards of 25 grams of fiber a day as well.  In just a little over a month, I have lost 17 pounds and a pant size.  I wish I would have done this a long time ago. 

I don't eat past 7:00 p.m., and if I do, I eat a serving of fruit or a sugar-free chocolate pudding.  My weight loss goal is to lose 100 pounds total - to weigh 140.  I keep a spreadsheet that tracks my inches lost, I keep a food diary into which I write EVERYTHING that I eat as well as my weight that day, and I also write my weight on a calendar everyday so that I can see my progress more clearly.  I was motivated to join the challenge and to start losing weight because I was tired of not being able to shop at the cute, trendy stores because they don't carry a size 18W.  My goal is to be a single digit clothing size, whether it is an 8 or a 2, whichever is my healthy size.  I know I can do it!!!  The picture above is of me and my husband, taken at a friend's wedding about a week before I started eating healthy and exercising.

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Lekicia Young was selected to be on of the Challengers to be featured on Ebony/JET.

She has a great story, and it was picked up by a local Florida paper as well.

Here's an excerpt:

"Being a single mom (of a 1-year-old), working and with the weight I'd gained during pregnancy, I just didn't know how I would start to lose it," said Young, "Dr. Ian's book is awesome. It's so easy to read. Very straight-forward and it makes sense."

Click here to read the full story! 

We've run across some interesting articles in the news lately. Here's one that we'd like to share with you...

The Washington Post ran an eye-opeing article on the amount of money that's spent in advertising in the fast food industry.

The Challenge is not for individuals under the age of 18, but this community can still make a difference.

We're the ones who can help our kids understand the messages delivered through the advertising.

We've all heard Dr. Ian speak or write about the powerful influence we have on each other. And, this community is a testament to his point.

Living healthier is about making the right decisions. Our fight is against the health trends that are shortening the lives of our loved ones... and our example and guidance can help guide the next generation to a better life.

Let's step up to the plate to better our children's future as well.

How've you helped? Please, click here to leave your comments.

Try to bring at least one meal to work with you every day. It’s all about maintaining better control of your food environment and reducing the temptation to stray from the eating plan. By planning a meal (as well as your snacks) and bringing it with you, you know what you’ll be eating and won’t have to search for what you need to meet the meal’s eating requirement.

Packing your own meal means throwing out of the window the excuse, “I had to eat the French fries because that’s all I could find.”

Best.

~ Dr. Ian

Oftentimes we get so caught up in our own journey, that we forget about others who're in this fight with us...

The truth is, we need each other. Sharing our stories -- the good, bad, and ugly -- bond us, and pick us up as we strive towards our goals.

So we thought we'd share Diana D'Abruzzo's story with you all. As a member of a Wilmington, NC news staff, she regularly wrote about her weight-loss journey in a column for over two years, where she lost 150 pounds! 

She's since moved to a different paper, and the column stopped running. Naturally, followers of her story grew curious of how she's doing. So, her former team caught up with her.

You can click here to read their conversation.

Diana's story is honest about the ups and downs she's still dealing with. It's easy to relate to her and be reminded that we're all in this fight together.

We wish Diana all the best as she works to drop more weight and reach her goal. You can also reach out and leave comments for Diana on the story.

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Dr. Ian recently shared Shay Thompson and Jesse Blackstone Challenge success stories on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Read how The Challenge made a difference in their lives.

Shay Thompson believes in a lifestyle of change
I first learned about Dr. Ian listening to the Steve Harvey morning show on my ride into work.  I thought it was very interesting and caught my attention.  Although this man's vision was worldwide with great care and concern--it struck me as very motivational for my own self how he would reach out to others this way. One thing is for sure, this nation is in a crisis of many things and obesity is right at the top.

I'm now 48 blessed to be here years old and healthier than I've been in years.  I'm an ex-veteran, with serving in the U.S. Army for 10 years and now a Computer Engineer, but was always physically fit. But from the slow but sure erosion of life's struggles and pressure, I gained more than 75 lbs over a period of 25 years.  Unhappy and miserable with it all, I took a stand in "prayer first" and then with myself and asked the Lord for a change in the way I thought. It all starts in the mind so that it can become a "lifestyle of change!"  I had a physical exam and checked with my doctor for advice on becoming a healthier me. It was a blessing that at almost a size 24, I had no heart problems, cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes...but it still didn't mean that I wasn't a candidate for all of the above. 

I had the power to change it all and within a realistic amount of time. I started out with working out at Curves for 2 1/2 years at first weighing 262 lbs., over a year now with Weight Watchers and I also swim 2 days a week. Now I've moved onto a bigger challenge in motivating my muscle group to burn more calories, so I'm 227 lbs (and fine too)! My goal is 70lbs total...so far I've lost 35lbs. and 32 inches....so I'm 1/2 way there!!!!!!

My main source of remaining tenacious is prayer! Once I acknowledged that I couldn't do it on my own is when change took place. I pray consistently for discipline, determination and consistency. There are a lot of things that will work, but seek healthy and wise counsel first because everyone's body is different. So you can set realistic goals for yourself and achieve them!

I'm also a very active member at The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas so if I can help anyone there or on Dr. Ian's website, I'm available to support, encourage and help carry the load...after all we're in this thing together!

Blessings to All,
"Shay"

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Jesse Blackstone is focused on helping himself, community
I learned about the challenge last December while doing a photo shoot that was sponsored by State Farm. I later did my own research and discovered that The Challenge has been active over a year and the public still has not grasped Dr. Ian intentions especially minorities. Getting in the public’s consciousness may take a minute but it is well worth it. You shouldn’t put a price on your health, especially when the answer to it and long life is available to you. We parish because of lack of knowledge! My photo shoot went well and you can see it in Ebony, Jet, Essence and Vibe magazines to name a few. Since December 4, 2007 I have lost 35lbs. and have a peace of mind that comes with the total package of being physically, mentally and spiritually grounded!

I have a couple other projects that involve our youth’s education and existence. First, the Pie program which began in New Orleans but was put on hold because of the flood. The website is (pieinteractive.com) and it will inform you on everything you need to know about the program. Second, the Blair Holt Scholarship fund (located in Chicago, Illinois) began after Blair Holt (son of Ronald and Anette Holt), my fraternity brother and adopted nephew, was fatally shot on a public bus. Blair was riding with fellow students while headed to work at his grandmother’s store. He covered a fellow student with his own body and lost his life in the process. Now his father is a force and motivational speaker for parents against gun violence.

So this 50 million pound challenge falls right in line with the work that is before us! Thank you for the challenge!!!

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We sometimes get overly excited about our decisions to get started on healthy living. Our intentions are great... but when we dart out of the starting blocks at top speed, we typically end up burning out.

Instead of becoming victims of a vicous on-again/off-again cycle, our goal should be to set our minds up for the long haul.

We were reminded of this in a fitness blog that we saw this morning:

"Focusing first on exercise, some newbies tend to be overzealous, working out on every single machine in the gym, lifting far more weight than they can handle, and doing cardio at an intensity level that would make an Olympian beg for a break. While there's certainly nothing wrong with pushing yourself, a better approach -- especially when you're just starting out -- is to make incremental steps over time."

Speaking of the Olympics and setting expectations... many of us will pick up some motivation as the greatest athletes in the world compete for the gold... let's just not get hurt! Here's an excerpt from a story that ran in a Central Illinois newspaper:

"You can get inspired by the athletes at the summer games and resume an exercise routine or bring your activity to the next level without being hurt. ... ...  No matter what the exercise, start slowly and gradually build on your success."

 If you work in an office building, try to schedule at least one meeting a day with your colleagues as a “walking meeting.” If the weather is nice, go outside and enjoy the fresh air. If that’s not possible, simply walk within the building and try tackling a couple of set of stairs in the process.

A healthy lifestyle begins when we take advantage of opportunities to exercise, or just move, within our day. Be creative and find different ways to get your work and exercise finished. Besides, it can be refreshing to break the monotony!

Best ~ Dr. Ian

Have you noticed the great new tools on the site after you login to your account?  

My team and I have been working hard to provide you with FREE and unique diet tools that are proven help you reach your goal. I’m excited to write you today and officially announce their arrival! 

Login to your account and check out the enhanced tools! 

·         A 30-Day Meal Plan

·         A Personal Activity Tracker

·         A Personal Journal 

The Meal Plan offers you a detailed schedule of daily meals and snacks, video tips, and weekly shopping lists that are emailed directly to you!    

The Activity Tracker helps you organize and log all of your activities as you strive to reach your 60-minute daily activity target!  

The Journal is yours to express yourself, record what you’re eating, and relate how you’re feeling on a daily basis!  

These tools are designed to help you, so take advantage! Using them together enables you to stay focused, organized, and encouraged as you track your progress to a healthier life.  

As always, remember to keep recording your progress in your Weight Tracker as the pounds come off!  

Take the first step today – login and sign up for the 30-Day Meal Plan. 

Enjoy!

Dr. Ian

Dr. Ian and The 50 Million Pound Challenge represented our community again at this year's Bud Billiken Parade!

Bud Billiken is the second largest parade in the nation, and the largest African-American parade.

It's estimated that 1.2 million people watched the parade this year -- they were either present, or saw it at home. 

Bud Billiken has always been a celebration of the people and families in the Chicago community, and the message of The Challenge resonated as Dr. Ian lead our float along the route.

We were joined by some of our Champions: Steve Harvey was a host for the Parade, The 100 Black Men proudly walked the route representing their support of The Challenge, and Craig Nash -- you remember, the guy who lost 198 pounds -- was there with us as well.

Likewise, dozens of area State Farm agents joined Dr. Ian in the parade to show their support to the community. 

It was a beautiful day, and the streets were lined with the beautiful faces from the community. 

It's amazing for us to think that so many people experienced what The Challenge is all about.

Thank you Chicago!

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I have been the poster child for Murphy's Law Syndrome and now I am pleased to say that I am the poster child for a living a more balance and healthy lifestyle. On April 25th, 2007, I stepped on my physicians scale to read the number of 254.5 lbs and then be told that I was in the early phase of having Diabetes called Pre-Diabetes. Who knew that diabetes had a preparatory phase? Certainly not me. I was still in the recovery phase from a really bad car accident only months previously. I honestly did not feel like going through all the work losing weight but on the other hand, the ease of death was not an acceptable alternative.

One morning on the way to take my son to school, I heard Dr. Ian discussing the 50 Million Pound Challenge on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. I figured that I could use all the support and guidance I could get, so I signed up a few weeks later. I was down 14 pounds by then. It was no easy feat to keep myself on task because of injuries related to my car accident but the one internal stimulus that kept me motivated was my commitment to break those generational curses predicated on me by the ignorance of others. I didn't want to be a statistic, or take a hand full of pills on a daily basis to control conditions that living a healthier lifestyle would accomplish.

As a single mom, I had to ask myself - what messages and habits was I passing along to my child? The only constant in life is change and to quote an old cliché, "If we do not learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it." My strategies were and are simply. I had to eat to lose and 80% of weight loss battle is nutrition. It was an amazing revelation that in order to lose pounds, you have to eat more. I began incorporating more natural and unprocessed fruits and vegetables into my eating regimen, drinking half my weight in ounces of water, and completed some form of daily exercise. The stronger I became, the more I did and the more I wanted to do and now I am studying to be a personal trainer.

I had setbacks with my health and I injured my back again, but as long as my nutrition was on point, I was able to maintain my weight with minor fluctuations. In a matter of months, I had gone from a size 20 to a size 12. I thought that a size 12 was my ultimate goal but the numbers still reflected that I was overweight and therefore still at risk. With the knowledge and encouragement of Dr. Ian, I have since relaxed my misperception of perfection and an ideal body to what is healthy and right for me. So, I say thanks to the staff and family of the 50 Million Pound Challenge for keeping me accountable through reminder emails, blogs and community events.

Click here to submit your story and be featured on our site!

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My name is Kenya Morgan. I first heard of the weight loss challenge through an advertisement. I decided to lose weight when my health became a real issue. I had very high blood pressure that couldn't even be controlled by the strongest medicines. My heart began to suffer and I was on a heart medicine because of the weight gain and the blood pressure. I suffered blackouts and extreme fatigue because my heart was beating so fast due to the extreme hypertension.

My motivation was my husband and my children, and the fact that I knew I couldn't survive long in this state of health and weight. I started my weight loss on March 13, my son's 10th birthday. I began walking each day. As my strength grew I began jogging and running up to 8 miles a day. I ate grilled chicken, salmon and lots of fresh vegetables. I ate six small healthy meals a day, stopped eating sugar and drinking sodas. I only drank water – 80 ounces or more a day. I weighed in one month later with my doctor and had lost 30 pounds.

My initial weight loss goal was 145 pounds but I continue to lose. I am currently 127 pounds and feel great. I am no longer on heart and blood pressure medicine. My key to weight loss has been to try different healthy recipes to cook because when you aren't bored you won't relapse.

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An article from a Philly online news source spelled out some realistic tips and thoughts to which we can all relate.

Here's an portion of that article:

"We are all filled with good intentions, but if it were super easy to make lifestyle changes we all would be the picture of health. But it is not super hard either. In fact, taking small steps, one step at a time, every week or even every month allow you, your body and your family to adjust, settle in and enjoy living healthy and sticking with it - permanently."

Click here to read the complete article.

And, make the daily commitment to live healthier!

A alarming report hit the news -- obesity rates increased, significantly, in 37 states this past year.

The article also states that many "promising" health/nutrition policies have been passed recently. But, without action, we will not see positive results from any policy.

Let's not wait for policy.

Let's not wait for someone else to do what only we can do.

Act today:

1. Join The Challenge and commit to leading a healthier life and be a positive voice in your community,
2. Click here to invite your friends to join The Challenge, and 
3. Make use of the free 30 Diet Plan, Journal, and Activity Tracker available to you after you login.

Only together, can we work to reverse the trends mentioned in the article above.

Thank you.  

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