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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.
Comments (12)
I knew sharon and I am so motivated by her story. I just started the challenge and I want to lose 40lbs. These stories I see here are inspiring and help me believe I can do it. I want to join a group in savannah georgia because my biggest challenge is going to be keeping motivated.
Posted by johnny sanders | August 29, 2008 1:20 PM
Posted on August 29, 2008 13:20
Sharon,
What a great way to kick of the first day of my weight loss challenge. Your story was really encouraging and motivating. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Marnette Gibbs | August 27, 2008 11:07 PM
Posted on August 27, 2008 23:07
First of all I would like to commend you. I do know that sometimes it cn be a struggle trying to lose weight. But, with the support that you have now, and the positive people and encouragement, you will stand a better chance of losing weight and keeping it off. I have tried diets several times and only achieved it one time. I lost 70 pounds once on weight watchers. But sadly to say, I gained it all back. My real problem is keeping the weight off once I lose it. I am a Minister, and I need to be healthy and fit going out to Minister God's word to the people. I can't do it at 232lbs. I am very excited about getting started. I appreciate having someone to encourage and motivate me along the way. I will do my very best and put my all in trying to achieve this goal that I have set for myself. Thank you team for having me, and I encourage you all as well. Together we can make this happen. Minister Love, St Pete Fla
Posted by Brenda Love | August 23, 2008 10:25 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 10:25
Congratulations!
It did me good to read where you spoke about progress in a matter of months. I am sure that you feel better and I know that you are proud. Keep up the incredible efforts and know that sucesses like yours motivate others.
Continued progress!
Posted by Michele | August 20, 2008 9:41 PM
Posted on August 20, 2008 21:41
So, I was contemplating joining a gym but right now I'm streched to the hilt financially because I'm starting a new web business and helping a loved one; plus, I just don't know how much time I can dedicate to a gym given the business and all. I knew I had to do some sort of physical activity but what? I'm a severe asthmatic with other respiratory issues. I opted to stop using the elevator and doing the stairs at work...doesn't seem like much but it's working. I'm also monitoring my portions. I eat small meals throughout the day rather than big heavy meals. I've also incoporated fruits and veggies into my diet. Today was a motivating day when I saw the 3 pounds gone. I purchased a pedometer and I am on a mission.
Posted by Mouseykb247 | August 20, 2008 9:11 PM
Posted on August 20, 2008 21:11
I am so read about your progress. I am rejoicing to read about all those that are having success but, I feel like I am on a maintenance program. The first 4 days I lost a lb every day. The last 4 days, I have not lost a lb. I have stuck to the plan, drinking lots of water and it's not moving. I have to admit that I did not start exercising right away. Do you think this may be my problem? I don't want to be discouraged but I feel it coming on. Please help a sister out.
Posted by Ina Westley | August 19, 2008 1:45 PM
Posted on August 19, 2008 13:45
I have just joined and wanted to stop by and tell you that your story has and will continue to motivate me...Thanks
Posted by Kim | August 19, 2008 10:19 AM
Posted on August 19, 2008 10:19
I have lost 11 pounds. I am trying to loose more I weighed 262 now I weigh 251 thank God. I am going to the swimming pull doing exercises. Thanks God for water.
Posted by rita bowman | August 17, 2008 7:47 PM
Posted on August 17, 2008 19:47
I am a 54 year old female and I have been struggling with my weight for years. After I had my three children I was a size 10-12 for years until I started nursing school. I was a single parent working the 4-12 midnight shift at a mental hospital. I was leaving home at 5:30am going to school from 10:am to 12 noon three days a week(M-W-F) and it was too far to go back home and come back to work so essentially I was eating fast food three meals a day. On clinical days( T-Thu) I was out of the hospital by 2pm still having to eat fastfood. By the time I finished RN school I had gained over 50 lbs. That's when the dieting started. I had successes and failures along the way. I have a husband and my children are all grown and I have grandchildren and I want to be healthy so that I can enjoy quality time with my family. I thank God because right now I don't have any major health problems. I do have high-blood pressure and I am on anti-hypertensive meds. My cholestoral is slightly elevated but I'm not on any meds for that. But I know that if I don't lose the excess weight my health may decline. I am praying that this program will help keep me motivated and focused on my goal to lose 45-50 lbs.
Posted by Marian Johnson | August 16, 2008 9:56 AM
Posted on August 16, 2008 09:56
Hello that was a nice story but I have a story that could change a few people lifes. I was over weight all my life tried every diet and nothing seem to work. I started taking all kinds of diet pills and that worked for a little while, then the wieght came back after i stopped taking the pills. One day I just said I need a change an started changing he way I ate. started working out 5 times a week for a hour then change the way I ate, no fried foods or sodas. It took a while but in the end I was happy. I went from a size 24 to a 7-8 and it took a year and half and my whole life has changed for me and me family.
Posted by Denise D | August 15, 2008 4:16 PM
Posted on August 15, 2008 16:16
WOW what an amazing story. I'm very encouraged for you and with you. Continue in your success and know that you are not alone.
Posted by Charmen Daley | August 15, 2008 1:43 PM
Posted on August 15, 2008 13:43
I have been signed up for the 50 million pound challenge since July of 2007. I thought I was serious about my weight loss then but I was not. I signed up got the kit and did nothing else. I am blogging a year later to say that my health is important to me and that I want to be healthier and happier with myself.
I had a baby a in February of 2007 and I have been a stay at home mom every since. My husband and I relocated to Macon Georgia in May of 2007. I thought that everything was going ok because I was still wearing a size 8 (now I am a size 12) but slowly the weight started to creep up on me and now I just simply feel unhealthy. Mmy lower back and sides hurt from the belly fat that I have gained. Not to talk about the fact that nothing looks good on me. I have sat around this house depressed because I can't find a job. I miss my family and friends back home.
I am determinded today that I am going to make a change in my life starting today. I want to look better and feel better and I am declaring today that I rise to the challenge and reach my goal. I God thank for calling me out of the state that I was in and and I realize that through Him I can do all things.
Posted by Felcia Batts | August 15, 2008 12:13 PM
Posted on August 15, 2008 12:13