The 50 Million Pound Blog

The best thing to do when you are going through troubles is channel the energy the right way. Use that anger and disappointment to do that extra rep or run that extra lap. Gaining weight never has solved any problem. You may even realized that surgery is not the answer. Working out dieting and being patient is the answer.

I gained 100lbs during my sophomore/junior years of college. My parents divorced after 39 years of marriage. My boyfriend that I'd had since the age of 15 dumped me when he got another girl pregnant. I was devastated, away from home, lonely and confused.
I ate and drank alcohol to fill the void. I was hurt, angry and depressed. Food was a momentary relief. I quit drinking when it became problematic in my life, but I didn't quit food. In fact, I am now 334 lbs. I hurt all of the time, look much older than I am, and have little or no energy. My motivation is that I am tired of being sick and tired.
What is the point of living if I am trapped in a prison of fat, doing time in a body that doesn't work well anymore? NONE!! I joined this 2 days ago; I am scheduled to have a gastric bypass in April, but I cannot wait that long feeling the way that I do.
So, I have joined this and am motivated to get 60lbs off before surgery. I hate the way that I feel, but I trust in God and in this challenge to help me change the way I live.

When I look at myself now, I'm not happy with what I see. I love myself, but not happy with my physical appearance. When I say physical appearance, I mean my figure. When I had my first child, I was weighing in at 5'4, 140 pounds,nice shape, figure and everything. Now, I'm weighing in at 204 pounds, out of shape. Throughout the years I have lost and gained and lost the weight, mainly due to pregnancy, and child birth. It's been 4 years since I had my last child, and I have yet to lose the weight. I will start and quit and start and quit a diet. I work in a hospital, and see people that are morbid obese and just say, wow! I think to myself , I don't want to end up like that. These people can't wash themselves, most can't walk, because the are confined to the bed. These people can't wipe themselves, they now have diabeties, heart problems, high blood pressure, and self esteem issues. I don't want that to be me. I am young, I have children and a husband that I love and loves me. Not only is the people that obese that I see is my motivation, but my husband, my mother, my children, my brothers, my family, my co-workers, my friends, and most of all my health. And now I have this community of people as my motivation. My motivation to keep and to reach my goal of 150 pounds.

The look on everyone's face that hasn't seen me in a few months has been a big motivator. I went home last month and it was the first time my mother saw me in 4 months and she couldn't stop saying how GREAT I looked. She compared me to the way I looked in college, which was over 10 years ago. After that I knew that I hadn't put my all in it and I could do more, and lose more. The biggest motivator is my boyfriend. None of this would be possible without him. Before, I had just talked about how active I was when I was young but it was all talk. Then we talked and he wanted to lose weight also so he looked into some gyms and found out that his job had a partnership with LA Fitness so we joined that one plus it was convenient to home and work. We motivate each other. Our schedules are so busy we normally don't go together but we'll call each other and check up on the other. We won't let more than 3 days go by without walking through those gym doors. Since joining in April, we have combined lost over 40lbs. We go out much more often and we can tell the difference in our energy and fitness level in EVERYTHING we do! Not to say we weren't good looking people before, but WOW. What a difference.
Lastly, I want to have another baby, and I want my pregnancy to be as healthy as possible. It is easier to get pregnant when you are fit and it reduces the amount of complications. I am so excited about this site because I have become an advocate of weight loss, eating right, and being healthy and it seems sometimes as though some people aren't too receptive, but I know here that everyone is focused on the same goals so I look forward to reaching my goals with all of you.

My motivation is being healthy. I enjoy going to the gym. I was sick a little while ago and couldn't do much of anything. As soon as I recovered from my accident it was full speed ahead.

I'm motivated by a healthy body. When I am fit, I have more energy and I live with a larger sense of accomplishment and adventure, even at the tender age of 40.

I have a baby daughter,a husband, family and dear friends that I want to share as many memories with for as long as God makes a way and I am going to do it in great shape!

What keeps me motivated is knowing that I can become a healthier person. I have tried all types of weight loss strategies before and they worked only for a little while. I was never motivated by them. Now the 50 million pound site itself keeps me motivated! I love to log in and veiw my meal plans, write in my food journal and record my activities. My friends also keep me motivated and my Mom. They always tell me I can do this just stay focused. I eat healtheir and I am even more picky about what I eat, and what I put into my body.

I wake earlier in the morning to work out, I have a walking buddy and friends at work that also keeps me motivated. And when I get home in the evenings I work out again. I love it. I feel so much healthier and better, I never want to go back to that same old bad routine. So far I have dropped 10 pounds, I am motivated to fit my old clothes again.

Peace, love and blessing to you all!!
Good luck!

What motivates me, going to 24hr fitness center. I hate to miss my classes 5 days aweek. Lifting weights 3 days out the week, zumba (dancing)and aerobics and yoga classes. I just joined 50millionpounds and I eat differently. I did eat the right foods but now I'm eating small meals I like this better. I just print my meal from your website for 30 days and eat the meal's that are listed.I did have a problem with Diabetes but doctor said it is under control also my cholesterol much better.I just want to lose some weight my weight goes up and down.Just started program 3 days ago so I'm hoping to lose some weight now.

I have been reading the comments and find a common pattern. Staying motivated and a since of struggle. I find myself in the same posture and it just doesn't work. Perhaps we can try what the Bible says about calling those things that be not as though they were. Call ourselves motivated,and committed to completing the journey set before us. Start to see this as a challenge we are well equipped to fulfill, and not a struggle.

I have been reading a book called the "Battlefield of the mind" which speaks volumes on the "Wilderness Mentality". This has really helped me at times when I just want to go back to Eqypt like the people in the Bible who just mummered and complained all the time and when thing got tough while they journeyed to the "Promised Land" they wanted to go back to Egypt because it was what they knew and were comfortable with "being enslaved" Do you see where I am going with this? So much of my life being overweight was likened to this wilderness jorney. Start a diet, start eating right for a while and then after a while rather than continuing on the right road I went right back to doing the things I have always done wrong and sabotaged my success. I am now more determined to do what is right to stay on track and not try to go back to Eqypt. I think this type of support will be helpful.

We are in this together and we will be successful.

how do you beat your monthly cycle when you know you want to still exercise and eat healthy and your body is telling you, "no i don't want to excerice i just want to eat chips and lay down", i feel that when this happens to me, i gain more weight and i try to still eat healthy, but the food doesn't taste right to me.

I have been looking at pictures of myself in High School and I see that I was full of vibrance and I could wear just about anything I wanted to at that time. However, now I am 24 and a mother of a 2.5 year old and also a wife. My husband says to me " I wish I met you back when you were in high school,and that kind of hurts my feelings and I wonder if I will ever loose him when it comes to physical attraction. Well, I know that I cannot allow the enemy to take control of my mind nor my body.In other words, I have to shake my self and say to myself "Girl you look beautiful everyday"!! I feel that if I stop looking at my old pictures and focus more on getting up early in the morning to go walking that I will be looking at my high school image in the mirror. I have to loose 70lds and then I must tell myself everyday that "you can do it"!!!!

GOD BLESS EVERYONE
SHAMI in GA:-)

I was 19 and in good shape size 7. I lived in the Virgin Island and did care too much for junk food. After I moved to florida I started eating a lot of fast food and not caring about my size I gain over 50 lbs then another 30. My size went to an 18. I tried diets but nothin worked cause I was not motivated enough to stick to it. This year my job had a biggest loser challenge and I decided I was going to win that money. I was so motivated that I won. And was the only one who kept going. So far I have lost 29 lbs and still going. My goal is to wear a size 9 and be healthy while doing it. I do cheat from time to time but nothing major. I don't drink juice alcohol or soda. Just water and low sugar and sodium diet. It was hard at first but my body got use to it. I am healthier now that am 32 than I have ever been in my life. It is not easy losing weight but its easy wanting to live a longer life.

I need guidance! I am 37 year old woman struggling to lose the weight I have managed to put on after giving birth to three kids within five years. I am currently at 245lbs. and still gaining. I joined a gym back in June to get active, but then I sprung my wrist and I was force to stop going for a little while. However, that little while has turned into almost three months of not excercising. Time is my enemey because I am dealing with my kids and I am currently in graduate school. I struggle to eat right everyday, eating anything that is easy to grab. But today I am taking back control of my life. I recognize that I can no longer allow my husband and kids to dictate every minute of my life. I am carving out a little time for me for a change. I am now motivated to be a healthier me.

Hello everyone..I have never blogged before, but I need an abundance of supporters and possibly be able to help another. First, let me start off by saying, that April 14, 2008, I weighed 237lbs. That was the highest I had been in my life. I was tired, no energy, clothes weren't quite fitting like they use too, blood pressure was pre-hypertension numbers, I was approaching 40 in a month. My Mother & Sister constantly stayed on me about living a healthier life. Friends & Loved ones all around me DYEING because they didn't, wouldn't, or couldn't take care of themselves. Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol all the ENEMY. I am watching my Friends and Love ones KILL themselves with what they were doing to their bodies.. I was once that person....Eating, Drinking anything..Not conscious of calories, sodium intake, Nothing... I am 80% more conscious of these things today..I am better to myself today than I have ever been in my life. I still have a long way to go.. I currently weigh 208. My goal is HEALTHY...Whatever weight that is. The Doctor says 160 for a 5'6 frame...I'm happy with a HEALTHY, TONED, ACTIVE, 180.. :o) :O) Just wanted to share my life a little so you can understand my next feelings.....

My best friend died last night. 45 years old. The Killer...DIABETES, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, LACK OF SLEEP, NO WATER INTAKE, NO EXERCISE, smoked 3 packs of cigarettes each day, 12 cups of coffee everyday for the pass 5 years for sure. (I've known him 20 years) Fast Food & Carry Out his best friend, and me of course, you get my point.

I encouraged him to eat healthier. I encouraged him to join the GYM with me. I invited him to have healthy meals at my home. Occasionally he would. I cook healthy everyday. Always have...My downfall was "pepsi, honey buns, cookies, chips, ice cream, skipping meals, etc.

The pass 3 months, it was as if he had a death wish. I've known my friend for 20 years. God placed him in my life 20 years ago at a time when I really, really, needed a friend and has been my constant, never changing friend for 20 years.

I have always mentioned my displeasure with his eating habits, but, since I am now aware of what I put inside of my mouth..It's like I am on a "SAVE EVERYONE" mission....never realizing..that people have to want it. I keep asking myself why him and in the same breath I have been telling him the pass 6 months that he was going to kill himself eating all that "crap"... You see....I was killing myself for a long time as well...Something inside of me said "I deserve to treat me and my temple better than this...my son is 14, great kid i wanna see my great-grandkids and be able to keep up with them...it is possible...your quality of life in your senior years is what you make it now. I can't bring my friend back...he will forever be missed...but,

Wanna share this with everyone reading this please go to the doctors on a regular basis and share anything out of the ordinary with them at all times.

Cook at home all the time.. An on occasion treat yourself to dinner out...make healthier choices..

No your numbers....blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, etc...

Water, water, water, water, water, water, water!!!!!
Water flushes out all the impurities that are in your body..

Exercise.....don't care what it is....bowl, bike, swim, walk, dance, ice skate, shop, basketball, football, cheerleader,volleyball, jump rope, frisbee,join a gym, rec, family walk, park your car 1 mile from work/mall and walk...minimum of 3x's a day..

Check sodium content on your food. More than 2300 mg per day can be deadly for those of us that have pre-hypertension....{oodles of noodles have 1100 mg of salt if you use the salt packet included}

Be mindful of what you do to your temple. I am repairing my temple everyday. I'm sure i've damaged it some...but better late than never.

Some of us take medications...expensive and harmful to our bodies in the long run...check your labels..do you really no what it's doing to you....long term..if we change just a little.....move a little more, eat a little better, drink a little more water, cook a little healthier, make time for meals at home or healthier alternatives in the streets. You might not need medicine. All of these illnesses can be deadly as you can see..i no god has a perfect plan for each and every one of us.....but, i really think that my friend...speeded his along!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care of your health today.....what you do to yourself today will affect your quality of life tomorrow...be better to yourself than you are to others..

I never thought I would ever have to fight to lose weight. I also have problems with getting off track. I had a good routine but now my family is down to one car and I don't have the flexibility. But today, Sept. 8, I decided to complete this challenge. Because I am truly sick of being sick and tired. Today I have written down every thing I ate. I also plan to get to bed a little earlier (no later than 9:30 p.m.). Maybe this will keep me from the late nite snacks. My goal date is Nov. 7. But I want to make this a way of life. I pray that you all continue to stay motivated. I have to see this through.

I recently went to my doctor for a check up and she increased my high blood pressure and heart meds. Hated it!!! I can't blame anyone but myself. Even though I've lost approx. 50lbs within the last year and a half, I put almost 20 of it back on within the last 4 months. Now you know something needs to change now. No more sitting in front of the computer and TV. What bothers me is that I used to be into fitness so much. What happened? I love working out, I just need the drive again and I don't want something drastic to happen to make to wake me up. I am more determined than ever to get myself in shape. This is not just for me, but for my family and friends also. No more being selfish. Change is on the horizon, starting today.

I am new to the 50 million pounds challenge!!! You know this morning I woke up and looked in the mirror and realize that I am tired of being tired. At that moment I realized I must take back what I have allowed the Devil to steal from me. For too long I have allowed self-doubt, negative thoughts about my weight because I allowed food to be my comfort during personal and emotional crisis, putting those I loved first and putting myself last.

Today is a new beginning, one that I know if I trust in God, let go and Let HIM be my quide that I will be able to break this emotional cycle that has put cracks into my spiritual and physical well-being. Today I walk with my head held high, I love me with every flaw, every imperfection, every ounce of fat!!!! in order to change my thoughts, behaviors and actions today.

Becuase I must first start with cleaning out the negative getting my spiritual and personal house in order to make room for the positive to inhabit within me!!!!!

Knowing that the choices I have met over the years when it comes to unhealthy behaviors have been my own.

I have to face myself and my fears. I can't change yesterday but I can make the motivating pledge to myself to be healthy!!!!

Knowing that yes I have made mistakes, but I am worthy, I AM WORTHY, I AM WORTHY of happiness, love, being a healthy person because I am a blessed creation by God, and in HIS sight I am beautiful!!!!!!!!!!

Amen, Amen, God I ask right now that you just clear my mind, thoughts, and soul, allowing you to enter

Allow me to realize that tomorrow is not promise so while you give me life I will strive to reach my goals and free myself of things that negatively bound me!!!!

Many blessings to those who have also made the choice to be healthy, who have reached their goals and have been a positive influence on others.!!!!

Stay Strong, and Be Blessed

Abagofdreams

I'm movtivated my 4 grandchildren, who I watch nearly everyday. They remind me that I can do it, so here I am. By joining the challenge I have losted 8lbs now. It's been a slow process for me but I know I can do it. I'm at a standstill right now. But I'm DETERMINED. I walk around my house for 50-60 minutes every other day and stretch. I plan to do some weights and tramboline routines on the other days. So at the age of 60, if I can do that much I'm well on my wonderful journey. So to all that don't think they can do it. Just keep getting up went you fall and stop using your days of disappointment as the moment to bail out. Take one day at a time and you'll have a wonderful journey too.

I have an appointment book and I schedule my meals just like a date. I sit down the night before and book my meal plan. In the morning I check my schedule and begin my day with 2 servings of water and my breakfast. Every 2-3 hours I eat. I have found that when I use the appointment book I stick to the plan better and it is cool to see my progress as to how much of the food I actually eat. As I complete my appointed meal time I "X" thru the time and give my self (1)check for food and (2) checks if i had a water as well. As you all know there is a lot of food and when we do it right, we are rarely hungry. I only do one entry day at a time becuase it allows me to review and listen to Dr. Ian daily. Also seeing all the info written down too soon was overwhelming to me.

Seeing my efforts pay off. When I actually saw the first 7 pounds drop off. It took me 3 weeks. I was just about to give up but a voice (Jesus) inside kept telling me that I was on the right track. Giving up and going back to my old ways definately was not the answer. I knew it was not water weight but me actually burning off the calories. I feel better and I know I am doing the right thing. I look forward, with the help of God and the 50 million pound challenge resources, to my next 3 weeks.

What keeps me motivated is knowing that I am becoming a healthier person for myself and also setting an example for my children and others as well..Since I started my weightloss in July of 2006, I have lost over 120 lbs...It is hard for me to find pics of my former self, but when I do I know that when I look at them I know that I will never go back to being that unhealthy person again.

I just started the challenge and right now I am very motivated. I got on my scale and weighed more than I did when I went to my doctor in August. I have gained 4 lbs but I am determined to go to her office in November and see the look on her face when she sees that my blood pressure is down and I have lost 10lbs. That will be enough to keep me focused and encouraged. I wish we could trade email addresses so we can hear each others progress and get suggestions.

I have just started my challenge 7 days ago. I have to say with daily walking and jogging I already feel the ease of simply walking down the stairs. I"m so thankful for The Challege. Like so many others I just want to live a healthy life and it starts with exercise and eating properly. May the grace of God be with all of us in our Challenge.

I struggle with the same issue of staying motivate. I usually go about a week and then there is a change in my schedule or something comes up and I get off track and don't know how to get back on. I get so upset with myself for not staying motivate. I have some health concerns also, and I continue to tell myself that I need to get healthy for my kids and my husband, so that I can be around to watch them grow up. But my actions are totally different. I feel that I am not giving my family my best if I don't do my best in becoming healthier. I need HELP. I think about it all through the day, and I have become depressed to the point where it is affecting me as a parent, and a wife. How do I stay motivated? How do I overcome this?

I know the feeling you have and what I mostly do is approaching every day as being the first day of the challenge and it helps me to keep focused.
Keep it up sis!

Just getting started, on the challenge, have worked out in the past. I find it hard to stay on track after about 3 weeks I get bored or lazy. Any suggestions?? How do I stay motivated??

I am motivated by the fact that I am a borderline diabetic and I do not want to have to take shots or pills to be healthy. My family has a history of diabetes-related health issues and I am on my way to join that group if I do not stay focused and committed on maintaining a healthier lifestyle. I attend a weight-loss center for women and they are supportive and encouraging as well.

Together with you in the struggle!