The 50 Million Pound Blog

Hey Girlie,

Only a few more days before your big day. I hope you reached your goal. God bless you!!
Let us know how you are doing.

Hi Marquisha!

My name is Dee. I just want to encourage you to keep the faith!
I once lost 30 lbs just by walking every day. You can do it girl, just keep on walking! One of these days, that walk will turn into a run! All the best to you, and congratulations on the upcoming wedding!

Hi Marquisha, I was wondering how much weight have you lost this far? I'm dieting also. It's getting hard for me. Some times I feel like quitting.

Hey Sis!! CONGRATS ON THE WEIGHT LOSS!!!! You are that much closer to your goal, I am so proud of you!
Love ya
Classy

Marquisha, you are a beautiful lady and I believe you can definitely do this challenge. Why because you got heart, drive and you have support. Keep going strong even when it looks hard, know that God is with you and you will make it through. Girl over the course of two years I have gone from a size 16 to a size 12. I prayed and asked God to help me lose the weight and be healthy, and guess what He sure did. I'm still trying to lose at least 25 more pounds to get closer to my ideal weight. I know I can do it and I know you can too. God bless.

Celeste

Hi, name is Robin. First of all, I wish you the best on your upcoming wedding. I pray that God bless you with many years of happiness. I am joining the challege today and have read your struggers.I too have struggled with me weight all my life and not to metion it that my my famity is heavy set.But now has come the time to may some changes and I know with God help and yours we will bet this.Thank you for sharing you story and picture. LOL

Hello My name is LeeLee and I just joined today. I read your comment and have been inspired. Best Wishes on your upcoming wedding!! Be encouraged...

keep your head up Marquisha! I know how that feels - I've been there a bunch of times over the past 2 years. I always tell myself "whether it comes off now or later, it's coming off! i am not stopping until it does". The first few weeks of the journey can be really motivating because you see big losses, but it's easy to get discouraged when it either starts slowing down or you see some of it come back. Who knows girl, you might have built some muscle!!! Stay committed - because at the end of the day, YOU CAN DO IT! Set small goals and take it one day at a time! WE CAN DO THIS!!!

Hello Marquisha!

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck, and to tell you to keep on pushing! When ever I would read magazines about ppl loosing so much weight I would feel bad because I always thought I wouldn't be able to do it. But I can! and I will! I have already lost 24 pounds of the 68 that I plan to loose in order to reach a healthy weight.

We are all on this journey together and I know we can make it happen!

This is a long and had journey! But it has been done, and you can do it!!

Congrats on all of your success!

Megan

Hello, Marquisha. I too have been trying to loose weight, but it seems as if I can't. My friend told me about the challenge and I signed up TODAY!!!!!! My weight has been an issue for me only since 2007. I had my last son and I couldn't loose the weight. I think you are a very beautiful woman and I'm quite sure you are determined enough to reach your goal. Thanks for sharing your struggles with all of us. God Bless and I hope I can drop these extra Ibs also!!!

Barbara

Hi, I just wanted to tell you that you are already a BEAUTIFUL Black Woman. Congratulations on your engagement,and you will be a beautiful bride! Keep up the good work. Here's a "Healthy High Five" for you!

Keep up the good work. I know it is not easy. I an trying very hard to lose weight. I am 5'0 and 185 pounds. I married with 2 kids. Its hard to get in exercise time in working full-time. My husband is a good supporter especially when it comes to dinner. I asked him one night, did he want fried or baked chicken, (all the time I wanted some FRIED chicken) he said that would defeat your purpose. He stated he would eat baked chicken and that gave a great pick me upper especially being tired from working all day. Enough about me. Keep walking. You will be in my prayers. I know how important your wedding day is to you. Stay strong.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ALL FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND INSPIRATION!!!!

TY AND ANYONE ELSE PLEASE EMAIL ME AT MSSSHINE78@GMAIL.COM UNFORTUNETLY I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO YOU ALL EMAIL ADDRESS THROUGH THE BLOG.

Marquisha

I am here to support you. After reading your profile I decided that I will join this challenge. I am a little insecure with my weight, let me say a lot. Being FAT(let me be real for me) will change your attitude and how you think about yourself, but with GOD and these AWESOME ppl we can make it. I will keep you in my prayers.

P.S. By the way you are beautiful now so I can only imaging wat you are going to look like on your wedding day. THE BOMB!!!!

Hello Ms. Williams, I salute you for your desire to lose weight. You have encouraged me and I joined today. Much of what you stated has been what I have went through with. I've done just about every diet known to man, especially those diets that cater to us women. I am greatly in need of losing weight and I appreciate your zeal. Would it be possible for you to email me? I'd love to be a part of your team and root us both along. May God bless and keep you.

Hey Q, (Hope it's okay to call you that???)
I just want to say power to you for doing this thing with everyone. I joined this program back in February of 2008, and guess what? I didn't do anything on the road to losing weight. But at the beginning of this year we finally started a diet competition at work and I joined. It was hard to try and do this alone but with the help of others I find it to be very helpful and EASY. All we got to do is support each other and STICK with our goals. So I just want to let you know that WE are in this together and WE WILL BEAT THIS. If you ever need encouragement or feel like you're failing just look to this website and friends for help and you'll make it. By the way I've lost 21 lbs. as of 1/22/09. So GOOD LUCK!

THANK YOU!

Hi my name is Shellyann and I am joining today it is a pleasure to see fellow sisters making this big step I have tried so many times and being new to Columbia South Carolina I started a small group here to help us encourage and support each other on our weightloss journey 2009. I am going to ask everyone to join you here.. thank you and God bless

Hi, congratulations on wanting to change your eat habits and lifestyle, and your upcoming marriage-i hope that you both will be sooo happy-i have the same issues with eating as you-i love sweets!! One day while praying, God told me sugar was my promblem-i am Cheering you on!

Thank you all so much for your comments and words of encouragement. Kathy you are so right, without God on my Journey with me it would be impossible to succeed. Becky we are in this together girl we will be beautiful healthy mothers one day. For sure this is a process and time to go through the process is important. I find myself getting so impatient at times because I feel if Im doing something consistantly for two weeks I should see a major difference and of course God told me NO! I didn't see a major difference in two weeks when I was gaining the weight I saw it as time went by. And I am determine to see the weight loss as time goes by but my Lord time is flying by LOL LOL LOL!

Kita or any of you who would love to be buddies and keep each other motivated please email me. unfortunately I don't have access to you all email address through this system.

Again thank you all so much and check out my new videon I am burning some calories doing what I love to do DANCE!!! ENJOY

PEACE & BLESSINGS

Hi Marquisha, I'm Dionne. First of all congrats on your engagement; you are going to make a beautiful bride. I hope this message will be one of encouragement for you. I am a 41, soon to be 42, year old African American woman. I have struggled with being overweight all of my life. I understand where you are coming from and I want you to know that "you can do it". I've always longed to be a "mommy", but was afraid to even give it a try because of my weight. Now I feel that I'm at an age where it would be somewhat ridiculous to even think about having a baby. Keep on doing what your doing and remember with God nothing shall be impossible. Whenever you feel like giving up just ask God to give you strength to endure another day. One day at a time is how we're gonna make it. Don't think about the months to come, just focus on today; making it through today. And before you know it, September 5th will be here and you will be that "hot babe" walking down the aisle to meet your groom. Remember, I'm going through this with "you" and "we" can do this with the help of "God". May God bless you on your journey and whatever you do, don't give up.

Luv ya sis,

Dionne

Dear Marquisha. I just read your challenge today. Congratulations not only on your wedding but your committment for change. I do think keeping God in your journey will help in your success. Good luck to you and remember even when you have reached your goal, keep walking. I think it really helps.

Hi Marquisha...my name is Becky,
Just wanted to tell you I joined the challenge today. I just read your message and first wanted to say Congratulations on your upcoming Wedding!!! You can do it, keep focused and use your Wedding date as your goal (as Im sure you are).
I am right there with you, I know its not easy. My weight has been such a struggle for me all my life as well. I to know what you mean by how it is affecting your moods, and attitude.

You are a beautiful young woman and have alot of dreams ahead of you. Dreams to be so excited about. I am 37, very happily married to my best friend for 10 years (in Oct 2009)now, but extremely uncomfortable around him in the bedroom because of my weight. We have no children, but so want to get preg. The thought of gaining more weight being preg scares me to death, so my goal is similar to yours in that I need to get healthy eating habits in place before I get preg so that I will have a healthy baby and pregnancy. We are in this together my friend!! You can do it!! You will be a beautiful Bride come Sept and mommy someday as well. Take care of yourself!! You have alot of friends out there cheering you on. Thank you for sharing your story with us and keep us posted on your sucess!!

Hey Sweetie! I commend you on waiting to make a change in your life. It seems like when your body is ready to lose weight it hits you like a brick! I understand completely how you feel, after while you just get tired of the way your health is going and the way your clothes look and feel. I want you to know I support you all the way because I am also on the weight lost journey myself. I actually keep telling myself winter is the best time to try and make a difference because summer is right around the corner. If you ever want to chat you can hit me up. I am located in Columbia, SC also and would love a weight lost buddie!

I just wanted to say keep going. When you feel defeated just remember your better than that weight challenge. Look at what our President has accomplished and his wife. So why can't you overcome your challenges? This is what this country is now feeding off of "change" so be about it for yourself!!!!!!!

Marquisha you can do it I know you can.
If you fall get back up,fall again GET BACK UP!

AB

Hello my name is Sparkle, I know your pain, but have no fear you will be beautiful on your wedding day I know it!!! And live a happy, healthier, fun filled life!!! Keep in Touch...

Hey Family,

Again I want to thank you all so much for your comments and support. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Chantell and Renee please send me an email at mssshine78@gmail.com I would like to get your email addresses. For any of you that have questions for me or just want to chat and need a daily buddy because I always need that help and push from others please please please send me an email.

Peace and Blessings to ya!!!

Hey, My name is Chantell girl you are such an inspiration for me to change my life. I wanted to what type of foods are you eating? And how much excersise to you get in, in a day?
Keep up the Good Work

Marquisha
Not knowing you personally, I have shared the same feelings you feel now. I just recently joined the 50 million pound challenge a few weeks ago and wish i would have joined sooner. I was 280 plus pounds and am now at 200. I feel good. But most importantly I want you to know IT CAN BE DONE AND YOU CAN DO IT. My motivation keeps me motivated. You are a beautiful woman regardless of size. However if you are truley ready to change yourself, You Will Do It. I'm not going to act like it was easy. But I have come a long way. Your story has touched me because it took me back to who I was as I remember every day. Keep smiling and stay determined. God will guide you through the tough times and if you need a friend... Girlfriend I'm Here. We will do this together. All the way from Hopewell, VA you have a sister who is willing to share your struggle. I got your back.

Marquisha you are beautiful regardless, its the heart that counts. I'm proud of you and I know its not easy. I see a difference in you already. I'm your friend with or without the pounds. I just want you healthy. God Bless!

Hi my name is Lisa I understand exactly what you have been through, and what a battle it is. I have been battling this for a long time. I'm also 30 I have sense developed diabetes and high blood pressure. You are so smart to start before it come to this. I joined the 50million club today(1-15-09). Because, I have a 2 yr old son and husband that I have to live for. I can't wait to start on my journey and I wish you the most luck on yours. God Bless and Congrads...

Hello Mariquisha,

I read your comment and I feel your pain. My weight has been like a roller coaster since I gave birth to my second child. Like you, I hav lost weight on many diets and been successful. So now here I am again cutting back trying to loose some of the weight that I had gain within the last year or so. Two days before Thanksgiving (2008) I made up my mind it was time to do something about this weight gain. When I thought about me wanting to be around for my husband and two adorable kids. I had to start doing something about this weight. So since then I have lost 11 pounds by cutting back and drinking plenty of water. I know you can do if you continue to pray and staying focus on your goal. By the Grace of God it can be done! GOOD LUCK - LISA

Hey Marquisha, I am so proud of you for taking on this challenge and allowing everyone to watch this process. I am 100% in your corner as I know that you can do this.I, too, have struggled with my weight. I recently lost 100 pounds and I feel great. Whether you lose another pound or not, yuo know that you are a phenomenal woman and, with God on your side, all things are possible. Sonia

Hello Marquisha frist all all good luck because its not easy.But keep praying and ask GOD for want you want and need stay true to your self.I belive if its somthing you really want you can do it just put your mind to it.And i hope one day you have children ans be happy with your weigth.aand you help me am sick of hearing what i use to look like a brick house i want to look like a brick house smile. GOOD LUCK

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND SUPPORT THIS IS SUCH A BLESSING AND I THANK GOD FOR YOU AND FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LET YOU BE A PART OF MY WORLD.

WE ALL KNOW THIS JOURNEY IS FAR FROM BEING EASY BUT WITH SUPPORT FROM EACH OTHER DAILY THE JOURNEY BECOMES EASIER.

I HAVE LEARNED ALOT OVER THE PAST MONTH OR SO AND I DO REALIZE THAT WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH DETERMINES YOUR PROGRESS ON THIS JOURNEY. NOW DON'T GET ME WRONG WORKING OUT & EXERCISING IS REALLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOU NEED TO BURN THE CALORIES THAT YOUR INTAKING. BUT IF YOUR INTAKING MORE CALORIES THAN YOUR BURNING THEN YOUR AT A STAND STILL POINT AND WE DON'T WANT TO STAND STILL WE WANT TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON AND MOVE.

THIS IS HOW MY TRAINER BROKE IT DOWN TO ME

80% OF WHAT YOU EAT DETERMINES YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS.

10% WORKOUT DETERMINES YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS

10% GENETICS DETERMINE YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS.

SO WITH THIS BEING SAID, TRY TO MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICE AND CUT BACK. I KNOW ITS SO MUCH EASIER SAID THAN DONE BUT WHEN YOU GET TO A POINT TO WHERE YOUR SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED THEN CHANGES MUST BE MADE.

PLEASE DON'T GET IT TWISTED IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OVER NIGHT IT IS A PROCESS SO BE PATIENT AND DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.

ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOUR GOOD & HARD WORKS DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED BY GOD.

UNTIL NEXT TIME PEACE & BLESSINGS!!

MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Hey Marquisha,

Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. As another black, 30 yr. old (well in Feb.) engaged woman with no children, I see myself in you.

I too want to be healthy to spend life with my future husband. Right now, at 300+ pounds I'm too unhealthy to carry a child. With that, along with the goal of doing this for myself, this weight has to go! Think of me when you're choosing fruit over chips, and I'll think of you when I'm tempted to eat pizza for lunch!

Together we can do this!

Hello Marquisha. Girl when I read ur story I was reading my own life. I too am 30 years old, no children and over weight...more like obese. Hey we are being honest right? And I know how you feel about ur wedding day. I got married 8 years ago and I had to walk down the aisle in a size 28 wedding dress! OMG! What was suppose to be the happiest day of my life I spent feeling FAT and uncomfortable, and when I look back at my pics I want to cry. Anyway, I join the challenge on December 29th and thus far have lost 5 lbs. I too have struggled with my weight all my life and I'm tired. I have tried just about every diet under the sun and about two years ago was even considering weight loss surgery. But I want to do it natrually. So I wish you nothing but the BEST. And we will do this together. We can do all things through Christ! He wants us to always be at our best and live life fully. So lets DO IT!

Hey girl! We are in this together, and together we will lose this weight. I wish you all the luck. Hang in there, and "keep on keepin on!" haha, I love that saying...

-Joshua

Marquisha I just want to say to you hang in there girl. You can do this!!! I understand exactly how you feel because I luvs to eat :-) My struggle is mostly maintaing but we CAN do this. I'm with ya!!! Just stay focused and like the saying goes: I'ts mind over matter.

Hi! I'm Rachelle, and I've committed myself again today. I, like you am tired of being FAT, but I know the change has to start within. I lost about 25lbs last year, but I lost motivation and has gained it all back. This time, I want it ALL GONE and GONE for GOOD!! I know we can do it!!

Hi Marquisha. I joined originally in Oct and lost 6 pounds in the first week but then I got lazy and stopped preparing my food at night and then I just stopped. I decided to start again cause one day I realized that I am 41 over 200 pounds with a mother and grandmother who both had heart attacks! I have a 12 year old daughter who I want to be a role model too and I want to watch her grow up. I just want to meet the woman she is going to become. I am in this to win this but I know I need support so if you'd like feel free to email me and we can encourage each other!

Hey Marquisha, just read your most recent entry and just want to send you a little word of encouragement! Take it one meal at a time and it's so good to see that you are still committed! As a wise woman once told us in a tale, "You gotta just shake it off, and take a step!" We are definitely all in this together - so keep up the good fight!

Hi, My name is Elaine. I joined the challenge sept,08. I have lost 27lbs since being on. 53 altogether. I eat better and feel better. The name of my team is "LOOK AT ME NOW". COME JOIN.
It works.

Hey Lady,

I read your blog and all I can say is that I am so happy for you! I know you will make a lovely bride in Sept. Stay focused and girl drink that water!! I joined the challenge this week and I must say I have been so inspired by all. It is hard, and I love your saying, "I won't sugar coat anything" LOL

Keep up the good work,

Angela
Newport News Va.

hi, my name is Tricia and I am a member as of today. This is the first time I've ever tried to lose weight so bare with me. I realized I couldnt breathe when I walk up the stairs or sang in the choir. I want to look cute again and for myself only. I do want my kids to see a healthier me. My son makes fun of my stomach. I need friends, so if anyone wants to help me that would be greatly appreiciated.
Goodluck to all.

Hey Quisha, thank you for the inspiration. I join the 50 million pound challenge on 5 January. You know my struggle, I am in the Military with a weight problem. I am about ready to retire and have worked very hard for over 29 years. I know people might say she's in the Military she should not have a weight problem, not true it is hard trying to eat right and exercise when you're on the move all the time, but i tired of being BIG SARG, I want to be SEXY SARG. So I'm back at it again and with motivatior, inspiration and prayer I am going to do. Do not give up no matter what, we're in this together. Someday or better than others. Continue on your journey. Good luck and be blessed

Hey Babe, I wake up every day and realize that you are the Woman of my Dreams, that there's only one shot at this life and I'm gonna enjoy the ride with you on your ups and downs. Good luck on the challenge Baby Doll and im with you every step of the way. LUV U DANIEL

heeey girl I just wanted to tell u its ok just pick yaself up and dust off rome wasn’t built in a day we will have good times and bad iam rooting for ya tomorrow will b better keep ya head up and remember were all in this together

Wowwwwwwwwwwww I thank you all so much for being a part of my world. I thank
God for allowing me to be an inspiration to others. I will say that this journey is hard but I know that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". This is a struggle but through hard work and determination this struggle will soon be over.

I would love to buddy up with those who want. Please email me at mssshine78@gmail.com so we can stay in touch everyday and support each other. Check out my blog for today I didn't have a good day but I will continue YES I CAN! YES I WILL!

Hi Marquisha,

I want to tell you that YOU CAN DO THIS!!! I've been on this journey a little over a year and let me tell you that nothing can compare to the way I feel INSIDE!! (Not to mention I'm looking better on the outside). When you truly dedicate your mind to something, NOTHING can stop you. It will definitely be tough at times but through those times keep pushing and fighting and don't give in to that little annoying voice that we all have in our heads. Feel free to join my team " Women in the Mirror" and we can continue to ride the journey together.

Best Wishes
Charmen aka Ms.D-137!!

Hi, my name is Dawn and I to understand your struggle with losing weight. I would like to encourage you to continue the struggle, it will help jump start you in continuous healthy planning for life.And I would ask you to do the same for me. Please, understand that it is all worth it!I'll be praying for your success!! If you ever need encouragment, I am help!

Marquisha,

Congratulations! I am starting a team today. I will not be following Dr. Ian's plan because I cannot afford the books but I AM motivated to lose weight and become healthier! Thank you for inspiring me! I wish you the very best and I will continue to vote for you. If you want to add me to a reminder to vote every day email distribution list.....that might help me to remember to vote and to stay on track! I hope that you are the winner! You are a beautiful person and will be an amazing bride! Go Marquisha!!

Rene'

Hi My name is Missy and I started today Jan 9th I am excited as I start every fitness program but this time I feel different, I actually want something more out of this other than weight loss, I want balance and moderation in my life. I work in an industry with models and fashion and I feel the pressure everytime I walk onto a photoshoot. I just want to be comfortable in my own skin as I am sure you do. I just want to say good luck with the rest of your journey.

Hi i'm Sheila,I just started the 50 pound challenge myself, I am so tried of being fatttttttttt i don't know what to do, I too have been battaling my weight all of my live, now i'm going to make changes. Marquisha, I pray all blessings come your way and that God gives you strong strength to stay focused, to stay encouraged and motivated to reach your goal. I just believe this will be a wonderful and successful journey for us both and like you I do look forward to it. Good luck Girl, I am praying for you. You can contact me by email and I will answer. Remember we are in this together.

Hi my name is Jessica and I too understand exactly how u fell I have tried many different times to lose weight but this time I want to do it the right way I hate going shopping its sooooooooooooo hard putting together cute stylish cloths and not look like a fool I respect u for putting ya self out there for the world to see iam glad to know iam not alone in the world with my daily struggle to lose weight I wish u the best of luck and iam cheering you on I hope you continue to share your struggle you’re a great motivator and inspiration

hello, my name is toya and i am joining today. i read your comment and i feel just like you do. i hate being around people sometimes because i can just feel the fat saying hello here i am and i am not going nowhere. i hate going to clothing stores because its like there is no need. i need a buddy and so if your interested of being my buddy in where we can motivate each other, then please contact me by email and we can do this together. goodluck to us.