The 50 Million Pound Blog

Hello...
I am so excited about this new challenge.This year I am going to lose my weight and be in shapely female. I want to lose fat from thigh and stomach. I want to be able to run jump. This next year I will become strong muscle.I have planned this .I am sure it will works.
Thank you very much for sharing.

Greetings to all...I have joined The 50 million pound challenge for support and inspiration. I have read most of the testimonials, first I would like to say congrats to all for your success and thanks for sharing your personal stories.I was an avid sports participant, tragedy hit and my world slowed down and at times felt like it stopped.At this time I stopped being a participant because my family(children) were more important during this time.My children are much older and it is time for me to get back into society, socially,emotionally, etc. And my first challenge is to lose some pounds. Currently I am 240 pounds, my goal is to get down to 170, and I will. Again thanks all for the inspiration, desire,your persistance;I look forward to your comments.

I'm a 5'10" male that spent years playing sports. (Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer) I have larger than normal leg muscles and my arms and shoulders respond and develop very quickly in reponse to weight lifting. Even when I use low weights and high reps, I tend to build large muscle mass in my legs, arms, chest and back. I have lost about 30 pounds, dropping from a portley 238 to my current weight of 208. When I enter my height and weight into the BMI calculator, the result is one tenth of a point from "Obese". I don't get into a healthy weight until I reduce my weight well below what I think is healty weight for my body type. I find it a little deflating to work hard to get myself in shape and feel the BMI chart is a little demotivating. I'll keep working hard but would like some answers as to why this chart doesn't take other factors into consideration.

Hello. I just started this diet a week ago, and I am down 9lbs. I know most of that is water weight, but at least it's in the right direction! I wanted to give a little info to see if anyone else is feeling the same way. I love this diet because after a while, you know what a "cup" of something looks like. I really get full, especially when I eat the recommended salads. I use alot of frozen veggie packs (to save on money), and I buy frozen tilapia fillets (my local grocery store sometimes has buy one get one free, try to catch that), and frozen chicken breasts. Instead of fatty oil or even "fat free" cooking oil, I use low sodium chicken and vegetable broths. They work excellently, and I can throw my measured frozen veggies in the same skillet when most of the meat has cooked. For those of "Asian persuasions", I found this wonderful Sugar Free Teriyaki sauce to cook with, 5 cals per serving! Its called Sami Seal, or Seal Sami. It has a seal on the bottle. Definitely getting used to eating a real breakfast, I was always skipping it. Now I'm enjoying it. And, I don't know if anyone else is experiencing this, but I have a steady flow of energy. Not highs or lows, but a steady level, which is great. Most diets that are restricting give me headaches, fatigue, etc. I don't feel any of that on this diet. I don't think I've eaten this much fruit in my life, but that's a good thing. Good luck to all of you out there! I am 29 and finishing up college and I'm looking forward to a more happy healthy future. You should do it! FOR LIFE!

I suffered a trimalleolar fracture on my left ankle on May 2. The doctor finally gave me the go ahead to put weight on my ankle yesterday. It was a little rough this morning. My ankle was stiff and it took a few minutes to get the muscles to loosen up. I go back to the doc in 4 weeks. I amy ready to get back on my treadmill and continue my weight loss goal!!!

I started this 9 days ago and am happy to say I have lost 5 pounds.....My problem is I am hypoglycemic and not getting enough carbs in my diet...I having problems tho with my blood sugar dropping although I am following the food plans. I need to know where and how to add the extra carbs needed to stabilize my BS without sabatoging the program.

HELP

n the past I was a female weighing 165 pounds and 5ft.5in. tall. I lost 35 pounds all on my own in the year of 2007. I used to spend two hours or more (mostly 2 1/2 hours) in the gym five or six days a week. After I lost the weight I stopped working out as hard and I hurt my back. I started eating pizza and drinking alcohol again and I also indulged in everything that I told myself I wouldn't eat. I currently weigh 181 pounds and I can not stand it anymore. I hate my body. I feel so fat and unattractive. I want the old me back, but I don't want to spend 2 1/2 hours at the gym again. All I can do right now is do the elliptical machine on level 16 for 30 minutes. Then I walk on level 15 of the treadmill for 10 minutes. I also do 50-100 sit-ups, a few triceps, and like 30 squats at the gym. I do this 5 days a week normally. I do have a problem with eating the right things and drinking alcohol. I know something has to change. My weight continues to go up every Dr.'s visit. I can't do this anymore. I can't work and I do not have a car. I have a mental disability and I take medication that causes weight gain. I have to continue to take these medications though. I need help and support and I am alone most of the time. I no longer have the energy and determination to lose the weight that I want to. I don't know what to do. My boyfriend continues to tell me how pretty I am and how he loves my curves. He says he likes my tummy. He loves me the way I am. This is not enough because I do not love myself. I am not happy at this weight. I am fat and I feel ugly. Therefore..yes..I am very sad! Very sad! Schmoopy

I am on day 5 of my challenge and I can't believe what 5 days of healthy eating and exercise has done for me. I've always exercised here and there, but when you eat fast food everyday it doesn't do much good. After only 2 days I felt the difference. I was a hate to get up in the morning person, hitting snooze until either I get up NOW or be late for work. I haven't been able to sleep past 5:30 these last few day. It's great. I haven't seen the scale move any but I feel it in my jeans already, they don't fit like they used to. I've decided to put the scale away for a month. Everyone please keep posting, so motivational to read stories of people in the same struggle. Thanks everyone.

Hey...I just wanted to say that I am a freshman at Penn State University, and in being a college student with no job, I have to keep track of my money. With that being said, how much approximately each week will I spend a week on groceries? i want to make sure that I budget wisely before I decide to be on such a diet because lord knows I need to loose weight...lol

How is everyone doing here? This is great that they have a place to keep us all motivated. I am 24 and am about 30 pounds overweight. I have lost a lot of weight since high school when i was over 200 pounds. If anyone has any exercise routines that are fun and would like to share with me please do. Thanks

I am so excited about this new challenge. Although i am a truely shapely female at 298. I want to get down to 180. I want to be able to run jump and keep up with my 2yr old...enough said. this time next year i will truely be a hot mamma. I am in the chicago area anyone also in the chicagoland area. Should contact me to get a team started lets motivate!!!

I saw the commercial for this program while I was sitting on my coach watching reality shows.
I have no energy at this point to even want to do the simple task of washing dishes,I am just waking up,working,eating,sleeping. I am 42yrs a single mother and don't want my 18yr old to be without a mom. I have always yo-yo'd with my weight and knew I was overwieght but I have always been a strong confident person now I am so obese(1ST TIME I ACTUALLY HAVE FACED THE FACT OF WHAT I AM)275 I feel its effect on my body,mind and spirit.

I just signed up today and joine a team. I was looking at the 30 day menu and could not believe all the food needed to eat. Is there a reason for all the food and what will happen if I don't eat all the food? Will my weightloss be affected? I am active and work out prettymuch everyday for an hour.

I am terrified by the BMI I calculated when I registered today. I have 6 wonderful children and a beautiful grand daughter that I need to be here for. I am looking forward to finding a healthier me!

I actually started in November of 2008,at 300 lbs. Today Apr 5 09 I am at 255 lbs. I am not dieting anymore just cut down quantity. I find when I diet I get off it, this way I psyche myself that I am not dieting just eating right and reducing quantity. I also cut down watching TV and snacking, in fact this week I am cancelling my TV cable subscription and getting rid of the TV. My goal is to go down to 200lbs. I am active I hike and white water raft. I have a 3 day 82 km hike coming up in May. Getting ready for it. I just did a 7km today. Just signed up on the 50millionpoundchallemge.com after watching CNN.
Happy loosing.

I am a 42-year-young female who has been battling my weight for the past 17 years. I am quite active, yet, his past February, I suffered an MI. My cholesterol is high, and that played a role in it, but my weight is the main issue. As of today, I only have 99 more pounds to lose of the 105 that I started with 2 weeks ago.

My goal is to "get my sexy back". My breathing was becoming harder, my clothes were getting tighter. This was not the life that I lived when I was active in my younger dancing career days. As a 9-5 working mom, making time to exercise and make healthy good tasting meals for children that wouldn't appreciate the effort became a challenge. At my last appointment my doctor said that my cholestorel was high and to get back into exercising, eating healthier, drinking more water. That's what I've been planning to do but putting off but I can not anymore. So I walk on my street 2 days a week right after work, I take a modern dance class 1 day a week, I drink more water and lower the portions of food. I've lost 8 pounds and feeling better. I look forward to seeing me 6 less pounds from now. My challenge is for this to be a way of life... that's my goal. Wish me well! :)

I've had three cancer ops in the last two years and had lost 100 pounds while going through the radiation therapy. I was simply not able to eat. Now that my mouth no longer hurts and my saliva glands are getting better, and I can taste foood again...I've put 50 pounds back on.

I'm back up to 330 pounds and had to start using the insulin pump again. For nearly a whole year I lived on corn and flour tortia shells with colby cheese wrapped up in it. Those are the only two foods that did not change in their flavor.

I will loose the weight I've gained back and then some. I'm a survivor. I didn't let cancer tear me down and I won't let this either. I love food, but I love life more. If I have to take it a minute at a time...I'll beat it.

Best of luck to everyone here!
David

Darschan Stephens congratulations on your 12lb loss. We have to be thankful for the small things, I started back on March 3, 2009 and I have lost 11 lbs to date, however, I feel that it should be more. I have to focus on the upside, because the downside could be that we gained that amount. Remember it took us more than 1 day to gain, it will take more than 1 day to lose it. We will succeed!!

Since I have a long and prosperous weight loss journey ahead of me, I must keep my goals as realistic as possible. My short-term goal is to change 2 dress sizes lower in 6-8 weeks. I know it is possible with God's help.

I just joined the Challenge today, but I started to make my changes on February 24th. I had a Drs. appointment and found out that I weighed 368 pounds. I almost fell off the scale. WOW!!! I have always been big but never imagined this big. I have been feeling kinda tired and unenergized and my doctor told me that my blood work showed that I have blood sugar levels that are just under diebetic levels. My parents both have diabetes and my mother has large ulcers on her legs fromit and I am terrified that i will end up the same way. Well luckily my doctor is so great. she said that it would probably prevent and possibly reverse my impending problems if i could lose some weight. She told me that she would prescribe me some medication that would help me. And it does. It increases my metabolism and suppresses my appetite. as a matter of fact I have not been hungry sinc ethat day. I have to actually think about eating or i'll forget. And that is afeat as i am a cook and a popular restraunt chain. I imediately stopped drinking soda. Except for the occasinal diet gingerale. (it helps my stomache when I am not feeling well) I drinkstricktly water. In the first week I lost 11 pounds. When i went to see my doctor again on March 25,2009 I was down to 345pound in a month!! On that day I left the doctors office and went to a gym and joined It is great i love it. I keep track of my measurments daily in their life center. So it is always the same device that takes my measurements. On the 25th I started at 345 I missed 3 days since then and I am down to 343. I am happier I feel great and I am hoping to lose 75 pounds by November. I think it is possible. I am not worried and I am not tring ti kill myself to do it. I know I can do it. My husband is tring to be supportive and so is my family. My brother even joined the gym with me. My 3 yearold sons goes to the kids club at my gym while i work out and he is ready to go the minute i get home from work. He is like my conscious when i get homefrom work and think about sitting down and skipping a day. Ther eis this little voice screeching at me to get a shower and change so we can go play muscle games as he calls it. I guess there is no rest for the weary. But then of course no pain no gain or loss as the case may be. Well as for my goals like i said my long term goal is to get down to 250lbs. But my doctor set my short term goal at 6 pounds a month. works for me,
good luck yall!

Darschan, what are you doing exercise wise to lose weight? If you're plateauing (maintaining but not gaining weight), here are some tips. First, change your exercise routine from morning to evening or vice versa; and change activity (ie do aerobics, then change to biking or walking); this will trick your body so it won't 'expect' the same exercises all the time. Also, if you're eating too many carbs, cut back. If you're not eating enough, make sure to add them and eat whole grains with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving and less than 3 grams of sugar per serving. Also, eat more vegetables and eat some lean protein with each meal & snack. Hope this helps. Take care, press on & keep rocking. - Bodyshok

I'm late getting here but I'm encouraged and on track. I gave up Soda and Sweets and my favorite chips because I was told that I would see results very quickly and results I saw in deed.

I have been averaging about 2 pounds a week and the inches lost have been even greater than the weight lost. I have dropped 2 pants sizes in a month.

Be encouraged folks and when you hit that wall don't stress walk around it, up it and if you got a hammer break through it.

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST THAT STRENGTHENETH ME and I am speaking to this weight mountain and telling it to be thou REMOVED...IN JESUS NAME AMEN(so shall it be) and AMEN(let it be so) !!!

My daughter recently started taking the school bus in the mornings. Since she requires an escort to the bus stop, I use this as a motivation to walk every morning during the week.

At first I was just walking to and from the bus stop (6 mins each leg/12 mins total). Now I have expanded the journey and take a stroll around our small neighborhood. I have now doubled my morning exercise to 25 mins/weekday.

My short term goal is to double the time again so I can get in my 60 mins/day. This weight wont come off my body if I don't change my sedentary habits. I am committed to my good health.

I started the challenge Mar. 31, 2009. I will be "60" yrs. young in Aug. and want to make my goal being more healthy. I, like so many have struggled with weight most of my adult life. In my younger yrs. I was bulimic & anorexic. I noticed on the 30-day meal plan it mentions snack list. Where do I find the snack list? Please advise. Thanks

I’m having problems understanding what my goal should be. I’m having trouble finding a good yardstick for me. I have a muscular build that I would like to keep. As we all know muscle weighs more than fat. My BMI is 28.3 which is real close to obese which is 30. According to BMI my ideal weight is 145 lbs, which I don’t think would look good on me. I know I need to lose weight I just want to know how much I should lose. So, long story short, is there a way to measure what weight someone should be that’s athletic and works out?

I am strungling I started again in Feb.2009 and to date I have lost 12 lbs I started from 281 I am now 269 I am really trying but I need some incouragement from some one please Help.

Today is the first time in my life that I learned based on my weight and height, I'm considered obese. I could not believe it. My weight has always been confortable to me. I thought being big boned was still healthy. I'm hoping to get my body, my life back on track and to get my weight down to the healthy bracket. Obese, never crossed my mind.

My goal is to just get motivated and stay motivated to loss the weight this time around and finish what I have started so long ago. I want to loss all that can loss and get healthy as I can for my family especially my 14 month old son. I want to do this for him, so he can look up to me and know the important of being healthy at an early age. I just start Dr. Ian book, the 4 day diet. I am currently reading and plan to start putting everything together and follow the plan in the next few days. I meet Dr. Smith in Raleigh, NC an purchased his book at that time, and I am so motivated and pumped up to get the weight off. I have always admired his drive, and it motivates me to want to loss the weight, which goes back to Celebrity Fit club. I am going to do it this time.

Judy,
I know how you feel, I am a 48+ woman that has gained 100 pounds since high school. I use to be pretty. My husband married me 15 years ago when I weighted 160 I have gained 60 pounds since then. I have been on so many diets. I just cant stick. It is a life change but I am trying not to look at it like that because we don't like change. I joined planet fitness only 10.00 a month. I have meet a few people there. I am trying the 4 day diet. It seems possible for me. My husband in not very affectionate either, oh, I'm sure it will change when I lose the weight. you hang in there. my way of dealing with this is moment by moment and not look at the long haul. my goal is 65 pounds for now. I have lost 4 in 7 days so far. I like the 50 million pound challenge.

My short term goal is to get a plan together by the end of the week. I'm turning 21 in July and i want to have confidence and really believe that I am beautiful.

Hello everyone...I am 61 years old, married with 2 sons and 4 grandsons. I have kept my weight under control, until the last 4 or 5 years when I began to lose the battle. Before I started this challenge, I had decided on making some life changes involving my weight. My husband, God bless him (such a sweetheart) decided to give his support by joining me, although he only needed to lose about 7 lbs compared to my 50 or 60. My job is 100% travel and my next assignment is the middle of next month, so my short term goal is to look better and in the process feel a lot better by then. We have been eating healthy; and above all practicing portion control. We have also dusted off all of our gym equipment and are exercising daily. This challenge makes it easier; charting my progress and posting. To everyone taking this challenge...Kudos and keep working.

I just joined the "Challenge" and am eager to start. Last summer, I lost 14 lbs on "Weight Watchers" (over 10wks) and have kept it off.(Yeah). My Dr wanted me to loose about 30 all together. I was so proud of my weight loss and felt so good I just stopped the program. So I'm going to try it this way this time. I regret I did not continue initial weight loss efforts when I had momentum last year, I but am determined to get the other 16 lbs off.

I did notice that I felt better both mentally and physically when I ate healthier with the physical activity. Good Luck to us all!!!

My goal is to lose weight, increase energy and to overall feel healthy. I recently came across a site that offers one of the best meal replacement shakes I have ever seen. It is called shakeology by beachbody and you can order it here www.healthyproteinshake.com

I plan on exercising on the treadmill and trying vibration therapy using the Quantum Body Fit Vibration Plate.

Hello all! My short term goal is to lose 40 lbs in 3 months. I plan to obtain it by following Dr. Ian Smith's 4 day diet plan, and getting on my treadmill no less than 4 days a week for no less than 40 minutes at a time. I would like to work back up to working out on my punching bag again, because when I was consistently working out on it, I could really let go of some aggression!

So I wish you all much sucess and hope that you all obtain the goals you set out to accomplish!

Many blessings!

Greetingz, All! I joined the Challenge just four days ago & already I TOTALLY LOVE IT HERE! I've joined two teams that really are ME! Quickly, one of my main reasons for being here is to 'finish the game' (as I call it). I started this roller coaster venture in June 2004 and technically by all accounts, I should be at my goal weight, but unfortunately Life--in its infinite monkey wrench style--and my own personal junk, caused sabotage like you wouldn't believe, including no buddy to work out with in real-time, no genuine support and no accountability, especially after I had to release my personal trainer in late 2006 due to the cost...Holy Toledo! However, within those last 4 years, I've lost 66 pounds (make that 67 including the 1 lost this week), which was a major UNDERTAKING! Now, I'm here to finish & then hopefully become a personal trainer myself, helping women, especially those like me, who may be doing this alone or not doing it at all, because this journey takes incredible commitment, stamina, accountability and prayer to the Father, because when everything secular fails, He is the ONLY one that got me back on track! Peace out, kiddievinkies!

I am a 47 yo female who is slightly overweight for the first time in my life. I eat healthy and exorcise regularly but I am still gaining weight. My Dr says I need to lose about 20 lbs. My problem is that I get no support from family, friends, or coworkers. Since I am not obese, people do not take me seriously. They do not understand that it has been a life long struggle to maintain my healthy weight. I am looked upon with scorn even by the other ladies in my exorcise class because they think I am so "little" or "skinny" or "po" (I'm in the south). I do not make fun of them for being obese. How can I get them to realize that my weight problem is just as difficult for me as theirs is to them? I am trying to avoid hbp, diabetes and the other things that come along with obesity.

I am very pleased to be a part of this healthy community. My short term goal is to control portion size and add more exercise to my routine, I love swimming so I joined a Aquagym class that meets once per week. I am very excited about this because I know that this will bring a change to my life and fun.

My short term goal is to increase exercise and add fruit to my diet. To assist me I have a personal trainer/motivator- a cute Cairn Terrier! Where Annie goes, I go. Our walks consist of 3 miles now (though I think she does 6 to my 3).

I AM 24 FROM NEW YORK BUT LIVE IN DURHAM NC I AM 259 LBS THATS A WHOLE LOT I WANT TO SHED LIKE 65LBS ASAP BUT BE SAFE DOING IT ALSO I HAVE DONE OK SINCE ITS JUST ME I DONT HAVE THE SUPPORT I NEED I HAVE MORE HATERS THEN SUPPORTERS I HAVE A GYM IN MY COMPLEX AND I DONT HAVE A ROUTINE THAT SEEMS TO BE WORKING I JUST RUN AND WALK AND LIFT WEIGHTS A LITTLE HERE AND THERE I LIKE CLOTHES SO I BROUGHT ALOT OF CLOTHES THAT I CANT REALLY FIT YET BUT WOULD LOVE TO SOON I WEAR A 42 IN JEANS AND WOULD LOVE TO BE A 36 EVEN LOOKING AT THAT IS SCARY CAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE I WONT NEVER MAKE IT THERE ITS THE BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY BUT IM GOING TO PUSH TO THE END

I just signed up for the challenge. My short term goal is to just get me started. I don't want to be to ambitious right away and get overwhelmed. I am very overweight and desparate to lose it. I know what I need to do but can't seem to manage to get it done. I start off well enough and then I just either lose interest or give up because I am in it alone. My husband needs to shed some pounds as well, but he has to exercise doing activities I can't do or like to do. I try to pick things we could do together but he always blows them out of the water and destroys my enthusiasm. Maybe if he sees me doing well he will join in and exercise with me. We have moved around a lot so we are not close to anyone. I have no friends just acquaintances so no workout buddy for me. I work full time and come home utterly exhausted and crash on the couch. Then wake up late evening needing to have my dinner which I know is wrong but I need to eat. I have a few health issues besides being a tub of lard, I am diabetic and hate it. My doctor is all over me to lose weight and I would love to obligee. I don't like being me at this time. I don't look in the mirror unless I have to and I don't like to buy clothes. I am so disappointed in me and my life and it sucks the life out of me as well. I hope to make the changes in my life to become healthier and get my diabetes under control or reversed. Any words of wisdom are very welcome. I like the idea of God having my back! I know and believe with all my heart any this is possible with God. God grant me strength to succeed.

My short term goals are to coninue using Dr. Ian Smith's 4 Day Diet and workout plan. I would like to lose 20-30 pounds in the next 2-3 months. I started the 4 Day Diet on Monday and I feel great! I would recommend this to anyone having issue as to what to eat to get healthy. Good luck everyone and stay focused.

My short term goals is to follow the Dr. Ian Smith 4 day diet plan along with the suggested exercise for the day. I've just started today and I'm committed to seeing it through. I've also started using a pedometer today and I plan to post to my journal daily.

My short term goals are to contol my portion sizes and stop eating when I have nothing better to do. Also, honestly,I want to shrink my thighs. There are days when I'm walking at work and the noise from my thighs and panty hose rubbing together sound like I'm walking through dry leaves!

My short term goal is to develop an exercise plan. I'm starting to yo-yo again, so I'm rededicating myself and I'm buying the 4-day diet book today. I got a little lost after the first 30 days. I'm going to make it!!!! :)

My goal is to eat healthy and lose 100 pounds by next April but if I can lose 50 of the hundred It would be a Blessing to me. I know I can do this with a push I know GOD can do anything!!!!!!!so I know he has my back

well...short term goals...that depends how short term most days my goal is just remembering to eat 5 times...lol but i am focussed on losing 20 pounds at a time and giving myself 3 months to do it in...really need to lose 148 pouds in total..according to that bmi calculater but cant imagine being that thin...i dont think i ever have been maybe in like 6th grade i was 160 pounds...ive always been fat...and in 25 years you learn to love it...so you dont hate yourself every day...but i digress...20 pounds in 3 months thats my short term goal...

It's been 2 years since I joined the challenge. I came back in 2009 but my old numbers are still posted. And it is not recording my new weigth on the tracker. Since I came back I've lost 20 pounds but my tracker is only recording from the time I started 2 years ago. This is not accurate. I can not earse the weigth from 2007. It only looks like I gained weigh instead of losing the weigh. Can this be fixed.

I have been as most of you have been struggling with my weight since I had my children. They are now 13, and 9. I had lost 40 pounds last year, but unfortunately put back on 20. My ultimate goal is to no longer need the blood pressure meds., and to make our family a healthier family. We certainly are a happy family, but the food has always been a crutch. Another goal is for my children to be able to leave the nest, and me knowing that they will be healthy and well rounded individuals.

i JUST JOINED TODAY mARCH 10,2009. I have been on a diet or a change of life for about 2 months now. I started with so many people and little by little they have all fell to the way side. Now I am in this "diet" by myself. It is really hard making healthy life changes when everyone around you is eating ooey gooey delicious foods. I am fat and my main goal is to get healthy and stop being fat. This is the first time in my life that I have ever been fat, at 27 years old my body image sucks and i want it to get better. I had my only child 4 yrs ago and was in great shape, now i am really trying to get back to that person i liked looking at in the mirror.

Hi, i am a 26 year old married Mom of a one year old and a two year old little boys. .I have been big all my life and honestly i was comfortable with myself until now. My boys are growing up fast and they are very active. I NEED TO LOSE weight not only for my Health but my BOYS! I have been trying since Jan1, 2009 and i have started over everyday. So today i have made up my mind.Its time for a change!

My short term goal for the first month of the Challenge is to watch my portion sizes.

Last week my doctor told me to lose 35 pounds. He gave examples of true portion sizes. I don't know why I was shocked to learn that I've been eating way too much. Still, I was happy to learn that everything he advised coincided with Dr. Smith's Challenge.

I prefer home-cooked meals. I love veggies and variety. I cook with olive oil and a lot of spices. I don't like fried foods and eat very little sweets. So how did I gain 50 pounds in 4 years? I did not exercise and I ate too much. Simple.

For the last week I have been MEASURING my servings. I discovered that I was eating about 2.5 servings of everything for lunch. In a rare move, I ate out last night. Instead of eating the entire plate, I ate the whole salad first and divided the 7 oz sirloin. I saved the other half for lunch today.

The Challenge is simple to follow. Everything I need is included on the website. I love writing in my journal, keeping up how much I eat, and recording my activities. I can check the site from anywhere and get motivation anytime. It's reassuring that the Challenge is based on sound science. I am so glad this FREE program is available to me when I need it most!

My short term goal is first to be consistent for at least 3 months. To lose 25#s and increase endurance when working out. To no longer need or take my blood pressure medication.

Hi, I joined the website in May 2007. I have struggled with my weight since the birth of my oldest son 10 years ago. I have exercised but not on a constant basis changed some things about how and what I ate because i had pre-hypertension. Now with the passing of my aunt from colon cancer, I have a new surge in pushing to lose the weight. So far I have lost roughly 15 pounds since May of 2008. I am down 2 dress sizes and am loving it. I plan to lose another 10 lbs by the end of May. My biggest obstacle is the belly fat. I can see a major change in the weight from my legs and belly since changing what, when and how much I ate. I am doing this in honor of my aunt who like me struggled with her weight and did not eat properly. We would have discussions about what we were "planning" to lose weight and sometimes we saw the weight come off and the pack back on. So Auntie Lo, this is for you and me!!!

I signed up today because I hope to get motivated to exercise consistently and change my eating habits. I find that as I get older my weight has gotten out of control and I have no willpower. I am also depressed aboutmy weight and I don't go out because I am ashamed of how I look. Until I was age 40 I barely weighed 100 lbs, now I am obese. What happened?

I signed up in January to help me get motivated to lose weight that I gained after my wedding last year. It was like I was back in college again and had gained my Freshman 15. I've been using the 30 day diet plan which is fun and easy but I haven't lost more than the two pounds that keep flip flopping from week to week.
I will do my best today to follow the plan and exercise and drink water so that I can lose one more pound by Friday.

I have spent the majority of my life trying to lose weight. They call it "yo-yo dieting," but like my skills with a yo-yo, there was never much movement. I decided to stop the diets and just start living better. My biggest challenge is realizing that I do not have to eat everything on my plate. I was raised to do so, and it is a harder habit to break than almost anything else. I started really trying this January, and was very successful until th ice storm passed through, we had no power for two weeks and I feel into old habits. But, I am working my way back on track now. I have lost 13 pounds since January 5th. My goal is a whole lot more than that. I try to exerise 20-30 minutes 5 times a week. I am successful about 75% of the time. I shall prevail. I am a winner. Nothing can keep me from my goals. Doesn't that all sound nice?

Dear Dr. Ian:

My name is Barbara Forde, I am a distributor for Enagic. Enagic provided machines which turns your reqular tab water into alkalined water. This machine produces a PH level as high as 11.0, and an ORP in the high 300 up to and including 400 plus.

This machine is used in the hospitals in Japan.

I would like to be given the opportunity for you to try the water free of charge. Kangen water has helped me to lose 30 pounds, stopped my Acid Reflux and constipation.

I would really love to have the opportunity to share the water with you.

Thank you, in advance for your time and consideration.

my short term goal is to get under 200 pounds, that is total of 30lbs. i keep getting off track and can't understand why, but I am back at it again tomorrow, please pray with me to stay the course and reach my short and long term goal a total of 81 lbs.

I am a wife and mother of 4 children. I hate the weight that I have gained over the years. When I had my two boys my heaviest weight was 120lbs at that weight I was full of energy. When I had my first girl I gained 30lbs and could not lose it, I was devistated but I learned to accept it. My husband said that he loved my weight at 150lbs and then 9 years later I gave birth to my second girl and gained 42lbs. I managed to lose 26lbs after my daughters first birthday. I am now trying to lose at least 26 more pounds. My husband says that he loves my weight but to me I am fat and miserable.

I seem to fail mostly at night picking the wrong things to snack on. I will try to correct this destructive habit.

Hi ,

I signed up in jan of this year i belong to a weight group but was having trouble loosing weight so decided to try something different with still going to my weight group i signed but for the menu planning and since i have been folloing for the last 2 months i have lost 12 ls know i know i can loose another 12 lbs by apil i am going to only swet small looses this way if i slide i can go back i am ioncreasing my excersie each month i do my own at home and then walk the beach when it is warm but not like it is here waiting for the warmer weather but i found that if i eat smaller food portions asnd try six small meals i can loose the weight so for the next 2 minths i am going for another 12lbs and then i will be gwetting close to my goal weight. have a great weight loss everyone.

I began to change my way of living January 09, by not overwhelming my self with having to lose weight, but instead to just be healthier. With that mind set, I've been able to change my way of eating, by cutting portions and adding more veggies and plenty of water to my diet. I also work out a minimum of 3 times a week and I do not beat my self up if I'm unable to work out a certain day. Since I began I've lost a total of 15lbs and my goal is to lose a total of 80lbs

I HAVE TRIED TO LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE I WOULD START OFF GOOD AND THEN I WOULD LOSE THE MOTIVATION TO KEEP GOING I NEVER LOOK TO BE SMALL BECAUSE WEIGHT RUNS IN MY FAMILY AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN A SMALL PERSON NOW I WEIGH 223 @AGE 42 I CAN'T SEEM GO ANY LOWER THAN 190 AND THEN I WILL SHOOT BACK UP I DON'T EAT A LOT OF FRIED FOOD AND I DON'T EAT A LOT BUT I CAN'T SEEM TO LOSE THE WEIGHT MY HUSBAND NOW THEY THINK HAS A HEART CONDITION WHICH WE ARE NOT SURE BECAUSE WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE RESULTS OF HIS TEST WHICH ENDED TODAY I ALSO WANT HIM TO BE A SIZE HEALTHIER FOR HIS OWN LIFE SO FAR I DON'T HAVE ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS I JUST HAD A PHYSICAL LAST MONTH MY PROBLEM IS JUST OVER WEIGHT IF YOU WHERE TO LOOK AT ME I DON'T LOOK AS THOUGH I WEIGH THAT MUCH BUT I DO I AM 5'3" 223 LBS WHICH IS NOT GOOD. SO I NEED A LIL HELP AND A LOT OF MOTIVATION A LOT OF MOTIVATION. THIS IS MY STORY GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE. MY SHORT TERM GOAL 10lbs LONG TERM 50lbs.

I have just joined today and my goal is to be healthy and I am not sure if I can assign a numeric ideal. Healthy is Healthy. My biggest challenge is eating. I do not eat a lot but what I eat is not healthy. It is usually sweet or high in fat.I have joined the meal planner and will be going to the grocery store tomorrow.
I am hoping that with God given discipline I will be able to make it.
Good luck to all I feel as if my family has suddenly grown with the click of my mouse.

I started trying to get healthy two months ago. In that time, I have lost 12 pounds. Yesterday, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high blood sugar.
When I started this process, I was not motivated, but I KNEW I had to do it. So I just started making small changes. I cut out soda over a year ago, (I read that it made you hungrier and actually created a vicious cycle of weight gain-and for me I think this was true), I stopped eating red meat a few months ago, and began walking a month ago. Now I have begun to eat mostly fruits and veggies and whole grains. I now have to watch my sodium and carbohydrates.
I am now eating healthier and exercising and a year ago I wouldn't have thought it possible. I just hope at age 49 it's not too late to get myself healthy again.
For anyone struggling with motivation, I would suggest making small changes. It's too depressing to think of everything that needs to be done. For me, I started living minute by minute, trying to make one good choice at a time, and this still is still working for me.
My goal is to keep losing weight, (another 80+ pounds) continue gaining muscle and reduce my problems with blood pressure and blood sugar.

I started in Jan'09, and I'm a first semester nursing student. Losing all motivation, I'm up 8 lbs; the biggest I've ever been, 227. I know what to do, and how to do it to lose the weight, but I just can't seem to get my brain around this program. Any suggestions?

I am 47 years old and I currently weigh 268 pounds. My highest weight was 308 pounds, when I divorced my first husband, back in 1990. When I remarried my current husband, in Nov. 2006, I weighed 292 pounds. Whenever we went to the Zoo, Museums and to the Carnival, I had to walk with a cane, and I would get so out of breath that I would have to sit down. My husband is 12 years younger than me, and he has been trying to encourage me to lose weight, as I am Diabetic and I also have Hypertension. I joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge in April 2008, weighing 281 pounds. I have lost 13 pounds. I have not been following the plan like I should, but I resolve to do better in 2009. This is my year to shine! Never Give Up!

Short term goal is 30 lbs. Long term 67.

Hey all! I am excited to say that I am back again! I signed up last year with the hopes to lose weight before my 40th birthday. Well, that didn't happen, I lost my will power and went right back to my old ways. In January, I won a radio contest to be in a weight loss competition here in Orlando. We started on Thursday and my starting weight is 289. I am VERY embarrassed about that. I have become the person that I NEVER wanted to be. This contest is 8 weeks and at the end, the person with the largest weight loss (% and BMI) gets to stay on the program for free until we reach our goal weight. I am determined to win this. I have been doing everything right as far as my eating goes. I guess my short term goal is 50 pounds. I really want to get down to 150, but everyone says I will be skin and bones at that weight. We will see!!! I look forward to making new friends and support as well as being able to give support if anyone is ever feeling down and wants to give up! Good luck to all.

I am right where jammom5 says (s)he is. I have lost 15 lbs since the first of the year by following this meal plan. I can see how very badly I used to eat. And I heard a lady say one night on a non-diet related tv show that she just couldn't eat like everyone else. Well being married to ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE ...you know the ones that can eat as much of whatever they like and not gain a lb.! ...I really say this as my daily mantra, and the admiration of my skinny husband helps. He loves me no matter what. Now it is just up to me to love myself as much.

I lost 72 lbs. in a yr. 1/2. going to support "meetings". I hit my goal weight in Aug. of '08. I found out I have breast cancer in Sept. of '08, lost my hair and have not been to a meeting or the gym since. I have gained 10 lbs. in that time and NEED support and encourgement to stay on track.
I lost 65 lbs. 12 yrs. ago the same way and stopped going to the meetings then, too. I gained it all back within 2 yrs. I will not let that happen again. I will return to the gym, but not until my hair returns. I have to find other ways of exercise and motivation. I am so glad I saw the commercial for the 50 million pound challenge this morning. I need to lose the 10 lbs. and another 15 after that. We all can do this. I couldn't believe I lost 72 lbs., but I did. It is in all of us to do this. We will help each other. There are so many of us out there. You are not alone. It takes time and a lifestyle change. This is not short term. I proved that 12 yrs. ago. It is a lifestyle. Healthy from now on. There are a lot of enjoyable, delicious good foods out there. You cannot think of it as being deprived of good food, think of it as being rescued from obesity and bad habits. It is so worth it.

My short term goal is to lose 10 lbs. I just want to fit comfortably in the clothes I already have.

My goal is to eat healthier and exercise more regularly... I 'm starting slow. I'm buying healthier snacks such as fruits and berries nuts and more fish as opposed to the cake and cookies ,the steak, and I've even made a change in the cereal I eat oatmeal in the morning some fruit snack on a variety of healthy snacks throughout the day.Less fried and fast food. More water definately and working out increasing and pushing just a little bit harder each time I've done it before with God's help of course but I made a change from ATL to NY and the adjustment was tough, But I'm ready to take action and I believe the first step to seeing results is determiation. I encourage all of you guys and I wish you guys the best in your journey to a healthier, thinner more fabulous you!!! God bless.

My highest weight was 308lbs. With diet and exercise I was able to lose 135lbs. But with having my sexy back, came a pleasant surprise, (My Son). So I am back to square one, well not really I didn't go back up to 308lbs, thank goodness for that. I am giving myself 25 weeks to get rid of the weight. I have gotten into a daily exercise routine and my eating habits are good. My short term goal is to get below 200lbs. Good Luck to all.

I'm writing my goal down, and letting everyone read it. I don't know any of you but I still feel like now that I'm telling someone, I have to prove I can do it. I weigh 187 lbs and my goal is 44lbs for Change! I figured that was very fitting of this new year. I've given myself 23 weeks(August 1st) to lose the weight, with an average of 2 lbs a week. Breaking it down weekly makes it seem so much more doable. I'm starting the 30 day meal plan Monday but I've already been more aware of what I'm eating.

I joined because I realized I can't do it on my on despite the million exercise dvds and tapes (taebo, jane fonda, pilates, tony little,etc) I have..lol. I need motivation and yes you would think seeing..looking in the mirror would be enough..so did I so I'm giving this a try. My goal is to lose 50-55 lbs. I have lost 6 and boy is it hard and at times I just want to give up but as I realized I didn't gain this weight overnight so I wont be losing it as quickly. I realized its now or never...I need to stick to it and get the weight off and I think with this site it just might work.

MY GOAL IS TO CHANGE MY LIFESTYLE FOR THE BETTER AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.
I AM A NURSE AND HAVE JUST THIS JANUARY TURNED
50 YEARS YOUNG.I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOUGAGE OTHERS TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR BODIES,EAT PROPERLY,EXERCISE AND REMEMBER THAT YOUR TEMPLE IS NOT GOING TO STAY FIT WITHOUT WORK.NOT HARD WORK,JUST WORK.THERE IS SUCH A THING AS MAINTENANCE.JUST TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME.A GRADUAL INCREASE IN YOUR DAILY ACTIVITY CAN WORK WONDERS.IT'S MORE THAN YOU WERE DOING BEFORE YOU STARTED YOUR CHALLENGE TO GET FIT.IT'S BOUND TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.TRY IT,YOU'LL SEE WHAT I MEAN. PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY.JUST REMEMBER,IT'S A GIVEN THAT WE MUST AGE,BUT YOU CAN CHOOSE HOW YOU AGE.LET'S AGE
GRACEFULLY.STICK WITH THE CHALLENGE.OH! AND DON'T FORGET ,YOU SHOULD ALSO LOOK INTO GETTING ON A GOOD MULTI VITAMIN AND A GOOD ANTI OXIDANT SUPPLEMENT(THIS WILL HELP TO OPTIMIZE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM SO IT CAN CONTINUE TO FIGHT OFF THOSE CANCER CAUSING AGENTS THAT ARE EVER PRESENT IN OUR BODIES).

Hi, I'm right back. I posted a comment 2 days ago. This is to encourage everyone who is feeling down, depressed, wanting to give up, not feeling like you are going to make it. Replace those thoughts with GOD loves me, be sure to emphasize me and say it aloud over and over. He loves us just the way we are. Talk to him and pour your heart out to him and he will help you. Surely you want to be healthy and get healthier. It takes time and commitment. You have to learn to encourage yourself like David did. Read Psalms. Here is a scripture For He(God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. Hebrews 13:5. Replace your negative thoughts with life affirming thoughts found in your bible. Speak them and watch the change in your life. Melrose PS Eating late at night and going to bed is a no no, stay up at least a couple of hours.

I enjoy reading everyone's responses. I have a question for you all - How do you get your families on board? My biggest obstacle is finding dinners that everyone in the family likes. I have 2 picky-eater children, age 12, that are starting to try new things, but often don't like the healthier dishes I make. I often use the old saying, "If you don't like it or won't eat it, fend for yourself". Some days it works, others it doesn't. If anyone has some great ideas, I'd love to hear them!
Good luck to everyone - stay strong!
bzymom

I am a diebetic. I was 215 pounds and now I weigh 185. I changed the way that I eat by cutting out sweets and unnecessary carbs. I feel so much better now that I have lost some weight. I work out six days a week and it is paying off. Although the process is slow i am determined to reach my goal of 130 pounds. I can do all things through Christ that strenghens me.

I just want to say that i started on 1/22/2009 but I cheated myself but who suffers only me. I have made a promised to myself that I am starting the 4day diet today 2/17/2009, it has been a challenge getting started, through the pep talks with 2cut2luv is helping me tremendously. I want to be 40 lbs thinner by my birthday in July 2 to 3 lbs a week, i am ready !!! I can do it and my team is going to be the biggest loser!!!!!

My short term goal is to get 2 days of exercise in a week. It's dark when I leave in the mornings and dark when I get home. I was used to walking about 3-4 miles 4 times a week and have stopped. Posting this puts it in writing and now I am held accountable.

My short term goal is to lose 10 pounds by April. My long term is to be off of BP Meds and to fit into some of my old clothes...and then some..I am a size 16/18 now and I want to be a size 10/12. That is my long term goal.

Hi Everyone, I 2 am back from starting over, and over again..I appreciate what beautifulsoul_33 said. That is me 100%. But I thank you for sharing and making me feel motivated again. Everyone, just hang in there and keep the faith and we will all be ok...Let's keep helping each other make it on this journey to a healthier lifestyle. We all need to help each other!

Be Blessed All

I had lost 10lbs since I started 50 million pounds, I have since gain 5 lbs back. So, I have recommitted myself to what worked for me and that is walking at least 3 miles 5 days a week but most of the time I do 4 or 5 miles. I enjoy walking so much, it is my time to talk with God and tell him everything that's on my mind. I also praise him, sing gospel songs, recite my confessions of faith, and listen to Him,envision my plans for my house(I am updating). Walking is a good way to eliminate stress, meet new people and share information. I take the stairs instead of elevators. I won't eat after 6pm. I've started working out today with a program that comes on a local station(it worked for me before). Last thing, is to eliminate sweets and replace with fruits, eat lots of vegetables, plenty of water instead of soft drinks, baked instead of fried. I hope this helps someone. You have to know what works for your body. Melrose

this is my life changing experience ,started on jaunary 1.2009 i weight 193 thats the highest i ever been.stared to watch what i eat every day worked out everyday but sunday,so far i lost 19lb.i feel so good my husband likes to eat out so i order soup and salad.one or the other. i used to get fries and a buger not no more.im 41 and im not wasting and more years being fat one day i will be 130lb.right now im 174.if you set your mind you can do it good luck.

I'll be 50 next month and wanted to drop some unwanted pounds. I started in Nov and have lost 21 lbs so far. I want to lose a total of 30+ by 3/10. I've really proud that I've finally managed to keep a promise to myself. I have a lot more to lose but this is a start. I want to lose a total of 60lbs. I heard Sybil Wilkes call to "Get My Sexy Back" so it sounded like the team for me.

I started my challenge on Jan 5th. I am in a wedding on Aug 1st and I refused to be the plus size bridesmaid this time. I am a size 20/22 and my goal size is a 13. So far I have lost 8 pounds, and I get excited as I notice how my waist is slowly beginning to shrink. It is challenging some days when all I want to do is go home and watch several episodes if Meet The Browns and rest my weary bones. I work full time as a Director of a learning center, I am single parent of one daughter, and very active in my church, and sometimes I look at my schedule and say "when do I have time to go walking?" With God's help and my own determination I going to loose this weight by August. When I started this year off I created my "Best Life Yet", which means that I am shaping my Spiritual Life, My Health, and my Finances. With God all things are possible, and I lean and depend on him with everything I deal with in life. My prayer is that we all reach our goals in this challenge whether long term or short term. Amen!!!!

I am very excited about the NEW ME!! I joined on February 12 and my short term goal is to get down on the floor by myself and do a set of 5 push-ups...NOT THE MODIFIED VERSION...The military version..

I am still working towards by goal of eating and feeling better than ever. I have encouraged a friend to join the 50 million pound challenge.

I just joined the club today. I regret that I didn't join at the beginning of my journey, so at least I could have recorded that I've lost 15 lbs. since 1/05/09. I officially have 100 lbs to go! My short term goal is to reach 25 lbs, 10 more to go. To those who feel resistance and temptation, I say start small. If you don't like exercising take it slow. 5 min or 10 minutes a day, just do it! We can do it and keep it off!

I love reading everyone's comments. There are so many helpful tips out there! Question: how do you all get your families on board? That is one of my biggest battles. Finding something we all like for dinner, battling the snack crap kids like, finding time to exercise and/or getting the fam to do it with me, etc. Any suggestions? You are great resources! Thank you!
bzymom

i have been getting up just about every morning for the last couple of months and exercising. i have increased from 3 different exercises 10 times a day to 6 different exercises 50 times each . i plan to increase the 6 different exercises to 100 each. also i have been eating more fruits and salads and drinking water throughout the day.

I have been trying to diet on and off since Sept. 2008. In January 2009, I really got serious. I work-out 5 times a week at the YMCA and have cut out fattening and fry foods. So far I have only lost 4lbs!!! What am I doing wrong? I feel defeated, but I don't want to give up! Does anybody have any sugestions?

I just signed up today. I hope to get my sisters and friends to sign up too! I am a teacher and work with special needs children. One of my short term goals is to walk from the front of the building to the back of the building at the same pace as my students while having a conversation, without getting winded. My other short term goal is to walk up a flight of stairs at a normal pace without feeling like I ran 10 miles. Both I hope to accomplish by the end of this school year.

Hello Teammates:

I joined the challenge in July 2008 and continue to rejoin or recommit on a monthly basis. I travel a lot for work and it is really hard to stay focused - meetings all day and not eating properly. I decided that I would a least pack healthy snacks for my trips and this should assist with cutting back on inappropriate snacking - meals are about choices. I know it is not an excuse just another reason to continue with old-bad habits. I decided in January when I purchased the "4 Day Diet" that I would place my attention to meeting the goals outlined every 4-days, but it's been hard. Since January I have started the diet over 4-times.

Today is Sunday and the first day of the week and the first day in my new commitment of losing wieght. I do not have an issue with exercise, I'm at the gym 6-days a week for at least 1.5 hours completing a variety of exercises to include weight training. My problem continues to be the items I eat and therefore the exercises allow me to maintain the current weight and not shed pounds. I will be honest with myself and you all - I'm well aware of why I cannot lose weight and it's all about choices and meal-planning.

After reading the blogs I know that I am not alone in this challenge and know what I need to do. My short term goal is 10-pounds by March 31, 2009. Keep me in your prayers......thanks for the encouragement.

I join The 50 million pound program in Dec27, 2008 and I lose 38 pounds this is the first program that give me what I wanted. what to eat and how much. This helps me out so much. I print my meals out every morning and place it in my kitchen then I workout for 1 hour or more every day. I just wanted to thank you so much for making a program for me and everyone like me.

Hello, my name is marilyn and i am feeling very down. I am a diabetic my height is 5ft.4in. my weight is 225 in 2003 I lost about 35 lbs and i have gain it back and more. I have been watching what I eat for the most part and walking on my treadmill for 36min but I retain fluids and I can't seen to get on the right track again. I recently had a birthday Dec.31 and I am 50 and I thank God for it but, I really want to be more healthy the whole nine yards, but being a diabetic it is not easy for me to find and eat the right food that will not increase my blood sugar. I really wish I could afford Dr. Ian 4 day diet but it's very hard to buy food too.Please, Please, Please Help! I really want to be Moore healthy so I can help my husband to be Moore healthy but, now I feel that I can't help anyone until I help my self. not looking too good
MARILYN

I joined last year and have only lost 20 pounds and most of that has been up and down and I may have even gained it back . Since I read what others wrote on the blogs it has given me a little hope and the support to go on . I was weighing 243 the last time I got on a scale and I would like to lose 100 pounds as a long-term goal short term goal would be 40-50 pounds . I don't have the support that I need and am in this alone . My husband is good for wanting to walk and everything but I need support when it comes to continuing to eat right and stay on the right track . I start off real good but then fall off so I am making a decision to try again and go forward and be positive because I don't want the diabetes and stroke and heart attack and all the other things that come along with not eating healthy and getting the proper work out's and walks . I feel down on myself because I used to walk really far all the time and stayed in shape .Since then I have arthritis in my lower lumber which I can only walk for up 20 min before my back starts hurting really bad and I need to stop . I also have bad knees which sometimes hinder me. These are not from the weight but they are worse with the futher weight gain ,So I am so thankful for this website and Dr. Ian Smith just being able to share how your doing makes the difference in the world. I have purchased Dr. Ian's book the Fat Smash Diet and I have tried it 3 times and could not get past the 9 day detox eating all fruits and veggies and other stuff . But I am going to do it so help me god I need to do it for my health so that is my first challenge and then I will follow the rest of the book and continue to eat right and work out . I plan to start this on Sunday 2/15 so you all that read this pray for me and I will pray for you all too for continued strength and endurance . God Bless , and thank you again Dr, Ian

I live in Southern Louisiana. We are getting ready for Mardi Gras here and I can't wait for it. I enjoy sitting around clowning around and laughing with my friends. It is the best time. It gives everyone a reason to be together and have fun.

Living in Southern Louisiana is hard for me. The food is soooo good you just can't get enough. Being Latina doesn't help either. All of the tortillas, pupusas, tamales, they don't really help when you are loosing weight.

Well, living in Louisiana and being Latina, I grew up as an obese child. Between eating at my mom's(pupusas,tortillas,yellow rice,tamales)and at a friend's house(jambalaya,gumbo,etouffee) you kind of get the best of both worlds. Then 10 years down the road you find out you have high cholesterol and all the fixings to go with it.

Now at the age of 25 I am trying to get my mind and body on the right track. Know why you eat so much and then you can conquer the rest. Keep to small portions, and exercise(which for me happens to be the hardest). But then noone said this was going to be easy.

To everyone out there loosing weight I congratulate you. You inspire me. I hope to one day do this on my own with no medication, no surgeries. I am praying for you all because I know where a lot of you are coming from.

I have never been "skinny" but like the rest of you I one day hope to be healthier and lighter LOL. I still have plenty of years ahead of me and I don't plan on sitting around watching my stretch marks get any deeper.

I am going to do this and I am doing it for ME.

Last year, was pretty rocky for me, so I wanted to start over this year living a healthier lifestyle. I have a short-term goal of losing 30 lbs by May. I am really proud of myself because I have stuck to my work-out routine this week, and given myself a reward for staying focused. I also have two behavioral change projects that I have to do for two of my college classes, and I chose losing weight and working out. This will help me out this year also because I have to do this for a grade, so it will keep my motivation going. I don't make new year's resolutions, but my main focus for this year is to become a better woman: spiritually, mentatlly, and physically. I want to start using this site more than what I have in the past. I will pray for you all on your journey, and please pray for me as well. Life is not promised to anyone, so we might as well take care of ourselves while we are here.

Luv,
MzRanda

I started January 6 to date I have lost 6lbs.
I don't have a lot of will power on the weekend
I do good during the week. I like the meal plans, but I don't exercise. I need help staying consistant. I don't plan to give up.
My short term goal is to loose 20lbs by July.

I just joined 50 million ound club and i am very excited.I have lost 64 lbs to date on my own and I need some support and motivation to get through to losing my last 50 lbs.Congrats to all the weight lost here and am sure i will get to my goal as well. Thanks for such a great program. Tiffany

Well, I joined the program last year, and guest what I have not did anything. I have not had the will power to do it. What motvates you? I just don't want to loose the weight I need to loose the weight. What do you do?

I have started Dr. Ian's "4-day Diet" and I have been on it for 4 days and if followed correctly you can feel better and "lighter". I stepped on the scale this morning & I have lost 2 pounds. I am going to try to increase my cardio excercise to keep my momentum going, but I just wanted to suggest the book for those who are looking for a new way of life.

I have become very serious about getting back to healthy and changing my lifestyle. I feel that losing the weight will help me to do this. High Blood pressure, painful joints, bad back, ect. I have eagerly joined the 50million pound challenge and I am trying to eat healthier, I am in the gym exercising, walking at lunch, drinking water. It just seems no matter what I do I am not taking off any pounds. I feel I am doing something wrong. Even though I have become very frustrated, I am still trying to hang in there because I know there has to be a light at the end of this tunnel. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I joined the challenge in October but started my lifestyle change in September. I eat healthy and walk daily or get some form of exercise. I have lost 30 lbs. total so far. I think one of my biggest achievements is cutting fried foods out. My short term goal is to stick with what I have been doing and stay positive.

it is hard to do it by yourself. you do everything right. and still gain.so what are you to do. Iknow having thyroid problem does not help things but it is still upsetting

I am in love with the challenge! I started team Motivated Sister's in '09 in January 2009 and since we have started we have lost 49lbs. My short term goal is to lose anywhere from 5-10lbs a month for the next six months. After the short term goal is complete, I plan to continue with my life long goal and that is to stay healthy. I have learned to eat healthier and switch up my workout to keep it interesting. I think everyone should join in and take on the life long change for a better you.

Hey blessed chocolate
I read your blog and fully understand where you are going with the feelings of going at it a lone, i am here so we can motivate one another with encouragement and accountability if you like. I believe everyone needs a push every now and then.I find myself daily exercising and getting on the scale daily only to be discouraged but I put in my journal to stop!!!!! doing this because it is very heart breaking. I will start getting on the scale every Sunday morning. I know I am losing inches slowly by exercising and going a long with Dr. Ian's plan as I continue on this journey I will watch myself get to the size I wish to be gradually(preferably in the next three months to be realistic-by March 30th-I would like to be 18 pounds lighter ) than what I am right now.
Anyone interested in joining a dedicated, determined TEAM, come join me in this fight to healthy living ---adlene2007. Stay blessed fighters Addie

Dear Teri and anyone else who is starting over and over again:
Please note: I am not an expert, but I can offer some things you may want to try that I have learned from the different programs I have used over the years.

First, I learned, why start on a Monday? Weight loss/management is a daily challenge, start any day of the week. If one day you get side tracked, you have the great opportunity of getting started the next day- don't let the months and years slip by as you wait for the next Monday to come before you start all over. (smile)

Next, don't try and do everything at once. It is very difficult to start cutting portions, changing food choices and developing an exercise regimen together. It is like too much change too fast. I was once in a program where we focused on food choices and portion control- after 3 weeks of that and a small 3-4 lbs. weight loss for some and 1-2 lbs for others, everyone was motivated to lose more and lose it at a faster rate- enter the exercise! (smile)

The program organizer would challenge us to try a new fruit and vegetable each week. We started by replacing some of our less healthy side dishes with healthier ones and refraining from eating 3 hours before we went to bed.

I have a color grid 'checklist' at my desk at work and at home. Listed across the top are the 7 days of the week, divided by lines so they make columns. I also have the colors, red, yellow, green, purple and orange listed to the left (like you would number a sheet of paper for a school quiz). I then have lines for these-forming the grid. My daily goal is to 'check' that I have eaten one veggie or fruit from the different color groups- that adds variety, doesn't force me to journal exactly what I ate and challenges me to get the list complete. In addition, I find that if I have not completed the color groups (or have no boxes in one color group after a couple of days)to think of a way to 'sneak' in that color. For example, I now pack grape size tomatoes and eat them as a snack along with celery sticks(red and green)instead of vending machine potato chips. Helps me stay on track and helps my wallet! LOL. True, I would rather have the chips and tomatoes aren't my favorite, but I know I am not going to deprogram 32 years of tastebuds in 6 weeks...persistence wins the weight loss game. (smile)

Also, pack a cooler with healthy non perishables and keep some around you when you work. This helps with the snacking urges and cravings. Fresh fruit is great on ice in the summer time- cheaper and healthier than the fast food alternative.

With exercise, try the small changes, at work, take the long way to the break room, park in the back. If you have the opportunity to join a gym, there are lots of classes offered now for different fitness levels and these help you feel like part of a group. When I come in after an absence from my kickboxing class, everyone cheers- support does make us feel good. Also, the program I was in challenged us with a different exercise goal each week. Try a goal like, move for 15 minutes 3 days- whether it be walking or dancing to music at home. The next week we would be challenged to extend that time, distance or increase the frequency of exercise. The week after that we would have to think of an exercise we could do indoors if it rained or try a new machine at the gym or something the family could do together.

Key- do what works for you. Right now I am on a combination of meal planning ideas from weight watchers (I am not in the group, just have a few of their tasty recipes from 2 previous failed attempts!) to the color grid referenced above, some exercise goals based on the 50 million pound challenge and a diet book called the Fat Flush. I have lost 18 lbs. since I started in 'earnest' on December 29, 2008 and I have 140+ to go. The most I have ever lost was 60- on my own (before I got pregnant), so trust me, you CAN do it.

I am proud of you for trying and reaching out to the group. We are all in this together. I was losing motivation myself on Monday after I pigged out on nachos and a pizza slice at my daughter's swim meet over the weekend (we also went to a restaurant to celebrate, not wise)- but you know what- I got up, exercised, and resumed my healthy eating. I hope this helped some. Everyday won't be perfect- but every day is a new chance at the new you! Keep your head up, stay focused and stay positive! Good luck and our prayers are with you.

PS. Don't deny your cravings. If you want something chocolate, like a peanut butter cup, don't buy the king size pack- buy the single cup size or the 2 pack and throw the other one away. At the gas station, buy the 10 cents size of a peppermint patty, etc. Get the single servings of whatever you are craving; try not to bring a full size (family sized) bag of anything unhealthy or processed to your house. (wink, wink) Clean out your cupboards of junk- replace chips with pretzels, etc. read the food labels to know how many servings you are 'really' consuming. Hopefully your family will see the results you will soon have and get motivated too! (smile)

My doctor advised me to lose weight, Dr. Ian motivated me. It was encouraging to receive updates, charts, and encouraging words and recipes. To listen to TJMS also added incintive. I have lost 35 pounds since I my surgery Oct.2007! I went from a 16 to a 6, now I am maintaining and encouraging others. I have been riding my bike to work 1 mile each way, and I have some type of salad everyday. once a week it is a taco salad with ALL the trimmings. I am looking forward to summer 2009!!!

This is our year. I am focused and determined to make it happen. It is very exciting to see so many people taking control of their health habits. We can do it... and we will!!!

I am extremely excited about this challenge. I went this morning and purchased the 4-day diet book from Books-A-Million and I'm raring to go! I wrote a special note to myself in the inside cover of the book: "My journey begins today!" My short-term goal is to lose ten pounds by my birthday which is April 11, 2009. I know it is going to be a stretch, but I'm going for it!!!!!!

Hadassah

I am feeling confident that I will lose the extra pounds, as well as look and feel better. I am eating 6 healthy, sensible meals and snacks a day, using information from this site as a strict guide. I am participating in the free adult exercise program at my son's preschool twice a week. The class is taught by the school's karate instructor, and includes exercises and stretches from that discipline. To help me get in shape on the days the class does not meet, I sent an email out to all my friends and associates, and posted a request on websites that give away free stuff (i.e. Craig's List, Freecycle), requesting exercise equipment. A friend who used to be a personal trainer responded and gave me a new eliptical machine, a jump rope, and free weights. All I had to do is ask. He even delivered the items to my house. A committed spirit and a willing mind will get your there! Good luck in your journey! AKUA

Me and my daughter has join a bodyplex and go a least 3 times a week after work.

Well I've already started by taking kick-boxing classes once a week at the college where I work. I've joined the Change for 2009 team and I will also be purchasing a treadmill to allow me to do some walking for at least 30 minutes in the evening after I get home from work. And finally, I have also purchased Dr. Ian's book The 4 Day Diet.

I am having some challenges with High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Kidney disease and overweight.

Since I have chosen to have a better quality of life; I have decided to do the following:
1. walk two(2)flights of stairs every morning, every mid day
2. walk aggresively for 10 minutes every morning, every afternoon and every evening
3. cut back on the sugar and fat in my daily diet
4. drink at least 4 bottles of water daily
5. eat oatmeal at least 4 times per week
6. include a meal replacement at least for one meal per week.
7. Take blood pressure and blood pressure medicine daily (6am,10am,2pm, 6pm,10pm).

I am having some challenges with High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Kidney disease and overweight.

Since I have chosen to have a better quality of life; I have decided to do the following:
1. walk two(2)flights of stairs every morning, every mid day
2. walk aggresively for 10 minutes every morning, every afternoon and every evening
3. cut back on the sugar and fat in my daily diet
4. drink at least 4 bottles of water daily
5. eat oatmeal at least 4 times per week
6. include a meal replacement at least for one meal per week.
7. Take blood pressure and blood pressure medicine daily (6am,10am,2pm, 6pm,10pm).

Started this program 1/2/2009, today is 2/12/2009, I feel great, I'm wearing a pair of pants, that I haven't worn in a year, waist is now 41, was 44, My wife gives me the okay sign, each morning!
I highly reccomend this program, to everyone.

B. Roberts
Harvey, Illinois

Greetings all. I have been with this program since January 5th and lost 4 pounds so far. I had a baby back in Septemeber and lost 18 of the 30 I gained before trying this program. I feel good, but I want to feel GREAT! I know my weakness is being consistent with my exercising, but it is very difficult to do with a new baby at home. I am very diligent in my eating so hopefully that will pay off as I strive to increase my weekly cardio. We are going to Jamaica for my 30th birthday in July and I want to look fabulous in my bikini! Only 20 more pounds to go. My prayers are with you all especially those that have experience emotional hardship with the loss of a loved one. I know exactly how you feel. Keep up the good work and let's reach our goals together!!

Our Team "Phatty No More" signed up on January 9th. It took us a while to get motivated but most of the team is getting serious now. Several team members are cruising together in April....so short term goal is to look and feel better for the cruise. Long-term is a healthier & happier life! Our team is comprised of friends and co-workers. I try to send an email to the team at least once a week with encouragement, congrats, praises, tips, whatever...just to let each of us know that we are not alone. I have also started following Dr. Ian's diet (he sends it to me.. personally....I feel so special!) I lost 5 pounds the first week and 5 pounds the second...I'm hooked....He has me trying foods I never dreamed of eating (most foods I had to ask friends where to find them in the store because I had never seen them much less eaten them). New foods, new ideas, healthier ME. Whatever your goal....set it...believe that you can do it...go for it....you can do it! Best of Luck to all. BTW...our team has lost 43 lbs! Isn't that awesome :) Go Phatty No More!

Hello Vanda and all ....

I too feel it is time to do something to help myself. I have aided everyone else. Now it's me time. My daughter at 15 had a heart transplant, then my mom died of breast cancer, my husband divorced me. I've been down for quite awhile, but like Christ -"I'll rise again" for we can do all things through Christ the one who gives us strenght. I need your encourgement and support for this journey. So I welcome your emails etc. Just stay with me!!!
Thanks

I need help to lose this weight. I have tried everything and nothing seems to work. Please help.

I have gotten off track recently, but I am ready for the challenge now. I am going to follow my plan very closely this time.
I am going through a very emotional time right now. I lost one of my brothers last year on March 18, 2008. This devastating situation has caused me a lot of stress, so I am trying to get it together. Please pray for me in my family.

Hi; I have lose 20lb. in three&1/2 weeks. I feel better and my goal is to lose 120lb. I have a long way to go but, I know God&I can do it.My whole family is very glad that I chose this plain and they are so please and they help me. My husband help by keeping me motivated I personal hate being overweight and out of shape.I made a chose to do something about my weight. thank God for the 50milliompounds Program. God bless. I will do my best to be the best that I can be.

Today, I was feeling down when I got up and was about to let the exercise thing go, but then I read some of these postings and feel much better. I have been on Dr. Ian's diet since the beginning of Dec. and was up and down with Christmas. To date, I have now lost 9 lbs, but have REALLY been doing it since mid-January and I do feel good about that. Can't wait to hit the 10 lb mark and more. My long-term goal is to loose 45 lbs and be a trimmer senior not only to feel and look better but to consider my age and keep myself healthy so I can enjoy my senior years.
This April, hubby & I are going back home for our church-home anniversary and of course I want to look better and not have to worry about everyone thinking that I have "aged", but even more importantly, I really want to get into those shorts and capri's that I didn't get into last summer.
So here goes - I am on track for the day again and I leave you to go to my pilates. Blessings to all. Thank you Dr. Ian for these wonderful emails and reminders.

I am going to the gym 3 times a week. I walk every day on my breaks and at lunch time. My eating is good at work. I need to focus on my eating habits at home. My last day at work is Friday February 20th. My job was out source to India. I work in Customer Care for a major Cosmetic Company. I'll be ok. G'd is with me. I will continue to exercise, once I leave my job.

This website has been crutial to me losing the weight that I have, 15 pounds since the beginning of the year. With the activity and food journal it has made me keep track of what I am doing and eating. I can see the days that I have fallen short in my activities and know that I need to pick it up the next day. I also like the team aspect. It is great to be a part of a team and see other succeeding. It helps to push me even farther. I still have a ways to go, but I know that I am on the right track.

Best wishes to all those trying to loss weight. Stay motivated and committed.

Hi I got off the weight lost progarm ,because i was not focus. I am ready to start the weight lost program over.

This is my first time writing anything on a website,I am willing to give this a try,by ordering the four day diet and I can't wait to get started.I am not going to make excuses for myself anymore.

Hello all, after having my baby in August I needed something to shed 70lbs off this 5"3 frame, (weighing 194lbs), especially being in the military. However, since I had a C-section, it was a little tough to get back into the game, and of course eating delicious fattening food seemed so effortless. But on 7 Jan I got my game together. I started going to nutrition classes, checked out my cholesterol, checked out my true BMI: 45 not good. So I took responsibility for myself and started watching what I ate. I talked to co-workers about wanting to get fit and one person suggested I track my caloric intake through www.thedailyplate.com; the website is great! It shows you exactly how many calories you should eat if you want to lose up to 4lbs a week. It also features how many calories you are burning with simple tasks such as sitting watching a movie to carrying a baby, running, dancing, and more. Since getting my act together I have lost 9lbs. Also, a good idea is to have the pedometer, it forces you to want to park your car farther and walk more, take the stairs, and just get up and moving. Hope this helps anyone out there that is seeking other venues in obtaining your ideal healthy weight.

Hi there. today is my first day on the website, i don't know what i have been waiting for but i'm glad i'm here now. my youngest son will be 18 in april and i have no more excuses for not just taking care of me. so i'm ready and i'm hoping to get alot of support out there. i tried forever to do this alone. and i hasn't worked for me. so please help as much as possible. i need you.

About 2 years ago I had a hysterectomy, no one told me that it could/would knock my thyroid off balance. I gained 40 pounds (weight went up to 207) in the blink of an eye. My doctor advised me to wait awhile (before any diet regime) to see if the thyroid would correct itself, we didn't want to put me on any medication. Plus I was not on any meds from the hysterectomy (no menopausal symptoms)
So now it seems as if my body has done all of the internal corrections it needed to and thank God I am not on any medication and no hot flashes--yeah!!!
Now my mind and body are both on track to get this weight off. My long term goal is to get back into my summer dress in time for hot summers in Florida. My short term goal is to have 10 pounds off by the end of March.

hI it is really encouraging to read how everyone is doing. I have been struggling but after reading the blogs I am recommitting myself today. I will purchase Dr. Ian book today. my biggest stuggle is at night, i live alone, and it seems as though i get this urge to just eat, and eat the wrong things. so pray for me please.

Will get the book and try to start again.

lb

I am almost about to give up, I feel like no matter what I do I keep gaining weight at first I thought it was a thyroid issue but it's not. I am actually very healthy. I like to eat and I eat late at night I don't work out every day but I work out 2 to 5 times per week. And I don't over eat. I am 31 years old and a black female. My life on all other levels is great! Good stable job, good family life, and I'm a student working on my matters. It's like what else can you ask for. But I am 5'6 1/2 and I am 240+ pounds. I just don't know what else to do. I joined Jenny Craig and the food is great but I don't like to eat the packaged foods all the time. I was thinking of doing a detox since a recently stopped eating pork, red meat, and polutry. I heard of the Master's Cleanse and I have done it before with very good results. The only way I have ever lost weight before in the past was to simply not eat very much or work out for 3 to 4 hours 5 days a week. These are extremes but it seems that is all my body responds to.

Hi, I am a 62 year old single mother of a 12 year old son. I have struggled with weight issues for the past 8 or so years. I am on 3 blood pressure medicines and would like to be removed from all, but will be happy being removed from them one at a time. I would also like to see my son graduate from college. I joined the challenge some time ago, but did not meet the challenge. I am now back with a purpose and I am planning to succeed!

I need help!!!! Every Monday I start over. I start out doing well but after a while I get bored or I start craving something sweet and once I get it I feel bad for eating it. I'm really starting to get depressed. I don't have anybody to do this wil me here. Family members seem to have no real desire to get in shape which means no encouragement at home. I joined the gym but I don't like working out by myself. What do I do. I don't have a reall diet plan I try to cut back on what I eat. I can say I don't drink sodas anymoe except for a ginger ale every now and then and hardly ever eat bread. I eat ground turkey meat, fish, and chicken. Baked potatoes, and veggies. I keep yogurt and as much fruit around as possible. I usually have whole wheat pasta when I have it. Can anyone out there give me some advice.

i have been a member since February 02,2009 and i feel good about the challenge. My short term goal is to make sure i drink 8 glasses of water a day and eat breakfast. I think being at home on the weekends with my kids is the hardest for me to stick with my goals. I will not be defeated.

hi, i started on the 50 million pounds after trying hundrads millions of diet one that put my heart at risk, i didnt think that it would work with all the food you needed to eat as i said to my self thats to much food i dont eat that much already but that wasnt the case i was eating to much of the wroug foods i have lost and its not hard to stick to like i thought with my health not so good i have a hard time doing the exercise but i do do the walking and some times the stand still bike ride but not like i need to but its better then nothing i say if i want to lose weight and i do realy bad i need to as my hole family from my mom to my grandparents are heavy and me being the smalles at starting weight of 270 now at 252 thats good i am on my way thanks to the 50 million pounds meals it make it ease to follow i need to lose 102 more to get to my gold and i will get there i want it more then i can say, 102 seams like a lot but when i get there it will be worth it. thanks, hopeful

Hello everyone. Today is day 2. I don't know if it's all in my head or not, but I am feeling GREAT! I feel energized, I feel that I can take on the world. Is that normal? My first day wasn't so bad, I got a little hungry between 3 and 5, but that's because, I forgot my afternoon snack, but I chewed a stick of gum, drank some water and was able to push through it. Other than that I had no major hunger feelings. After work, I went and picked up a few items, like fresh fruit and allowable snacks. Here's looking at day 2!

Ms.Judy, I pray everything is looking up for you. You are an inspiration by keeping it real. I felt frustrated a couple of times in the past few weeks and was wondering what was wrong with me. One minute I was pumped up to go exercising in the morning, then when the morning alarm came I rolled/turned back over and went back to sleep...feeling like a big loser when I did finally decide to get up and start my day without the exercise i had promised myself.
The cold didn't help matters any, it gave me a justifiable excuse of why I definitely don't need to get outside and exercise.
Needless to say after the pity party, i noticed a great improvement with the weather here in Georgia and decided to re focus on why I joined Dr.Ians wonderful challenge. To be a better, healthier person and realize I don't have all the answers. This is why he is a nice,trim, healthy doctor-so I made it a point to actually seriously listen (not go by my diet food plan--so wrong!)but to follow his eating plan. It makes so much sense to me-I had an aha moment just the other day. I no longer thought of me losing weight as a diet, but a way of life.
To eat in moderation and to do his(the doctors) servings to a tee. It works Great!I no longer eat to be full. I am satisfied with his meal plan.
Everything takes time!!!and a lot of aha moments, but it is always good to focus on the positive more so the negative.To get through the challenge....My goal weight is to get back into a size 8, I am currently in a size 13 and was in denial for a while. But the AHHA moment was when I came out of denial couple of weeks ago -FACED REALITY AND WANTED TO DO BETTER.smile I always say to myself-while walking SELF U ARE WORTH IT, KEEP IT MOVIN!GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND I HOPE U REACH YOUR GOALS SOON.. TLAK WITH YOU Later addie

Greetings,
I just purchased" The Four Day Diet". It's a great guideline for helping me make balanced choices yet flexible enough to feel sane while implementing.
Thank you Dr. Ian
lonewolf

I have been on the 50 mil lb challenge since jan 19. I cant believe that i have lost 8 lbs so far. I feel great. I have lowered my blood pressure back to normal, which means no more prescriptions (yeah) I was on three differnt meds. Ive joined 24 hr fitness, and tryely believe that is why ive lost the weight i have. What i find most interesting is that im not starving to death, and the food is actually good. I really dont feel deprived at all. For those of you that are stuck in the cold weather I suggest joining a gym. I feel so good after im done working out. There are alot of different gyms anfd alot of different prices, even the ymca is a option. DO IT FOR YOURSELF

Here I go again....

Today is my first day in starting the 50 million pound challenge. My Cousin started a couple of days ago and talked to me about it this morning. I've tried so many other quick fixes with no success. I just want a meal plan that will allow me to eat regular every day foods, but will also provide me examples of what to eat and when to eat. As luck would have it, I have most of these items in my frdige already so I won't have to rush out and pick up much. I've already had cereal, so I'm already on the right track. I will pick up some other items after work. I pray that I'm successful. Until tomorrow...

I have been a member since Jan. 5th. I have lost 5 lbs. I haven't joined a team but have been doing this on my own at home. Jan. was tough; I hurt my neck which nixed the strength training. It's finally feeling better, so I am going to slowly incorporate it back in. I keep putting off taking time for myself so one of my short term goals is to start taking care of me so I can better care for my family. They keep me very busy and I want to have the energy to "be supermom". The other short term goal is to eat better dinners. I usually do great at breakfast and lunch - even snacking, but dinners are my downfall! So for the next three weeks, I am going to try to make healthier dinners and/or cut back on portion sizes.

My short term short term goal is to drop a size before I buy new clothes for Spring and Summer. I am the type of person that won't buy new clothes because I want to lose weight before I buy a new wardrobe. So I've been waiting literally years to buy all of these new clothes! Now I've decided that I am going to buy some new clothes to treat myself, regardless if I only go down one size! I am currently a size 24, but I am looking forward to fitting into my 22's or even 20's for Spring and Summer ; )

I have had a hard time sticking to my diet and haven't seen any results. i am really frustrated with myself and get really depress about it. Please help

My challenge has been one that I've had to fight with all my life. I'm 5' 1" and have struggled continuously to maintain a healthly life. My husband died suddenly in 2001 and my weight skyrocketed out of control to a very unhealthy weight of 188 pounds. I heard about the Challenge last year at my church and decided to join. Needless to say the delicious foods I'd found comfort in won out over my need and desire to lose. On January 1st of this year finding myself alone and totally frustrated with myself I started the challenge again. I've lost 14 pounds so far and I'm encouraged that more will follow. My team and my leader Powerhouseinc, are great. Marcie gives good advice and encouragement and I'm looking forward to reaching my goal of 130 pounds before my birthday in October. Good luck to everyone. Tracie

I am so glad I am not a lone with the cold weather thing or the walk a lone thing.. My sorry husband is thin--even though he does have a belly from eating so much an drinking a lot of shakes and ice cream, but he is so totally not supportive. I dont like walking/jogging a lone and have found myself a bit discouraged but I bounce back and say to myself..self u r WORTH IT....GET YOUR WANNABE BUTT OUT OF BED, BUNDLE UO,PUT ON STOCKINGS and coat and scarf and get the music going to enjoy the walk or jog''''''AND DO IT FOR YOU.....MY RESULTS ARE IN the making is there, I have faith and I am here for you to talk to..Good Luck

Hi,
I'm real excited about this program, this is my first day and I need encouregement I must
succeed this time as I am obese and I guess I need this accountablity
Thank you
Lovingjoy

I decided this year to take care of myself. I started going to the gymn in August 2008 while I was out on medical leave. I lost a total of 12lbs and am pleased my goal is 30lbs. On my job some of the girls decided to do the 50 million challenge and I jumped on borad. I have only lost 2lbs since joining the group, well actually 3lbs and I gained 1lb last wk. I am determined to give this a year. It's difficult,becaus I work two jobs. My pt in the morning and my ft at night. I get home after midnight, and I get up 4dys a wk at 6:30am in order to go to the gymn workout for a hour come bk home get ready to start my day with my part-time and its on until I go to bed about 1am. So this is for Ms. Judy. You have to do it for yourself. I am NOT BY ANY MEANS A MORNING PERSON, but I am the caregiver of many, family and friends so if I don't take care of myself who will, besides my God. So get your faith in order and start small park your car farther when you go to work. The small things do count. Do I get frustrated yes, but my group and family give me encouragement, and I also have to encourage myself sometimes too. Find the Hope and Keep the faith we will all make it if we TRY.

Well, I am sitting in front of the computer for my 3rd straight hour. I am an adult student and I work full time. It is extremely difficult for me to get back to healthy.
I do much better with repetition. A daily routine works wonders for me. My job does not allow me to do anything on a regular basis. I have irregular hours and studies keep me at the computer for hours at a time after work (online classes, MSN).
Today I'm feeling a bit in the dumps and I guess a little sorry for myself because I can't seem to get it together. I really do keep telling myself that I'll start soon.
Any suggestions?
4n6

I just joined and want to lose at least 50 #. I have been on so many diets I can't even count them.
I have lots of health issues that make exercise very hard for me. I like to walk but we have had a record breaking cold and snowy winter.
I just seem to get in my car after work and drive home. I know I could walk in the mall but I hate walking alone but then again I hate being out of shape and overweight too!
I need some motivation to get me started and keep me going!
My husband has no desire to cuddle since I have gotten so big and that hurts me.I used to look nice and now I am just sloppy fat!
I have to start thinking of myself and trying to be the best I can be. j