The 50 Million Pound Blog

The greatest change came when I read the the 4 day diet. I could really use your stratergy as to walking everyday for the first six months. Keep up your new life style and don't even think of stopping its working and you are an encouragement to others.

You look great congratulations. I have just started today. I am turning 50 in December and want not to have any health problems. I have battled my weight seems like since birth. This is yet just one more try at getting it under control.

Kelly, you look super and your story is awesome. I'm inspired! I've been overweight all my life and now at age 54, some health problems are starting to manifest--high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes. I very much want to turn the corner of putting my bad habits behind me. The 50 million pounds challege meal plan seems most do-able.

Continued good luck to you!

Hey Kelly,

I had e-mailed back in May, I believe that's when your article was first published. The lowest amount that I weighed this year seemed to be stuck at 249, and I even gained 6 pounds of it back! Well, I lost that extra weight, and now weigh 245! So, I'm not stuck now. I am trying my best to set little goals in small amounts of time. I have weekly goals of weight loss between 2-3 pounds a week, a much more realistic amount than what I've had in the past. I also know that when it's that amount of weight in that amount of time I don't freak out, and get extreme. The weight also tends to stay off better. By the way, please give us an update on your health, and accomplishments. You have such a great story of strength and endurance. You must feel amazing!

You look great! Congratulations to you and may you be blessed with many more success stories after this is said and done!

Congrats Big Time!!! I'm totally motivated when I read stories like yours. I struggle w/lots of self-doubt, but I look at what you have accomplished & it begins to break down the wall of self-defeat. My thoughts go from.."there's no way I can do this", "this is way too hard for me", "I won't be able to hang on for the long haul", I don't trust myself" etc.... then I read your testimonial and the thoughts change into something like this.."maybe I can do this", "I'm gonna take one day at time", "I can choose to change my lifestyle", "Others like me have won this battle and I can too" - Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you the best on the rest of your journey :-)

Way to go!!! You have done great. I'm sure you will keep it up & reach your final goal.

You Go Girl! Kelly, I am so proud of you. You look gorgeous. thanks for sharing your story and keep up the good work!

I feel if he sees what I eat then he will do the same. Congrats and keep up the good work.

I started out at 282 lbs and have loss 13 so far. I just recently started on this journey. I started out at about the same weight you did and my goal is about the same as yours. Continue to keep up with your life style changes and I know you will make your goal weight. You go Kelly!!!!

I am so disgusted with myself for getting this big. I feel scared that I won't be able to do it. I feel like I am defeated before I even walk out the door. I wish the weight could just come off in 5 minutes and then my life will be different. I am going to take it half a day at a time. I am going to go walking today and I need so much help and encouragement to stick with this. I have to be honest with myself about my past and I have to let go of it at the same time. I don't want to waste the rest of my life. I want to change it. I do. It's just hard. Wish me luck.

One other thing I forgot to say. This is not just for me. I was reading other people's entries. I am a mom. I have been a health food nut for years. My vice is junk food ( including fast food when I am ovulatating-- does anyone besides me know about that?) It's like the "beast within me" comes out and I just lose all inhibitions. But, now I see my son, who is healthy and fit developing some uncontrollable health conditions that would be greatly helped with better eating habits. He and I both have migraines. While we cannot control certain aspects of them there are certain food choices that predispose migraine sufferers to increased pain like certain fats in aged cheeses and chocolates.

I am inspired more now then I have ever been in my life to change for me. I can't necessarily change him. But I can set a better example then I have set all these years. For all you fellow chronic pain sufferers who are out there who are joining me don't give up even when you falter. Your life is bigger than this moment

That's exciting to know. I was in the mall today. I was so upset with what I saw. I saw so many vibrant colors for the Spring and upcoming Summer that I could not fit! But, worse, I know I am an attractive woman when I look in the mirror. I know I am not reflecting that with how I am taking care of my body.

I "joined the challenge" (meaning I joined the website) in August. Since then I have gained 11 pounds! I don't ever want to be here again. I love who I am as a woman. I am in my late 30's. I've had a lot of struggles. I have overcome a lot. Yet, the one hurdle I have yet to overcome is food. Until I had my thyroid removed 2 years ago due to cancer I had no metabolic issues. Now I do. But, I had not changed my lifestyle. I want to be more connected with myself and less impulsive. So, here I am taking one day at a time.

Hi Kelly!! You look awesome. I just recently started on the program. Watching and monitoring and can't believe I have cut my portion size and sweets and I am not hungry. I weigh about what you did when you started (actually a little more) and can't wait to see the pounds come off. It hurts for I have a 3 year old who I see as starting on the wrong path. I feel if he sees what I eat then he will do the same. Congrats and keep up the good work.

Way to go, Kelly! I'm starting the 50 million pound challenge today. I am expecting my grown son and one of my girlfriends to join me so we can be a supportive team. I will keep the site advised of our success monthly.

Inspire09

Thank you to everyone for sharing your comments and for wishing me well on my journey. I know it is a bit overwhelming when you are first starting out, especially when you have a lot of weight to lose. Set small goals for yourself. Start with 25 pounds instead of thinking about having to lose 100+ pounds. The best way to lose is in increments. I lost 30 pounds and then I maintained for a few months, then I lost 30 more and maintained and then I lost 40 more and maintained. For the past year my scale has been holding at the same number but I am shrinking in size. Remember muscle weighs more than fat. As I continue to work out and tone, it will show more in my physique and not necessarily on the scale.

Other secrets to my success, I weigh myself every morning. It holds me accountable for what I put in my mouth as well as teaches me how certain foods affect my body and my weight loss journey. It is also really important to mix up your workout. As you get smaller, your energy will increase and your body will crave physical activity. But make sure to switch it up, it’s more fun and you’ll see more results. I have walked, roller-bladed, taken aqua water aerobic classes, work out to turbo jam at home, done the weight stations at the gym and the list goes on. There are limited possibilities. I currently walk 6-7 days per week, my dog insists =). I roller blade 4x a week. I am also focusing on my arms and stomach 3x a week, using 1.5 lbs weights and yoga. Please make sure if you working at as much as I do that you remember to eat enough food. I always eat before a strenuous work out and after. Food is essential to your body. It is just choosing the right options. If you starve yourself and continue to work out, you will start burning your muscle and not your fat, doing more harm to your body then good. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Lastly, consume everything in moderation. Fruit is extremely healthy but also has a lot of sugar. Make sure to eat in moderation and mix up your diet with veggies, fiber, dairy, lean meats and nuts as well. Hope this helps, good luck!!! ~Kelly

Your story of success is an inspiration. Congratulations!! Keep going. I know you will make it. I started my own challenge on April 15 and had lost 15 lbs when I received an email from Sybil to join the challenge on May 11. Since that time becoming a vegetarian, getting rid of sugar, walking 10 miles a day and mowing lawns with a push lawn mower, have added another 8 lbs to my loss. I feel great!!!!

Wow, Kelly! Reading your story was definitely an inspiration for me! I started my challenge because my body hurt from head to toe and breathing became difficult. Not only did I want my life back, but I wanted to prevent my 5 little girls from meeting the same challenges. This is torture!! What mother wishes torture on their children?? I asked myself that question and it gave me the motivation to start. I joined 50millionpounds.com because I knew my whole family would have to undergo a change of habits and I needed a one-stop resource for tracking my progress, seeking advice, and getting support. Hey, life with 5 kids and a spouse is hectic! Since I began my challenge on April 26th, 2009 I have lost 16 lbs. That was as of May 20 at my last weigh in. I have not weighed since then so I am not sure if I actually have lost more but I am 2 dress sizes smaller and I can move in my jeans!! Yea! Thank you so much for your story Kelly. Successes like you give me the motivation to do more, go farther,and prevail. I WILL WIN THIS WAR.

I,really needed a kick start to getting my self,into better shape,and improve, my,total,health,just,hit,50,and,50pounds,over,weight,plus,i,have,high,blood pressure,&,high,cholesteral,would,like,to,get,in,shape,for,my,birthday,which,is,aug.5,2009,need,a,good,boost,start,so,i,would,like,to,make,a,commitment,to,50,pound challenge,to,work,to,reach,my,goals,for,a,better,life,plus,want to, feel,sexy,again!

Hey! Ppl I’m new & so exited to join this challenge! We know all know that when we diet by ourselves most of us fail but hopefully this way we can all SUCEED!

I have been eating healther foods, and exercise 3 to 4 times a week. It is hard work.I lose 20 lbs. You can do it.

Congrats. I love hearning stories like this. You motivate me.. Thank You .. Keep up the work

Congratulations Kelly. I have just signed up the challenge. I am excited but yet scared. I have tried so many things to loose weight and have failed. To all keep me in your prayers as I begin on my weightloss journey.

Kelly,

I am so proud of you and your accomplishment. It is really an encouragement to me. I began this new life change in Feb 2009 and I have lost 15 lbs. The greatest change came when I read the the 4 day diet. I could really use your stratergy as to walking everyday for the first six months. Keep up your new life style and don't even think of stopping its working and you are an encouragement to others. God Bless

Kelly,

From one Hedrick to another. Congradulations and keep up the good work!

I am beginning the challenge today! I need it and seeing someone with my name-sake who did it makes me glad to know it works!

Thanks!
Pastor Travis

I am so proud of you. I really need someone that will help to motivate me. My group has had no contact with me. I hate that, but I have my best friend. I really want to get this weight off. I am 179. Compared to your recent trimuph, I am sure your wondering, "What are you complaining about?" Well, this problem is that I am 5'0 and my ideal weight for myself is 120-130. My goal is 135 because my hips are so wide (hereditary). Pray for me to take better care of this Godly Temple of mine. I will say one for you now so you can have more energy to do more work in the Kingdom of the Lord.

Memphis, TN
29 (going on 30) I want to be 135 by November 14th, my birthday.

I started a few weeks ago and lose 15 pounds.

It wasn't hard, I just research losing weight and changed some habits.

I heard about the challenge on the Tom Joyner Show,,

Brock
"FREE Report" on how to weight loss and how to keep it off.
http://lose20lbsin21days.com/weighttips

You look great.Congarats!I hope mine and my husbands story are on here soon.

I am happy for you keep up the good work, pray and stay focused for a healthy long life for you and your loved ones. :)

I have always had problems with my weight.It's gotten worse over time. When I got married I stopped being on the run like i was when i was single and as a result i put on weight over the years. In 2007 I got TO A weight of 465 lbs and could hardle get around and to make it worse I had to quit work because i was put on oxygen because my blood would not hold the oxygen needed to feed my organs and this sent me into depression. Then last year i went to the hospital because I had retained so much water i was having trouble getting around. When i got there they amitted me and started me on treatment to get rid of the water my body had held This left me no room for my lungs to work and they shut down. I had to be put on a breathing machine. With all that said I know its well past time to get healthy so my journey begins... I have been working on eating healthier and watching my intake. I have in the last two weeks been walking .7 miles a day. First in the morning i walk .2 miles around my house then i eat breakfast orange juice and fresh fruit, then at first snack I go to the park and walk .3 miles and have a apple and take in nature. Then for lunch I have a salid and then for my second snack 3 hours later another apple then I make dinner and eat at 7 pm. to 8 pm depending on my wife.I plan the meals doing all the calorie work to make sure that im not getting too many. I also watch the salt intake I add no extra just whats in the food but, in some things there is a lot so its good to watch. As you can tell i have given this lots of thought. I joined fiftymillionpounds.com to have support and to help others anyway I can noone can do it alone without aid and support Im happy to say that i been doing my routine for 9 days now and have lost 8 lbs and am looking forward to aiding my team to the top and at the same time be here for support as we climb this mountain on our we to healthier lives.

Kelly, you have done a wonderful job and gone about your weight loss the right way. You are definitely an inspiration to me. I started out at 282 lbs and have loss 13 so far. I just recently started on this journey. I started out at about the same weight you did and my goal is about the same as yours. Continue to keep up with your life style changes and I know you will make your goal weight. You go Kelly!!!!

P.S. I know is has to be awesome to step on the scale and be below the 200 mark. That one is a major milestone for many of us.

Hi Kelly,

I don't know you, but I am so proud of you! I weigh 249 pounds myself, and seem stuck in the beginning of this journey.

It's so good to see you as a healthy woman who is so very, very focused!

Keep up the good work, and I pray that you reach your goal in a healthy and happy way. May you never be overweight or unhealthy again!

God bless you!
Charity

WHEN I STARTED THE CHALLENGE I WAS 250LBS,AS I KEPT WITH THE 30 MEAL PLAN I LOST 15LBS WORKING OUT WITH MY MEAL PLAN MY GOAL IS TO LOSE 50LBS

I have put on at least 50 Lbs in the past 2 years. I was put out of the national guard in July 2007 because of a couple heart attacks. 33 years dumped. I have since become a couch potato.
I know in my heart of hearts that I need to get up and exercise and eat better, I just dont have the motivation. I was once physically active. now I don't have the stamina or tone I once had. I dont make enough on retirement to pay to go to a gym. I wouldd like to get a good treadmill. That would be a beginning.
HELP !!!!!

How many calories is this meal plan?

Congratulations Kelly! You look fabulous and are an inspiration to many. Not only with the accomplished weight loss but your outlook on life. Seize the day!! Luv ya, Becky

Awesome story.The picture does not look like 190. You look GREAT.

Kelly

You look really great. I came on board yesterday. Three weeks ago I started spin class and I feel great.But you know I look at your picture and I can't believe you were 297. Right now I'm 260 so I know if you did it I know I can to.I have a friend who had the weightloss surgery and she looks good but I didn't want to go that route.But let me say this she looks good but she does not work out I wanted her to join the spin classes with me but she had to many excuses so I did it on my own and I made many friends in this class. What also makes me feel good is my boyfriend telling me he is proud of me. Now if I can get him on the same track LOL. Keep it up Girl.