The 50 Million Pound Blog

CaSandra, I’m so happy for you. Taking the weight off prior to turning 40 is an excellent goal. I did the same thing when I was your age. I went from 190 lbs. to 125 lbs. within 1 ½ years and got down to a size 4/5 by the time I turned 40. I kept the weight off until I turned 50. Due to some medical problems I put on 30 pounds within 3 years. If that wasn’t bad enough I managed to put on a total of 60 pounds. I’m now 61 years old and in the process of taking the weight off again. I too joined the 50 million pound challenge and as to date have lost 11 pounds. The reason I am sharing this is to caution you not to do as I did. It’s much harder to lose weight at 61 than at 40. Reaching your goal at 40 is something to be proud of but the real challenge is to maintain that weight for the rest of your life. Keep up the good work. If you gain a few pounds make sure you get back on track. Seek help if necessary. You don’t want to end up like me. I missed out on a lot over the past 10 years due to being overweight. I don’t wish that on anyone.
Stay focused and on track girl. We’re all cheering for you. I look forward to reading about how you’ve reached your goal when you turn 40. Be sure to keep us posted. God bless.

Hi CaSandra,

I just read your bio. Wow! I'm proud of you and I have never met you. We are almost the same height, I am 5ft 3inches, but I have high blood pressure and diabetes is rampid through out both sides of my family. I just hope I haven't become diabetic yet. Reading your bio has given me more courage I think I can do this. Can I count you in as a friend?

Hope to hear from you,

Katrina

girl you look good

Congrats CAZ, you go Mz. Lady!!
We love you!

Congratulations on your weight loss! I have a family history of diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. When my older sister suffered a stroke 2 years ago, I knew I had to do something to save my own life. I worked with a wonderful health coach and lost 55 lbs in 7 months. I have continued to maintain a healthy weight, but it is not easy! In an effort to support and encourage other women struggling with these issues I have created a new blog http://healthynotskinny.blogspot.com

Check it out and let me know what you think.
Be well,
Jeanine

I am so proud of you, I just joined today I am motivated by you. Thank you

Caz, I finally was able to scroll through this site and find your story, while at home on my computer. I have told you privately now I will share with the world publicly. I am really proud of you!!! The first step you took to "Love Yourself" was the greatest step you could have made. You will attain your goal I'm sure of it! As you know I have also made a choice to lose weight, I joined Team Sybil and I am on a journey to get my "Sexy Back", and being healthy is the extra added benefit, we will enjoy. Our bodies are designed to move and you joining the gym was another awesome decision.

Keep up the good work, I personally know you are a beautiful person inside and out and you are on the a journey to show the yourself and all of us here, that with support we can all do this!!! You deserve the best and loving yourself will ensure YOU that you will get all you deserve,,

Love You Much, "Your "Other" Mother..

WTG, Casandra! You have shown fortitude, diligence, strength love of life, and just as important love of your child. Sometimes some people forget that they need to set an example for the children they have brought into the world. It's part of the entire picture. It's a factor that will undoubtedly help those around you and their future as well. It's great that you have the desire to be healthier. It seems there are others who believe all weight loss is just about aesthetics, its more than that, its the intellect to know that you will be healthier and live a better life if you choose what's best for your health.

It sounds like you have a very good way to reach your goal(S). I cannot find anything I disagree with, right down to the courage to leave behind your defeats and move on! I to must learn to do that. I would say that journaling, no matter how little no matter how much, is a way for us to see our progress. Its kinda like looking back on something in your past and realizing wow I have overcame these problems, I can move on though! I have moved on! For me and others, it's substantiated, it's relevant.

That's great to hear. I am also 38 and I hope to shed lots of weight by my 40th birthday. Your story is encouraging and motivating. Keep up the good work!

Hey Kristal G.,

I guess it depends on what your goals are. Replacing fat with lean muscle will help your body burn more calories while simply resting. I realize that is "why" my weight loss is so slow. I like being more toned so I'm OK with building lean muscle. All my rolls are flattening out around my back and midsection...it's just amazing.

CaSandra

Cassandra

Today I join you in your challenge for a healther "you". Your positive outlook gives
me motivation, that I too can do it! One step
at a time!

CaSandra congrats. I feel that your doing so good ,keep it up! I'm 54' as well so I know if you gain just 5 lbs. it seems like 50. PLs. keep us posted. I'm new to my area and have no family in the area so it's just not good to do things on your own,gym,walking it's nice if you have someone to attend with you. So good luck you go girl!

Congrats to you!I think you are doing a great job.I just got started on this program a few days ago and I'm inspired from reading your blog.I started walking today actually twice and plan to ride my bike tomorrow.Now to get the meal plan down.

I have recently gained some of the weight back that I lost,now the scale reads 196lbs. In addition, I have been eating healthy as well as working outing 4 times a week but I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started taking Synthroid 50mg on May, 31, 2009. I feel like the weight will not drop now so I'm not sure what to do now.

Hi CaSandra, I just joined today! And your words are so encouraging. Along with my subject of turtlepower, your healthy approach of slow but sure is what I really need. Thank you so much for all your positiveness!

CaSandra

You have really inspired me to do better, all of you have great stories and I am proud of all you. I joined the 50million pound challenge in August 2008 and it's now June 2009 and I haven't done anything but waste time. But this morning I got up and thank God for another day and that is when I decisded that I need to loose weight when I looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw, so that is when I decided that was going to take the 50 million pound challenge serious. I know longer want to be @ 188lbs because that's isn't who I am I will loose the 48 pounds that I gained with the will of God. Good luck to you all and may God Bless you.

CaSandra I would to command you on your weight loss, by reading your story yohave really inspirired me to do better on my journey. There are days that when I look in the mirror I feel disgusted because I allow myself to get this big. By the grace of God I will continue to do what I say that I am going to do and not give up.By hearing everyone elses story and am even the more excited about losing 58lbs even if I loose 20lbs I will be happy, but striving higher. Thank you all.

God Bless

CaSandra, keep up the great work! I started Dr. Ian's Fat Smash and I'm on day 3. I would really like to know some websites I can visit for more inspirational stories, to help keep me motivated!

Congratulations!! It's so awesome to hear how we can self-motivate ourselves!! Keep up the great work. I wish you all the success that is sure to come. Your fellow challenger!!!

I don't understand the 4 meals a day. When do you have time to eat that much? What times are suggested for the meals? Snacks, I understand. But full, cooked meals? Can anyone help me?

CaSandra, this is my first day joining the 50 Million Pound Challenge and I found your words inspiring and encouraging. You and I are close in age, height and weight and it's so nice to know I am not alone. I pray for you as you continue your journey and look forward to joining you and so many others on mine. Keep it up!

CaSandra, you are a beautiful girl and you are doing beautifully; keep up the hard work.

Hey CaSandra and everyone!

I have just joined 50mill pound challange yesterday as a matter of fact. And I am so excited to see everyone who has joined from listening to the Yolanda Adam's morning show, like I do. I think it is great to have soo much support. Well I joined because I have been gaining weight over the past 2yrs. Being 5'4" and 150lbs is not healthy. Even though it may not seem like a lot, I need the challange to take my fitness to another level. 30lbs is and a healthier me is my goal!!

PS- Congrats to all who have had great success!!

Casandra, your entry brought me to tears because of one sentence, "I realize to truly love myself means taking care of myself." Last year my dad passed away from lung problems. He was so overweight they could not even give hmi a tracheotomy. I know the devil does not come with any new tricks and now I am finding myself being attacked with the same thing he hindered my father with weight. Casandra I hope you stay encouraged as much as you have encouraged me. Thank you for sharing your weight testimony because it is only by sharing that we all can overcome.

Good for you!!!! I'm going to try this again and if I fall off the wagon I will get back on. Your words are encouraging!!!!

Thanks!!!
a

I just started my journey but hearing your story keeps me motivated. It has only been two weeks but I do feel good mentally and physically. Thanks for your inspirational story.

You go girl!
Congrats!

I read your story it really made me want to look better and feel better I'm at 315 lbs right now and trying to get to 240ilbs for and maybe less later thanks for encouragement .

jason

Hi CaSandra,

I am so proud of you. I have just started my journey as of June 1, 2009. That is with the 50lb challenge. My decision to become healthy came about around December of 2008.

I have be eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and just doing all the right things as it relates to my health.

You wont believe how I feel. I have lost about 26 lbs. This is a program I heard, just as you, on the Y. Adams show. I look forward to the challenge and have pulled 5 others in with me.

Your story reminds me of me.I do know I have to get the activity level up. My commitment to eating healthy has come full circle. I just need to get moving. I am up and about more. I just haven't gotten an exercise routine in.

Again, I am so proud of you. Keep up the good work. You will reach your goal. I am depending on your strength to know that I can continue.

Lisa

I feel like you are telling my story. Much success to you. I will be 40 next May, both of my parents are pill dependent diabetics. They were diagnosed late in life and more than likely because of weight. Heart problems also run in my family. Although I have been a healthy overweight person its past time to shed some of me. Stay encouraged. A great video on those rainy days is Walk Away the Pounds check your local library they might have a copy. Good Luck

girl i am just like you was and just hearing that someone else has had such good results gives me more of an ascentive to continue on even when i have weak moments.lets shed this weight together

girl i am just like you and your story helps me to continue on with the journey and we can both reach are goals.

I have 2 questions. Is Vanilla Soy milk fattening because I love it? I don't really like regular milk anymore regardless of the %.
I heard that working out more then 30 minutes at one sessions is not good because the second 30 minutes build muscle rather then burning fat. Is this true?

Hey CaSandra,
I am so happy for you,Keep up the good work and you will be at your goal in no time!!This is my official first week towards a healthier lifestyle,Thanks for your post,I need all the inspiration I can get!!! Good Luck!

CaSandra I am very proud of you. Which, I am very misappointed within myself. I 5' 4 have gain 14 pound since I decided I want to become a team member of the 50 million challenge. I am a 54 year old female and very unhappy of my weight and look.I am a student at Unversity Phoenix. I have joined a gym but not faithful attending I thought this would motivate me but no lucky. When I look in the mirror or taking photo I be so misappointed at myself. Maybe you will shares your goal on how to be abetter person reaching a healthy goal toward life.

Ihave been listening to the Steve Harvey show. i knew i had to loose weight, but after sufering from severe knee pain i realize it was that time.

You just stay strong and keep the will power that God has given you !!!we all have change the way we want to do it's only after you have a made up mind that it becomes easier for us.So proud you have encouraged me to keep going.

I am feeling great, loosing the 37lbs makes me want to go even further. I know it is not just the weight reduction. It is all about eating heathlier and lifestyle change. It is great! Even my portions of eating has shrunk. Dr. Ian, thank you for having a passion for people in a great lifestyle change. I am heading for the finish line, it may take awhile, however it will all be worth it in the in. Please enter me in the contest, I am in it to win it. Because of Calvary!