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I have done them all: the diets, the programs and the classes. I’ve have read the books and hired the trainers. I’ve gone up and down on the scale. My clothes have ranged in sizes from 14 to 22. I too avoided the mirrors and the outings. My refrigerator became my closest friend and confidante.
It amazes me, how something like weight can have so much control over your life for so long.
I decided I wanted my life back.
I wasn’t ready to just give up. I knew the likely outcome of being obese for so many years was diabetes and heart disease. I didn’t want this for myself. Furthermore, I didn’t want my children to have to take care of me years from now due to health issues. Finally, I wasn’t going to be on the stage with Dr. Ian Smith wearing a size 22 anything! My goal was to be in a size-14 dress by the 14th Annual Sisterhood Showcase.
To date, I have lost more than 50 lbs. and I can wear a size-14 dress. I started working out at least four days a week and began to watch what I ate. We all know the formula for weight loss is exercise and calorie reduction, but to make it fun, I’m trying new recipes and spices this time around. Also, I’m participating in spinning classes, and working out with friends.
Maintaining your weight is an ongoing process, and the challenge is more mental than anything. We all know what to do. We just need to do it.
Click here to submit your story to be featured on our site!
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More than 36,500 women attended this year's Sisterhood Showcase in Memphis, TN.
Hundreds joined us in the fight to regain control of our health, including the ladies of the Healthy Church Challenge.
Thank you to everyone who met up with Dr. Ian and The Challenge!
Comments (18)
I have seen a t.v. "ad" for Alibi, which is a diet pill to (allegedly) burn fat. Do you think this diet pill is safe? Alibi is sold in the Walmart Stores (in Arkansas), and probably elsewhere in the U.S.
Posted by MaryCate | July 26, 2009 7:27 PM
Posted on July 26, 2009 19:27
I am having problem with exercising.because,I have two very young children.no time to workout.I'm also a vegetarian in don't know what foods to eat or prepare. I eat alot of rice and bread.however I am tired of not eating right I am not getting any younger
Posted by KAREN | July 10, 2009 1:29 PM
Posted on July 10, 2009 13:29
I joined 50 Million Pounds 5/21/09 as of today (7/9/09) I have lost 22 lbs. this is a really good diet and a healthy way of eating and staying focus I feel so much better. I will continue eating the healthy and correct way.
Posted by Darnell Barnes | July 9, 2009 2:14 PM
Posted on July 9, 2009 14:14
i had lost 15 lbs. My father died and stop everything now i have fought threw my grief and felt encouraged. I am back at 10lbs it is so hard to start over and i am trying to stay focused and encourged even thought its hard some days.so with everyone help hoping to least get back to 15 lbs. i was 1 away from my goal when my father died.It came back so quickly.
Posted by windycity847 | July 8, 2009 2:09 PM
Posted on July 8, 2009 14:09
I started the 50 million pound Challenge May 21 of this year. Before beginning the challenge I visited my doctor and each time I went there I weighted the same. It got frustrating to me to weight 186lbs on every visit. No matter how I tried to eat right and incorporate some type of excercise in my life, my weight never moved. I couldn't understand it. My doctor even told me I needed to lose a little weight.
I decided to join the challenge, I couldn't get any of my friends to join with me. Two of them are always complaining about there weight and how there clothes look on them, but don't want to do anything about it. Well, I stepped out because I want to be healthy and live a long time to enjoy my three grandchildren.
My major problem areas are my stomach, up arms and under my shoulder blades. These are the toughest areas. I have noticed since I've been doing the challenge and using the menu plans, as well as walking 3.0 miles 3 to 4 times a week I'm getting results. My next step is to get into the gym and do some serious cardio and upper body work outs.
So, as I take this journey I'm going to stay prayerful and hopful knowing that all this hard work will pay off and I can once again get into that size 10 dress again and give all the size 14's away. :-)
I have a before picture I took the day I started but I want to wait and post them both at the same time. UNBELIEVEABLE RESULTS!!!
Thanks Dr. Ian
Posted by Debra Johnson | July 2, 2009 6:50 AM
Posted on July 2, 2009 06:50
I'm having trouble with the exercise part. I broke my right knee in Feb. and still can't walk more than 10 or 15 ft without great pain. Same with any exercise that means moving
my leg more than a few times. Any suggestions?
Posted by Karen Billingsley | July 1, 2009 3:22 PM
Posted on July 1, 2009 15:22
Dr. Ian I was 210 pounds on Dec. 2008 and 56 years young , I was told to loose wgeight before i had my knee replacement which was to take place on March 17,2009. Well I am here to tell you I did not do as I was instructed. I had the procedure and found myself in a great deal of pain after the surgery and unable to move around because of the weight. You know Dr. Smith pain has a way of making you do the wright thing, like loose weight. I am happy to say with your help and my doctors help I have lost a total of 50 pounds as of June 30,2009 and feel like a new woman.
Posted by Theresa DeDeaux-Murray | July 1, 2009 10:40 AM
Posted on July 1, 2009 10:40
Congratulations on your weight loss! I have a family history of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. When my only sister suffered a stroke at the age of 46, I knew I had to do something about my weight. I worked with a health coach and lost 55 lbs. 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
Posted by Jeanine | July 1, 2009 7:38 AM
Posted on July 1, 2009 07:38
I'm not sure how to feel now that te weigh is coming off. I started eating right and exercising, but then i noticed that i am losing weight in all of the places that i dont want to. how can i correct this.
Posted by Polly | June 30, 2009 10:57 PM
Posted on June 30, 2009 22:57
I have a 7 yr old that weighed 182 pds and has lost 7 pds. She has been on steroids since she was 1yrs old. She is also on medication due to hypertension and has been hospitalized for it. We exercise as a family and started our diet and exercise the exact same time as my daughter, however my husband has lost 25 pds and I have lost 20. And she has lost 7, It is so frustrating and the process is slow. I love my daughter and am definitly not giving up. I just think it is so unfair that her weight is so much harder to lose. Any advise would be greatful.
Posted by Ramona | June 30, 2009 12:07 PM
Posted on June 30, 2009 12:07
I have just joined over a month ago and my family has a history of heart and diabetes disease on my mother's and father's side of the family. I am joining the 50 million pound challenge in order to provide myself with a more healthy and safe way of living.
I have two beautiful young children to live for and there is a lot I want to witness in their lives. I also have a beautiful wife that I adore and want to spend the rest of my life with healthy and happy.
I have only been in the challenge for a few weeks and I have lost over 11 pounds, from 245 to 233 in 4 weeks!
Thanks Dr. Ian for the tools toward my success!
Chip Seal - Panama City Beach
Posted by Chip Seal | June 30, 2009 9:12 AM
Posted on June 30, 2009 09:12
I have been over wt for as long as can remember. I am losing little by little. I have a good friend that is doing it with me.
Posted by caryn | June 27, 2009 7:55 PM
Posted on June 27, 2009 19:55
Hello, Congratulations to you, and keep up the good work. You look good I encourage you to continue until you reach your goal weight. I have about 30 more pounds I just want to loose I have lost the 18 that I needed to loose.
God bless,
Gwen
Posted by Gwendolyn Robinson | June 27, 2009 8:41 AM
Posted on June 27, 2009 08:41
My name is Elaine and I have taken the first step. Like other people I have tried everything, I would lose the weight, start an exercise program even join the gym, somewhere along the way, all the good intentions and plans just seem to fail. I am tried on being overweight,I want to loose the weight for good. Please help!!!
Posted by inspireelaine09 | June 27, 2009 6:08 AM
Posted on June 27, 2009 06:08
I need more help with ...losing weight as a Diabetic. I have lost 10 lbs in the last 30-days Please help. I am ready now to lose this weight for life. I have stop taking my medication and working out a lot. I am still checking my blood sugar. I can't afford the medicine anymore..... Your diet plan doesn't work for diabetic.
Thanks
Posted by Elissa4 | June 26, 2009 6:20 AM
Posted on June 26, 2009 06:20
Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey! You look full of sparkle!
Posted by JulMar Majuru | June 25, 2009 11:25 AM
Posted on June 25, 2009 11:25
I lost my weight a year ago when I just felt out of shape, tired, and just old acting. My blood pressure was not to hot. I went from a size 15/16 to a size 8. I am still a size eight but want to fit in my clothes a bit better. so off to smashing I go. This can really change your life. I so want my twin sister to succeed in her weight loss efforts but it has been tough. All of my sisters have had issues with blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. I want them to live as long as God has plan for them. Love your family and friends and join the challenge. We are all it this together. Elaine Imani
Posted by Elaine Imani Banton | June 24, 2009 9:29 PM
Posted on June 24, 2009 21:29
Congrats!!! Way to go!
Posted by Jennifer DePree | June 24, 2009 3:28 PM
Posted on June 24, 2009 15:28