The 50 Million Pound Blog

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I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in November of 2005 when I lost my vision.  I had gained a significant amount of weight and had become very ill due to the stress and worry of my entire family losing everything from Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. 

Due to this tragedy, I was dealt with the blow of caring for a house full of Katrina victims with nothing.  My household size grew from 5 people to 20 people. Soon after my diagnosis, I knew that I must do something because I have 3 boys and a husband to live for. 

I had become very ill and I hated life due to the weight gain and dealing with my illness that I had begun to deny.  One day my 5 year old son leaned across my bed while I was feeling very ill and said to me, "Will you die?  I don't want you to be sick anymore." His eyes were filled with water.  I knew at that moment that I was not going to be selfish. I was hurting the ones that I love the most.  I then decided to make a life change.

I moved back home to Mississippi and started to walk 3 miles every other day on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches and became more conscious of my food intake.  I have lost a total of 25 pounds and counting.  According to my last doctor report, my cholesterol has dropped 100 points and my A1C has gone from 13 to 4, which means my doctor is contemplating taking me off of my diabetes medication. 

I am very happy to have been introduced to 50 Million Pound Challenge.  It is my motivation.  I obtained my free kit from our local State Farm Agent here in town and read the postings from Dr. Ian.  Thanks Dr. Ian for all you do.  I have 50 more pounds to go, and I pray that I continue to succeed.  It is a struggle daily.

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My name is Kenya Morgan. I first heard of the weight loss challenge through an advertisement. I decided to lose weight when my health became a real issue. I had very high blood pressure that couldn't even be controlled by the strongest medicines. My heart began to suffer and I was on a heart medicine because of the weight gain and the blood pressure. I suffered blackouts and extreme fatigue because my heart was beating so fast due to the extreme hypertension.

My motivation was my husband and my children, and the fact that I knew I couldn't survive long in this state of health and weight. I started my weight loss on March 13, my son's 10th birthday. I began walking each day. As my strength grew I began jogging and running up to 8 miles a day. I ate grilled chicken, salmon and lots of fresh vegetables. I ate six small healthy meals a day, stopped eating sugar and drinking sodas. I only drank water – 80 ounces or more a day. I weighed in one month later with my doctor and had lost 30 pounds.

My initial weight loss goal was 145 pounds but I continue to lose. I am currently 127 pounds and feel great. I am no longer on heart and blood pressure medicine. My key to weight loss has been to try different healthy recipes to cook because when you aren't bored you won't relapse.

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I have been the poster child for Murphy's Law Syndrome and now I am pleased to say that I am the poster child for a living a more balance and healthy lifestyle. On April 25th, 2007, I stepped on my physicians scale to read the number of 254.5 lbs and then be told that I was in the early phase of having Diabetes called Pre-Diabetes. Who knew that diabetes had a preparatory phase? Certainly not me. I was still in the recovery phase from a really bad car accident only months previously. I honestly did not feel like going through all the work losing weight but on the other hand, the ease of death was not an acceptable alternative.

One morning on the way to take my son to school, I heard Dr. Ian discussing the 50 Million Pound Challenge on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. I figured that I could use all the support and guidance I could get, so I signed up a few weeks later. I was down 14 pounds by then. It was no easy feat to keep myself on task because of injuries related to my car accident but the one internal stimulus that kept me motivated was my commitment to break those generational curses predicated on me by the ignorance of others. I didn't want to be a statistic, or take a hand full of pills on a daily basis to control conditions that living a healthier lifestyle would accomplish.

As a single mom, I had to ask myself - what messages and habits was I passing along to my child? The only constant in life is change and to quote an old cliché, "If we do not learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it." My strategies were and are simply. I had to eat to lose and 80% of weight loss battle is nutrition. It was an amazing revelation that in order to lose pounds, you have to eat more. I began incorporating more natural and unprocessed fruits and vegetables into my eating regimen, drinking half my weight in ounces of water, and completed some form of daily exercise. The stronger I became, the more I did and the more I wanted to do and now I am studying to be a personal trainer.

I had setbacks with my health and I injured my back again, but as long as my nutrition was on point, I was able to maintain my weight with minor fluctuations. In a matter of months, I had gone from a size 20 to a size 12. I thought that a size 12 was my ultimate goal but the numbers still reflected that I was overweight and therefore still at risk. With the knowledge and encouragement of Dr. Ian, I have since relaxed my misperception of perfection and an ideal body to what is healthy and right for me. So, I say thanks to the staff and family of the 50 Million Pound Challenge for keeping me accountable through reminder emails, blogs and community events.

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Dr. Ian recently shared Shay Thompson and Jesse Blackstone Challenge success stories on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Read how The Challenge made a difference in their lives.

Shay Thompson believes in a lifestyle of change
I first learned about Dr. Ian listening to the Steve Harvey morning show on my ride into work.  I thought it was very interesting and caught my attention.  Although this man's vision was worldwide with great care and concern--it struck me as very motivational for my own self how he would reach out to others this way. One thing is for sure, this nation is in a crisis of many things and obesity is right at the top.

I'm now 48 blessed to be here years old and healthier than I've been in years.  I'm an ex-veteran, with serving in the U.S. Army for 10 years and now a Computer Engineer, but was always physically fit. But from the slow but sure erosion of life's struggles and pressure, I gained more than 75 lbs over a period of 25 years.  Unhappy and miserable with it all, I took a stand in "prayer first" and then with myself and asked the Lord for a change in the way I thought. It all starts in the mind so that it can become a "lifestyle of change!"  I had a physical exam and checked with my doctor for advice on becoming a healthier me. It was a blessing that at almost a size 24, I had no heart problems, cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes...but it still didn't mean that I wasn't a candidate for all of the above. 

I had the power to change it all and within a realistic amount of time. I started out with working out at Curves for 2 1/2 years at first weighing 262 lbs., over a year now with Weight Watchers and I also swim 2 days a week. Now I've moved onto a bigger challenge in motivating my muscle group to burn more calories, so I'm 227 lbs (and fine too)! My goal is 70lbs total...so far I've lost 35lbs. and 32 inches....so I'm 1/2 way there!!!!!!

My main source of remaining tenacious is prayer! Once I acknowledged that I couldn't do it on my own is when change took place. I pray consistently for discipline, determination and consistency. There are a lot of things that will work, but seek healthy and wise counsel first because everyone's body is different. So you can set realistic goals for yourself and achieve them!

I'm also a very active member at The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas so if I can help anyone there or on Dr. Ian's website, I'm available to support, encourage and help carry the load...after all we're in this thing together!

Blessings to All,
"Shay"

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Jesse Blackstone is focused on helping himself, community
I learned about the challenge last December while doing a photo shoot that was sponsored by State Farm. I later did my own research and discovered that The Challenge has been active over a year and the public still has not grasped Dr. Ian intentions especially minorities. Getting in the public’s consciousness may take a minute but it is well worth it. You shouldn’t put a price on your health, especially when the answer to it and long life is available to you. We parish because of lack of knowledge! My photo shoot went well and you can see it in Ebony, Jet, Essence and Vibe magazines to name a few. Since December 4, 2007 I have lost 35lbs. and have a peace of mind that comes with the total package of being physically, mentally and spiritually grounded!

I have a couple other projects that involve our youth’s education and existence. First, the Pie program which began in New Orleans but was put on hold because of the flood. The website is (pieinteractive.com) and it will inform you on everything you need to know about the program. Second, the Blair Holt Scholarship fund (located in Chicago, Illinois) began after Blair Holt (son of Ronald and Anette Holt), my fraternity brother and adopted nephew, was fatally shot on a public bus. Blair was riding with fellow students while headed to work at his grandmother’s store. He covered a fellow student with his own body and lost his life in the process. Now his father is a force and motivational speaker for parents against gun violence.

So this 50 million pound challenge falls right in line with the work that is before us! Thank you for the challenge!!!

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My husband is a huge Cavs (and Lebron) fan and he told me about it.  I started a healthy diet and exercise plan faithfully a little over a month ago.  I bought a scale, started keeping a food and exercise diary, and I have my husband measure me once a week.  Every morning, I step on the scale to see my progress.  It is exciting to see the pounds just drop off!  To lose the weight, I work out everyday - sometimes just walking my dog for a mile or two, sometimes working out to Fit TV, and sometimes walking 2-3 miles to go to the library or the local video store - it saves gas and it gives me GREAT exercise!  I try to eat at least 4 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and I strive for upwards of 25 grams of fiber a day as well.  In just a little over a month, I have lost 17 pounds and a pant size.  I wish I would have done this a long time ago. 

I don't eat past 7:00 p.m., and if I do, I eat a serving of fruit or a sugar-free chocolate pudding.  My weight loss goal is to lose 100 pounds total - to weigh 140.  I keep a spreadsheet that tracks my inches lost, I keep a food diary into which I write EVERYTHING that I eat as well as my weight that day, and I also write my weight on a calendar everyday so that I can see my progress more clearly.  I was motivated to join the challenge and to start losing weight because I was tired of not being able to shop at the cute, trendy stores because they don't carry a size 18W.  My goal is to be a single digit clothing size, whether it is an 8 or a 2, whichever is my healthy size.  I know I can do it!!!  The picture above is of me and my husband, taken at a friend's wedding about a week before I started eating healthy and exercising.

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Well...on May 16 I decided that I wanted to lose weight because I was 238 lbs and unhappy. I knew that for my 25th birthday, I wanted to get baptized, and I was also starting a new career in radio broadcasting. These things combined let me know that my life was changing in a positive way, and the only negative vibe I was receiving, was in regards to my weight, and health. In addition to that, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and his doctor made it clear that it was time for him to lose weight as well, so that was all the motivation I needed.

I joined the challenge, because of my previous employer. A weight loss campaign was implemented and I wanted to be a success story. I am now down from 238 lbs, to 185 lbs and still dedicated. I have stopped eating red meat and pork. I drink water regularly and I try to exercise at least three times a week. Thank you Dr. Ian for believing in all of us, and I wish everyone luck!!!

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Let me just start off by saying that growing up, I was always the chubby kid, or the cute little plump girl, and in my family healthy eating was not encouraged. Every meal was prepared with as much fat and flavor as possible, and I loved it. Throughout high school and college I tricked myself into believing that I was ok with my weight. At 16 I was diagnosed with arthritis of both knees and my right hip, my doctor encouraged me to loose weight, but I felt that everything was ok, because I had done diets I would loose weight and hear others tell me I was getting "too skinny," and I'd go back to eating.

But that pretend confidence and self love began to fade for me in the earlier part of 2007, when my weight ballooned to almost 300 pounds. My grandmother died in April and as I sat preparing for her funeral, I realized that it was a struggle for me to bend over and put on my shoes. It was embarrassing to have a friend work the shoe onto my foot and then buckle it. I was still stubborn; it took me another few months before I decided to make a change. My true breaking point was when I had to stop half way up the stairs to my apartment to catch my breath, I knew then I needed to change.

I work for a small medical practice and one of our patients who works for a popular weight loss program would talk to me about joining and I ignored her. That was until I knew I needed change. The best day of my life was the day I walked into the meeting.

At the same time I had just read about Dr. Ian's challenge, so I figured I could do both and be extra motivated to loose the weight.

I encourage everyone, drink your water and make sure you log what you are eating; you'd be surprised at how that encourages you in your weight loss journey.

Initially I joined both with the mind set that this would not work, but I slowly saw the pounds coming off and I knew that I could do this. I am not at my goal, but just loosing the first 50 pounds I felt as if I truly was a winner. I still have quite a way to go but each day that I can walk without having to stop and I can put on my shoes without help, I know I made the right decision.

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I have felt like I have been struggling with my weight all my life, but in retrospect, I have been struggling with a negative self image that later became a weight issue.  I have been blessed with the most wonderful fiancé anyone could ask for who has been supportive of me throughout my many ups and downs. One day in summer of 2007, he called me from Pittsburgh and told me that he heard a spot on the radio discussing Dr. Ian's 50 million pound challenge and told me to check out the website.  Since I was busy studying for the bar exam, I briefly checked it out and joined the site.  Then on July 26, 2007, the day after the bar exam I got on the scale and was horrified by what I saw 242 pounds! I realized what a sad way this was to start my new life as an attorney and eventually as Mike's wife.  It was at that point that I decided to buckle down and get my health and body together.  I made a promise to myself that by our wedding day May 10, 2008, I would be at least within ten pounds of my goal weight and I am on my way! 

Along this journey I have joined one of my sorority's teams, and created two others for the undergraduate chapter that I was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and one for my chapter of which I am now the Vice President, Gamma Chi Omega chapter.  We are using this as an avenue to satisfy both the health targets of our sorority as well as making 2008 a year that we ring in with healthy habits and positive attitudes.  With the success of passing the bar on the first attempt and the joy of marrying the man of my dreams, I want to start this chapter of my life with the right foot forward.  By entering my marriage with a healthy lifestyle, we are setting our future family up to have healthy habits.

I am proud of my progress, blessed to have found this avenue to make myself accountable and excited both for myself and all others who are taking this challenge seriously...because I know for me this is a "Serious Matter."

After gaining A LOT of weight living the sedentary life of a student, and eating my way through bar study, I passed the bar exam and began the practice of law.  During that time I also became engaged to the love of my life and began planning our wedding immediately post bar exam.  I knew that I had to make some HUGE changes in my life in order to start our lives as one on a healthy foot.  I changed my eating habits, added regular exercise and quickly began noticing changes in my energy and clothing.  I found a buddy to walk/run with, started healthy cooking habits with my now-husband, and got my chapter of AKA involved with the creation of a team on this site.  I was able to lose 45 pounds by our wedding date and have continued my journey to good health and healthy living!  I plan to make my goal weight in 2008 and am well on my way!  Thanks Dr. Ian and the 50 million pound challenge!

The Challenge partners with Alpha Kappa Alpha
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is one of The Challenge’s most active champion organizations. Collectively, AKA has formed about 90 teams with more than 900 team members. These teams have lost more than 5,000 pounds. Last month, more than 50,000 members of participated in a synchronized walk for Emotional, Spiritual and Physical health – called the 1908 Global Centennial Walk. Like the Challenge, the walk helped AKA raise awareness about the importance of fitness.

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Hello my name is Christopher McCray.

I was diagnosed with type II diabetes in 1999. Since then it has been an up and down battle with my weight.

Coupled with the diabetes, I suffer from Hypertension for several years as well.

I believe I hit rock bottom when I topped out at 345 lbs.

I made a new start moving from East Orange, New Jersey to Atlanta, GA in 2005, but we all know what that great Southern cooking can do to you. 

I am 41 years old and on October 5th of 2007 I was engaged to my High School sweetheart and best friend since 9 years of age.

Our marriage in May of 2008 is what motivated my decision to change and get healthier or else I wouldn't be here to enjoy the beginning of rest of my life.

In Novemeber of 2007 I started my weight-loss program by first cutting out sugar and my intake of starches and 5 small meals a day,basically eating like someone who had gastric bypass surgery. I then began a juicing and a cleansing program to get rid of all the old junk inside me.

Currently, I workout at the Gym and home 4-5 times a week.

I love working the eliptical machine for about 60 minutes each day and strength training at least 3 days a week.

I can't stress how much water, water and more water has been a key to my success.

I am now weighing 295 and more active and feeling better than ever.

I know I have a long way to go but this time it feels like I've changed my eating habits and life forever.

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Dr. Ian shared the story behind the letter below this morning on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Craig's story demonstrates the powerful influence of friendship.

Enjoy, and please allow the words of Craig's story to encourage you as they have us and many others.

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Michael,

I just want to drop you a quick line to thank you, State Farm and The 50 Million Pound Challenge for changing my life forever, as of today I have lost over 198 pounds and I feel great! 

What do you do when you’re going the wrong way?  You TURN AROUND!  As you already know because of a tragedy in 2001 my life/weight started heading in the wrong direction fast.  I ballooned to as high as 415lbs in 2003 to 406lbs in 2006.  I cared about my health because I wanted to live and I had seen better days in my college and military years, but I just couldn’t get it together on my own. 

So what does an overweight person do? 

A) Surgery
(Not an option for me when I considered the risk of not waking up) 

B) Reality show
(Almost an option but I was rejected twice after being flown to California for auditions) 

C) Believe I can, find resources & support and start applying it to my life  
Option C was for me.    

I started turning around on March 1, 2007 at 390lbs and with the support of two great friends I started eating better and working out on a regular basis.  I was motivated to lose 105lbs by August 07, but I wanted more. 

I heard Dr. Ian on the Tom Joyner Show and I knew “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” was just what I needed – 24 hr info, support and motivation when friends aren’t around.  But, I needed one more friends to help me out and that was you! 

Mike, you and State Farm provided “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” kit that has kept me going on the road to a better me.  On August 6, 2007, I joined the Challenge (praisehim3571914) at 285lbs and I started visiting the internet site 3-4 times a week to update my progress, get tips and check out the success stories.

I have been and continue to be encouraged by you, State Farm and “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” to make wise decisions and apply the lessons learned going forward to maintain my transformation.  I hope someone can find inspiration from my story and pictures to” Turn Around” and move their life into a healthy direction.

Michael as a friend and State Farm agent you are awesome, thank you for making the difference in the lives of so many people.

Sincerely,
Craig Nash 

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I heard of The Challenge listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show and watching Celebrity Fit Club. 

I took a look and signed up because my wife recently gave birth to our daughter Kaitlin and she talks to me all the time about getting in shape so I can be around for my family. What's better motivation than that? 

My father has high blood pressure and has recently turned 60, its great to have him around.  I have a great family and I want to be around many years to leave memories of good times with my child thru my life as my father has planted in my life. 

I am loosing weight for love; for the love of my wife, my parents, my friends and most importantly my daughter. Being a father is the most significant thing I have done thru the grace of GOD and I want to get healthy enough to be here to raise my baby girl up to an upstanding woman someday. And, I want to stay attractive to my beautiful wife. 

I want to stay helpful to my parents as they age and stay active with my two sisters and my friends. 

In Feb. I was 313 pounds, I started a weight lost competition at my job (where I am on the recreation comittee). We have weekly checks on progress and prizes for the most weight lost with an overall winner at the end of a 3 month period, then it begins again.  Its sponsored by the company and its motivational. 

As of April 14th I am down to 280 pounds and I and my goal is the get down to 220 pounds. 

I watch what I eat and cut out the sweets and junk food and grill everything on the gas grill my wife got me for Christmas. I stay active playing with my daughter everday and taking her for walks in her stroller. 

Wish me luck.

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Dr. Ian Smith, Challenge Members, this is truly a blessing, given the opportunity to share our Challenges, accomplishments and goals with our brothers and sisters.

When I received a card in the mail from Dr. Ian informing the city of Detroit about The 50 Million Pound Challenge, & how we could become involved, I knew at that moment that this was something special.

When I got to work I shared the information with my co-workers and friends, I was so excited and looked forward to attending the rally in Hart Plaza. The day of the rally, I wasn't able to attend and was very disappointed, but I did not let that stop me. When I logged on to the web site and learned about The Challenge I knew that this was something that I wanted to be apart of.

I signed up and started a team Sisters Inspiring Sisters. I am proud to say that we are 129 members strong and growing. Every time I log on and find that we have a new member, I get even more excited and determined to reach my goal.

As team leader I knew that I had to lead by example. I would send e-mails out every week to all team members encouraging them with a word,  thought for the day, or just sending them love.

Dr. Ian this Challenge has helped me to stay focused and determined to lose weight and be a healthier and happier person.

I work as a receptionist and most of the day I am sitting, so I made up in my mind that no matter what, I was going to walk on my lunch break for 30 minutes and eat a healthy lunch the other 30 minutes.  This has helped me tremendously, I have lost a total of 23 pounds (praise God). I have not been on any diet plan even though I plan to start your extreme fat smasher diet soon.

I feel great. I am 41 years young and I feel better than I have in a long time. Thank you Dr. Ian for being obedient and helping the world become healthier and more knowledgeable about our bodies and what it takes to live longer healthier and happier lives.

Love & Blessing

Lawana R. Williams

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You can hear Lawana and Dr. Ian Friday morning, May 16, live on the Steve Harvey Morning Show!

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I learned about Dr. Ian from TV, I also work for my Uncle who is State Farm agent. After getting the info from him I figured i'd give it a shot. 

My husband is deployed right now for the next 5 months. After having a baby last June I took this as a time to refocus on myself and try to lose the weight. 

I have joined a gym and in 2 months I have lost 16 pounds and 9 inches.  I still have a long way to go (as u can tell by my picture) and I had to LEARN TO LIKE water but IT REALLY DOES help.  Also I drink green tea 4 times a week.

My strategy is if you go work out and look at how many calories you have burned, then when you come home and want that pizza or hamburger or peice of cake-THINK ABOUT THIS-How hard did you just work to burn all those calories that you are about to put back into your body.  This really helps me to push the food away and really think about what I eat.  Also I DO NOT eat anything exept water after 7pm.

I WISH ALL OF YOU THE BEST OF LUCK and I hope to see "less" of us all in the weeks to come!!

GOD BLESS!

Stacy

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I was 191 pounds before I got pregnant with my first.  I was mentally tramatized because I heard stories of woman who never lose their baby weight and I was already starting out overweight. 

Throughout my pregnancy, friends and family would always tell me, "you're eating for two now" and they would serve me huge portions of food and always try to encourage me to eat more, as they do in our culture.

I went to the throne and said "Lord, I can't do this alone, if I promise to do my part you have to promise to do yours. I don't want to be fat!" So I started to say "no" to my family and friends, which can be a sign of disrespect, especially to the elders in the family when they cook.

I ate moderately throughout my pregnancy gaining only 25 pounds. I breastfed which burns lots of calaries and is best for your baby and:

• I portioned my food accordingly,
• Drank 1% milk,
• Cooked with Extra Virgin Olive Oil,
• Bought lean cuts of meat and baked or sauteed the food I usually enjoyed fried, and
• I walked 15 minutes everyday.

Us Latin and African American people know how to cook and cook with flava so I had to learn to stop those cultural traditions that were killing my family and take charge of my health for me and my future generation. 

I ended up losing so much weight just by making small changes, that I ended up being 20 pounds thinner than I was before I got pregnant in the first place -- 171 pounds!

I just had my second baby in October 2007. I gained 35 pounds this time. So I was back up at just over 200 pounds when he was born.

I'm doing much of the same things I did before, and currenlty I am 188 pounds.

For those of you mommy's out there... it's definately harder to lose the second round of baby fat, but I won't give up. I'm a stay at home mom with two baby's under two and most of the time I don't have time to eat, let alone eat right. When I do eat they're usually screaming in my face which makes me eat faster but I think about Dr. Ian's tips and how I must slow down and enjoy every bite so I do.

And, as for excercise, I use my kids as weights and do strength training! I also run back and forth from task to task trying to get my heart rate up! Soon I will get back out there and start my walking.

Dr. Ian's visit to my church really pumped me up. Just the fact that someone cared enough to give us free stuff like the pedometer and water bottle really inspired me.  I drink water like a mad woman, I carry it wherever I go.

My goal is to be 150 pounds by the time my second turns 1 in October! My dream is for my husband to be able to pick me up and carry me like his bride!

Another tip, I weigh myself every morning and I have (ironically) a state farm calander nailed up in my bathroom where I document my weight daily. That way I see it, and my husband see's it, so he can encourage me and praise me when he see progress or motivate me when he doesn't and it works for me too because when I get discoraged I flip back the calender and get to see how far I've come.

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I learned about The Challenge riding into work one morning and listening to the Steve Harvey Morning Show on the radio. I rushed into work so I could hear the rest.

I was already dieting and exercising at the time, but Dr. Ian really made me want to meet my weight goal even more. I felt like joining this Challenge could do that.

I've lost 33 pounds since I've joined The Challenge. My total weight loss since my life change in February 2007 has been 56 Lbs!

I'm very proud of myself and I know you are as well, Dr. Ian. I've been tracking my weight on the web site. I get weighed almost every Monday at work, and I keep a print out of my weight loss to remind me of all of the hard work and effort I put in. I have included before and after pictures of myself as well.

I just want to thank Dr. Ian  & Steve Harvey because if I would have not been listening to the radio, I would have never really gotten to hear the importance of this 50 Million Pound Challenge.

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I made a "New Years Resolution" in January of 2007 to lose 100lbs.  I didn't really get serious about it until August of that year. 

It took watching sad stories of morbidly obese people on Discovery Health, realizing that I was one of those people, and a conversation with a really great friend of mine who happens to be a personal trainer. 

He encouraged me to read the book "Mastering the Zone" (a lifestyle of a balanced way of eating), and I have been in the ZONE ever since.

I eat three meals and two snacks daily and I drink LOTS of H2O!! In addition, I weight train twice a week with my trainer and I exercise at home 3-4 times a week for at least 45min. 

I did not make my goal for that year but what I accomplished was far greater. I learned how to eat, I'm more mobile than I have ever been, my self confidence is through the roof, and I've lost 82lbs in 5 months!!  NO Pills, No Surgery! 

I saw a commercial about the 50 million pound challenge in August and I joined immediately.  I get so excited every time I see my weight loss tracker.

Thanks Dr. Ian , I am determined to give up MY pounds and NOT the fight!

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Just like you've heard on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, you can become a Challenge star and influence thousands with your story!

We're looking for Challengers who've either:

• Made the biggest change to their lives, or
• Lost the most weight.

You never know how influential your story can be.

Please submit your story today!

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I first heard Dr. Ian speak of The Challenge on the Steve Harvey Morning Show and although I was motivated, I was also my own worst enemy. 

The more I motivated myself to do this, the more I convinced myself that I would fail.  I kept looking at the big picture and the ton of weight I needed to lose.  After going to the doctor and being told that I am now a diabetic, I started to focus on many smaller goals instead of one large goal. 

I soon realized that it was the very little goals that I started to achieve that kept me motivated to continue.  Like being able to step on the scale and see a number instead of the letter E!  LOL (okay, its funny now, but it used to discourage me). 

It was also the comments that started coming from my family, my staff and my church family that finally made me realize that I really was starting to make progress.  Who knew something simple as eating 6 small meals a day instead of skipping breakfast or dinner would truly help you to lose weight?!?!?! 

Just the fact that I have now come down from a size 28 to a size 24 has me convinced that these small milestones over time will truly help me get to that one large goal! 

My schedule is so hectic and chaotic, working/commuting 60-70 plus hours a week, but I'm still able to find time to exercise daily (like walking to the train station instead of taking a cab) and REST at night. 

Thank you, Dr. Ian and staff, for the motivation, emails, updates and tips... One small step today... one large goal tomorrow!

Click here to submit your story and be featured on our site!

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First of all, I have been obese and eventually morbidly obese since grade school. In July 2006, after tipping the scales at a whopping 265 lbs, and only being 5 feet tall, I decided to change my eating habits and add exercise. 

The pounds started to come off easily… then I hit those darn plateaus. That is when I happened to be reading the Jet Magazine and I read about Dr. Ian's Challenge. I couldn't wait to go to my local State Farm agent to get started…

When I started the Challenge, I was at 205 lbs, and I currently weigh 170. I have set a goal to be 140 lbs by July 25, 2008, and 125 lbs by Dec. 31, 2008.

Some of the changes that I have made are:

• I am religiously at the gym 5 days a week--because I enjoy being there not because I have to be,  
• When cooking for my family our foods are either baked or grilled,  
• Veggies are a must when they use to be obsolete in my house, and
• I can't mention how much I love water.   

I have had so much encouragement and praise throughout the process of my healthy lifestyle change. So many people have come up to me at the gym just to tell me that I look great, or keep up the good work and that I have inspired them. Just knowing that I can inspire others to change has been the greatest thing that can happen to me. 

When I got started, I honestly wanted to take the easy way out and get Bariatric surgery. Fortunately for me, my job does not cover any of the expenses. But, this has been a fun and adventurous challenge for me (losing the weight that is), and educational as well. Not only have I learned so much over the past 16 months, but I can teach my kids, friends, and anyone else who would listen.

Click here to submit your story and be featured on our site!

 Post your comments here!

When my husband & I first got together, his weight was 220 & mine was 170. He now weighs 370 & I weight 240.

We got tired of people telling us we need to lose weight. Every time we see a long lost friend the 1st thing that comes out their mouth is, “Man you guys have gotten big, what have u been eating!”

We got feed up with people telling us that so we decided to make a change!

I found out about Dr. Ian on Celebrity Fit Club, & we've been following him every since.

It was very hard at first for us because we were so use to eating fast food, fried foods & all types of sweets. We started our diet on 12/3/2007. My husband has lost 12 pounds & I have lost only 7. But, we'll push forward to reach our goal weight with the help of Dr. Ian & the 50 Million Pound Challenge participants!

Thank you.... Tikia & Michael Montgomery

Click here to submit your story and be featured on our site!

SUBMIT YOUR STORY!

Valentine's Day is coming up next week and we want to hear from those of you who are taking on The Challenge as a couple. Send your story and photo, and you just might see yourselves on the homepage!

Please don't underestimate how influential your story can be... you never know who you can inspire!

 POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE!

Hello Dr. Ian and fellow participants,

I am so glad to share my story. I've always stuggled with my weight, but I didn't realize how much of a problem it was until this year.

It was my company's 100th Anniversary, and the General Manager decided to complile a DVD of all employees. I thought to myself "I can't wait to see it." Once I finally watched the DVD, I couldn't believe that was what everyone saw when they looked at me (187 lbs). I decided then and there that I needed to do something about it. Then came the 50 Million Pound Challenge.

I thank you so much, I am now 163 lbs, losing more and loving it. Drinking water has been a key part of my success.

Over the last past six years, I had given up on myself and losing weight.  The turning point came when my doctor informed me that I had gained an additional 15 pounds over the summer of 2007 and had now reached 234 pounds. 

I remember the drive home and how I cried at how I had allowed myself to get so out of control.  I couldn't fathom that I had put on exactly 100 pounds at 5'7" since graduating from college. Enough was enough! 

So I set forth in buying Dr. Ian Smith's book, Fat Smash Diet to get some helpful tips with what I needed to do nutritionally. Also, I started exercising and became more active.  There was no excuse to be so lazy at such a young age; therefore, I dusted off the kicks and got to walking everyday. 

My most prized memory in my journey came when I stepped on the scale and it read 199 pounds.  So far I have lost a total of 53 pounds and I have reached 181 pounds.  Now, I have so much more confidence and reassurance that I will continue to follow this healthy lifestyle. 

Thank you so much Dr. Ian Smith for saving me from obesity, high blood pressure, and sadness.

-----

Upcoming Event in Florida...

The Tampa Tribune contacted Femi to capture more of her story and announce the upcoming Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival. Dr. Ian will present at the festival on Saturday, January 19 and join the crowd in 2k walk. There will also be free health screenings available.

Femi demonstrates how one story can motivate an entire community. Join her and share your story today!

POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE!  

Growing up I was always very active. I played sports year round and had the hardest coach to keep me motivated, my dad. I never had any weight problems until I got sick. I had three cancer scares that put at least 50 pounds on me each time. I tried dieting and exercise but I would stop because I didn't see the results fast enough.

About a year ago at the age of 32, I ended up in the hospital having what I thought was a heart attack. Come to find out I had a weak heart due to stress. When my son asked me if I was going to die, it made me change my life.

I started working out an hour a day and started the Atkins diet. To keep me encouraged my 10-year-old son did it with me. I wouldn't have been able to do it with out him. I tell everyone: make sure you have a buddy and losing weight is much easier. My goal was to lose 100 pounds. I reached my goal in 10 months and my son lost 20 pounds. Unfortunately, I didn't find out about The Challenge until April and I started in December of 2006.

I wanted to be a part of this Challenge, to encourage others and to keep me motivated. This Challenge always reminds me that I am not doing this alone.

Karen Smith Jacksonville, FL

POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE! 

I have always had a special relationship with food.  It was always the most exciting part of every experience.  Food had always been a struggle for me, even as a child.  But when I became an adult, all of a sudden weight was also an issue.

I spent most of my adult life pretending that it didn't matter that my weight was spiraling out of control.  I found ways to justify why I was and why I needed to be the size I was.  I kept buying clothes because clothes kept getting smaller.  I threw out my scale because it wasn't telling me anything I wanted to know.  I avoided cameras because they weren't showing me anything I wanted to see.  And I ate out of defiance to show everyone that I didn't care what they thought or what they said.

But then the chest pains started.  And the frequent nosebleeds and I knew that if I didn't do something, I was going to die.  My New Year's resolution for 2007 was to be committed to health and on January 1, 2007, I took my first step toward my goal.

I increase my vegetable intake, cut fried foods out of my life altogether, cut down on carbohydrates and eliminated sodas and juices from my life.  The results were astronomical, but I feared that at any point, I could relapse.  That's when I heard about the 50 Million lb Challenge.  All of a sudden, I wasn't alone in this struggle.  Being apart of this community, I received a lot of healthy tips and was able to make adjustments so that I kept up my momentum until I reached my goal.  Since January 1, I have lost 97 lbs and surpassed my very ambitious goal and everyone's expectations.

My family, friends and colleagues are in disbelief.  People see me and don't recognize me.  This is the best thing I've ever done for myself and I am grateful to Dr. Ian Smith and the 50 Million Lb Challenge for the roll you played in my success.  Having achieved this, now I know that I can achieve other goals that I have set in my life.

POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE! 

I joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge on July 9, the same day that my sister, my brother-in-law, and I started Dr. Ian Smith's Fat Smash Diet.  We all wanted to lose weight and had my upcoming wedding as an even greater motivation.  We've had some ups and downs along the way (thank God the program is so forgiving), but we've stuck with it.  When I originally tried on a wedding dress back in May, I was barely able to squeeze into a size 12.  I went back for my dress fitting on September 16 and easily fit into a size 8 dress.  My results have been phenomenal and I haven't even completed the full 90-day program.  I started at 160 lbs and am now down to 138 lbs.  I've lost over 20 lbs and several inches, dropping two clothes sizes.  My sister has also had amazing results.  When she ordered her dress at the beginning of July, she couldn't finish zipping it.  Now, she can put the dress on without unzipping it.  I am especially excited for her because she has struggled with her weight for her whole life. 

I thank God for Dr. Ian Smith and the message he is spreading in our community through the 50 Million Pound Challenge.  Never before have we seen anything like this, and my prayer is that it will continue to grow and that as a community we will not only meet this Challenge, but surpass it!  My life and the lives of people around me have drastically changed.  I hope that all the other Challengers will decide, like I have, to never go back to the way you were.  Let's make this a lifetime commitment to be the healthiest people we can be!

Christie Thomas, Durham, NC

The Challenge is about each one you being part of a community of change that is striving to live longer, healthier lives. The comments following each of the Featured Challengers' stories are proof that each of us spread hope and help motivate others in the fight when we share what we are experiencing.

Did you know that your stories are also grabbing the attention of the media? Dr. Ian and the Challenge team receive multiple requests from local and national media outlets who want to know about you. Are you willing to share?

Whether it's on our blog or in a magazine, we want your stories! Click this link and follow the instructions on the form to submit your story.

Dr. Ian's words have proven true... our influence IS greater than what we imagine. Please take a moment to share your story and commitment to The Challenge... you never know who's life you can help change, or even save.

Thank you for your commitment.