The 50 Million Pound Blog

Dr. Ian repsonds to questions that relate to what's on all of our minds.

Check out his advice out on the Washington Post - click here! 

Far too often we're exposed to stories of loss and disintegration. But, every once in awhile, we catch a glimpse of hope in a news story.

The reality is, seeing people committed to a better way of life is inspirational. That's exactly the story CNN presented yesterday.

On the brink of our 2 year anniversary, CNN's Fredricka Whitfield reached out to share the story of The Challenge through the committed teamwork of four Atlanta women.

Take a look at the video, and invite everyone you know to join us in The Challenge:

Getting to the point when you know you’re full and then you actually push back from the table can be difficult. You may be surprised to find out there are other reasons for overeating other than just fact that food is so good. 

According to TIME magazine, our brain is wired in such a complex manner that certain variables can trick it into thinking we're hungry when we're not.

TIME reveals seven variables that can sometimes hinder our ability to make good decisions when it comes to food.  Read more about “What Makes You Eat More Food” in this photogallery from TIME magazine. Then come back and  post a comment telling us what you think.

Why we put off tomorrow what we could do today is second nature for many of us as it’s explained in this CNN article, “Putting a price on procrastination.”

Imagine that every time you promised to complete a resolution or a goal and didn’t, you’d have to cough up your own money. Would you be broke today?

Take a moment and reflect on your weight loss goal and your action plan.

Are you putting off tomorrow what you could be doing today? Post a comment and tell us why or why not.

Realizing the difference between the necessities and luxuries of food can make a real difference when you’re trying to lose weight.

Let’s be honest. Food can be so good that is seems like it’s calling your name. Walk into any McDonald’s and smell the fries – you know what I’m talking about.

The truth of the matter is food might be calling your name, but it takes self-control and mental toughness to overcome those self-indulgent urges.

So, how do you do it? Post a comment and tell us:

How do you train your mind to look beyond the fries and go for the salad or grilled chicken instead? How do you avoid blurring the line between necessity and luxury?

Read more about “Necessity vs. luxury: What makes resolutions stick?” in this article from CNN.

And, remember, every time you share your story or a tip with us, the entire Challenge community reaps the benefit.

Dr. Ian was invited to the Today Show to discuss what his new book, the 4 Day Diet™, is all about.

He also took a moment to bring attention to the work you all are doing on The Challenge! Check it out:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are trying to spark Americans to exercise.

As each of know, maintaining an exercise plan is essential, but not easy to do. So, in the spirit of giving, post a comment letting us know:

1. What your biggest obstacle to exercising is, and
2. How do you overcome it?

Motivation to breakthrough barriers comes when we realize we're not the only ones dealing with a particular issue. The article above may have exposed the problem, but not acting on what we've read will only add to the problem.

This community is bonded by common resolve for a solution... So, let us know: How are you breaking through?

A alarming report hit the news -- obesity rates increased, significantly, in 37 states this past year.

The article also states that many "promising" health/nutrition policies have been passed recently. But, without action, we will not see positive results from any policy.

Let's not wait for policy.

Let's not wait for someone else to do what only we can do.

Act today:

1. Join The Challenge and commit to leading a healthier life and be a positive voice in your community,
2. Click here to invite your friends to join The Challenge, and 
3. Make use of the free 30 Diet Plan, Journal, and Activity Tracker available to you after you login.

Only together, can we work to reverse the trends mentioned in the article above.

Thank you.  

An article from a Philly online news source spelled out some realistic tips and thoughts to which we can all relate.

Here's an portion of that article:

"We are all filled with good intentions, but if it were super easy to make lifestyle changes we all would be the picture of health. But it is not super hard either. In fact, taking small steps, one step at a time, every week or even every month allow you, your body and your family to adjust, settle in and enjoy living healthy and sticking with it - permanently."

Click here to read the complete article.

And, make the daily commitment to live healthier!

We've run across some interesting articles in the news lately. Here's one that we'd like to share with you...

The Washington Post ran an eye-opeing article on the amount of money that's spent in advertising in the fast food industry.

The Challenge is not for individuals under the age of 18, but this community can still make a difference.

We're the ones who can help our kids understand the messages delivered through the advertising.

We've all heard Dr. Ian speak or write about the powerful influence we have on each other. And, this community is a testament to his point.

Living healthier is about making the right decisions. Our fight is against the health trends that are shortening the lives of our loved ones... and our example and guidance can help guide the next generation to a better life.

Let's step up to the plate to better our children's future as well.

How've you helped? Please, click here to leave your comments.

Lekicia Young was selected to be on of the Challengers to be featured on Ebony/JET.

She has a great story, and it was picked up by a local Florida paper as well.

Here's an excerpt:

"Being a single mom (of a 1-year-old), working and with the weight I'd gained during pregnancy, I just didn't know how I would start to lose it," said Young, "Dr. Ian's book is awesome. It's so easy to read. Very straight-forward and it makes sense."

Click here to read the full story!