Memphis is city where being overweight or obese is the norm. You rarely see people walking or running (unless they've just stole something. LOL!). The public transportation system is random and rarely gets you to where you need to be. On top of that, you are never on time. In Memphis, a car is your best friend. You can see people driving around the corner of their home to the store. If it is more than a 5 minute walk, most people will drive to get there.

I noticed my weight gain right after I bought my first car. At first, I would eat what I wanted, because I walked so much to and from destinations in the city. Those walks included my trip to and from my house, the bus stop, and my job. I would have to leave 2 hours early in order to make it to work on time. When I started driving my car, I also started to eat more fast food. I guess that you can say that I got a little lazy. At a height of 5'10", my weight jumped from 180 to 262 in a matter of only 2 years. Wow!

When I hit 262, I stopped taking photos because I hated the way I looked. I stopped buying clothes because the sizes always increased. I became a sadly depressed young lady at only 25 years old. I made a decision to lose my weight only after an incident at my elementary school. A little 5 year old told me that her mom had a baby in her stomach just like me. I wasn't pregnant! Dang! I knew then that it was time for a change.

I started exercising for at least 1 hour a day and 4 days a week. I never started a diet, but I did shrink my food portions. I don't eat as much as I used to. I eat fruit whenever I have a sweet tooth. I have also started attending Zumba classes at my local gym. Those classes are awesome.

I am now at the weight of 212 lbs and I have a goal weight of 170 lbs.

Wish Me Luck,
Cheree Warren
Memphis, TN

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Research shows developing social networks with others committed to a healthy lifestyle can lead to weight loss success.  In fact, a recent study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine revealed social networks can effectively influence weight and obesity.  Harvard researchers found that a key element of weight loss is keeping in contact with others who are also on the path of losing weight. 

Stay connected with Challengers throughout the Country and join The 50 Million Pound Challenge on Facebook.  Become a fan and start interacting with a growing community with similar goals.  Hear from fans that have been successful with their journeys and fans that are just starting out.  Inspire others and be inspired!  Get ideas and tips about losing weight and staying fit.  And be the first to receive updates directly to your newsfeed. 

Have fun with your journey to a healthier lifestyle and become a Fan today!

I first learned about Dr. Ian by watching a Celebrity Fit Club show about 2 1/2 years ago.  A co-worker and I purchased his book so we called his office.  Low and behold, Dr. Ian actually answered the phone himself.  He thanked me for purchasing the book and told me that I could do it if I followed the program.  I also asked him if he could do a reality show with regular people wanting to lose weight (this show later became the Biggest Loser, HA!).  He laughed but never said he would do it.  Nonetheless, we still loved him! 

Anywho, I tried following the detox twice and failed.  I gave up on it and became depressed.  In April 2008, I received a bonus from my job and on that same day received an e-mail about a party.  As I scrolled through the e-mail, I found an ad about a fitness boot camp in Chicago.  I took all of my bonus money, $500, and put it into the program.  From that point, forward, I would drive 50 miles into the city on Saturday and Sunday to attend the boot camp. 

After a couple months, I changed the way I ate.  I added more lean protein, veggies and good carbs to my diet.  As time went on, I started to see a change.  I became motivated and decided that I want more flexibility in my schedule to be a mom to my girls, they were raising themselves because I worked 10 hours a day.  So I decided I would quit my job as an Executive Assistant and become a fitness instructor.  This was in October of 2008. 

Today, I am an AFAA Certified Fitness Instructor with the boot camp that I went to.  I am also the Director of Operations for the program.  I recently did a six week challenge with some of my clients and the results were phenomenal!!!  I had two members who lost over 10 lbs. and 3 inches around the waist and hips!!!  I cried, they cried!!  It felt so good to share my journey with others and motivate them to better health and wellness.  Of course, I have trials that I am trying to endure such as not losing my home but it looks like I may lose that fight.  I am going to keep pressing on.

Now, I am moving on to my next challenge and that is to place in the 2010 Grand Prix Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships.  In order to do this, I have to follow a very strict, almost boring diet and I am training with an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder.  I am 30 weeks out from the competition and excited but a bit scared.  I need all the motivation I can get but I also have to push myself to make the next journey in my life come true.  I plan on being an IFBB Pro Figure Competitor and Fitness model by November 2010.  I'll let you know how the journey goes!

Kind regards,

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I began searching the web for different weight loss ideas, because I have tried every diet imaginable, at times losing a lot of weight, only to gain it back. I know who Dr. Ian is, so when I found the 50 million pound challenge, I read further. I decided this was the "life" change I was looking for. Diets do not work, and I wanted to try something that would be a permanent change. 

I began the challenge on December 29, 2008 with a beginning weight of 240, and currently weight 192. I have lost 48 pounds. I still have a lot to go, but I am committed. I AM an emotional eater. And I have learned that the key to success for me is to deal with the emotional aspects and find alternative means to express emotions.

Currently, I go to the local YMCA 4-6 times per week and keep track of all my food choices. When I make a choice that is not so healthy, I move forward from it, and do not beat myself up over it any more. I feel so much better and healthier. I have a lot more energy, I am sleeping better than I ever have in my entire life and I live each and every day for that day. Through counseling, I learned to deal with all the things I had bottled up inside me and I have learned the most important key for me --- don't dwell on what happened yesterday, don't worry about tomorrow's path or tasks, but instead, live in the moment for today. Focus on what I need to do this moment. As a result, I am able to live each day to the fullest and am most of the time a very content person. The most frustrating thing is plateaus. Where I lost a lot of weight in the beginning, it has taken almost 2 months to lose just 7 pounds. But I know that can change in a moment.... I think Dr. Ian's plan has helped me tremendously because it is a plan of life change, not just a "diet".

Thank you to Dr. Ian for providing this plan for FREE. I still have a long way to go, but I focus on today.

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My name is Stara Holmes and this is my story.

I was like most college students and gained more than the freshman fifteen. With my mom and dad being more on the heavier side, I was always a little thicker than some of my classmates, but never obese.

Once i graduated highschool and left my parents house I entered college and began to eat at fast food reasturants and eat lots of fried foods and sweets late at night.

Once I graduated from college I began working at a local headstart as a teacher. It was our duty to get a physical exam. Once the exam was over my local doctor advised me that I was very obese.

At the age of 25 I knew there was a high chance I could face the risk of heart attacks, and diabeties at an early age. Once I left the doctor office I knew it was time for me to make a change. I was young and still had most of my life ahead of me.

I started searching for diets but most of them failed. I began a life changing journey, and started the 50 million pound challenge. I have lost a total of 85 pounds. This challange gave me motivation and determination to make change in my life.

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I learned about the challenge on TV. At first, I didn't think I would be able to lose the weight so I didn't sign up on the website. I did not want anyone to know if I failed. I had recently broke off my engagement and lost my job. I found that I would try and cope with it by eating.

I stepped on the scale and saw 250 one morning. I shook my head and decided that I was done being overweight. I have been obese my whole life.

My goal is 160, but I take it one pound at a time and when I lose 10, I celebrate by trying an old pair of jeans on. It motivates me because each time, I get them a little further. I can now get them over my hips.

I have stopped eating fast food. I eat it maybe once a month now. I practiced leaving some food on my plate, then I ate on small plates. Now I leave some food on my smaller plates. I try to get to the gym 3 times a week and do 20 minutes. Each time I go, I push myself to go faster or harder. I am jogging again. After I exercise I reward myself by jumping into the pool to cool off. I do 2 laps in every stroke I know and then relax stress away by floating or working on a tan for once.

Some things that helped me a lot was that I told people about my goal and I keep them updated. Not only do I not want to disappoint, but the encouragement is helpful. I recruit friends to swim with me and work out with me.  Now my friend is down 20 pounds. It really helps to have music and a friend. I also try to schedule times to work out. That way I can't be distracted. I have promised to myself. And if someone asks me to do this or that, "I have plans for something already." 

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Happy, Energetic and Proud - that's me. It all started one year and 2 months ago when I weighed 240 lbs and could not stand looking at myself in the mirror. I was very uncomfortable in my own body and realized something had to be done. I would look at celebrity fit club to see how Dr. Ian helped those individuals lose weight and said to myself ''Hey I can really do that.'' Then one evening while looking at television I saw his 50 million pound challenge commercial and decided to join. I'm so happy I did!

I lost 82 lbs the natural way, exercise and a healthy diet. It was hard work but trust me it's all worth it in the end. Determination and staying focus plays a major part in it as well. I started with a goal weight of 175 lbs but with the help of the 50 million pound challenge, not only did I meet that goal but I also passed it and now weigh 158 lbs YEAAAA ME!!

People please trust in yourself and don't let nobody tell you it can't be done because I'm living proof of that it can...GOOD LUCK 2 ALL' much love!

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To propel their affect, these 3 Challengers were recently filmed in the making of 3 soon-to-be released Challenge commercials!

On the set, Marilyn, Craig and Jennifer took time to answer a few questions. We posted their interviews on our YouTube Channel, and have included them below.

Take a look, post them on Facebook, and/or share them with your friends and family.

Thank you!

Enjoy!

blogtalkradio.com/50millionpounds

----------------------------- 

Tonight at 8:00 pm (EST)/7:00 pm (CST)... 3 of our Challengers will be interviewed on BlogTalkRadio!

Marilyn Winters, Craig Nash, and Jennifer DePree will be live on-air and ready to take your questions. You can see their before and after pictures below...

Please call in to show your support!

Log in at 8:00 p.m. (EST) and listen online at:

 blogtalkradio.com/50millionpounds

To call in and ask your questions, just dial:

(347) 994-1503  

Or, click here to submit your questions on the blog!

Marilyn Winters

Craig Nash

Jennifer DePree

Dr Ian thank you so much for what you are doing to help people get healthy.  I listen to Steve Harvey Morning show and that's how I first heard about the Challenge.  I know I wanted to be a part but did not start right away. I am a mother of 2 girls, and want to be an example to them as well rounded African American woman.

I am normally a very healthy, Muscular build person, ex-military, active person.  I had a stressful job in civil service, and my eating habits changed to not eating enough of the rights foods, or not eating at all.  A few years of this and the weight ballooned to 176 at one point.  At this weight I am very uncomforable and have to do something.  I would usually find some weight loss product and loose 8-10 lbs, and each time I would gain it back.  This has been my pattern for 10 years.

My sister told me about the "4 Day Diet" so I researched it and bought it. I liked the every 4 days eating something different, because I know I get bored easily. The book sat on my shelf for months. TWO months ago I took my blood pressure and it was higher than normal and it scared me. I knew it was time to do something. 

I took the book of the shelf and started reading. I decided I will do whatever this book says. It started out with dealing with MENTAL Preparation which I knew for me would be key. I did all the exercises and got myself prepared mentally. I immediately started moving, walking, then jogging, aerobics at home. I knew I had to do something at least 4 days a week and I had to mix it up, so I would not get bored. I started taking suppliments again. I like liquid suppliments to ensure more absorption. I did not feel hungry or craved anything. I drink my water, which was not easy for me; because I drink a lot of tea & ice tea in place of water. Now, I prefer water over anything else. I am now 3 lbs from my goal of 150 which I choose because of my muscular stature.  I love the way my kids comment on how I look.

I have a whole new look, and I am now noticing I am turning heads of strangers.  I am on my way to being that example to my kids and to my family and friends.  Thank you again Dr Ian for life changing experience.  May God Continue to bless you, your family and your ministry to the world.

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I weighed 285 lbs in January of '09 (in the tuxedo on the right). I saw pictures of myself in my best friends wedding and was completely disgusted with myself. It was the heaviest I had ever been. I decided that I had to do something, but what? Well, luckily I was watching the Bonnie Hunt Show the day that Dr. Ian Smith was on to promote his book, "The four day diet." He spoke about the new website that he launched.

I decided to dive in head first, completely committed. What did I have to lose, besides the pounds? I followed the meal plan, walked for one hour per day, and did cardio exercise for at least a 1/2 hour each day. And six months later, look at me now. It was hard work, but Dr. Ian's 50 Million Pound Challenge gave me the tools I needed to make it happen. Thank you Dr. Ian! I could not have done it without you! I have lost 80lbs. in six months and could not be happier. I look and feel amazing! I owe it all to you Dr. Ian, and your 50 Million Pound Challenge! If you REALLY WANT IT, YOU CAN DO IT! I am living proof. If you're tired of being overweight, step up to the Challenge and give it your all, IT REALLY WORKS!

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

Hi, I'm Apuya Spruill and this is my journey on THE FAT SMASH DIET.

I learned about Dr.Ian Smith's diet on THE TYRA SHOW. I was impressed by his team's weight lost. Also, I was impressed how the team spoke highly about Dr. Ian Smith's plan, which intrigued me.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which motivated me to join. At that moment, I knew I had to change my entire lifestyle. I've lost weight in the past but it was for vanity. This time it's for my health.

I began my journey on July 17,2007. My starting weight was 223lbs. and a size 16/18. I followed THE FAT SMASH DIET step by step as instructed. Six months later on January 17,2008, my weight was 140 lbs. and a size 7/8. WOW!!!!

The weight literally fell off. My co-workers, friends and family could not believe what they were seeing. I was transforming right before their eyes.I am only 28 years old and I've tried at least 15 diet plans. And none of them really worked. THE FAT SMASH DIET was the easiest plan for me to follow.

It's been almost 2 years now since my journey began. I've successfully kept 73lbs of the 83lbs. off. I still follow the THE FAT SMASH DIET. It's just a part of my life now.

Therefore, I must stay focused. The keys to my success of losing and keeping my weight off are:

• Daily Prayer
• Dedication
• Staying Stress Free
• Loving Me
• Keeping A Food Journal...Of course,measuring cups and scales.

Hopefully, my story has inspired you yo keep moving on your journey. Trust me the final results are AWESOME. And thanks to Dr.Ian Smith for the thousands of lives, including mine, you have saved. My journey is far from over but I am loving the ride.

Sincerely,

Apuya Spruill

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We apologize for the inconvenience, but don’t let that slow you down. Stick around and share what’s on your mind with all of us, right here on the blog.

• What questions do you have?
• What tips would you like to share?
• What are you struggling with?
• What exercise routines are working for you?

Take advantage of our community… you’re not in this alone.

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