Monday, January 14, 2008

50 Million Pounds Challenge

I just signed up for Dr. Ian Smith's 50 Million Pound Challenge and I am so excited. It is sponsored by State Farm Insurance Co. I have set a really challenging goal, but I will accomplish it long before the May 2009 deadline. Dr. Smith's challenge is an attempt to help African-Americans tackle one of the nation's top health problems: obesity. They're offering free online weight loss support and complimentary kits filled with jump ropes, pedometers and more to Blacks across the U.S.

On the Web site you have your own account to track your weight loss, get recipes and diet tips, and your own personalized workout schedule. Dr. Smith states that there are more than 35 million African-Americans in the U.S.. And more than half of them need to lose weight. If only 5 million people lose 10 pounds the goal can easily be reached.

How did obesity get so bad in our community? Two reasons quickly come to mind: (1) the ease of fast foods, (2) and with the advent of social conveniences, we've become a less physically active society. You can get your dry cleaning delivered, your DVDs delivered. You can stay home and order just about everything.

What is the key to success in losing weight: We just have to realize that we can lose weight without drastic changes. If we eat more fruits and vegetables because they are super foods that fight and prevent diseases because of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in them. If you drink one regular soda a day, switching to diet soda alone could help you drop 15 pounds in a year. And if we get some kind of exercise; just 30 minutes of walking for at least three days a week. Exercise is important because it conditions your heart, improves your breathing ability, and helps prevent arthritis in your joints.

For more information or to join the challenge log onto http://50millionpounds.com/

No comments: