The 50 Million Pound Challenge is an invitation for the African-American community of the United States, to collectively drop 50 million lbs. of excess body fat. The campaign launched in 2007 and is headed by Dr. Ian Smith, who created the Fat Smash Diet. Dr. Smith also became known for helping celebrities lose weight on the "Celebrity Fit Club" TV show.
About the Challenge
The aim of the 50 Million Pound Challenge is to promote the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise plan, to help combat the risk of heart disease and diabetes in the U.S. According to the 50 Million Pounds website, two out of every three Americans are overweight, but the statistics among African-Americans are particularly alarming as almost 80 percent of women, and 67 percent of men are overweight. Therefore, the program is targeted at helping African-Americans, although anybody is welcome to join, regardless of race. After signing up for the challenge online, you can join a group of your choice which will provide support and motivation. Many groups hold local meet-ups and sporting events to combine weight loss efforts with social activity. You may track your progress online. The 50 Million Pound Challenge program focuses on reducing weight through a combination of exercise and dietary changes.
Breakfast
For breakfast, Dr. Smith advocates always eating at least one piece of fruit, even if you do not feel hungry. Along with the fruit, you can eat two eggs, or a 1 1/2-cup serving of cold cereal. Good cereals include bran, plain Cheerios or non-frosted shredded wheat. If you prefer a warm cereal, such as oatmeal or grits, your portion size should not exceed 1 cup of cooked cereal. You can also have waffles or pancakes, but no more than two, and they should measure no more than 5 inches across. Or, you can have 6 oz. of low-fat yogurt.
Lunch
Dr. Smith recommends eating no more than two servings of meat per day, and each serving size should not exceed 4 oz. Grill, bake or saute meat instead of frying it. Optimal breads to eat include whole-grain, whole-wheat, multigrain and rye pita bread, but have no more than two slices a day. Avoid white bread. A lunch example when on the 50 Million Pound Challenge diet is a rye pita bread, stuffed with 4 oz. of sliced grilled chicken and served with a large green salad. Dr. Smith encourages eating plenty of fruit, so a good way to end the meal would be to eat two or three pieces of fresh fruit.
Dinner
Dr. Smith recommends eating foods that have a low glycemic index, as these foods do not cause sharp rises in blood sugar levels, and the body converts them to energy more slowly. High GI foods, especially when eaten late in the day, are quickly converted to energy, and if the body does not burn the energy it will store it as fat for later use. An example of a low glycemic dinner is a 4 oz. fillet of grilled fish, served with a portion of brown rice and steamed non-starchy vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans or broccoli. Dessert could include baked apples or pears, or homemade rolled-oat biscuits.
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