Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Never is it easy to lose weight, especially when living a busy life, with commitments, demands, and so much stress within your life. For those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, you will know I joined Weight Watchers last year on March 3, 2011. To date, I’ve lost 28.8 pounds. The holidays were difficult, with all the parties and social events, and of course — all of the food.

I have heard many friends say they plan to lost weight this year. Some are going the route of Dr. Atkins. Others are considering Nutri System, and one is considering something new — “The Pink Method.” They asked my advice. “Simple,” I replied. “Weight Watchers, because it works.”

OK, so I didn’t lose the 50 pounds I wanted to lose in 2011. And it is true, I am losing slowly…EVER SO SLOWLY; nevertheless, I am losing weight, inches and lots of clothing sizes.

For 2012, I started the year off with a slight weight gain — 1.2 pounds. Yes, I was discouraged, so disappointed that I failed to maintain during the holidays, but this is a new year, a new week, and I will achieve weight loss this year.

At Weight Watchers, I haven’t met with my leader to determine a goal. I have a goal in my mind. When I get closer to it, I will meet with her to make certain I am on the right track. For now, I can see the light. I have a goal established and I will achieve it, and when I do, there will be a celebration. Perhaps during karaoke night with my closest friends.

Last week I managed to clean closets, bagging four large bags of clothes. Many of the outfits still have tags on them, so they could be considered ‘new.’ I tried every outfit on, amazed that most were too big for me now! When I bought them, they were too tight. I have the tendency not to try clothing on before buying it. I must change that habit now.  There was one cute pair of pants I gave to Goodwill with reluctance. The pants have been hanging in my closet, in anticipation of wearing them — someday — when I could get into them. I tried the shiny silver lame on, excited that they fit! I rushed to show my husband that I could wear them. “Trash them,” he said, in his grouchy, controlling way. “They’re too d— big!”

“If only I had a full-length mirror, I could see,” I mumbled. I opened the bag for Goodwill, tossing the silver lame pants into the bag. “I suppose someone will enjoy them, but not me. Too big!”

It really is a bit difficult to toss away clothing. Part of me wants to keep many of the clothes, in the event I gain weight. Recognizing that thinking is not positive or beneficial for me, I decided it was in my best interest to throw away all the clothing that is too big now. A weight gain will not happen again. I have made the commitment to change my life with Weight Watchers, and I have kept that commitment. I am the type of personality who makes a commitment and usually keeps it. Weight Watchers is now a part of my life!

Happy New Year, 2012. This week I will drop by Goodwill, giving all the clothing to them, and I will continue to count and track my points.  Let us all continue our commitments — with Weight Watchers, or at least Weight Loss. Whatever works for you, and for me. Weight Watchers, because — IT WORKS!