Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Category: Losing Weight

  • Walking the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge – Charleston, SC


    Yesterday, I went to my Weight Watchers meeting, furious with myself that I gained 1.4 pounds. Since early August, I have been yo-yo-ing and I am furious with myself. Yes, I’ve had several press trips to travel to, making it difficult to track and choose the right foods. Nevertheless, I dragged myself to the meeting, recognizing that if I continue missing the meetings, I will not continue losing weight.

    Our discussion was “The 8-Week Countdown Challenge.” In 8 weeks, Thanksgiving will be here. My goal for this date is to lose 8 pounds. I admit, I haven’t been as active as I should. Making excuses, procrastinating and just being downright lazy has been my lifestyle. I need to make a change. I volunteered how I would achieve my challenge. “I want to walk the bridge, and tomorrow, I plan to do it!”

    When I got home, I started thinking about my challenges. My goals. My desires to lose weight and I decided, “Today is the day. I’m walking the bridge.”

    I gathered my camera, car keys and off I went. In less than five minutes I parked the car, gathered my things and started the approach. The time was 11:46am. I must mention, I have an arthritic knee and asthma. Walking isn’t an issue for me since I do walk, but lately, it hasn’t been a regular activity.

    The walk felt great, as I approached the steep incline of the bridge. Trust me, when walking the bridge, it is a LOT longer than driving it, and the steep incline appears to be a small mountain. My legs were energized. My heart was pumping and I felt great! My goal was to reach the top of the twin towers of the bridge, and then, I would turn and go down. Guess what! When I reached the towers, I sat down on one of the concrete benches to rest and take more photographs. I was euphoric! I was doing the bridge walk. It didn’t matter that I was a bit slower than some of the people passing me. I didn’t care! This was my first time and I was determined not to give in.

    I hopped up and continued the approach — all the way down! Traffic bothered me at first, but I told myself not to focus on the cars rushing by. I was hit by a car when I was nine-years-old, so traffic always frightens me. I stopped looking at the traffic, focusing on my goal — to walk the bridge and make it back without anyone assisting me.

    I am proud to say, I made it — a 4.8 mile walk, up a steep bridge — all the way, on my first journey!

    Thank you, Weight Watchers. I am on to my challenge now. This I do — for ME!

  • Failure to Post on Weight Watchers Once Again—


    Here I go once again, getting back on the wagon to post on this blog. How I bet it will still give me that ridiculous error, but I will try…

    Please don’t think I’m an idiot related to blogs. I am a writer, a travel food and hospitality writer, so I know how to blog and I know how to work a computer. Nevertheless, this blog on Weight Watchers does not appear to like me.

    I am back on the band wagon again with Weight Watchers. During my whirlwind trip to Hawaii, I behaved, ate healthy, walked a lot and stayed on track, but when I got back, I missed two more weeks of WW, making me miss four weeks. I almost had withdrawal symptoms.

    After four weeks, I did lose — ok, only .4 of a pound. One thing I’ve learned with Weight Watchers, any loss is a loss, so be happy. Don’t worry!

    And so, my saga with Weight Watchers continues. I cannot wait until I hit goal, but the last few months have been a yo-yo for me. Losing, then gaining. Then — nothing! Trying my patience and my courage.

    When I think about giving up I simply tell myself — hey woman, you are not a quitter. Dont give up. You’ve come too far.

    Now, what do you want to bet this blog refuses to post???

    Bingo! I was correct! The blog gave me this error — “Your blog cannot be saved at this time. Please try again later!” Weight Watchers — just what is the problem???


  • Today was D-day for me…the day to go to the meeting, face the consequences and see how much I have lost/or gained this week. I just don’t understand. I’ve stuck to the program. I’ve worked out almost every day — earning 31 points for Live Life Active. Today, when I got on the scales — up two pounds.
    What am I doing wrong? Yes, I am under a lot of stress. I lost my precious giant schnauzer five weeks ago and his loss has left a gigantic hole in my heart. I cry all the time. I can’t seem to relax. I just want to run away from life, but I can’t. Life must go on. I have lots to do, people who love me, and I am not done with my life. Stress is driving me nuts! This week, I will do my best to feed myself positive thoughts. Next week is going to be a loss.  Do you hear me Weight Watchers? Next week will be my week. I will lose!!!

  • Losing Weight


    Today was D-day for me…the day to go to the Weight Watchers meeting, face the consequences and see how much I have lost/or gained this week. I just don’t understand. I’ve stuck to the program. I’ve worked out almost every day — earning 31 points for Live Life Active. Today, when I got on the scales — up two pounds.
    What am I doing wrong? Yes, I am under a lot of stress. I lost my precious giant schnauzer five weeks ago and his loss has left a gigantic hole in my heart. I cry all the time. I can’t seem to relax. I just want to run away from life, but I can’t. Life must go on. I have lots to do, people who love me, and I am not done with my life. Stress is driving me nuts! This week, I will do my best to feed myself positive thoughts. Next week is going to be a loss.  Do you hear me Weight Watchers? Next week WILL BE A LOSS!

  • Weight Watchers, Working Out, and Accomplishing My Goals!


    Working hard to log everything in on my plan and activity with Weight Watchers this week. There have been many times I’ve attempted to post on my blog at Weight Watchers, only to get a response of “cannot post this blog at this time…try again later…” or something to that effect.  Needless to say, today was another repetition of this, so here I will post this, in hopes that the struggles of losing weight, and the accomplishments I am earning with Weight Watchers will help to convince others that Weight Watchers works. Yes, it is a slow process, but it works!!! Did I mention I have lost almost 35 pounds now? OK…losing the weight is a slow process, but it so rewarding to meet someone I haven’t seen in a while and to be told — “Wow. You’ve lost weight!” Did I mention how wonderful that makes me feel!!!

    This week, after a week-end filled with delicious low country cuisine in Myrtle Beach, I struggled to stay on track. Normally while on a press trip, I gain five pounds. Happy to report I gained zero this time! The life of a travel writer is so wonderful, but so hard to stay on track and that is why I am working out daily, to make up for lost time. Today, I walked quickly on the treadmill for 20 minutes. Yesterday, I could only accomplish 10 minutes. Also, I am doing upper body exercise, including a shake weight. I must commend whoever created the shake weight. It does leave the arms, especially the upper arms, a bit sore! I am so hopeful it will tighten my upper arms, the biceps, triceps and upper body. My goal is to be able to wear something sleeveless without ugly arms. How I hope this blog works today, so — here goes! If it doesn’t work, I’ll post this on my word press blog.

    Weight Watchers blog would not allow me to post again, telling me to ‘try my post later.’ I have things to do. I don’t have the time to constantly try, try, and try again.  As for taking the time with Weight Watchers, I am so dedicated to it I refuse to ever give up. I will succeed with Weight Watchers, simply because — “IT WORKS!!!”

  • Doggie Weight Watchers —


    If you are a regular visitor to my blog, you will know last March I joined Weight Watchers to lose a bit of weight. Pleased to say, it is working; however, last year after joining WW, my pups went to the vet for their yearly wellness check. Two of my pups needed to ‘lose a few pounds,’ according to my fabulous vet.

    That got me to thinking. Why not create a doggie weight watchers plan? My pups eat healthy, like I do, but my husband and I had the tendency to reward them a bit too much. So, we sat down, put our thinking caps on and I decided it was time to cut back on the snacks, and to add vegetables to their dog food. I went to the pet store, purchasing a weight control dog food that is healthy and mixed green beans and a dab of water to their dry food.

    Today, I had to take my oldest pup to the vet to check a few skin tags that appear to be growing. My main concern was tumors…Fortunately, the items on his legs are only skin tags, but we are scheduling him for surgery.

    The doctor complimented Shamus on his weight loss of 6 pounds. I laughed. Doggie Weight Watchers, I said. My vet looked at me with a curious look. “Doggie Weight Watchers,” and then I had to explain my new lifestyle and weight loss with Weight Watchers.

    So, if you have a dog that needs to drop a few pounds, apply the Doggie Weight Watchers plan. Feed them green beans, or fresh veggies that they will eat, and mix a bit of water with their food. Make certain the pups get regular exercise. We are up to walking three miles daily. I cannot wait to share my doggie weight watchers story at Weight Watchers this week. Everyone will probably laugh, thinking I am just a bit insane. LOL!

    Just a bit? Perhaps, but my pups do Doggie Weight Watchers — because it works!

  • Weight Watchers and My Weight Loss


    Today was the day…Every Thursday morning attending my  Weight Watchers meeting is a priority. When I joined March 3, 2011, I wasn’t certain IF I would continue this pursuit. Now, it is truly a part of my life. Yes, a lifestyle change, but definitely for the better. Today, I was thrilled. I am only .02 of a pound of losing 30 pounds! Yes, you are probably adding the length of time up. It is now 11 months. Nevertheless, it has been successful for me. Some diets promote quick weight loss. Others, you practically starve to lose the weight; however, most of those diets are not successful. I have been on a few diets in my lifetime, and each time, the weight slowly creeped back up. Today, I weigh less than I did when my child was born. I will not say how long ago that was, but I am so happy that I weigh less now. Clothes are fitting better and Goodwill is certainly happy that I’ve donated so many clothes to them — many still with price tags on them.

    Next week, I will hit one of my goals. Perhaps soon I will meet with my leader to establish my final goal for lifetime. I will achieve this goal. I have ideas  and goals planned for myself. Finally, I am doing something for me!

    Thank you, Weight Watchers. It feels so good to be able to walk on the treadmill without huffing and puffing, and it feels good to hear compliments from my friends. This I do for me!

  • Losing Weight In 2012


    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!

  • Top 10 Workout Songs


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs For Winter 2011

    San Francisco, CA – Dec 31, 2011 – Traditionally, winter is the time of year when folks find it hardest to get out and exercise.  In the hopes of keeping folks motivated, readers from RunHundred.com–the web’s most heavily-trafficked workout music blog–were polled regarding their favorite, current workout songs.  The resulting top 10 list has a little of what you’d expect—and a little you might not.  Flo Rida, who’s no stranger to this list, shows up in two recent tracks.  Enrique Iglesias continues his transition from balladeer to club rocker.  And Kelly Clarkson, after faltering with the first single off her new album, bounced back ferociously with the second.

    As for surprises, they’re mostly entries from folks relatively new on the dance scene.  Highlights include songs from Tim Berg (who remixed his own track under his Avicii moniker), Skrillex (whose collaboration with Kaskade is the first dubstep track ever the make the Top 10), and Wolfgang Gartner (who’s made the chart with a little help from the Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am).

    Here’s the full list:

    Tim Berg – Seek Bromance (Avicii Vocal Edit) – 127 BPM

    Katy Perry – The One That Got Away – 135 BPM

    Alexandra Stan – Mr. Saxobeat (Maan Studio Remix) – 126 BPM

    Flo Rida – Good Feeling – 129 BPM

    Wolfgang Gartner & Will.I.Am – Forever – 128 BPM

    Hot Chelle Rae – Tonight Tonight (Goldstein Remix) – 118 BPM

    Taio Cruz & Flo Rida – Hangover – 129 BPM

    Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & The WAV.s – I Like How It Feels – 129 BPM

    Kaskade & Skrillex – Lick It – 128 BPM

    Kelly Clarkson – What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) – 117 BPM

    To find more workout songs–and hear next month’s contenders–folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era–to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    http://www.RunHundred.com

  • Here’s to Weight Loss Success in 2012 and Beyond!


    Taking just a moment to wish all of you a Happy and Healthy 2012. May we all continue to lose weight, the best and healthiest way — with Weight Watchers. For 2011, since joining on March 3, 2011, I have lost 28.8 pounds. My goal for 2012 is to lose the remainder of my weight, and to keep it off. Last week, I cleaned out a closet. Actually, I went shopping in my closet, finding many things I forgot I had. Several outfits still had the tags on them. When I tried them on, they were too big. I hope Goodwill will appreciate them!

    Here’s to all of us continuing the weight loss for 2012. May we achieve our goals and make new friends. Happy New Year!