Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Tag: weight loss

  • Workout Songs for June 2013


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs For June

    Fort Wayne, IN – June 1, 2013 – With summer approaching, the mood–both on the radio and in the gym–has changed. While winter brought with it an eclectic bunch of workout tracks, this new batch is all about fun. As evidence, consider David Guetta’s latest (“Play Hard”), Fergie’s contribution to The Great Gatsby (“A Little Party Never Killed Nobody”), and the collaboration that J. Lo and Mr. 305 debuted on the finale of American Idol (“Live It Up”).
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    David Guetta, Ne-Yo & Akon – Play Hard – 130 BPM
    Jason Derulo – The Other Side – 128 BPM
    Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull – Live It Up – 128 BPM
    Robin Thicke, T.I. & Pharrell – Blurred Lines – 121 BPM
    Emeli Sande – Next to Me – 95 BPM
    Taylor Swift – 22 – 105 BPM
    Porter Robinson & Mat Zo – Easy (Radio Edit) – 128 BPM
    Maroon 5 – Love Somebody – 121 BPM
    Fergie, Q-Tip & GoonRock – A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got) – 130 BPM
    Carly Rae Jepsen & Nicki Minaj – Tonight I’m Getting Over You (Remix) – 126 BPM
    To find more workout songs, 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
    Email: Admin@RunHundred.com
    ###

  • Losing Weight — My Personal Journey With Weight Watchers


    Dearest Readers:

    I would like to personally thank you for the comments you’ve shared with me about losing weight. The more comments I receive, the more I realize I do have a following now with my blog. I sincerely appreciate each and every one finding the courage to share their thoughts with me about ‘losing weight.’

    Today, I am starting a new journey with weight loss, by sharing my experience, success, and struggles, here — on my blog.

    No, I will not share how much I tipped the scales when joining Weight Watchers. If I’ve learned anything at WW, I’ve learned that never do we share how much we weighed when joining Weight Watchers; however, we do share the success of losing weight.

    If you are reading my blog regularly you might recall my experience on the first week, after starting Weight Watchers. On that morning, I felt energized. The entire week, I counted everything. According to my scales I had lost about three pounds. Slipping on to the Weight Watchers scales, my weight loss was recorded, the booklet handed back to me. I read it and screamed. “.06 of a pound! I’ve only lost .06 of a pound???!!!???”

    I grabbed my handbag and shoes and stomping my feet, I quickly darted towards the door. My leader, Kathy, stopped me. “Don’t be upset,” she said. “It’s a loss. Please don’t give up and leave.”

    I have an expressive face. My mother always ridiculed me because she could read my actions just by looking at my face. She used my actions to her advantage. As hard as I tried, I have never been able to shake wearing my ‘heart on my sleeves.’ My eyes always reveal my personality. Kathy knew how I felt. As we spoke, she calmed me down, encouraging me to stay, and not quit. After all, it has only been one week!

    Now, two years later, I am still attending Weight Watchers meetings. For a few months, I started missing meetings because I was sick. From October 2012 until January 19, 2013, I was sick with acute bronchitis. As hard as I tried to get well, my body refused, so I missed several weeks of meetings. I didn’t gain weight during this time. Whenever I am ill, I do not eat properly because food tastes strange and I struggle. Weight Watchers sent me several “We miss you,” cards…signed by all of the receptionists and my leader, Kathy.

    Returning to Weight Watchers, I was greeted warmly. I felt as if I had returned home. Much to my surprise, I had only gained two pounds during my illness. I confess, when I was so sick, the only thing that tasted good to me was a Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty. It was so soothing to my dry, scratchy throat. I didn’t record much in my online journal, and exercising or walking on the treadmill left me breathless. It is hard to stick to any program when you are so weak and ill!

    During my Weight Watchers journey, I have learned so much. I cringe when I hear people say “You can lose 20 pounds in 20 days.” Just what orbit are these people on? Losing weight is a lifestyle change, not the latest, and greatest(??) weight loss trend. When I began my journey with Weight Watchers, I had considered going to a medical doctor specializing in weight loss, and I had considered the weight loss program at the Medical University of South Carolina [MUSC], deciding it was best to swallow the last of my pride and join Weight Watchers — not online — but the weekly meeting type.

    The journey of weight loss can be overwhelming. Humiliating! Depressing! I should know…I’ve tried MANY of them, including the South Beach Diet, the Atkins Diet, special weight loss programs with doctors, the Cabbage Diet, and others that I simply cannot recall. After my diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes, I watched carefully what I ate, losing fourteen pounds in three months. My doctor was thrilled and so was I. In early 2011, nothing was working anymore, so I chose Weight Watchers. My inspiration was Jennifer Hudson.

    In April 2013 my husband and I went to my class reunion. Approaching the registration table, I must say, I felt proud of the woman I am today, especially after looking at my senior picture name tag. Gosh, was I ever a wallflower — in fact, I was downright ugly! At other class reunions, I simply wanted to blend into the woodwork, like I did in high school, but this year, I was determined not to be a wallflower again. I have a new confidence in myself. Over the years, I have changed – for the better! This class reunion taught me that I can accomplish my goals, regardless how difficult.

    To those who struggle with weight loss, I sympathize. I understand your pain. Depression. Disappointment. I have walked in those shoes, and still do; nevertheless, at Weight Watchers, I find encouragement. I’ve made new friends and together we encourage each other. We share tidbits of knowledge we’ve discovered on our journey. I carry a journal to each meeting. It’s amazing how much those little words of encouragement have guided me to continue.

    I must share with you, readers, Weight Watchers is not compensating me for writing about my journeys. I pay the same fees as everyone else, with exception of those who are lifetime members. Achieving lifetime status is my goal, and I will achieve that goal. On the day that I do, you, my readers, will celebrate with me.

    I hope you will continue reading about my success, my struggles, and my determination to accomplish the goals I have established. If you are seeking weight loss, please consider joining Weight Watchers. We, the members of Weight Watchers, understand your pain and disappointment. All of us had to find the strength to open that door, walk inside and weigh. Together, we can accomplish our goals…if we believe in ourselves and are determined to battle the scales on a weekly basis. During the weeks that a weight gain occurs, we simply step off the scale and strive for next week to be a better, more successful week. We have learned not to beat ourselves up, or to beat our heads against a brick wall. For us, the word – failure – does not exist. Life has a way of bringing us down, and when we are down, we must learn to pick ourselves up and keep moving. For me, it has been a battle lately, but I keep telling myself — “It’s okay. This too shall pass…You will break this plateau…just believe in yourself and continue the journey….”

    I confess, as a writer and singer, I am my worst critic. Sometimes I find it easier to just let life bring me down, only now, I dust myself off because I know that if I don’t I will stop this journey, and when (or IF) I stop, I will be lost while the scales continue to escalate. Gaining weight is not an option now! I remind myself to practice what I preach — “It’s okay. This too shall pass…You will break this plateau…just believe in yourself and continue the journey….”

    Famous last words, but I do believe and I am proud that I’ve lost weight, and so many inches.

    I have the poem “Don’t Quit,” hanging on my office wall and I read it constantly, especially:

    “Success is failure turned inside out,
    The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
    And you never can tell how close you are.
    It may be nearer when it seems afar,
    So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit.
    It’s when things seem worse, you mustn’t quit.”

    As a child, my dad quoted this poem to me once, when I wanted to quit something. Maybe it was writing. I cannot recall, but I do remember him quoting “It’s when things seem worse, you mustn’t quit…” to me. I connected with that passage and have used it to remind me to continue my journeys in life. Those of you who know me personally might recall my childhood, the difficulties, the tears shed, and the fears of what my life would become. Happy to say, those words encouraged me to believe in myself, even when I am ‘hardest hit.’

    Will I accomplish my goals for Weight Watchers, and weight loss? Yes Ma’am, I do believe I will. Why not join me? I’d like to share with you something I tell myself…We should never be ashamed of the person we are today. Each day of life is a blessing. Each breath we take gives us strength to continue. Each journey leads us somewhere! Together, we can accomplish our goals and lose the weight. Weight Watchers…because it works!

  • My Weight Watchers Saga…


    I remember the day I made a significant decision to change my life. Thursday, March 3, 2011. The morning began like most. Fresh coffee brewing…letting the dogs outside…checking e-mail…piddling around the house…I’m certain you probably get the picture…waking up sometimes is quite a chore! I turned the TV on, watching the Today Show. Listening to it, but not really caring what the broadcast had to say.

    Since the New Year of 2011, I told myself I needed to lose more weight. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in early 2005, I reminded myself that even though I was losing, it still wasn’t enough. Jennifer Hudson sang on the TV. I listened…I simply love her voice. This time, I truly listened when she spoke about Weight Watchers and how she had lost 80 pounds.

    “Wow,” I thought. “Maybe I should join Weight Watchers again. My mind drifted back to the first time I joined Weight Watchers…how humiliated I felt when the curtain was drawn so I could be weighed. I was mortified. I did not want to go back to Weight Watchers again, to feel the humiliation of “Oh goodness…did you see how much SHE weighs?”

    I decided it was time for change…time to rejoin Weight Watchers, only this time, I would do it online.

    “No,” a voice inside spoke. “You don’t do well alone with losing weight. But…I can’t feel that humiliation again…I just can’t.” A tear slipped down my face.

    Time to research. I visited the website, Weightwatchers.com, reading all that I could about Weight Watchers and their new Points Plus program. One description echoed in my ears. “Confidential weigh-ins…” But how could that be? The last time I joined Weight Watchers, I remember them closing a beige colored curtain. The scale was on the floor, but still, people could peek through the curtains to discover ‘your little secret…how much you weigh.’

    The more I read, the more I decided…If Jennifer Hudson could do this, so could I. After all, she was a world-famous celebrity. Quickly, I dressed, put my makeup on and made the attempt to look as good as I could. The meeting was in Mt. Pleasant at 10:00 am.

    ENTERING WEIGHT WATCHERS

    At 9:15, I parked the car as far from the entrance as I could, closer to Wal-Mart than the sign of Weight Watchers. My heart was pounding. My eyes watered. I touched my trembling hands. “You can do this,” I whispered. “Remember…confidential weigh-ins…”

    Opening the door, I prayed that I would not recognize anyone. My head was low, no eye contact. Normally when I walk into a room I make an entrance. This time, I simply wanted to blend into the woodwork. A wallflower, again. Quickly I filled out the forms. Trembling, I stood in the line in anticipation of the dreadful weight check. I watched as many women got on the scales. No curtain. No privacy. My mind drifted back to the date I joined Weight Watchers, over 20 years ago. Perhaps longer. Just how could this be ‘confidential weigh-ins?’ I listened, never hearing any numbers or weight gains shared. I glanced as a woman stepped on to the small-scale. This scale reminded me of the one I had at home, in the bathroom. Digital, supposedly accurate, I waited while wondering if the weight would blink next to my feet, and if someone else would read how much I weighed.

    Stepping on the scales, I looked down. The receptionist standing behind a receptionist area smiled at me, welcoming me to Weight Watchers. I looked down, looking to read the blinking light of the scale, only there wasn’t anything blinking. “Did I break the scale?” I asked. No lights. No digital readout. Nothing.

    “No,” she smiled. “I’m the only one who can read it back here. No one else knows… It’s OK. It is confidential! Things have changed and Weight Watchers wants you to feel welcome here.”

    She handed me a small booklet. Recorded inside was my weight. No one else knew, or could read it. “Confidential weigh-ins.” I read the number. “Thank You, God,” I whispered. My secret was safe…only the receptionist and I knew the number, and she appeared sympathetic…understanding. I felt as if I could trust her!

    I inhaled. Exhaled. I sat down — in the back row. I did not want to connect eye sight with anyone. I did not want anyone to recognize me.

    I inhaled and exhaled again. My fingers continued to shake. My heart palpitated. Never did anyone inquire as to what I weighed. No one asked me if I was new. I began to realize that everyone in this crowded room was a “Weight Watcher.”

    “It’s OK,” I said to myself. “Everyone here has walked in the same shoes…You’ve made the right decision.”

    Moments later, a friendly, attractive woman with beautiful red hair and a pleasant and warm personality walked towards the front of the room. She stopped by me for a moment. “What’s your first name?” She asked.

    I wanted to crawl through the woodwork. “Barbie,” I whispered. She wrote my name on a name tag, handing it to me. I placed it on my shirt, still looking at my feet.

    She smiled and walked to the front of the room.

    Shouting so all could hear, she said. “Welcome to Weight Watchers. My name is Kathy. I’m your leader!”

    Two years later, I still fight with losing weight. I have learned to apply positive feedback. Instead of thinking “But I’ve only lost 35 pounds…in two years…” I tell myself, “Hey dummmy…just think of where the scales would tip IF you hadn’t joined Weight Watchers and made a great lifestyle change. Think of the clothes you could not wear…because they were too little…all of those gorgeous cocktail dresses that you had to give away…simply because they were too big! No doubt my Goodwill store appreciates me. Weight Watchers has taught me not to save those ‘big clothes…’ and I donate them to charity, instead.

    I hate to even think where those scales would be now, but they would steadily be creeping up, instead of down. Now, on Thursdays, I sit with a great group of women…all who have walked in my shoes…all who have lost only “.02 of a pound weekly…for many weeks…” We encourage each other by reminding ourselves that we are still losing…even when we only lose .02! I’ve called us the “Two tenths club!”

    Some of the nicest words I have heard in a long, long time are “Welcome to Weight Watchers,” and Kathy’s affectionate, happy words of ‘HE-LLLL-O,” at every meeting.

    Yes, I have joined Weight Watchers…and my journey has been two years long, but during that time I have achieved many accomplishments…not simply weight loss, weight gain…and back and forth… I am able to walk on the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge in Charleston — with an extremely painful arthritic knee that doesn’t ache as much after losing 35 pounds! AND — I have accomplished walking on the treadmill for 30-40 minutes daily! Not bad for someone with asthma!

    Like the slogan says, “Weight Watchers…because it works!”

    I am a believer now. Every Thursday I have a group of encouraging friends at the meetings. No longer do I hold my head down. I smile. Head held high and I share my stories…Weight Watchers…because it WORKS!!!

    Goodbye, Wallflower!

  • Walking At An Advanced Level While Working Thru My Fears – Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge


    Today, I tackled the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge once again. My goal for each week is to walk it three times weekly. To those of you who do not know, “The bicycle and pedestrian lane is 2.7 miles long (14,400 feet), measuring from
    Patriots Point Road to East Bay Street. Measuring only the part that is on the bridge structure, the walkway is 2.4 miles long (12,750 feet). Most of the bridge is limited to a 4.1% maximum slope. On the Charleston side of the
    main span, the long approach is a 1.8% slope. On the Mount Pleasant side, there is a section three tenths of a mile long that has a 5.6% slope.” http://www.cooperriverbridge.org/bike.shtml

    The bridge opened in 2005. Almost every time I have driven across this bridge I have always said to myself, “One day, I’m going to walk that bridge…” Thanks to Weight Watchers and the new goals I have established, I am achieving that goal. I must say, as I approach the beginning of the bridge, I look ahead, noticing the steep incline. “Focus,” I tell myself. “You can do this.” There is an inner-voice inside of me saying, “Don’t you hear the traffic. Don’t you remember how frightened you are of busy roads, cars rushing by and so much traffic.” I struggle to push that inner-voice aside…not to listen to her…to be stronger…more determined…and before I know it, I continue the walk. My first goal is the first tower from Patriots Point. Accomplishing that goal, I rest…breathing in…breathing out…remembering how I must breathe so I do not have an asthma attack.

    I am proud of myself for accomplishing the bridge walk. As a child, resting inside an oxygen tent, fighting another episode of asthma in the hospital, I never thought I could accomplish this task. Doctors had said that I would never be active like other children, simply because asthma had left me weak. The steep incline intimidated me at first, but I wanted to prove to myself that I can do this. Maybe I cannot run like the joggers who pass by me, but I can achieve my goals, and I have.

    Today, while walking up the first incline, I noticed a woman struggling. She stopped. As I passed by her, I turned back. “Are you Okay?” Her breathing was raspy. She held on to the rail, looking down.

    “I’m afraid of heights… I can’t do this. I told my daughter I couldn’t and I’m scared.”

    “Where’s your daughter?”

    “Up there ahead of us.”

    I touched her. “It’s okay. I have a fear of traffic. I was hit by a car when I was nine-years-old. I’m horrified that a car may jump the ramp and hit me…but I can’t focus on that. I have to believe in the power of positive thinking, and I must have faith that I can do this walk.”

    The woman gave me a puzzled look. “When you were hit, were you injured?”

    “Definitely. The driver was a hit and run. He was a teenager. He was drunk, but when he noticed someone was writing notes about the accident, he pulled over. I guess he knew he would be caught, so he stopped then. I had a severe concussion and my brain was swollen. The doctors and police officers said I should’ve been killed…but look at me now…Here I am walking the bridge. If I can do this with my fears, so can you.”

    The woman released her clutched hand from the rail. “Ok,” she said. “How do you know I can do this…that I can work past my fears…?”

    “I have faith…God will guide you.”

    “You don’t know me…”

    “I have faith.”

    I started my approach again. The woman followed me. When I topped the second tower, I saw her again, walking with her daughter. She stopped to hug me.

    “Thank you,” she said. “I did it! I wouldn’t have done it without you.”

    Her daughter smiled, said thank you and together, they turned to walk down the bridge.

    Funny. Today was my day just to walk the bridge, only today was a new day for me to smile at someone, share a bit of courage, and a lot of faith. Every day of my life, I attempt to share a bit of kindness to others. Never did I think I would do that on the towers of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge.

    Walking down the bridge, I felt a bit wiser…a bit stronger…a bit happier with who I am. I smile at people as I pass them on the bridge. Most of them are preoccupied with cell phones, Ipods and a blank look on their faces. Today, I am thankful that although my Blackberry is inside my pocket, my Ipod is at home and I am focused on the challenge of walking the bridge…building a bridge to my health, happiness and weight loss. Much of that I give credit to Weight Watchers, but today, I give credit to the kindness of a stranger who was struggling to work past her fear…and she did it…along with me!