Enough

by | Feb 2, 2020 | Weight Loss | 0 comments

“Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do and at some point you will.” – Venus Williams

I have been losing weight for at least the past 25 years. No, I’m serious, I can’t remember a time in my life when weight wasn’t part of my dialogue. It started sometime in high school and ever since, I’ve been on and off the proverbial “wagon” with no real progress. In fact, I don’t remember ever being comfortable in my own skin, I always saw myself as “the fat girl.” There were times that I was less heavy or had moderate success in various weight loss attempts, but I never achieved long-term sustainability and I was always bigger than my friends. Along the way, you name it, every weight-loss pill, program, or fad, I tried it. All resulting in short-term success and long-term disappointment. Well, can I just say, I’ve had ENOUGH!

So, prior to embarking on another weight loss journey, I decided to unpack a few things; do an audit if you will, to see if I could determine why I continue to struggle with sustainable and successful weight loss. Here are a few interesting things I realized about myself during this exercise:

  1. I love food, specifically French fries, seriously, I can’t get enough (this revelation was not a surprise).
  2. I tend to become a bit obsessive and sometimes rigid with any plan I start.
  3. I need accountability outside of myself.
  4. I want instant gratification.
  5. I’m not a fan of exercise…in fact, I might be allergic.
  6. Even small variations in my routine or meal plans can completely derail me.
  7. I am a weight-loss starting procrastinator (I can’t start in the middle of the week, month, day etc.).

Each of those realizations, corrected, will absolutely help me succeed short-term. But I was sure the key to long-term success and sustainability went deeper than the tactical steps, good habits, or the “rules” associated with weight loss. Hence, I dug a little deeper and what I came up with was eye-opening.

I examined who was part of my life each time I started a new weight loss journey and found one commonality. This person always started out as my strongest supporter and loudest cheerleader, but somewhere along the way always became my strongest opponent. This person was unkind, relentless, and unforgiving. She had standards and expectations that were unrealistic; she never missed a chance to remind me that my achievements paled in comparison to others around me.

You know what? I believed every word – after all, she knew me better than anyone. I know what you’re thinking “why haven’t you eliminated this toxic person from your life?”, right?! Unfortunately, it’s not so simple when she is staring back at you in the mirror every morning.

After a few months of self-reflection (and a few self-help books), I have recommitted myself to WW, gotten help for my French fry addiction, and most importantly, I have realized that I am enough. Right where I stand, in this moment, I am enough. I still have a long way to go and a lot of work to do, but in each step forward, I will have enough, and I will be enough.

If you can relate, even a little bit, I am here today to say ENOUGH! Stop the self-deprecating commentary. Stop the could having, would having and most of all should having. Stop comparing your lows to other’s highs. Do whatever you have to do, but stop today! Instead, remind yourself daily – no, better yet, hourly – that you are enough, and that you are doing enough. Today, be your own biggest fan, celebrate every achievement (even the teeny tiny ones), AND finally, start being the friend to yourself that you are to others. You are strong, you are beautiful, and you are enough.

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Saturday shopping hits different in the fall. Don't ya think?
#fallvibes #bigfatskinnydish #wegmanshaul #holidayseason

Saturday shopping hits different in the fall. Don`t ya think?
#fallvibes #bigfatskinnydish #wegmanshaul #holidayseason
...

The seasons in our lives serve us in many different ways--but very few had more of an impact on the trajectory of my life than my time in the United States Navy.

To serve was truly an honor, but for me, the experience of serving was a gift that helped shape the rest of my life.

So, to all who have served, and all who continue to make the choice to serve; thank you for your service.

Happy Veteran's Day!

xo Lisa

#veteran #VeteransDay #givethanks #usnavy

The seasons in our lives serve us in many different ways--but very few had more of an impact on the trajectory of my life than my time in the United States Navy.

To serve was truly an honor, but for me, the experience of serving was a gift that helped shape the rest of my life.

So, to all who have served, and all who continue to make the choice to serve; thank you for your service.

Happy Veteran`s Day!

xo Lisa

#veteran #VeteransDay #givethanks #usnavy
...

Yesterday, I had wilty veggies in the produce drawer, leftover rotisserie chicken, and some frozen mini wontons; I turned it into lunch.

I did not follow a recipe, I used what I had, and mostly measured with my heart. But here's what I do know:

3 (hearty) servings
3 WW points

24 mini wonton (got at Costco)
6 oz cooked chicken breast
4 c chicken broth
veggies (I used green beans, and boy choy, green & red pepper, jalapeno pepper)
about 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
about 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
Garlic powder
Sriracha Sauce
Dried soup greens

PS. I know to most of you it's just a recipe for soup, but there was a lesson in it for me; start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!

Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnydish #bigfatskinnyrecipes #weightlossjourney #eatgreatloseweight #soupweather

Yesterday, I had wilty veggies in the produce drawer, leftover rotisserie chicken, and some frozen mini wontons; I turned it into lunch.

I did not follow a recipe, I used what I had, and mostly measured with my heart. But here`s what I do know:

3 (hearty) servings
3 WW points

24 mini wonton (got at Costco)
6 oz cooked chicken breast
4 c chicken broth
veggies (I used green beans, and boy choy, green & red pepper, jalapeno pepper)
about 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
about 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
Garlic powder
Sriracha Sauce
Dried soup greens

PS. I know to most of you it`s just a recipe for soup, but there was a lesson in it for me; start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!

Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnydish #bigfatskinnyrecipes #weightlossjourney #eatgreatloseweight #soupweather
...

"If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu

Change is hard. I get that it's unavoidable—but still, for me, it's hard.

I like things the way they are. I like my routines, the way I take my coffee, and my side of the bed. I don't want different; I want familiar and comfortable. Can you relate?

But here's the thing, comfort is usually in direct opposition to growth. In order to grow, change is a necessity. Transformation starts with a change in thinking.

How we think spills into how we act, and even how we identify ourselves. As challenging as it is, I am continuing to learn to embrace change, not just in my actions--but also in how I think. 

So, here's to thinking differently, acting boldly, and becoming the best version of ourselves.

Change might be tough, but it's where your personal journey of transformation will truly begin.
xo Lisa 💜
#transformationtuesday #ChangeYourMindset #mindsetmatters
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnywisdom

"If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu

Change is hard. I get that it`s unavoidable—but still, for me, it`s hard.

I like things the way they are. I like my routines, the way I take my coffee, and my side of the bed. I don`t want different; I want familiar and comfortable. Can you relate?

But here`s the thing, comfort is usually in direct opposition to growth. In order to grow, change is a necessity. Transformation starts with a change in thinking.

How we think spills into how we act, and even how we identify ourselves. As challenging as it is, I am continuing to learn to embrace change, not just in my actions--but also in how I think.

So, here`s to thinking differently, acting boldly, and becoming the best version of ourselves.

Change might be tough, but it`s where your personal journey of transformation will truly begin.
xo Lisa 💜
#transformationtuesday #ChangeYourMindset #mindsetmatters
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnywisdom
...

#Saturdaysnack idea. 

This is one from way back. Quick, easy and super delicious!

Crispy Fried Parmesan Zucchini served with my almost famous Mama Mia Marinara. (OR use your favorite marina sauce!)

Here's how to make it.

1/2 small zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
9g Extra Crispy Shake 'n Bake
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg, beaten 
1/4 tsp farm dust
Avocado Oil cooking Spray

Slice zucchini into rounds, add farm dust (or salt) to beaten egg. Mix Shake 'n Bake and cheese. Dip zucchini rounds into egg then coat with the Shake 'n Bake mixture. Give a nice, healthy spritz of avocado oil cooking spray and air fry for 11 minutes at 390, flipping once halfway through. #notadiet #eatgreatloseweight #bigfatskinnysnacks #weightwatchers #wwcommunity

#Saturdaysnack idea.

This is one from way back. Quick, easy and super delicious!

Crispy Fried Parmesan Zucchini served with my almost famous Mama Mia Marinara. (OR use your favorite marina sauce!)

Here`s how to make it.

1/2 small zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
9g Extra Crispy Shake `n Bake
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp farm dust
Avocado Oil cooking Spray

Slice zucchini into rounds, add farm dust (or salt) to beaten egg. Mix Shake `n Bake and cheese. Dip zucchini rounds into egg then coat with the Shake `n Bake mixture. Give a nice, healthy spritz of avocado oil cooking spray and air fry for 11 minutes at 390, flipping once halfway through. #notadiet #eatgreatloseweight #bigfatskinnysnacks #weightwatchers #wwcommunity
...

Friday PSA

pa·tience
/ˈpāSH(ə)ns/
noun
1. the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry, frustrated or upset.

2. the most underrated tool in your toolbox for your weight-loss/health journey.

You cannot undo 30 years of damage in 30 days. Stop believing the hype. 

Turn your obstacles into opportunities that find solutions, and then be consistent, and be patient!!

Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnnywisdom 
#consistency 
#progressnotperfection
#bepatient
#bigfatskinnydish
#facetofacechallenge

Friday PSA

pa·tience
/ˈpāSH(ə)ns/
noun
1. the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry, frustrated or upset.

2. the most underrated tool in your toolbox for your weight-loss/health journey.

You cannot undo 30 years of damage in 30 days. Stop believing the hype.

Turn your obstacles into opportunities that find solutions, and then be consistent, and be patient!!

Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnnywisdom
#consistency
#progressnotperfection
#bepatient
#bigfatskinnydish
#facetofacechallenge
...

Our mistakes are not what define our journey; it's the grace from which we recover from them that matters.

Throughout this journey I've faced my share of ups and downs. Losing 115+ lbs, and then gaining 40+ back, resulted in me feeling pretty darn sorry for myself.

But here's the thing, I can't make my mistakes the definition of my journey; I need an attitude adjustment!

Your attitude is your vantage point in life. It can either be your launching pad for growth or the anchor holding you back.

So I am choosing to see each challenge as an opportunity for growth, and every single setback as a chance to learn and become stronger. It's all about perspective.

Today, muster up the grace to recover, and march forward with your head held high--and know that you can do this.

xo Lisa 💜

#transformationtuesday
#progressnotperfection
#MindsetMatters #EmbraceChallenges #StrengthThroughGrace
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnnywisdom

Our mistakes are not what define our journey; it`s the grace from which we recover from them that matters.

Throughout this journey I`ve faced my share of ups and downs. Losing 115+ lbs, and then gaining 40+ back, resulted in me feeling pretty darn sorry for myself.

But here`s the thing, I can`t make my mistakes the definition of my journey; I need an attitude adjustment!

Your attitude is your vantage point in life. It can either be your launching pad for growth or the anchor holding you back.

So I am choosing to see each challenge as an opportunity for growth, and every single setback as a chance to learn and become stronger. It`s all about perspective.

Today, muster up the grace to recover, and march forward with your head held high--and know that you can do this.

xo Lisa 💜

#transformationtuesday
#progressnotperfection
#MindsetMatters #EmbraceChallenges #StrengthThroughGrace
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnnywisdom
...

After I posted on Saturday, a friend suggested that I was being too hard on myself, and that I should take another look at where I was when I started and where I am today to remind myself how far I've come--despite gaining some weight back.

I did just that, and it helped me realize that the idea of "starting at square one" after we experience a setback is a big lie.

In fact, I don't think we are ever really "right back where we started," rather, we are at a new beginning--usually with an army of valuable information gained from the mistakes we've made.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, embrace your setbacks, they are the fuel for your journey forward.

xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #bigfatskinnywisdom #weightlossjourney #healthjourney

After I posted on Saturday, a friend suggested that I was being too hard on myself, and that I should take another look at where I was when I started and where I am today to remind myself how far I`ve come--despite gaining some weight back.

I did just that, and it helped me realize that the idea of "starting at square one" after we experience a setback is a big lie.

In fact, I don`t think we are ever really "right back where we started," rather, we are at a new beginning--usually with an army of valuable information gained from the mistakes we`ve made.

I guess what I`m trying to say is, embrace your setbacks, they are the fuel for your journey forward.

xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #bigfatskinnywisdom #weightlossjourney #healthjourney
...