Enough
“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:
- I love food, specifically French fries, seriously, I can’t get enough (this revelation was not a surprise).
- I tend to become a bit obsessive and sometimes rigid with any plan I start.
- I need accountability outside of myself.
- I want instant gratification.
- I’m not a fan of exercise…in fact, I might be allergic.
- Even small variations in my routine or meal plans can completely derail me.
- 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.
My daughter asked me to get her chicken McNuggets while I was out today.
Can I just say, going through the drive-thru when you`re hungry is hard. But I haven`t had McDonald`s (other than an Egg McMuffin a time or two) since 2019. And I wasn`t going to start today...although I do plan to try the strawberry shortcake McFlurry before it`s gone! But that`s another post!
I decided to ask for a few extra sauces (my favorite is Hot Mustard) and came home to make my own copycat nuggets.
I wish I could take the credit for this piece of culinary genius, but I found the recipe while scrolling Instagram--it was a reel, so I`m not sure who it was!
Copy Cat Chicken McNuggets
Serves 1 (12 nuggets)
4 WW Points
443 Calories
12.5 oz can Kirkland Canned Chicken, drained
1 egg
65 grams 75% Reduced Fat Cabot Cheddar
1 tbsp grated parmesan
Seasoning of your choice, I used some spicy ranch seasoning.
Avocado Oil cooking spray
Preheat oven or airfryer to 400.
1. Mix all ingredients well, shape into nuggets (I got 12 out of this), place on pan spritzed with avocado oil cooking spray, then give them another quick spritz.
2. Air fry or bake 25 min or until golden and crispy, turning them over halfway through. I use the air fry function on my Ninja XL oven.
I enjoyed these with my favorite McDonald`s nugget sauce!
As a side note, the point/nutritional values will be different depending on the cheese you use.
#bigfatskinnyrecipes #eatgreatloseweight #weightlossjourney #healthyswaps
My daughter asked me to get her chicken McNuggets while I was out today.
Can I just say, going through the drive-thru when you`re hungry is hard. But I haven`t had McDonald`s (other than an Egg McMuffin a time or two) since 2019. And I wasn`t going to start today...although I do plan to try the strawberry shortcake McFlurry before it`s gone! But that`s another post!
I decided to ask for a few extra sauces (my favorite is Hot Mustard) and came home to make my own copycat nuggets.
I wish I could take the credit for this piece of culinary genius, but I found the recipe while scrolling Instagram--it was a reel, so I`m not sure who it was!
Copy Cat Chicken McNuggets
Serves 1 (12 nuggets)
4 WW Points
443 Calories
12.5 oz can Kirkland Canned Chicken, drained
1 egg
65 grams 75% Reduced Fat Cabot Cheddar
1 tbsp grated parmesan
Seasoning of your choice, I used some spicy ranch seasoning.
Avocado Oil cooking spray
Preheat oven or airfryer to 400.
1. Mix all ingredients well, shape into nuggets (I got 12 out of this), place on pan spritzed with avocado oil cooking spray, then give them another quick spritz.
2. Air fry or bake 25 min or until golden and crispy, turning them over halfway through. I use the air fry function on my Ninja XL oven.
I enjoyed these with my favorite McDonald`s nugget sauce!
As a side note, the point/nutritional values will be different depending on the cheese you use.
#bigfatskinnyrecipes #eatgreatloseweight #weightlossjourney #healthyswaps
I stumbled across an old journal entry from late 2020. And boy did I need the reminder.
I thought I`d share just in case any of you needed a reminder too:
"Transformation is a process. It takes time, and patience. Sometimes you`re gonna hit it on all cylinders, and sometimes you`re gonna struggle. In either case the requirement is to show up, and do the best that you can."
(December 13, 2020)
Don`t ever underestimate your own wisdom, because most times the only expert you need is looking back at you in the mirror.
xo-Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossjourney #bigfatskinnywisdom
I stumbled across an old journal entry from late 2020. And boy did I need the reminder.
I thought I`d share just in case any of you needed a reminder too:
"Transformation is a process. It takes time, and patience. Sometimes you`re gonna hit it on all cylinders, and sometimes you`re gonna struggle. In either case the requirement is to show up, and do the best that you can."
(December 13, 2020)
Don`t ever underestimate your own wisdom, because most times the only expert you need is looking back at you in the mirror.
xo-Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossjourney #bigfatskinnywisdom
I had a bad hair day..
I was letting my hair grow because, for like a minute I was loving it long--and then yesterday on a whim I decided that I didn`t.
I sent a quick text to @nikitajohns, the best hairstylist ever, and a few hours later my hair was four inches shorter, my bad hair day was over, and I was ready for spring!
The moral of the story is: making a change doesn`t require over thinking--just do it!
I had a bad hair day..
I was letting my hair grow because, for like a minute I was loving it long--and then yesterday on a whim I decided that I didn`t.
I sent a quick text to @nikitajohns, the best hairstylist ever, and a few hours later my hair was four inches shorter, my bad hair day was over, and I was ready for spring!
The moral of the story is: making a change doesn`t require over thinking--just do it!
My eyes have been bothering me off and on for a few days, I figured it was just a Sjogrens flare, until this morning when I woke up with sore, red, goopy eyes.
So I scheduled a quick video visit with my doctor...
and the winner is:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis (aka) Pink Eye!!
I`m getting some antibiotic drops, but spam me with your best home remedies to soothe sore, achey eyes 👀!
My eyes have been bothering me off and on for a few days, I figured it was just a Sjogrens flare, until this morning when I woke up with sore, red, goopy eyes.
So I scheduled a quick video visit with my doctor...
and the winner is:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis (aka) Pink Eye!!
I`m getting some antibiotic drops, but spam me with your best home remedies to soothe sore, achey eyes 👀!
Happy Sunday!
I don`t know about you, but this spring ahead thing has got me all messed up!
I mean, I know it`s only an hour but man I feel like I missed half the day!!! 😳
I will not be live on Facebook this evening as I`m getting ready for a quick trip tomorrow and Tuesday. BUT, I still wanted to share the recipe I talked about last week. It`s one of my faves and it comes together quickly!!
I especially love fennel and apples together, but it is equally delicious without the fennel. If you skip the fennel (which I do not recommend) just add an additional cup of broccoli slaw mix.
Apple Crunch Slaw
6 servings
1sp
75 calories
3 c broccoli slaw
1 c fennel sliced thin
2 apples julienned, shredded, or chopped
2 tsp Fruit Fresh (sprinkled on apples to keep them from browning)
DRESSING
1/2 c nonfat greek yogurt
2 tbsp Light mayo
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 packets Truvia Sweetener
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp celery seed
Toss slaw and fennel together. Sprinkle apples with fruit fresh and toss together, add to slaw mix. Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and uniform, pour over slaw and toss well until coated. #myww #weightlossjourney #wwcommunity #bigfatskinnysalads #eatmoresalad
Happy Sunday!
I don`t know about you, but this spring ahead thing has got me all messed up!
I mean, I know it`s only an hour but man I feel like I missed half the day!!! 😳
I will not be live on Facebook this evening as I`m getting ready for a quick trip tomorrow and Tuesday. BUT, I still wanted to share the recipe I talked about last week. It`s one of my faves and it comes together quickly!!
I especially love fennel and apples together, but it is equally delicious without the fennel. If you skip the fennel (which I do not recommend) just add an additional cup of broccoli slaw mix.
Apple Crunch Slaw
6 servings
1sp
75 calories
3 c broccoli slaw
1 c fennel sliced thin
2 apples julienned, shredded, or chopped
2 tsp Fruit Fresh (sprinkled on apples to keep them from browning)
DRESSING
1/2 c nonfat greek yogurt
2 tbsp Light mayo
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 packets Truvia Sweetener
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp celery seed
Toss slaw and fennel together. Sprinkle apples with fruit fresh and toss together, add to slaw mix. Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and uniform, pour over slaw and toss well until coated. #myww #weightlossjourney #wwcommunity #bigfatskinnysalads #eatmoresalad
Fresh hair day is my favorite! Disguising my wisdom!!!
#transformationtuesday
Happy FriYaY-Weigh! So far this month my weight has not budged--I`ve been maintaining, which is (arguably) good, but my goal is to lose.
And there it is, my weekly struggle between gratitude and disappointment.
With that said, I choose gratitude. These two pictures are almost four years apart. I`ve come an incredibly long way, and am proud of all that I`ve overcome.
I am well aware of the work that is yet to be done, but for today, I am choosing to celebrate where I am right now and the strength and courage it took to get here.
What wins are you celebrating today?
xo Lisa
#celebrateeverywin #weightlossjourney #consistency #eatmovetracksleep #drinkyourwater #bigfatskinnywisdom #facetofacefriday #Face2FaceFriday
Happy FriYaY-Weigh! So far this month my weight has not budged--I`ve been maintaining, which is (arguably) good, but my goal is to lose.
And there it is, my weekly struggle between gratitude and disappointment.
With that said, I choose gratitude. These two pictures are almost four years apart. I`ve come an incredibly long way, and am proud of all that I`ve overcome.
I am well aware of the work that is yet to be done, but for today, I am choosing to celebrate where I am right now and the strength and courage it took to get here.
What wins are you celebrating today?
xo Lisa
#celebrateeverywin #weightlossjourney #consistency #eatmovetracksleep #drinkyourwater #bigfatskinnywisdom #facetofacefriday #Face2FaceFriday
Taking care of others can be both challenging, and exhausting.
Which is why making my own care a priority is absolutely essential. You know, the put your own mask on first thing...and I wasn`t very good at it for more years than I can count.
I have always been a supplement skeptic, but have since learned that (much like in life), sometimes a little bit of support goes a really long way.
In addition to eating well, moving, tracking, drinking my daily water, and getting plenty of sleep, I take supplements for:
👉 Hormone and Mood Support
👉 Stress and Weight Management Support
👉 Gut Health Support
👉 Inflammation and Autoimmune Support
While I know that taking a few supplements will not solve all my health issues, or make me magically thinner, I do know what a difference they have made for me on my health journey.
Do you supplement?
#myweightlossjourney #weightlossjourney #consistency #eatmovetracksleep #drinkyourwater
Taking care of others can be both challenging, and exhausting.
Which is why making my own care a priority is absolutely essential. You know, the put your own mask on first thing...and I wasn`t very good at it for more years than I can count.
I have always been a supplement skeptic, but have since learned that (much like in life), sometimes a little bit of support goes a really long way.
In addition to eating well, moving, tracking, drinking my daily water, and getting plenty of sleep, I take supplements for:
👉 Hormone and Mood Support
👉 Stress and Weight Management Support
👉 Gut Health Support
👉 Inflammation and Autoimmune Support
While I know that taking a few supplements will not solve all my health issues, or make me magically thinner, I do know what a difference they have made for me on my health journey.
Do you supplement?
#myweightlossjourney #weightlossjourney #consistency #eatmovetracksleep #drinkyourwater
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