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Original poster

Is it possible to turn your health around with lifestyle changes?

34 replies

topsy22 · 31/08/2024 18:44

I haven't been looking after myself over the past few years. My diet is appalling, I regularly go over my alcohol units per week, I don't exercise and I vape.

No excuses but since having my youngest dc life is hard work and there just isn't any time for the gym. I do walk a lot. I'm massively sleep deprived and I've been seeking comfort in caffeine, carbs, booze and vapes. The idea of salads and workouts just feel beyond me right now. As a consequence I'm overweight, my face is bloated and lined and more importantly I'm totally unfit. I realised the other day in a shopping centre that I was breathless from walking up the stairs. I get occasional chest pain and always feel tired, sluggish and bloated.

I know I need to make changes but I guess what I'm wondering is if any damage to my health can be reversed by improving my lifestyle - exercising more. Cutting out booze and junk food. Eating more nutrients and getting my vitamins etc? Has anyone managed to do this and did you feel better? I'm 39.

OP posts:
Alwaystired2023 · 31/08/2024 18:51

Agree with PP re sugar.. I always feel so much better when I cut out sugar. All sugar, bread included !

GrandHighPoohbah · 31/08/2024 18:50

It's definitely possible. The good news is that once you start feeling better, it becomes easier to give up the other things. So start with whichever you think would be easiest and go from there. Maybe cut down the alcohol to weekends only, same with sugary stuff, and walk every day.

cardibach · 31/08/2024 18:49

Alwaystired2023 · 31/08/2024 18:47

Of course OP - you can do it and you will feel great, start now with one thing a month and by Christmas you will feel much better. Or do my approach and do everything at once and suffer but feel great also 🤣

Start with the booze?

This may be good advice, but it’s also the most difficult change. I haven’t cracked it yet. I’d say change one is enough water.

Mercurial123 · 31/08/2024 18:47

Of course it's possible. What makes you think it isn't?

Alwaystired2023 · 31/08/2024 18:47

Of course OP - you can do it and you will feel great, start now with one thing a month and by Christmas you will feel much better. Or do my approach and do everything at once and suffer but feel great also 🤣

Start with the booze?

cardibach · 31/08/2024 18:47

I’m 59. I’ve massively improved my health over the last 2 years by training with a PT, doing more walking, taking up cycling again and eating a diet of whole foods. I’ve last almost 3 stone and everything feels better.

midgetastic · 31/08/2024 18:47

I known it has been shown that making changes even in your 60s can have a big impact on your health so yes it would be worth it

Probably start small to avoid getting overwhelmed by the problem

Interested in what people think is the best place to start - my guess is alcohol or sugar as both affect sleep and you have more energy to fix other things once you sleep properly

CongratsOnYourLilBump · 31/08/2024 18:47

I did.

I was obese, prediabetic, and had NAFLD and high cholesterol. I turned round those results within 3 months by losing 2lb a week on a Calorie Deficit Diet and Weight Watchers.

ETA I also had 1 PT session and a few group exercise sessions a week with other people like me and dietary wise I focused on upping protein, lowering sugar and UPF.

Summerhillsquare · 31/08/2024 18:46

Of course! But if you're having chest pains I'd be getting to the doctor ASAP.