Simple steps to help me feel better about myself? As feel in a rut.

[FaceLikeASlappedAss]

I'm over weight by 1.5st, I'm 12st 10 & 5ft5
Whilst the NHS calculator will say I should be much much less, when I previously got to 10.3st I looked ill, everyone said I looked gaunt, awful, ill. There was never ever a compliment just how shit I looked.

I eat all the wrong foods, ridiculous portions, I over buy, over cook, over eat.
Example fancy cake, I don't eat one slice I eat until I feel sick almost, like I need to feel full!

I have terrible skin. Always have. Used to suffer with sebaceous cysts on my face but touch wood haven't had any in ages but I have constantly oily skin, and scarred.

I do have pcos which I've been told is why I crave sweet stuff. I also suffer with excess hair growth. I do need to see gp. The pill doesn't work for me makes me very agitated and like I can't control hormones.

I say each week I'm going to eat better. I last 2 days. I have a bad night with the dcs or tired from doing something and I go and buy junk that I scoff when they're in bed.
DH likes a sweet something of an evening so we always have something in.

I used to just buy the things he likes but I'm not keen on to remove that temptation, but he's changes his tastes and now he's more towards things we both like.

The only excercise I even have time for is walking and I have since Xmas made a concious effort to walk more. And have done quite well

What little things can I do, tips etc

FYI when I lost weight prior it was due to taking laxatives if I over indulged, not daily but if I slipped up and ate 4 creme cakes, yes 4! I'd take laxatives. I really dont want to get in this situation again

Before I even start, I must point out that abusing laxatives does NOT make you lose weight! I used to take handfuls every day - I know these things. At most they might purge you of 5-10% of the calories you've just consumed but if you're cramming four cream cakes in your face them laxatives aren't going to do you any favours. They cause vitamin and mineral imbalances which can be VERY dangerous if they affect the heart. Dehydration, exhaustion, palpitations and even loss of consciousness. Not to mention stomach cramps, diahorrea and long-term damage to your bowels. Just. Not. Worth. It.

Please see your GP for support or join a weight loss group (in the community or even on MN). Set REALISTIC goals and stop buying so much crap using 'but DH likes it' as an excuse.

I know how hard it is - I'm overweight too and no matter how little I eat I don't lose weight due to having half a thyroid (and far too much inactivity).

It's possible. Believe in yourself.

I know several people who have successfully lost weight and managed hormonal conditions such as PCOS, inflammation and other health issues you have described through following a clean, low carb way of eating.

It's not a calorie deficit diet. The focus is on eating real food rather than processed, low fat or gimmicky stuff. Satiety not deprivation.

I'm not promoting it and it's nothing to do with me personally but I'm a member of a fb support group that is very informative. I'm happy to DM you the details if you want? There's no pressure or expectation. I joined a couple of years ago and haven't ever contributed!

Simple steps?

It’s important to realise that the food in your house doesn’t just ‘happen’ to you. Obviously you have to accommodate the preferences of anyone you live with - but you have a choice over what you buy. I mean this is the easiest point at which to exercise choice.

So stop buying crap.

Set up a weekly veg box delivery and make sure you eat everything that comes. That alone will leave you little room to devour much else.

Do all your grocery shopping online. Don’t step into supermarkets, or corner shops or anywhere food is sold. It’s much, much easier to avoid cake and crisps and whatever if you’re not walking past them. Order decent unprocessed food.

Don’t order takeaways or any ready prepared food. Cook from scratch / have the other people in your house cook from scratch every day.

Cut down on meat if you eat it. Cut down on bread. Only eat cakes you’ve baked yourself, at home.

Step 2 - peppermint tea. Replace all other drinks (except maybe your morning coffee if that’s important) with really strong peppermint tea. (I like Teapigs - other brands are available.) No fizzy drinks, no shop bought juices, no black tea with milk. If you’re drinking a lot of alcohol you need to cut right back. If only occasionally, do that. Honestly, the clean taste of peppermint tea makes everything else taste grubby. Your body and skin will thank you for this.

My DD has PCOS. She went vegan and lost lots of weight.

You could look up the website of BEAT for support with disordered eating

I can relate and have found maintaining a healthy weight difficult over the years. Diagnosed with pcos 15 years ago, and have had the myriad of symptoms, excess hair, weight gain, thinning hair, difficulty conceiving. I tried over the years, having read about managing PCOS to build better habits to help me. Regular walks, and better meals. Meals planned with slow release carbs and plenty protein, & veg. Eating regularly/ not skipping meals is important. I manage the weight fairly well now, it is very hard to loose weight with PCOS so it deters me from putting too much on at any time. Best of luck with it, check in with GP I wonder could other contraception be considered that may help?

You are being very critical of yourself (e.g. saying how many cakes you eat). However, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You're a hard working mother who uses (understandably) comfort food to help you through life stresses. Many many people do this and it doesnt mean you are bad or greedy. Please be kinder to yourself and work through issues are self esteem before/while you tackle food and health.

You can also be a little more positive as you do not have much to lose at all. It will be some changes, yes, but you will feel better Thinking of making changes as punishment won't help.

I cannot help you much with nutrition as I struggle to get all my veg and home cooked food in my diet.

However, in terms of exercise, you could consider:

1. Get a pedometer and get 10000 steps in a day. Your children and husband can do this with you.
2. Join a sports activity you enjoy and go weekly. E.g. swimming, tennis, beginners gymnastics. This will give you time to yourself, you will look forward to it and Want to get healthier/fitter so you can enjoy it more.
3. Consider calorie counting. I have begun this recently, just to track what I am eating. It's really helpful to jot down what I am eating realistically.and what foods have higher/lower calories. I am aiming to track daily for a while consistently and then cut by 200/300 calories so I can lose some weight. I resisted for AGESSS but I am converted to MyFitnessPal now. Very easy. Few things are hard to track but that's not a reason to not use it at all.
4. Get a personal trainer to set you on the right path. Find someone new to the business so their prices are lower. Consider it a valuable investment for your future healthier years. You won't regret it and if you do, you can stop.

If I think of more I will add but I have to cycle to work now (sneak in exercise habits where I can).

Look forward to reading other people's nutrition tups to help me!