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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think I can make myself over in one month?

135 replies

yousignup · 26/04/2017 05:42

Well, not exactly, but basically I want to get to 31 May and feel and look a lot better. This year so far has been terrible in terms of workload and stress, some awful, worrying things in my caseload. May should be a MUCH easier month, so I want to do some challenges. Not just weight wise, everything. I want to get back into warm lemon water and my daily swim, for example. Just ordered some hopefully flattering clothes online.
Any challenges I can do for a month?
Anyone want to join me?

OP posts:
unfortunateevents · 26/04/2017 08:39

I'm in! Have put on loads of weight over the past years, am now a size 18 and hate it. Have a wardrobe stuffed with clothes in sizes going down to 12-14 and would love to wear them again. Giving up work at Christmas hasn't helped. My to-do list by end of May is:

Free things

  • less time on internet
  • start wearing my FitBit again, which I found did make me up my movement
  • being disciplined and going to bed on time! Too little sleep is definitely an issue for me and I have no excuse for it
  • stop eating rubbish food and snacks (that would actually make me money!)

Things that cost money

  • gel nails
  • pedicure
  • teeth whitening (not sure about getting this done by end of May - that's £££) Have had bleaching trays from the dentist before but would like to get them lasered this time.

On the plus side, I have had my hair cut last week and get this done regularly and am pretty good about moisturising and general skin care. Also exfoliate and use body lotion regularly so all is not lost!

Let's do this! Day one will get off to a good start as I am out a lot of today, going to the theatre and meeting friends for dinner so will be inspired to make an effort.

SecretNetter · 26/04/2017 08:45

Hope this thread keeps going. Currently 38 weeks with dc3 and feeling fat, tired, frumpy and slow all the time (I know some of that's to be expected but still, it's depressing).

I'm giving myself until July before I start properly but I can't wait to diet and be able to exercise without being in pain and fit it normal clothes again...so will definitely be working on making myself over once baby is here.

sailorcherries · 26/04/2017 08:46

I will be starting mid-May after my c-section with number two.

Until then I find that the following helps me feel more put together, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg -

  • choose an outfit the night before and leave out, hanging up. It means you have more time in the morning and end up wearing something you are 100% happy with.
  • having my nails painted, finger and toes. I always remove all polish when it starts chipping.
  • moisturising each morning after my shower, face and body.
  • cleansing my face daily.
  • makeup, I tend to stick a little on each day (mineral foundation as it isn't as heavy, lip balm, mascara and I fill in my eyebrows).
  • tidying up my eyebrows
  • doing my hair each day and, if I can't wash it that day, applying dry shampoo the night before as it really absorbs it.

Once baby is here I intended to:

  • introduce exercise gradually, yoga and walking to eventually lead back up to weight training.
  • reduce fizzy juice (damn cravings) and replace with only water/herbal teas and the occasional coffee
  • more fruit and veg
-wardrobe overhaul as and when money is available

It seems like a lot, when in fact it really isn't. My cleansing is done twice a day in the morning shower and before bed; my moisturising takes 5 minutes out my shower and my makeup takes about 5 minutes to do.
Keeping on top of my eyebrows I tend to pluck strays at home and get them threaded once every two months or so (I have chronically slow growing hair).

I done all of this when DS when 7 months old and lost 5 stone before he was 1.5, had amazingly clear skin and felt great. Then I found my OH and pizza again.

123MothergotafleA · 26/04/2017 08:49

Exactly my thought, brass.
Lemon erodes tooth enamel, so go easy on it.
Exercise is a good place to start I have found, it helps with sleep and actually seems to regulate appetite for me. It also regulates the bowels, don't laugh, but on particularly vigorous walks I often have to dive into the undergrowth. An unfortunate side effect that really.
Am going to give up outdoor exercise for the time being until I get the problem under control.
If anyone knows the answer please let us know.

SecretNetter · 26/04/2017 08:52

- teeth whitening (not sure about getting this done by end of May - that's £££) Have had bleaching trays from the dentist before but would like to get them lasered this time

I've heared fantastic things about Charcoal Tooth Polish, including people saying they used to get their teeth whitened professionally but now don't bother as there's no need. It's about a tenner I believe, I can't remember the brand name though. But it's not the charcoal toothpaste that's been around for ages, you brush with it in addition to toothpaste...my local boots has been sold out of it for weeks now which is a good sign I suppose and I've been meaning to buy online...well worth a punt before spending £££ maybe.

Whathaveilost · 26/04/2017 08:53

I am on with improvements.

I have kept my hair longish but went to a really fab and expensive city hairdressers ( big day out) and had my hair cut styled and highlighted with advice on what to tell my local hairdresser to do to keep it up.

I had had HD brows. Love love love them!
Eye lash tint.
I've been using the Bravo acidratments.
I had a make over at Mac, I was upfront and said I couldn't afford everything at once but to write down the essentials and I'd get the rest or alternatives. Some really nice new products.

I had a pedicure and also went to the chiropodist to get my heels and dead skin sorted.

I've started with my diet so that is work in progress.
I already look tons better.

sailorcherries · 26/04/2017 08:54

I also found that not cuttinf out complete food groups helped me stay on plan. If I wanted that packet of crisps I'd have it, just that one, and make sure I still had well balanced meals.
If I was going out for a meal and drinks I'd make sensible choices and not overdo the alcohol or grab food on the way home.

IfYouGoDownToTheWoodsToday · 26/04/2017 08:57

Secret there was recently a report on Radio 4 about Charcoal toothpaste and thye said it made no difference what's so ever.

It would be interesting to hear if anyone on here has used it and got any thoughts?

anastasia38494032010 · 26/04/2017 08:58

Shameless placemarking. At work now, will come back with my ideas x

unfortunateevents · 26/04/2017 08:59

Secret thanks for the recommendation. I had heard about the charcoal tooth polish, indeed worth trying. Looked online and some Boots around me seem to have it in stock, also am in London today so will have a look there.

WizzardHat · 26/04/2017 08:59

I'm in - I need to lose a lot of weight, something like 80 lbs now ffs, how did that happen? I'm planning to do teh blood sugar diet for 8 weeks, and I need to meditate at least once a day while I do it, I've noticed I eat loads less crap when I keep up meditation, I just don't want to eat the rubbish. And after the eight weeks I can see where I am. At the very least I should have more clothes that fit me!

Gwenhwyfar · 26/04/2017 09:06

I'm not convinced by this lemon thing. Sounds like you find it quite a chore anyway.

Canklesofglitter · 26/04/2017 09:07

Can't remember who suggested freezing lemon slices - genius! I've just sliced up three lemons that probably wouldn't have been used up in time otherwise and popped them in the freezer.

I also sliced a lime...well a girl needs her Hendricks and Fevertree... Wink

Eyre89 · 26/04/2017 09:07

I'm in. I've stopped looking after myself too. I did couch to 5k last year and lost 1 1/2 stone felt good. But the running started to aggravate my endometriosis. I just joined the gym and want to go as much as possible.
I'm going to use the skincare products I got for Christmas.
I'm going to eat less and move more. And up my water intake again. I need to lose 2 stone maybe 2 1/2. I've downloaded my fitness pal and yesterday I didn't eat a lot but calories quickly eaten up.so need to make better choices.

SecretNetter · 26/04/2017 09:09

if you go ...if it was about the actual toothpaste, I agree. I've tried charcoal toothpaste before and it's useless. This stuff is supposed to be different though, you need to keep using your regular toothpaste as it's in addition and it's a thick black paste that looks rank.

Gazelda · 26/04/2017 09:09

rattie I'd really recommend the Joe Wicks Lean in 15 recipes. They take 15 mins, super healthy and very tasty. We generally cook them together - one chops while the other stirs, so it's a lovely time to chat over the day. Only thing is, they use loads of ingredients so fill up the fridge very easily, which might be difficult if you're at your parents?

user1484578224 · 26/04/2017 09:11

nice to feel good and look good but.....does any of this stuff work long term?
Its so wearing constantly beating self up.

ShastaBeast · 26/04/2017 09:21

I started lowering carbs and eating more fat very recently, I then dared to weigh myself and yep I have more to lose than I thought. I think my skin is clearing from the reduction of sugar. Lower weight will help with looking better in my clothes, especially as it gets warmer.

What's the benefit of lemon water? Someone mentioned this to me yesterday.

SecretNetter · 26/04/2017 09:23

www.mrblancteeth.com/products/mrblancteeth-whitening-polish

This is the one I saw great reviews on...there's a few bad reviews on the site but they're from people calling it 'toothpaste' and saying it's not minty enough who clearly weren't brushing their teeth in addition Grin

HotelEuphoria · 26/04/2017 09:36

I'd like to join you. I am going to try to cut out all sugar, alcohol and ensure I walk for at least an hour a day.

I desperately need new clothes but I don't know where to start. I currently have 5 pairs of black skinny jeans, I mean WTF? I wear them every single day. At the end of May I will invest in some colour!

newnamechange84 · 26/04/2017 09:36

I'll join! Put two stone on in the last year after losing 3.5 with SW. The last three months have consisted of a bottle of wine nightly, takeaways and generally treating my body like crap. Need to lose weight but it's not just about that. I see some absolutely stunning bigger woman - I just want to look better!

OnePotato2Potato · 26/04/2017 09:37

Ooh can I ask, as a few posters have mentioned hot lemon water, what are the benefits of it? Thanks Grin

GeorgiePeachie · 26/04/2017 09:38

I'm in and I love some of the suggestions so far. For me it's applying for jobs. I have got to get a new job. My deadline is January but I think I will be better at "selling my self" to an employer if I look and feel better in my self.

CurlsandCurves · 26/04/2017 09:38

@brassbrass so i I really shouldn't be putting a slice of lemon in my (cold) water? I usually have a glass with a slice of lemon in that I keep topping up with water all day.

I'm in too. My skin has been awful since Christmas so I've been making a real effort to do a proper skincare routine as opposed to a quick wipe over with a flannel.

I've also got weight to shift. A lot. Going on holiday in August and to be honest any weight off will be fantastic, but I'm going to aim for losing 5 lb a month.

MrsMozart · 26/04/2017 09:39

10k steps a day.

I find it relatively easy when I'm on clients' sites, but work from base days not so good.