I should be feeling amazing. Why don’t I? And how unreasonable is it to expect to?

[SomethingNarstyInTheWoodshed]

For many years I have drunk too much. Not buckets full. Just a good couple of glasses of red most evenings.

Since Christmas I haven’t. I’ve had 3 occasions when I have had a couple of small glasses.

I’ve also eaten far more vegetables and less crap.

1. Why do I not look better? I still look tired, haggard and shit.

1. Why do I not feel better? I still feel shit in the mornings. I’m not sleeping better. I’m sluggish, forgetful and still unhinged.

1. Why am I not thin? After an initial half stone loss nothing. I though alcohol was all liquid sugar and empty calories. Still fat.

Would it be unreasonable to say fuckit and enjoy half a bottle of delicious red wine most evenings?

Have you had any blood tests? To check liber function?

Well done on getting the wine under control!

A few ideas to help you on your way to feeling even better.

*a brisk walk in the evenings
*treat yourself to some nice face masks to do before bed, will help improve your skin further
*insomnia meditation before bed (search on YouTube)

*liver

Have you swapped alcohol for something else though/? Like sugary crap?

I felt the same when I gave up smoking, I felt no different but I knew it was better for me in the long run, not everything happens overnight and stressing/getting angry about it won't help.

You've pissed out all your b vitamins and minerels wigth your previous alcohol consumption and not replaced them

Also the last time you remeber feeling brilliant in the mornings, you were probably about nine. You're a grown up now, all grown ups feel like shit before 9.30am

Firstly, well done for ditching the alcohol AND changing your eating habits. Apparently it takes 3 months for a change to really stick so please dont give up now.

The long term benefits will be working in the background but in my experience, the way we physically look (or perceive ourselves) takes much longer to become apparent.

One way to help might be to take progress pics of yourself as its not so easy to notice changes when you see yourself every day (if that makes sense!)

Good luck - please stick at it!

I wasn’t a raging dipsomaniac. I just liked a couple of glasses of an evening. My liver is perfectly normal.
I’m just pissed off that i am still fat and look like shit. And really fancy a glass of red.

Maybe this is what being 44 feels like. Shit, that’s depressing.

Keep at it and give it time!

Bollox to that. If this is what 44 feels like i might as well numb the edges with alcohol. And get Botox.

Becuase you just don’t get over years and years of drinking, not eat8ng enough Vegs etc... in a couple of months!!
I’m sorry but this is a long term thing.

I wood also go and see your GP if you are feeling so tired and have your liver enzymes checked etc.....

I'm 46. I feel shit every morning.
After a few glasses of red, I feel really, really shit in the morning.
It's also still cold, wintery, and only March. Stick with it.

You may be partly affected by the weather. It's a down in the dumps time if year.

Sorry missed the bit where you said you had your bloods done.

Functional médecine practitioner/nutritionist might be a good bet to help you recover.

Have you had bloods done?

Many people are vitamins D deficient, and many people that age have thyroid problems. I had mine done and was low thyroid, low iron, low vitamin D. Can't say I feel any better for taking them though, but there are other things going on, too...

I'm 47. Don't smoke, barely drink, exercise, am vegan. I look like shit and am overweight. I think it's called the menopause.

I'm 46. I feel shit every morning.
After a few glasses of red, I feel really, really shit in the morning.
It's also still cold, wintery, and only March. Stick with it.

^^

This, really.

I know what you mean. Up until about 4 years ago, I used to drink half a bottle of wine every night and smoke a couple of cigarettes. Now I rarely drink at all. I went vegetarian and cut out sugar and just felt completely miserable, didn't look any better and it was no easier getting up in the morning.

I think it's just age.

If takes absolutely ages to lose weight if you only change one thing.

Try drinking 4 litres a day of water, will help with everything.

I'm sort of thrilled so many other people feel like me!

I have lost 3 stone. I run 15 km a week at least. Loads of water/veg.
I do not have the energy levels I was promised!!! I know I'm healthier but
I expected to leap out of bed in the morning. I'm with you OP

Probably should drink lots of water with those veggies- also exercise might help you sleep better as well. Most important is to give yourself time. Spring is nearly here (despite last weeks weather warnings) and the sunshine will help you feel a bit brighter. 🌞

Am I the only one thinking to suggest going back to the wine?

I tried to cut out coffee and it just made me miserable. So I went back. It's the only vice I have! And I didn't feel any different anyway 😛

Have you had your thyroid function tested?