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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask if you have given up alcohol and/or sugar and if it has made you look better?

63 replies

ChristmasGutPunch · 12/05/2024 18:32

My face is sagging and I have a jowl on one side (who knew it happened like that sometimes!). Just wondering if it's worth starting a clean life now in my mid 40s or if the ship has sailed and I should just embrace the good things in life.

OP posts:
LifeInAHamsterWheel · 14/05/2024 21:49

I'm not a big drinker at all so I really don't think it would make much of a difference to me if I gave up completely. However I am a complete sugar addict and at 50 have really noticed my skin sagging and jowls appearing. I was on a video call recently and it really gave me a wake up on how awful I look 😳

My skin is actually good, always has been, but I've binged on chocolate a lot recently and have put on weight that's really noticeable on my face.

I honestly think if I can give up sugar (even just the refined kind) it will help.

Really going to give it a try now.

Teacherprebaby · 14/05/2024 21:50

Don't quit, it doesn't work, replace. Healthy (no sugar) muffins, cookies etc. Loads of recipes online.

Alalalalalongalalalalalonglonglilong · 14/05/2024 21:51

@TheFraud how much approx did you drink beforehand? The puffy face and piggy eyes describes exactly what I feel I'm turning into but I don't think I drink that much. I'm wondering if its worth my while giving up. I could go two weeks without anything then have 1 or 2 both weekend nights. Probably every night on a 2 week summer holiday. A night out for me is 3 or 4 max, that's probably only once every 8 to 10 weeks as i often drive. I feel I really enjoy it and control it well so I don't want to give it up.

Willywaitingforbreakfast · 14/05/2024 21:52

As long as you have no health issues taking vitamins such as selenium, MSM, biotin, and b vit help along with serums, toners and sleeping in a coconut oil mask.

Willywaitingforbreakfast · 14/05/2024 21:52

You use a scrub and steam your face when putting heavy products on it as well or you will have large pours

OneRedSandal · 14/05/2024 21:58

For those that have given up sugar, do you also give up bread and pasta? Or is just desserts and sugary drinks?

TheFraud · 14/05/2024 22:01

I was a heavy drinker for sure. A bottle a night by the end of my drinking. But the puffy, tired face and eyes started when I was in my 30s and drinking 3 bottles a week maybe?

RM2013 · 14/05/2024 22:02

I’m 50 and have definitely noticed jowls appearing. I drink a limited amount on a Friday and Sat because I love found alcohol makes me have awful hot flushes at night. Sugar is a habit I need to kick because I know I could shift the 7lbs or so that I’d like to close if I was a bit stricter.
diet is otherwise pretty good and I exercise regularly.
a friend lost several stone by overhauling her diet and she’s cut out alcohol and sugar and looks brilliant

Sausagenbacon · 14/05/2024 22:09

As a sugar giver-upper, as a previous poster said, a don't buy it or bake it. It's very straightforward.
I sometimes have a small amount of bread, always wholemeal/spelt/rye types but no spread.
I don't have much pasta.
It sounds dreadful but I look and feel so much better. At 66, I know I can only take in so many calories in the day, so I concentrate on them being as varied, nutritious and good quality as I can.

Appalonia · 14/05/2024 22:09

I've just lost 17lbs on a low carb diet and although my body looks good, I swear I look 10 years older in my face!
I'm in my 50s.

So pissed off...

Left · 14/05/2024 22:44

Gave up alcohol around five years ago and it’s made no difference to my looks or weight, and had a negative effect on my mental health.

If you think your rosacea could have dietary triggers then an elimination diet might pinpoint the cause.

changeme4this · 15/05/2024 00:33

Pop on some ''dry'' month challenges. Annie Grace has a challenge starting soon, and hers are open (from what I have read) to moderation rather than full withdrawal. Sarah Rusbatch's The Well Women's collective on FB is a good forum too.

I did a November challenge that started earlier and ended later. Def. notice a reduction in my back/hip fat and more energy. They recommend taking a photo of yourself first day so you can compare. I didn't, but those who posted up ostly had noticeable improvement.

getting back to jowls though, I have noticed mine and can see my mother! I try not to look down too much these days... :)

entervalidusername · 15/05/2024 00:51

@graceinspace999 No but I was a functioning alcoholic for 20 years and bulimic.
Once I stopped drinking and not purging I obviously gained weight

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