How can I get my 'mojo' back?

[milkyman]

My DS is 1. I've had months of sleep deprivation and biscuit eating. Have recently had the noro virus, hurt my back and viral meningitis I look and feel rubbish. I am 38, 5ft 7 and a size 10/12. i dont have much budget but need inspiration...

You are tall and slim, so should be able to wear pretty much anything tbh!

Personally, I'd start with a pair of skinnies from either Topshop, Oasis or M&S, some Chelsea boots, a couple of jumpers and possibly a coat (but I'd wait until the January sales for the latter).

I like this

If you can afford £99 I would def recommend house of colour. Then you can buy cheap clothes that you will look great in. I had my colours done in September and have easily saved that already

It will also help you go through and edit your wardrobe so that you make much better use of the clothes you already have and will show you what makeup colours to wear. A lipstick is a cheap update :)

Tu at Sainsbury's has some good stuff right now here

Cut out sugar. After a month of this I look five years younger (Easier said than done I know, when you feel knackered)

Any tips for cutting out sugar, Novel?

I crave sugar less if I eat more protein, so I start the day with eggs, salmon, sardines on toast , avocado sandwich etc. Porridge with blueberries keeps me going to lunchtime.
Vitamin tablets have minerals which help stabilise blood sugar, so I always make sure I'm taking a multi-vitamin.
I don't buy sweets / biscuits etc for the house and try to get DH to do the same (with varying degrees of success)
I also keep reminding myself that most nutritionists think sugar is the number one enemy of good nutrition, and that some view sugar as a poison. Excessive sugar in the diet can also disrupt the formation of collagen/ worsen wrinkles / increase inflammation. I try to tell myself there's little point in spending money on creams/ masks etc if I'm eating myself older.
'tis hard for the first few weeks, though. After that the cravings subside dramatically and I always look better and feel better when I keep sugar to a minimum (not that I don't fall off the wagon spectacularly from time to time). :)

Thank you. I don't eat meat, and dislike all fish apart from fish and chips once a year or so. Also, I eat my breakfast when I get to work, so things like porridge etc are out. I could take an avocado or hard boiled egg for lunch though. Might start a separate thread to avoid further hijacking here. :)