What one thing has made the biggest difference to how you feel about yourself?

[Coveredinweetabix]

I am feeling particularly haggard today as too much cake and chocolate over the Easter weekend has left me spotted and bloated and DS has been up umpteen times in the past few nights with his teeth so I look really tired. I also haven't managed to fit in any exercise for the past month and feel a lot less toned.
I've been making lots of promises to myself today about exercising every day, taking make up off properly every night (which would involve bothering to put make up on every day), drinking more water, eating better etc but, realistically, they are not all going to happen. I've even considered that oil pulling thing.
So, what one thing has made the biggest difference do you think to how you look or feel about yourself. I day dream about daily personal training sessions but they're out on both cost and time grounds.

[AmberNectarine]

Running, lots of it. Feel like a cat on hot bricks when I can't get out.

[Coveredinweetabix]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. It is very interesting, especially as some of it (drinking water, reducing sugar) is discipline rather than time and others (moisturiser) are a matter of minutes.
For those who reduced sugar, what did you do? Cut out biscuits & similar or go more hardcore?

[HerRoyalNotness]

covered when i want to reduce sugar intake, I take chromium tablets. It takes away my sugar craving altogether.

For me, a great haircut makes me feel good, and being fit. I'm absolutely knackered and cannot motivate myself to exercise. I know once I get into it, I'll be ok. Have previously done the couch to 5k (managed to get up to 7k runs, a miracle for me, a non-runner!) and felt and looked great. Not thin, but really toned and lean.

I'm hesitant to run where we are, esp after dark, but we have a treadmill in the garage, and I bought Shaun T's insanity work out in the hope of being toned for summer by the pool. I've done it once, because that's how I roll...

[Nowitscleanugobshite]

I lost about 3 stone (no tricks just eating less and exercising more!) I teach and there are often "goodies" in the staff room so I would allow myself something IF it was something I would have bought! If it was something I wouldn't have paid money for-I didn't eat it!
I also have gel nails done. They cost £25 and last for 4 weeks. I love them! I let the girl go wild with them! She has pages of pinterest ideas for me each time I go! Last time I had skulls! This time I have grey/black/gold leopard and gold/black zebra!! Can't wait to see what I'll get on Saturday!!

[Lottapianos]

The things that make me feel best are either free or very cheap:

Running/brisk walk every day
Losing weight due to exercise, portion control and
Cutting down on sugar, including booze
Lots of water and decaf green tea every day
Eating plenty of veg
Lots of good fats - avocados, nuts, taking fish oil capsules
Getting enough sleep
Ditching the fags

And finding the right products for your skin - I swear I can hear my skin sigh with pleasure when I put my Astral on!

[eightandthreequarters]

Running. I don't lose much weight with it, but I run 5k a few times a week and it makes me feel great.

Also eating plenty of veg. I feel ill if I don't eat enough.

[Eliza22]

Doing one hours exercise a day and using MyFitnessPal to regulate food. I have lost 18 lbs. It goes up/down by 3 or 4 lbs from time to time but for
over a year, I've felt more confident in what I look like. I'm NOT skinny but certainly fitter and in proportion.

And I can wear all of my clothes comfortably without self-consciously fidgeting to pull tops over my (one time) gut

Bobbi Brown BB Cream has released me from full makeup every day!

[Hopefully]

Covered I find any sugar reduction makes a difference to my skin/wellbeing. So when I'm feeling hardcore I cut all refined carbs, reduce fruit to a bare minimum etc. when I'm feeling less determined I try to stick to wholemeal carbs and not massive quantities, cut out potatoes because I'm not a massive fan of them, and limit myself to a sweet treat every few days. Even that makes a big difference though.

[holmessweetholmes]

Covered - I did the full-on low carb rather than just cutting out sugar. It is very hard at first but it's amazing when the cravings stop. I had already lost quite a bit of weight just by eating more healthily and running, but low carb changed my shape in a way that no other diet or exercise ever had - I felt lean and light. Back on the waggon for me now... It's Day One and the cravings are not improved by a house full of Easter eggs!

[sj73]

A few thing. On turning forty I decided to get my shit together and my big things were: going low carb which was a real epiphany for me. No longer starving and grazing. Look leaner, more energy and better skin. Second thing : skin care. I use a clarisonic which is a bloody marvel. Glycolic home peels and ive recently discovered Retin A. Although not with glycolic a of course. Retin A is a bit of a miracle cream I reckon.

[sj73]

One more thing: lifting heavy weights.

[wilkos]

Leaving my Dh. I didn't think I could but I did, and even though he has (as expected) tried to break me both emotionally and financially to get his revenge he has not and will not succeed.

I am different now. I am stronger and a better mother, daughter, sister and friend than I ever was being worn down by him

[Coumarin]

Covered For me reducing my sugar intake has involved cutting out refined sugar and white carbs. So potatoes, bread, pasta. I still eat fruit and other carbs. I've replaced bread with rye bread, potatoes with lentils or quinoa. Wholemeal where I can. That kind of thing.

I think there was a thread in Chat a couple of dats ago about reducing sugar. Or there's the very good Eating Better thread in the Food forum. Not just about cutting out sugar but improving general health through what you eat.

I have seen a big difference in my mood particularly towards the end of my cycle. This is huge for me as pmt is something I've really struggled with. My skin looks brighter and is smoother too.

[BumgrapesofWrath]

I have started regularly doing BodyCombat classes, and I have to say no exercise I have ever done has made me feel as good about myself mentally and physically. The results have been pretty good on my body, toned arms and shoulders.

I also feel rubbish if I don't eat plenty of fruit and veg as well. Pretty easy to fit in.

I've started noticing a sluggishness when I've eaten red meat, so maybe cut that down out of your diet.

[Coumarin]

Actually yes, what sj73 said. Taking a deep breath and just deciding to get your shit together. Not thinking that you'll do it tomorrow but cracking on with whatever it is you've decided to try.

Also, don't save things for 'best'. That is like saying the you, you are today isn't good enough. Everyday is best. Get that perfume on, use your fancy bath soak.

[Lottapianos]

Well done wilkos. I know from experience how hard that must have been. Enjoy your new life.

[conquita]

Eve Lom Cleanser
Eve Lom moisture mask
Sunday Riley Good Genes serum
Body brushing before shower/moisturising body after
Drinking more water
Drinking one coffee a day
Only eating toast at the weekends
NOT weighing myself and only using clothes to monitor weight/fat
Getting outside everyday for a walk
Running at least twice a week, sometimes 5k sometimes 3k, or interval walking/running
Pilates Reformer class once a week
Pilates group class studio once a week
Menuplanning
Flossing teeth and using mouthwash
Reverse hair washing [only works on me using Aveda products]

For me this is the best: Wearing good quality exercise clothing - I just received an order from Sweaty Betty and am itching to get out for a run, wearing the new capri leggings has raised my self esteem [and fat ass] big time.

[conquita]

sorry that is slightly more than one difference

[jan2014]

conquita that is a whole life style change :) can i ask, how did cutting down to one coffee a day change how you feel? i am considering cutting my caffieine intake but it seems to boost my energy.

[MrsGarvey]

Losing weight has to be number one and staying fit. All clothes look better on me with less bulges, getting dressed is a pleasure rather than a torture. After that it's a good hair cut and a good lipstick.

[conquita]

Jan2014 it feels great! I just have one medium sized soy flat white each morning and then drink water throughout the rest of the day. I get less stressed out with the lack of cafeine too!
With my list, these are things I have introduced into my life gradually over the last 6 years. So if you can just start to introduce one of the things that will make a difference into your life say once a month, or every two months, then think how better you will feel after 6 months - 1 year

[noddyholder]

Low carb
Seriously looking after skin
No alcohol in the week have lapsed recently with this bad am back on it now!
Less make up
Decleor gradual tan once a week

[aylesburyduck]

blatant place mark

I need to make some changes!! I may adopt some of these thanks for sharing ladies.

[jan2014]

conq im so tired i feel i need the coffee but its probably having the opposite effect! i switch to decaf in afternoon but i realise water would be much better for me.

thats great you have been able to successfully stick with all those changed. i have started a few things and have been unable to stick to them! things i have started recently are adding a bit of tan to my moisturiser! and cooking proper meat meals again.