Help me sort myself out - please!

[greyinganddecaying]

I had a zoom call today & was horrified at what I looked like!

I think I've ignored it for a while but I can't any longer. I have loads of new grey hair, I'm about 5+ stone overweight & just look a mess.

I had a decent haircut, but not even that is helping!

What can I do to sort myself out?

Saxenda! I've just started it - not cheap but kills the appetite and enables you to do a fast 800 or similar.

And hair dye obviously. But weight first.

I would start small and do things that will improve overall health and in turn your appearance. So make sure you’re drinking lots of water, getting enough (and decent sleep) and exercising.

Eating healthily too will make a difference but I feel like a bit of a hypocrite bringing that up cause I’ve been dreadful ever since the start of lockdown. (Unless you’re already eating healthy then ignore!)

I find a really simple way to look groomed is to get your eyebrows sorted- wax/threaded/tinted if needed.

It’s such a small thing that makes a big difference to your face.

Whilst you are there, get your eyelashes tinted. It’s makes your eyes bigger without looking like you are wearing makeup.

Get those done and people will think you look better but won’t be able to work out why.

Apart from that-
Losing weight but that’s not a quick fix
Drink plenty of water will brighten your face
Nice hair cut to frame your face
Dress to suit your figure.

Ps there’s an option on zoom called ‘touch up my appearance’ which is basically a beauty filter!

Thank you!

Sleep is a huge problem for me, I can't get to sleep at night, it's regularly gone 2am. I think I just have too much going around my head. I'm sure I'd feel much better if I had a decent night. Any tips for knocking myself out?

Exercise has been really neglected too, hoping to start the gym (well swimming to start with) when I can find the time/energy.

Annoyingly I don't have much of an appetite so eating less would mean eating nothing! But it might help to try to look at making what I do eat nutritious. Any tips on websites/books to help me out with this?

Thanks again

I'm wondering how you could be 5 stone overweight if you eat very little OP? Could there be something else going on? Thyroid issues or similar? If so, that will effect how you look/feel/sleep.

Track your food - every morsel- for a week in my fitness pal and see your calorie intake. If it's below your TDEE then it would be worth a trip to the GP for bloods etc.

For sleep i do a few different things if I’m struggling. I do the usual tricks so no phone or tv an hour before bed, maybe try some yoga (or even just stretching if you’re not keen on yoga). If it’s really bad I take a bath using the johnsons baby bed time bath stuff (there’s also body wash if you’ve only got a shower). If I’m struggling to switch off still I have a playlist full of my favourite slow songs. I try to focus on every instrument and what they’re doing which helps take my mind off whatever I’m worrying about.

Once your sleep is more on track that’ll hopefully help get you more energy to start exercising.

As for eating pp’s suggestion of tracking literally everything is great. Even things like sauces need to be tracked as it all adds up.

Also yes to eyebrow and eyelash tinting. Changed my life! (Maybe a bit melodramatic but always helps me feel “made up” even if I’m not.

@Colom

I'm wondering how you could be 5 stone overweight if you eat very little OP? Could there be something else going on? Thyroid issues or similar? If so, that will effect how you look/feel/sleep.

Track your food - every morsel- for a week in my fitness pal and see your calorie intake. If it's below your TDEE then it would be worth a trip to the GP for bloods etc.

No problems, been tested for everything, I've always been like this. I remember reading a book about PCOS (which I have) and it said for some women with PCOS they will struggle to lose weight even on a near-starvation diet.

I also take insulin, which can make it difficult to lose weight. I've been low carbing for 6 weeks & it's made zero difference to my weight/size 🙄

So I'm going to focus on getting more exercise as it will make me feel better and may help.

If you are unable to lose weight due to other factors I’d suggest trying a ‘clean’ way of eating to improve your skin and energy levels. No processed food, sugar or alcohol But plenty of good fats, Nuts/seeds, fruit/veg, lean protein and lots of water (2-3 litres a day). It makes such a difference to my skin and I have more energy when I eat like this. I dont starve myself either.

For exercise start with trying to get into the habit of going for a walk every day and build up from there.

As others have suggested, hair dye/a good cut. Not sure if you wear make up but even something like a blurring primer and a slick of lip gloss would make a difference on a zoom call.

I know this is boring but good sleep, good diet and high water intake make a huge difference. By doing these things alone, you won’t see as fast of a difference as a beauty treatment, but you will see a major difference (for practically free)

OP, I was in a similar state a few weeks ago. I just decided to spend some saving on personal trainers. They come four times a week. I've lost a bit of weight (only a few pounds so far but already the scales are creeping down to lower than they've been in years.) I feel fitter and stronger, have more energy to do other weight-reducing exercise and my posture is way more youthful already. Start with exercise because it gives you so much energy to tckle the rest.

I agree that good eyebrows, hair and nails help. Check out some make up tutorials for over 50s and study the makeovers you really admire to pick up some tricks.

Wardrobe overhaul. Add some subtle colours and don't slide into M&S elasticated waist neutrals. Buy some clothes that are really stylish and a little bit daring but not too tight or garish.