Preparing for 2025 glow up!

[snowlady4]

Hope this is a suitable place to post this..do move it if not.
I know we've not even had our indulgent christmas and new year yet.. but I'm so looking forward to a 2025 reset!
My main goal (as usual,) will be to lose a bit of weight.
But, beyond that, I really want to take control of making myself feel good.
Weight loss is part of it for me..
But I also just want to have better nutrition and develop some better habits for skincare and fashion etc
I'd also like to do some small things that will improve how I feel overall.. read more, make more time for hobbies, cut back on alcohol and processed crap, meditate/pray more, clear out the house a bit, be better financially...
Loads of things to focus on really.
For now, I'm not going to get worried about the weight loss.. that can wait until new year, but I am going to really increase my water and fruit/veg intake. I go through phases where I'm brilliant at this- and I really do notice it makes me feel better- I think it's all about developing habits and keeping them!
Anybody feel like joinging me on my quest to be feeling fab next year?

Just posting to say that I've been doing a gym weight loss programme for just over a week and my sleep has started to massively improve. Really hoping this is the start of a trend and don't know if the two are related. Two nights on the trot, I've slept through. On Saturday I woke up but went back to sleep (unheard of) and woke up after 9. My sleep has been awful for months and months and I used to be a real early bird and go out for a walk before work whereas it's been a struggle to get out of bed or I've been awake since, say, 4.30 and felt dreadful.

What's different? I've made sure I've done my three gym sessions a week. Overall less sugary stuff - I'm eating a lot more protein than I was and had carbs with dinner, which is supposed to promote sleep. I haven't had any alcohol. I know that's a sleep disruptor anyway. I've been taking vitamin B12 for a couple of weeks which is supposed to help. I've also been listening to soothing music, etc in bed with headphones - things like Radio 3's Shipping Forecast and last night some brown noise on the BBC Sounds app for a bit followed by some music. At the weekend I reorganised things to do chores on Saturday and have a more relaxed Sunday. I often find I'm wiped out so don't do much on Saturday, have more energy on Sunday for cleaning, etc., but then don't feel I've relaxed before going back to work.

So I'm hopeful. My goodness, the difference I feel when I've slept properly.

How's everyone doing?

I did have a bad (food) day yesterday because I broke dry January the night before so I just wanted to eat everything in sight 🤦‍♀️

Other than that I am on track and feeling good! I'm doing at least a mile swim every other day at the pool now and I'm starting to see the beginnings of some positive changes. I've got into a nice routine after a swim of using nice natural lotions which makes me feel so refreshed. Currently sitting here with a green tea after a little pamper after my swim this morning feeling very healthy 😂 (I did not feel this way yesterday!)

Anyway, still motivated and numbers are starting to go in the right direction. Thank you for the scales reminder @VenusStarr - it's been a huge motivator for me and I've already seen my visceral fat go from every so slightly in the red zone, to ever so slightly in the green. My aim is to get everything in the green eventually and my biological age to my actual age (currently 3 years over) so it'll be a long road but it's helping my mindset change to overall health and not just weight, which is really hoping me stay motivated and on track (as long as I stay off the wine!)

Hope everyone has a good Saturday!

Well done @gettinghealthy 👏

We were on holiday Monday to Friday, so was a bit more relaxed. Had a few drinks over the week, was tracking everything but wasn't hard on myself and had what I wanted. Did a lot of walking and feeling rested.
I'm noticing some positive changes too. My arms are looking more defined and I'm down a hole on my belt. Think I'm less bloated.

Been to zumba this morning and had a healthy lunch.

Not technically part of the glow up, but will make me feel better. Going to have a declutter this afternoon.

Hope everyone is still doing ok 🙂

@VenusStarr I had a declutter this weekend too, I find it very mood lifting and that's got to help the glow? Unfortunately a lot of my clothes no longer fit because I've gained so much weight, and my loft is heaving. I have listed and sold a few bits on vinted. Next weekend I am going to sort all my stored clothes into summer and winter and see what fits.

I've done better on my glow up this week. I wore make up on the 3 days I worked (I wfh and I've been off sick for 5 weeks so this was quite a change)
I've straightened my hair tonight so it's less effort tomorrow morning
I've tried to wear nicer clothes but it's so bloody cold and combined with nothing fitting, I've ended up in my slouchy joggers and jumpers, but at least my joggers were my nice new ones from hush.
I've slept really well barring one night of insomnia,
I'm still on dry Jan and I'm going to continue into Feb
I've been using a new thickening shampoo and it really has improved the feel of my hair, it still falls out but it feels stronger and thicker.

This week ahead-
Continue all of above
Stick to my diet and stop eating biscuits once my calories are all used up!
Evening skin routine - need to stick to that
And I am desperate to get back out exercising- I've not run or been to any classes since 19th December! I really miss it now- but the cold rain and strong winds put me off today. I'm aiming for 2 runs this week, only short ones.

Great thread! I'm feeling chuffed that my weight has only gone up one pound after 3 days with friends - I was fairly moderate but ate more than usual

I'm aiming to explore how I can have power over food, rather than food having power over me - my focus for the next few weeks.

Saturday celebratory lunch - the cheese was SO delicious and definitely had power over me - I must have had six helpings, albeit all small. Just typing this, I realise I could have asked someone to move it further away from me - my go to tactic with chocolates after dinner with friends, when my hand just keeps reaching out....

But for most of the time I had power over food and I AM CELEBRATING THAT!!!

Hi everyone. Hooe you're all doing well in the longest January known to man! 🙃

I did my weight lifting class last night, was good fun. The scales aren't budging but I'm starting to see changes in my arm tone and I can lift heavier weights.
I am still tracking my calories, definitely underate yesterday and felt rough. Had an awful headache. So I need to plan my food a bit better.

Off to a comedy gig tonight 🙂

I dusted off my walking pad and got some more steps in after work. I am sleeping better I'm happy to report.

I have had 3 really good days on my healthy diet plan. I haven't actually lost any weight in Jan (lost a pound, then gained a half pound twice ... net zero!) but I will do a final weigh in at the end of the month/1st Feb.

Dry January nearly over but I am sleeping so well that I'm not going to stop yet. I had terrible sugar cravings for a few weeks but that really seems to have died down now which is good news.

I'm trying to wear different things from my wardrobe in different combinations to pep up my style a bit. I ordered 3 really cute dresses on vinted which should hopefully arrive tomorrow.

Overall, I'm just feeling much better. Well rested, sleeping better, good mood so a good result for January

Hope everyone has had a good January?

It's been a mixed bag for me - I seemed to shed a few pounds quite quickly after Christmas but for the last few weeks my weights not budged, not even by an ounce! A bit frustrating as I've been eating very healthily and been really consistent with exercise. I clearly need to make some tweaks!

I'm super happy I did dry Jan though - I feel like my sleep has definitely improved and I feel less anxious. Probably won't bother with alcohol anymore unless it's a special occasion or holidays.

Morning everyone. Happy February (finally!)

It turns out, I'm an idiot 🤦🏻‍♀️ and my start weight before Christmas was 2lbs higher, so as of today, I'm 4lbs down. My gym scales are in lbs and home scales are stones / lbs. With Christmas in between and a holiday, I'm pleased with that.

I do feel better in myself, so will carry on.

I also got a lovely compliment on my skin yesterday and that it is flawless 🥰 I've had really bad issues in the past and was diagnosed with rosacea during covid.

Hope you're all getting on well 😊

I'm down around half a stone and definitely a bit firmer rather than flabby, which I'm really pleased about. Motivation still high. Sleep massively improved. Need to get more steps in now.

Sounding great @VenusStarr and @NigelHarmansNewWife

What are our February goals? Let's share.

Mine are

• to not put on any weight, having lost a shedload last year
• to do more of my walking "briskly"
• to do 3 short Tai Chi sessions online each week, starting today
• to dance at home every day rather than just most of the time - I love it and its great for me - now I need to ensure I make time, even for a few minutes, every day
• And this is the fun frivolous one - enjoy wearing my new clothes and taking a real pride in my appearance

My goals are to keep up with the gym programme. We've just had a calorie cut so this is the stage where there should be some more noticeable weightloss. I'm trying to get out for a walk every day - won't beat myself up if I don't and I have a walking pad which is helpful.

I might look into mobilisation and flexibility exercises to do a few times a week too. I had terrible DOMS in my hips last week after a particularly gruelling gym session!

I'm feeling much better than I was a month ago. I'm sleeping so well after doing dry January. I lost a couple of pounds in Jan but hope to do better in Feb now I'm feeling healthier.

My February goals are:

• continue dry Jan/ Feb
• skin care- get into a better routine
• wear makeup and nicer clothes even if working from home
• continue with my thickening shampoo
• vitamins and probiotics every day
• stick to my meal plan, I'm dropping down to 1500 cals this week
• exercise- walk every day, run a couple of short runs and return to circuits on Saturday.

My February goals:

Lose another 4lb
Continue going to the gym x2 weekly
Continue to not drink cola, eat crisps or bars of chocolate
Continue to only have alcohol on Friday and Saturdays
Keep trying new foods and receipes

Well done everyone! 👏

My February goals are:

Continue tracking my calories, aim for around 1500 per day (Hopefully can drop another 4lbs this month)
Minimum of 8000 steps a day and to try and get fresh air every day
Take vitamin D & E everyday
Aim to be in bed for 10.30 on weekdays
Finish my book
Lift weights 2 times a week, cardio classes two times minimum
Get my hair cut

That's probably enough for now! 😅

Just had 10" cut off my hair!! It looks good but my neck's a bit cold😂 one more thing crossed off the glow up list!

I’m struggling with the weight loss. Going to really focus next week but need some ideas of healthy and low calorie breakfasts and lunches. I’m not going to worry about dinners for now but if anyone has some healthy filling breakfasts or dinners that would be great.

on the positive side I am drinking more water and my steps are up. Also started using a vitamin c serum so hoping my face will glow soon 🤣

Ooh, fabulous @Sunflowers098 🥰 I had my hair done today, restyled with a new hairdresser and really like it. My old salon I had 2 bad cuts so needed somewhere new, so fingers crossed I've found one.

Sticking to my calories deficit. My dad is very unwell and I was in A&E with him last night and he's admitted now, so was back late and had only had lunch, so did get a mcdonalds but tracked in my calories and was still OK. Weightless is slow but I am getting definition in my shoulders and arms and my tummy is less bloated / swollen so my clothes fit looser. Which I'm pleased with. So it's keeping me motivated. I had a comment yesterday at work that I'm looking really well, so that's good 😊

Your face will definitely start glowing @Daffodilpup I have cottage cheese on either wholemeal toast (300cals) or on a protein seeded bagel which is a bit less calories and find I'm good with that. Lunches are chicken slices salad on a flatbread or chicken pieces in a salad. If I'm working at home, I have chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach and maybe with a flatbread / bagel. Depends what I did for breakfast. Are you tracking calories? I use my fitbit which is giving me a rough idea - I'm not going all in with weighing things but having a broad idea of what's going in vs out is helping keep me on track and I do think I feel the difference.

I did measure my waist / hips / arms / legs earlier and was a bit shocked at some of the measurements (and wish I'd done it earlier) as I think I've lost some cms. But hoping I'll see some differences in a few weeks. X

Don't focus on low calorie, focus on lean protein. I'm on phase 2 of the gym plan and eating just under 1500 calories, of which 40% is protein, 33% carbs and 27% fat. I have around 550 calories for breakfast - Skyr (whole 450g tub) fruit, oats, flaked almonds and coffee, a smaller lunch and a good sized dinner.

I'm pleased to say I've lost 9lbs. Having a stressful week, but still motivated. Woke up early with things on my mind, but went out for a 25 min walk to blow the cobwebs away before work.

Happy Friday, how's everyone doing? I've been quiet but reading everyone else's posts on here and love the inspiration. Weight loss is steady for me but I'm 2kgs down, eating lots healthier and starting to feel more connected to my body.

Hair wise, one thing I've been using since Jan is the Wella ultimate repair miracle rescue spray and it's made such a difference to the ends of my hair. It's silly expensive but noticed it's on a deal on Amazon today so I bought more of that and I'm justifying it based on colouring my hair less this year to boost the condition. Really hoping I can avoid a big chop by using it religiously! Also started using tretinoin after some recommendations on here and have had quite a few compliments on my skin which I've never had in my life, so that's been nice.

Making plans for the weekend has got me feeling positive, and think I'll take myself off for a long swim on Sunday afternoon when my kids go to their Dad's for the night.

Well done @rubyroma 😊 it's lovely to get compliments, isn't it?

Well done for sticking with it @NigelHarmansNewWife

I've lost 2.5lbs this week, woop! One more lb and I'm in the next stone bracket. Glad I got my haircut yesterday too. Enjoying this glow up.

Hello all, sounds like some great progress so far on this thread!

I'm afraid I've fallen off the wagon a bit when it comes to weight loss - healthy meals but too many treats, too much wine, and not enough exercise. Losing 2 stone is a huge part of my personal goals so I'm a bit disappointed with myself but keen to get back on the wagon.

I have however had a huge purge of my cosmetics and beauty products. I've let myself go in basically every way since having DS a few years ago, there just isn't enough hours in the day between him, work and an intense uni course I'm currently doing. I used to regularly do my nails and take care in my appearance and now I just don't bother.

However I have thrown out everything old and have ordered a new set of very basic make up, all with natural ingredients and no chemicals. So now I have only one type, but a fresh non toxic version of mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, face powder, nail varnish and even hair dye!

Also ordered a new dressing table with a back lit mirror, so I am very excited to organise all my new make up and hoping that having a well lit and organised place to use it will mean that I actually do!

How's everyone else been doing?

Don't be hard on yourself @gettinghealthy you'll get back on. I'm finding being relaxed about the foods I'm eating is helping me. So as long as I'm roughly within my calories. I don't bother recording drinks (alcohol or otherwise) and I'm still having chocolate or dessert on occasion. I'm just more mindful of do I really want it as I'd have biscuits or treats most days if not everyday.

I'm definitely more organised as I'm planning what I need to take to work etc.

My clothes are definitely looser and I can do up the last hole on my belt 😊 only got it for Christmas.

Got my weight lifting class tonight, looking forward to that. Slept for 8 hours straight last week after.

@gettinghealthy love the idea of a make up overhaul!! I'm going to do this and also buy one of those open flat makeup bags so I don't have to rummage for the eye liner I want!