We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Grrrrr motivation has gone

I am getting so fed up with myself:mad:

Bit of background;

Always been slim, always had oily type skin etc, hair always shiny........then have children gain over 5 stone in one pregnancy and then fail to lose this. Lose all confidence, suffer with skin tags in the summer due to sweat build up in areas:o:o, skin that has nearly always been blemish free suffers with spots ALL the time now:(, no style now i'm fat so I always feel self conscious. I am constantly poorly due to rubbish diet and no exercise (in my opinion). I have had to visit the hospital several times due to heart palpitations and pain (which at the moment is not showing a problem). My scalp is really really dry and my hair is dull. My skin on my body is dry and flaky:( I could go on but I won't


Anyway, I try and start a diet, feel really determined but since having children I have suffered from post natal illness (very serious) and then pmt which is really really bad. I find I am on a 2 week cycle of being positive and then able to maintain the diet only to suffer with pmt the next 2 weeks and just gorge on carp:o:(

How can I sort myself out? I really really want to be slim, for me this would solve my health problems and also my confidence issues (I can 100% be honest and say I HATE and disgust myself being this size) I also find that I am hot and have no energy when it is summer time and I don't want my children to grow up with a fat mum who was unable to have fun with them:(:(:(:(

Please any ideas would be appreciated
«134

Comments

  • scottishchick27
    scottishchick27 Posts: 4,949 Forumite
    You sound like me hun, sorry you're feeling so down. I've put on a lot of weight in the last year due to stopping smoking and relationship problems. I booked a holiday to Turkey for my family at the start of April and have lost two stone already. :j I've found that since I've started going to the gym that I have so much more energy and it's so addictive. Never ever thought that would happen. :D Is your husband supportive of you losing weight?
    A few years ago I lost a lot of weight (bit of a yo-yo dieter :o) by doing a sponsored slim for DD's nursery. I got people to sponsor me per pound and it really gave me the incentive to lose weight.
    Hope you feel better about yourself soon. x
    :j little fire cracker born 5th November 2012 :j
  • Do you have enough energy to go for a walk? If you do then I suggest you start by walking, then walking faster and when you have to go upstairs ALWAYS run them, take stairs not lifts etc etc.
    Exfoliate your whole body in the shower including face then moisturise all over.
    Next buff your feet, file your toe and finger nails, mositurise hands and feet then paint them a bright colour.

    These are only small things to do but they really alter our state of mind then I really believe that eating healthy and smaller portions will follow. When you feel as bad as you do, if you focus on food first then I truly believe it becomes like an addiction that is beating you so change other things before food. Also I from your post it sounds like you feel so bad you feel like you need everything to be different before you can feel good but it won't happen over night so please don't underestimate how the small things will make you feel better immediately and hopefully they will lead to the bigger changes.

    Could you commit to doing something small each day to make you feel better, ie pedicure?

    What products are you using on your skin?
  • Hi Bubby,

    I suffer from PMT like you but there are certain things you can try. Obviously speak to your GP but there are certain contraception pills that can ease PMT systems. Also, the herbs Agnus Castus, Evening Primrose Oil or Wellwoman vitamins can help if you take them daily for a while.

    Excercise also helps, so you may find that once you start going and getting into a routine then you will find it easier to stick to it. Concentrate on the excercise first and allow yourself treats and a "PMT pig out day" where you can eat what you want without feeling guilty about it.

    Also only weigh yourself once a month not weekly or daily(!) as your weight will fluctuate in particulare before you period, a monthly weigh in will give you a clearer result and if you stick to a relatively healthy diet and a little bit of excercise you should lose weight every month.

    Then I would say make sure you get some new clothes if you can afford it. Clothes that look good on you will make you feel instantly better about yourself and the way you look. Then pamper yourself with facials, manicures, hairstyling etc to get to know you again if that makes sense.

    Try very rich body moisturizer for your skin. I think Garnier does one for very dry skin that is really very good and not to expensive. Just remember to moisturize after every bath or shower and you'll see and feel the difference in no time!
  • katthehat
    katthehat Posts: 1,046 Forumite
    I would ask your doctor to test you for underactive thyroid, pregnancy can bring it on and you are describing a lot of the symptoms, i have blood tests this week so have been reading up on it, google hypothyroid and have a read of symptoms. Good luck!
    Kat :money:
  • Bubby
    Bubby Posts: 793 Forumite
    Do you have enough energy to go for a walk? If you do then I suggest you start by walking, then walking faster and when you have to go upstairs ALWAYS run them, take stairs not lifts etc etc.
    Exfoliate your whole body in the shower including face then moisturise all over.
    Next buff your feet, file your toe and finger nails, mositurise hands and feet then paint them a bright colour. This is a really good idea I will try this starting tomorrow:)

    These are only small things to do but they really alter our state of mind then I really believe that eating healthy and smaller portions will follow. When you feel as bad as you do, if you focus on food first then I truly believe it becomes like an addiction that is beating you so change other things before food. Also I from your post it sounds like you feel so bad you feel like you need everything to be different before you can feel good but it won't happen over night so please don't underestimate how the small things will make you feel better immediately and hopefully they will lead to the bigger changes.

    Could you commit to doing something small each day to make you feel better, ie pedicure? Well I am growing my nails so I will try a manicure this week as my daily treat

    What products are you using on your skin?

    I have moisturisers but don't currently use any. I used to wash myself in the shower with one of those exfoliating gloves and then spray some oil moisturiser as I get fed up with having to put cream one on but I haven't treated myself to an oil one for ages so I will do that.
    Hi Bubby,

    I suffer from PMT like you but there are certain things you can try. Obviously speak to your GP but there are certain contraception pills that can ease PMT systems. Also, the herbs Agnus Castus, Evening Primrose Oil or Wellwoman vitamins can help if you take them daily for a while. My GP doesn't really recognise PMT as a condition:o so I was told that its just something women get. I have got some epo and some wellwoman so I will have a read and try and take these every day (I think epo would be best because of my dry skin)

    Excercise also helps, so you may find that once you start going and getting into a routine then you will find it easier to stick to it. Concentrate on the excercise first and allow yourself treats and a "PMT pig out day" where you can eat what you want without feeling guilty about it.
    I used to be a complete gym addict I loved it but I did used to go with a friend and I have asked everyone I know and no one wants to go and I hate the thought of going alone (never been great at being alone:o)

    Also only weigh yourself once a month not weekly or daily(!) as your weight will fluctuate in particulare before you period, a monthly weigh in will give you a clearer result and if you stick to a relatively healthy diet and a little bit of excercise you should lose weight every month.

    Then I would say make sure you get some new clothes if you can afford it. Clothes that look good on you will make you feel instantly better about yourself and the way you look. Then pamper yourself with facials, manicures, hairstyling etc to get to know you again if that makes sense.

    Try very rich body moisturizer for your skin. I think Garnier does one for very dry skin that is really very good and not to expensive. Just remember to moisturize after every bath or shower and you'll see and feel the difference in no time!

    I will try and get some oil spray as I hate the tacky sticky feel of moisturisers.
    katthehat wrote: »
    I would ask your doctor to test you for underactive thyroid, pregnancy can bring it on and you are describing a lot of the symptoms, i have blood tests this week so have been reading up on it, google hypothyroid and have a read of symptoms. Good luck!

    I am sure that they tested me for this and it was negative after my first child but I will have a read. I have been constantly lethargic since having my children and it isn't through lack of sleep as they have always slept well. I feel like some days I struggle to make it through the day without falling asleep:o:o

    Thank you all for your posts it has given me a real determination:A:A:A:A
  • raven-333
    raven-333 Posts: 2,069 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I have just read your post and thought thats is me. i went on for years like that. at the end last year i thought i've had enough. i stared walking everywhere and started making time for myself bought some nice things to pamper with. sometimes i thought why bother even now i feel like that but not very often and i'm starting to look and feel better. i had my thyroid checked after my 1st baby and it was normal it wasnt till 2 years after my last child that i had it checked again and they relised i had a problem with it.
  • Also if you do go for a health check, ask them to check for anemia as this can cause tiredness, dry skin, low mood etc also. You could go telling them your symptoms and say you are going to 'try' and start an exercise routine so would like a health check before you begin as some exercise regimes recommend this.
  • JenC
    JenC Posts: 189 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    edited 7 June 2010 at 8:43PM
    Hi Bubby

    Firstly, sending you a big hug cos its awful to feel so low x. I expect you have painted a very harsh view of yourself, and you aren't remembering your lovely points!

    I would completely agree with what Material Girl said about the vitamins, its amazing how they can help.
    I would thoroughly recommend taking a full spectrum multi vitamin, making sure all B vitamins are covered, and also take Agnus Castus which my Dr recommended for PMT. Don't give up if you don't feel better immediately, but it will help. I also found that caffeine had a massive effect on how I was feeling. I even reintroduced it as an experiment and felt the effect on my moods straight away. If you can, try and reduce your coffee intake.

    Has your doctor ever offered you a test for polycystic ovaries? Your symptoms sound similar to mine, I don't get skin tags but understand them to be a symptom. Your hormonal disruption is exactly what I went through. I completely get the 2 weeks of feeling fine, and then 2 weeks of feeling like you are losing the plot.

    I hope the above is of help, and don't be afraid to ask your Dr for help x
  • Bubby
    Bubby Posts: 793 Forumite
    JenC wrote: »
    Hi Bubby

    Firstly, sending you a big hug cos its awful to feel so low x. I expect you have painted a very harsh view of yourself, and you aren't remembering your lovely points!

    I would completely agree with what Material Girl said about the vitamins, its amazing how they can help.
    I would thoroughly recommend taking a full spectrum multi vitamin, making sure all B vitamins are covered, and also take Agnus Castus which my Dr recommended for PMT. Don't give up if you don't feel better immediately, but it will help. I also found that caffeine had a massive effect on how I was feeling. I even reintroduced it as an experiment and felt the effect on my moods straight away. If you can, try and reduce your coffee intake. I haven't had caffeine in tea or coffee since having children as it makes me all jittery:o

    Has your doctor ever offered you a test for polycystic ovaries? Your symptoms sound similar to mine, I don't get skin tags but understand them to be a symptom. Your hormonal disruption is exactly what I went through. I completely get the 2 weeks of feeling fine, and then 2 weeks of feeling like you are losing the plot. I have recently had a ultrasound on my womb and ovaries and they said they look completely normal with no growths or abnormalities, would they have picked this up?

    I hope the above is of help, and don't be afraid to ask your Dr for help x


    Thanks it is a help to get other peoples opinions and new things to try. I might ask about anaemia (sp?) the red bits of my eyes are very white and I am generally a bit pale and cold at the moment. I suffered from this when I had my eldest and feel a bit similar.

    Thank you:A
  • Bubby
    Bubby Posts: 793 Forumite
    I have booked an appointment to see the gp today to discuss this and other issues that I have been putting off:o

    Do you think I can ask for a blood test for aneamia and to check the thyroid?
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.2K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.1K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.4K Life & Family
  • 258.8K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.