Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I quit the booze. I started taking fish oil. I started to get more exercise. And I started going to bed without fail at 1030.

OP said SMALL changes. No booze? Going to bed at 10:30? Sheesh.

OP, I'm not convinced wrt small changes. For the past month, I've been cutting calories (nothing drastic, just being mindful), drinking (some) more water and (some) less soda, and walking at least 45 minutes every day. Now I'm constantly aware of my food and feeling bad about something that used to actually give me pleasure. I'm often a little sore from the extra exercise. And if anything, my skin has gotten worse.

I think in order to see any real effect, I have to join Weight Watchers and a gym, start getting facials and buying spendy creams and stuff, and just become one of those obnoxious self-centered professional dieter/ exercisers. You know, the kind who insists they can't parent effectively if they haven't been to the gym today, or who judge folks who even smell fast food...

Exercising doesn't make one self-centered. Stop making excuses.

cut out soda and coffee and only drink water and seltzer.

Anonymous wrote:I quit the booze. I started taking fish oil. I started to get more exercise. And I started going to bed without fail at 1030.

OP said SMALL changes. No booze? Going to bed at 10:30? Sheesh.

OP, I'm not convinced wrt small changes. For the past month, I've been cutting calories (nothing drastic, just being mindful), drinking (some) more water and (some) less soda, and walking at least 45 minutes every day. Now I'm constantly aware of my food and feeling bad about something that used to actually give me pleasure. I'm often a little sore from the extra exercise. And if anything, my skin has gotten worse.

I think in order to see any real effect, I have to join Weight Watchers and a gym, start getting facials and buying spendy creams and stuff, and just become one of those obnoxious self-centered professional dieter/ exercisers. You know, the kind who insists they can't parent effectively if they haven't been to the gym today, or who judge folks who even smell fast food...

In this order, with years between:

1. Quit smoking
2. Quit all sugary drinks
3. Started exercising at least three times a week
4. Quit eating any processed food (including anything with wheat) except on very rare occasions

Things that I should do but don't:
1. Quit coffee
2. Quit drinking alcohol
3. Get at least 8 hours of sleep

All of these things have significant impact on how I feel.

I'm taking steps to declutter my house. Still have a ways to go but have already donated gently used items to people who've gotten use from them.

Anonymous wrote:Exercising 4 days a week no matter what. My diet has always been pretty decent and I am naturally skinny, but I was tired all the time and with age my muscle tone was seriously taking a hit... added some cardio and pilates and have never felt or looked better. Boosted my self-esteem too!

Yes, regular exercise was huge in improving my overall feeling of well being.

I exercise at least 3 times a week.

I take time for myself, which is hard to do when you have children, but it is a MUST.

I gave up coffee for at least 4 cups of green tea a day.

I drink LOTS of water.

I have one or two glasses of red wine at night.

I get 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Drinking more water.

I used to drink a lot of soda pop and Vitamin water and since the New Year, I have opted to drink more plain water. Truthfully I am not really a water fan, so I devised this plan.

I try to eat certain foods that trigger my thirst organically. I.e., tomato sauce on pizzas, chili con carne, etc.
Then when I get thirsty, I am not so picky on what I drink...I just want something cold and wet.

Drinking water has made my skin clear up.
I know experts say that we don't need to drink water...they say our food consumption should satisfy us enough since our food contains water, but I honestly have noticed an improvement in my skin since Jan.

Thank you, PPs!! I really appreciate your responses!

Regular sleep - I used to need daily meds to prevent migraines and I don't take them any more.

We eat pretty healthy and I rarely drink more than 2 drinks in a day. When I fall off the wagon with that, I'm amazed how gross I feel.

Now that I'm back on the exercise 4 days a week wagon (plus walks here and there when I can) - I have so much more energy and feel more awake during the day.

Now if I could only get rid of those 10-15 extra pounds from the baby...

Anonymous wrote:I want to improve all aspects of my health and fitness. Please tell me about small changes you made that made a difference in how you look and felt. Anyone have any to share? Mine is that I started eating oatmeal every morning for breakfast, without fail. It helps me get my day off to a good start and keeps me out of the chips and cookies! TIA!

I no longer add any sweetener to my oatmeal. Makes a difference.

Exercising 4 days a week no matter what. My diet has always been pretty decent and I am naturally skinny, but I was tired all the time and with age my muscle tone was seriously taking a hit... added some cardio and pilates and have never felt or looked better. Boosted my self-esteem too!

Eliminating grains.

Walking an hour a day (not in 60 minute chunks but in smaller chunks).

Getting more sleep.

I quit the booze. I started taking fish oil. I started to get more exercise. And I started going to bed without fail at 1030.

I want to improve all aspects of my health and fitness. Please tell me about small changes you made that made a difference in how you look and felt. Anyone have any to share? Mine is that I started eating oatmeal every morning for breakfast, without fail. It helps me get my day off to a good start and keeps me out of the chips and cookies! TIA!