How I lost three stone in two months

How I Lost Weight Really Quickly

*Disclaimer* I am not a nutritionist, I do not advocate losing weight this quickly deliberately as a healthy thing to do. Always consult a doctor before attempting a dramatic weight loss. 

Background information: With a daily calorie intake of 1800 calories a day and exercising for 30 minutes five times a week, I maintain a UK size 10 (US 6) dress size. I'm 5ft 9 and weigh 135 pounds (just over 9.5 stone). I've been this way since I was 13.

Before (I'm sucking in here) and after 

I used to live in Australia and towards the end of my stay, I gained a considerable amount of weight. This was due to not doing any exercise and eating far more than I was burning. I would buy cooked chickens and strip bits off to dip in mayonnaise quite frequently, ate pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches all the time... I'd make a huge batch of risotto intending to spread it over a few meals for two, I'd end up eating gigantic portions, having seconds and finishing it two days. I was also drinking quite a lot of beer (the national beverage of our friends down under)

My parents came to visit me and were outspokenly shocked about my weight, and so they should have been: I was living an extremely unhealthy lifestyle. I reached the grand old weight of 12 and 1/4 stone (171 pounds). Because of my height, I feel like I got away with it a little bit. Unfortunately I literally have no photographic record of myself at this point because I was, to be frank, embarrassed. 

Approaching maximum weight

Apparently I was greedy enough to eat my friends

I arrived back in England with quite a bad case of acne and a lot of weight to lose. I immediately joined a gym, downloaded the calorie count app (highly recommended) and started a strict diet. 

My diet was pretty much the same every day: I found this incredibly helpful; the element of choice was a contributor to my Australian greed...

Breakfast: sachet of porridge oats with water. I then added a table spoon of home made unsweetened apple sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon 

Lunch: A gigantic bowl of spinnach leaves, x1 tinned mackerel fillet, some mixed beans, 1/4 avocado, a tomato, a few chopped sundried tomatoes with a sprinking of mixed seeds and a dash of apple cider vinegar

Snack: As many raw carrots as I wanted with a side of as many strange looks from my colleagues as they could muster

Supper: A grilled chicken breast/salmon fillet with a baked sweet potato. Broccoli, peas and carrots 

Drinks: a gallon of water a day. Very occasional gin and tonic.  

I must say that the main reason for choosing this diet was to cure my skin, my weight loss was desired but the motivation behind the 'caveman diet' was to heal my acne. 

I absolutely had no dairy and no other 'proper' carbs than oats and a sweet potato, no take aways, I made everything myself. 

An actual mixing bowl full of this!

Exercise: I was going to the gym around five times a week. I would do 30 minutes power walking on maximum incline on the treadmill, then 120 sit ups, 5 minuets of planks, 45 minuets of resistance training then 30 minutes on the cross trainer. I was also using the power plate a lot which 100% rid me of cellulite. They are magic!

Since I wasn't with my family on Christmas day, I went to not one, not two but THREE christmas celebrations of my friend's families. I therefore had three giant sized christmas meals. Oh dear...

As a result I got down to 9 stone (126 pounds) within two months. I maintained this weight for around three months simply by cutting down my exercise, however, two factors caused me to ditch this extreme diet: 

1. I met my partner. Doesn't being in love make you not care about being thin so much?! 

2. My skin didn't get any better so I decided to stop being so obsessed with my diet and start enjoying the occasional pizza now and then. 

This was at my very thinnest. Alas, my arms will never be sticks, the weight loss was most noticeable on my legs and stomach. 

CalorieCount: I found this website and app SO helpful in keeping healthy during my weight loss. I was able to track what vitamins, minerals and food groups I was too high or too low on, how my weight loss was progressing and how many calories I was burning when exercising. I really really recommend this to anyone trying to lose weight or maintain weight. It also helps to record what you're eating because the act of having to write down your consumption makes you not really want to eat that Dairy Milk then write about it...

Emotional: Feeling fat made me feel really really unhappy with myself. I know that as a slim lady, I should not be allowed to say "I am proud of my body", but I really was and I am now. 

On the other side of things, being very thin gave me a bit of a smug attitude. And I was obsessed, I never went out for meals and if I did, I downloaded the menu before hand to check the calorie content of the meals. Weird and very time consuming. 

I started to just not enjoy food at all, eating was a motion to go through rather than something to be creative with and something to bond with friends and family over. 

Summary: I'm not back at my normal 9 3/4 stone, I still eat the same breakfast and a salad for lunch but I'm back to eating pasta, bread and all the other delicious carbs that I was forbidden before. I also eat the occasional chocolate bar and packet of crisps, however, I'm a firm believer in taking control of my own health. It's no one else's responsibility or problem as to what I eat. If I gain a bit of weight, I cut down on the treats, if I want to put a little more on, I actually up my exercise regime (it always makes me gain weight!)

I know that this is a very obvious thing to say but taking care of your body is REALLY important. You only live once so make the most of the body you have. Obviously genetics plays a part in our body types but if you're healthy and exercising regularly, I guarantee that you'll be happier and feel the benefits quickly. 

my current weight

Does anyone else have any weight loss stories to share? I'd love to hear them. 

Vitamin Supplements for Acne

Vitamin Supplements for Acne Treatment

During my pursuing of a cure for my acne, I dabbled in the obsessive and excessive taking of vitamin supplements. I probably spent nearly £100 on Holland and Barratt pills and at one point had to invest in a bigger pill box - I was taking that many supplements.

I heard about these as a cure through forums, research and online investigations. Whilst I will say that none of these worked for or against me in terms of my skin and my acne, many people have found great results with this form of treatment. Just make sure that you consult with your doctor (who will probably not advocate them but also will not be likely to tell you categorically not to).

Everyone's skin is different and thus, there are many different solutions for different people. I'm posting this to offer an option, not a be all and end all solution.

Since we have no idea what really goes on when making these supplements, I'm going to make a wild claim that getting these vitamins from a healthy diet will be much 'healthier' than popping pills. My reasons for taking these supplements were that I wanted to attack my body with healthy vitamins from all angles so I combined the two.

*Disclaimer* I'm not a nutritionist or a scientist so these are not facts, just my opinions.
 C, D3,, evening primrose oil,  clear skin tablets, v

The following is a list of the supplements I've had experience with and their supposed benefits:

Vitamin A: Retin A (topical retinoid) and Roaccutane (or Accutane) are derivatives of vitamin A and are frequently hailed as the most effective treatments of acne. This vitamin protes cellular production and tissue growth and repair.

Since I couldn't afford to eat much red meat, I decided to start taking Vitamin A supplements. I was taking 32,000IU a day - far more than the recommended amount. I experienced no negative effects on this dosage but only continued with this for 3 months due to disappointing results.

Natural sources of Vitamin A are: red meats, eggs yolks, oily fish and leaft vegetables such as spinnach and kale.

Vitamin B: I took B3, B5 (pantathenic acid) and a B complex (not all at the same time) These are meant to reduce stress, improve the metabolism and improve circulation. I can't exactly remember how this links to acne, it's just something I was recommended. The pantothenic acid B5 is meant to improve our ability to absorb vitamin D (I'll get to that later)

I can't remember how much of this I was taking and I never documented my dosage but I know that it was costing me a LOT of money... I was taking 500ml of the Patntothenic Acid B5

Natural sources of vitamin B are: liver (disgusting) and salmon, vegetables, eggs and meat (I think that all foods are a source of vitamins, I may get bored of writing the same thing soon...)

Zinc: I started on 25mg and upped to 50mg eventually. I was recommended this by a beautician who told me she'd cured her acne this way. Obviously I am a sucker for supplements so I immediately went out and stocked up. It's meant to improve the appearence of scars and enhance wound healing. I'll therefore assume that it improves new skin cell production.

I believed in this remedy so whole heartedly that I only just finished using up my stocks. As with all these supplements, it made no difference to my moderate acne... But it's definitely a scientifically recognised treatment for acne.

Natural soures are: eggs, wholegrains and nuts.

Niacin: Niacin is known for its ability to promote blood circulation; it opens up the capiliaries and allows blood to flow more easily through them. This causes a 'flush'; a visable sign of the improved blood flow. The flush isn't dangerous.

I started my dose on 100mg and experienced no flush. The next day I doubled this dose and found that my face, neck and back were very red and flushed; not dissimilar to an unattractive rash. It tingled a little and made my ears feel really hot. It lasted for about 20 minutes, sometimes longer which was embarrassing if I took my pills before I left for work and arrived at the office looking like I'd run there from Africa.

I have no idea where a natural source is for this. Lots of really good results recorded about this vitamin, if you can deal with the flush! (There are non-flushing versions available but I always thought that the flush was a sure sign that the pills were working)

Vitamin E: I was taking 400mg for this, plus bursting capsules and using the oil topically to treat my dry spotty skin. It's meant to be an antioxident and enhances cell repair (I feel like I'm repeating myself now...)

I remember my mum giving me these as well as fish oil tablets when I was doing my GCSES. She assumed that these pills would suddenly replenish the information I lost by skiving lessons in favour of snogging my teenage boyfriend for antisocial, grade affecting periods of time. I digress...

I still keep a stock of these; I use them in manicures for moisturising my cuticles, I take them now and again for essentially no reason and I use them as an intensive moisturising mask when in the bath.

Natural sources of this are: nuts and broccoli (YES! I love brocolli. A florret a day keeps the acne away)

Vitamin D(3): Again, vitamin D helps acne by improving cell production and repair. It also helps with reducing scarring. I was specifically taking D3 for my skin.

Since I don't see much sun living in England, and I tend to wear SPF 50 on my face to prevent aging, I wanted to top up my vitamin D intake to help my acne. I know that lots of people use sunbeds to help with acne but I didn't really want to for the reason stated above. I started on 1000IU and increased until I was taking 4000IU. No difference to note with the increased dosage apart from it was more expensive.

Natural sources of this are: the sun, and milk.

Evening Primrose Oil: I started taking this to calm my PMS and menstrual cramps. As acne can often be hormonal, I assumed that this may help with my skin. I applied it topically to calm redness and took orally to help rejuvinate my skin. It also helps with improving hydration of skin.

I can't remembe how much I was taking, I found vitamin E capsule oil a better moisturiser for my skin topically.

Vitamin C: I have taken vitamin C supplements for as long as I can remember... My mum used to buy the chewy gummy ones that I'd blatently overdose on due to the deliciousness. I take these in the winter to prevent colds. Benefits for skin are that they boost the ammune system and (you guessed it), help skin and cell repair.

And for any pirates and sailors reading this, it also prevents scurvy.

Natural sources are: Citrus fruits and brightly coloured vegetables.

I still take these. I rarely have colds so that is either a result of a childhood of casual hygene and a resulting increased immunity... or that vitamin C tablets have more benefits other than being a delicious morning treat.



Hopefully this has been helpful? Probably not, it's all very vague and probably inaccurate. Let me know if you have tried any vitamin supplements to help acne and your results!

Epiduo Review Acne Treatment | How to Cure Acne

Epiduo Review 

Acne Cure 

Before and After

adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide Gel 2.5%

Background: Prior to being prescribed Epiduo I had used Duac (topical benzyol peroxide) and oxytetracycline (oral antibiotic). Whist these helped my skin a little, it went no where near curing it. I was an emotional wreck, I suffered two years under relentless skin problems. My self esteem was extremely low and I felt like I was running out of options. 

I had moderate acne including some cystic acne. It was extremely painful and persistent. At any time I would always have at least 8 active white heads and many red marks and scars. My dermatologist prescribed me this as a last resort before a course of Accutane.

My skin prior to Epiduo but during topical treatments

During Treatment: When I first started using Epiduo, I was using it morning and night. I assumed that if I used it twice as often my skin would recover twice as fast. By doing this I was completely ignoring the directions of my dermatologist. She is a doctor, I was a salesperson but I knew better because I'm a latent genius. The results... My skin was so chapped and raw that I was crying, my tears stung my sore skin and that made me cry more. 

I started using it as prescribed after that. Initially, my skin was very dry and very red (see photo below). My skin would go from visibly clearer, getting fewer spots over the course of a week... Then getting much worse again. It was really frustrating and disheartening. I kept thinking "I knew another topical wouldn't work, why can't they just give me roaccutane?!"

Wearing make up was a real issue, my skin was so chapped and dry around my mouth that foundation would chap off within minutes. That was really hard - my skin was very noticeably red but covering it looked worse. 

After about two months, my skin started healing and was relatively clear. I still had indented red marks and scars so I couldn't truly appreciate it. I started using exfoliation and lemon juice topically to fade the scars. Within three months I was totally clear

During treatment - red raw and chapped

 After: It's been 14 months since I started using Epiduo and since that point of my acne clearing, I can count the amount of spots I've had since on one hand. And I can always account for those (going on holiday, not drinking enough water or just plain not using Epiduo). 

I do still use this every night and I think that if I didn't, my acne would possibly come back. I'm not willing to take the chance... Epiduo really was my acne cure and I'd never be without it. 

I will add a *disclaimer* that everyone's skin is different and what was my cure may not be yours. Just be patient and know that there is an end to what you're going through

my skin now (2012)

Summary: I didn't have high hopes for this; I've used creams with Benzoyl Peroxide with much higher percentages. The active ingredients are adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide Gel 2.5%. However I highly recommend this, it made such a difference to my self esteem as well as the way that I look. 

The only downside is that I have to wait a while for it to dry before I apply my moisturiser. Solution to this is using a hair dryer on my face. 

In the UK it's available on the NHS for £7.65 for a tube which lasts me around three months. I will say that you only need to use a very thin layer, I've found that using a thick layer makes absolutely no difference other than it running out faster. 

Good luck with finding your cure for acne! 

There's more detailed information on the epiduo website: 

http://www.epiduo.com/pdf/PrescribingInformation.pdf

Edit: I've filmed and uploaded a video review to Youtube, please feel free to check it out!

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Review

Bobbi Brown 

Creamy Concealer Review

I've hit the pan!

Background: I have what I would term as mildly severe dark circle bags under my eyes. I get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water... Unfortunately its just genetic; my mum and my grandma both have the same thing. Additionally, the skin under my eyes is quite dry and tends to flake with concealers and foundations. It's all very attractive. 

If the eyes are the windows to the soul... I don't have a soul

Here are my bags prior to concealer. I am wearing an eye cream but it really doesn't make a difference to my zombie eyes. 

Coverage: Full coverage. 

Finish: I'm going to call a dewy finish, it's not matte but I need the creaminess to combat my dry under eyes. 

Application: I only dip my finger into the pan and warm between my ring fingers, then pat onto my dark circles to 'melt' it into my skin. It really is very creamy.

Durability: You ABSOLUTELY need to set this with a powder, it's so creamy that it will definitely settle and move around if you don't set it. Just for extra insurance I use Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray before, then use a Clinique pressed powder, then use a setting spray again. It usually lasts about 6-7 hours but as I'm a bit of a smiler it does end up settling and becoming patchy.  

Colour Range: As you'd expect, Bobbi Brown has a really good range of colours. The shop assistant matched me up and surprisingly I find this is a perfect colour through summer and winter. 

Packaging: I really like the packaging, it feels really High End. Unlike many hinged packaged products, it hasn't broken in my handbag. It has a mirror but it is so tiny I've never used it. 

Price: £18 for 0.5oz 1.4g; I've had this for nearly a year and used nearly every day so I'd say its very worth the price (I always say that about everything!). You can buy it in a kit with a setting powder but 1. I think there are better powders out there that aren't so fiddly and 2. Should the powder smash, which they often do, you'd have powdery creamy concealer - that's a bit oxymoronic don't you think?

After with Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

Summary: As you can see in the above photo, it doesn't 100% cover my dark circles. I don't think anything would; they are very determined to be seen. However it's the only concealer that doesn't cause my skin to almost crumble away, it covers really well and lasts FOREVER. I'd say this is a great concealer for older skin types and those with stubborn dark circles. 

Clarins Eye Revive Beauty Flash Balm Eye Cream Review

Clarins Eye Revive Beauty Flash Eye Cream Review

Background: I have genetic dark under eye bags coupled with dry and sometimes flakey skin in that area. So I've been dealt quite a crappy hand when it comes to the eye area. 

My eye bags in all their glory

Overview: Considering the price, this is a painfully average eye cream. It's averagely moisturising and substandardly de-puffing (I am making up words now to describe this average eye cream...). I really expected this to be very similar to the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm but it is just not. I think the Beauty Flash Balm would make a far better eye cream!

Consistency: It's a relatively thin cream, not luxuriously thick like its namesake's Beauty Flash Balm. 

Application: It takes quite a while to soak in and when it does it doesn't leave my eyes feeling particularly moisturised. Just to use this up, at night I'm mixing it with 8 hour cream to thicken it. It doesn't 'revive' my eyes in any shape or form. 

Packaging: The squeezy tube is kind of annoying, yes you can control the amount you use but I hate that bit when you're running low and you cramp your fingers up just trying to get the last dregs.. The dregs which last at least a week!

Price: £25.20 for 20ml on Feel Unique; I think that is extortionate for such an (I'll say it again) average eye cream! 

Summary: I loved the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, that's why I bought this eyecream. However I don't know how they can include the name 'Beauty Flash' in the title as I can't see how the two products are in any way similar. The Boots No7 eyecream is far superior and less than half the price (with a £5 voucher and honestly I never buy that range unless armed to the teeth with a voucher!)