mightyminerva Member

I believe that physical activity and overall health do affect anxiety and depression! I've been happier, have slept better, and have more energy since I started working out almost every day. If those things are helped by exercise, then logic dictates that stopping will lead to the anxiety symptoms returning. Diet and…

My boyfriend grew up with curries and naan bread, so vegetables are something I'm trying to introduce gradually. He fully supports me, but he's not going to give up the foods he loves! I eat in moderation, and when I cook something like salmon and vegetables I make sure that something else is on the side for him (bread,…

You all look fabulous! I'm looking at losing roughly 100 pounds total, so perhaps surgery is in my future. Thanks for sharing!

Bump! Thanks for posting!

I wanted to comment because I did 30DS with my bad knees. There were some moves that I didn't want to try because I knew they aren't good for my knees. Have you considered modifying Jillian's moves yourself or instead of doing a knee-intensive move just jogging in place with weights or something? That's been my strategy,…

Coming from the southern US, I've always envied the people who can live in tank tops and short shorts or tiny sundresses. I want to join them next summer. I want to wear something absolutely fabulous to my five-year college reunion in 2014 and have everyone freak out. I'd love to do a colour run or something similar. I've…

I think your rewards system is great! I've set mini goals for myself, too, and my first reward was a small messenger bag for travel. I've actually just reached another goal and need to order a necklace I set aside for myself! I've set up rewards that will grow with me, so accessories or things to aid my working out like…

Bump! It looks tasty! I'm always on the lookout for lentil entrees. YUM!

You look beautiful at any weight (your smile is fabulous)! But I agree with others that you look wonderful and all your hard work is paying off! You've done an amazing job, and congratulations to you!

Bump! Thanks for sharing! =)

I'm loving Jillian Michaels (I've completed 30DS and am beginning level 2 of RI30 today), and my only worry is when I've exhausted her videos, ha! I get where you're coming from. When I feel like I need another workout after feeling sluggish or if I have time for another half hour, I love DDPYoga. I have bad knees, and the…

Oh my gosh! That's fantastic! I'm another Texas girl (or so I'm guessing; I saw the UT degree in the picture), and I know how hard it can be to battle the bulge surrounded by the BBQ joints, fries, and southern comfort food. CONGRATULATIONS on your amazing loss, and I hope to see more wonderful updates from you! Awesome…

I agree with much of what has already been suggested: measuring cups/spoons, digital scale, read nutrition and serving size information on packets. I estimate what a restaurant portion is while I'm there, before I touch a spoonful of food. For example, yesterday I ate out and ordered a glass of wine and a pasta dish with…

I haven't had my period late, but I have had it early, multiple times in the month, or much lighter than normal since I started exercising every day. Remember that stress or excitement can also change body chemistry! Maybe phone your OB-GYN and ask if you should be worried, but don't get too agitated yet. If it goes onto a…

You look absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing your photos and your story; it's encouraging to see someone trying to lose 100+ total pounds like me and SUCCEEDING so incredibly! Keep up the fantastic work, and keep being awesome!

You guys are fabulous and so inspirational! Thanks for sharing your pictures and story, and I wish you all the best!

I have a Shock Absorber bra which is the thing that has made exercise bearable! When I started exercising, I was a hefty 42DD and have moved down to a 38/40D--the Shock Absorber bra I've gotten has made that transition and still fits and keeps everything in place. Other than my running shoes, that bra is the best workout…

*head explodes from awesome* Thanks for sharing! =D

I'd agree with many of the posts above: swimming, ice/heat, incredibly gradual increasing of the miles. As mentioned above, seeing your doctor should be a priority so that he or she can rule out anything serious. Take it from someone with a genetic knee issue and pain! I've found that yoga is helpful for me (which doesn't…

Mine is not quite as horrific as some of these, but I'll give it a go! The last few weeks of my junior year of college, I started seeing a guy who was graduating that summer. We had a lovely time until he graduated and I moved back home for the summer. We talked about films, books, our families, etc., and I genuinely found…

I'm off to bed at the moment, but I *had* to respond in some fashion right now. I hope you'll excuse the brevity. You've only been at this for a month! I've lost just over 10 pounds but in 40 days. You're doing so well, and I think you're on par for how you should be losing. Please don't lose your motivation! That…

I have CFS plus allergies, asthma, migraines, and knee issues. I've found ways to cope with the other health issues, but CFS is another matter. I do tend to feel better when I work out consistently (though the time needed in bed is still more than the normal person), and at the moment I'm doing half-hour Jillian Michaels…

Thanks for posting! Definitely will try some of these. =)

I'm with all of the people whose replies I read already. Nuts, beans, cheeses, nut butter, soy milk, eggs, Greek yoghurt, and meats are a great way to feel full. They compliment the fruits and veggies you're eating and help vary your diet! I also would say that if you're significantly under as you say, you should be eating…

This! I think Spotify is also an option (I'm in the UK, and I can't access my US Pandora playlists from here...). I believe you can even choose an option to sync a Spotify playlist to your iPod so that you don't need wifi or an app. Other than that, I love classic rock music like the Stones, Beatles, Doors. I'm not usually…

Oh, and about the Greek yoghurt: I was the same! I *hated* the taste on its own. I began having it with fruit in the morning and a bit of honey, and loved it. Now I've gotten to the point where I don't need the honey! Yoghurt + berries, a peach, a banana or any other fruits gets me ready for the day and has a low amount of…

Have you looked into buying frozen veggies? I think Walmart has a big selection of unsalted, unprocessed, and unseasoned vegetables that would be a great addition to your diet. If you still want pizza with your kids, for example, made one with a thin wheat crust and lots of vegetables. Waaay healthier and cheaper than…

I don't judge others' diaries, either. Their food is their food, and I'm not in change of it. Why then should I pass judgement? However, many of my MFP friends want to be accountable for bad eating habits. If they almost entirely processed foods, have candy for breakfast, and at most eat one apple for their fruit and…

I'm the same! I don't drink much, but when I started counting calories I decided to cut out alcohol completely. I'm really happy with the decision for several reasons. The money I would have spent on drinks I've used for more fresh produce and interesting meats like wild boar and venison. A glass of wine is about 3.50 GBP,…

I am struggling with this, too. I've noticed that I tend to more easily get to sleep and stay asleep if I stop emailing/surfing the internet at least an hour before bed and do some light yoga right before getting into bed with almost all the lights off. My favourite is a free video podcast called YOGAmazing, and he does a…