I almost never post lately because I have been so busy, which is a really good thing. Staying on plan is easy for me, I don't have cravings for SAD foods anymore, and I feel so good it is totally worth it. The only small issue is that sometimes I wish I did not have to make EVERYTHING I eat from scratch. It takes planning and organization and that can take away some of the spontaneity out of things at times, but, really, I can't complain.
I have a small one-woman business painting custom portraits, doing live event painting, and doing other artwork. It has turned into a full-time job, and it is so nice to have a real vocation again, besides just "my health". I feel like a contributing member of society once more and I love it.
I have really been consistent but not extreme in exercising since January 2014 and it had made such a difference. I have much more stamina, more even moods, I sleep better and my menstrual cycles are without difficulty of any sort, even during my period. I walk daily, stretch daily and do some for of light weights 4-6 days a week. I read that weight training balances hormones and I'd say that is true for me - not just the cyclical hormones but also the hormones regulating appetite, mood and sleep are improved when I do my weights. I am not doing anything crazy, just slow and steady and consistent. I split it up so that I have at least a day of rest between each workout of a particular muscle group.
I skipped weights for about 2 weeks because I was very busy working and very slight patches of psoriasis started to form on my elbows and one eyebrow. Then I did my weights and the very next day all psoriasis was gone. I found that very interesting, and very cool.
When I was in my late teens and early twenties I was an avid runner, and I lifted weights a couple times a week. I'd have some PMS and cramps on the first day of my period, but I would just take a run and it would all disappear. As I got older, the PMS and cramps got worse, and only lots of ibuprofen would take the cramps away and they'd start two days before I'd get my period and last for at least two days in. The fatigue I would also get was unbearable - I felt like I was wearing a lead suit.
This WOE changed things and lessened the cramps and PMS but did not take it away. Now, after about a year of consistent moderate exercise, I do not get any PMS except slight breast tenderness, and no cramps. I went for a 5-mile hike on the first day of my last period and I was full of energy, no fatigue at all.
So, my conclusion is that I agree with Ruth Heidrich - diet is so important but exercise is really important too!