Hey guys! Long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm a 24-year-old girl who's been out of school for about a year and a half, and over that time I've actually read these forums a lot and learned tons from you guys about eating properly.

During this time, I've been able to lose the 40-something pounds I put on in college, and I'm finally happy with my body for the first time in, well, forever. My weight is under 125 for the first time since early high school. I've been careful with my food choices and strength training two or three times a week. I went from being totally sedentary to having muscles and being able to lift things I never thought I'd be able to. For the first time, I believe my boyfriend when he tells me I'm beautiful.

The reason I'm starting to post here, though, is that a couple of months ago I developed a problem with my jaw that makes it very painful to clench or really do anything other than leave my jaw relaxed and motionless. Clenching is something I usually do when I'm lifting heavy things or doing something strenuous. Things like running are out of the question, what with all the bouncing around.

I'm frustrated, because I've worked so hard, and over the last couple of months I've been seeing the pounds creep back on, now that I've stopped exercising and started eating lots and lots of pasta (super soft foods only!). It's nothing too bad, maybe about an extra five pounds. But the earliest I can see a specialist about my jaw is a month from now, and until then, I don't want to undo all my hard work, especially during the first bikini season in my life that I've been able to participate in.

I'd like to get back to the gym and do *something*, but I feel like it's a waste, since I can't do anything that's difficult. I suppose I could get on the elliptical for a long time and not push myself too hard, but I've come to believe that long periods of low-intensity steady-state cardio isn't the way to getting results. My options for strength training are to lift things that are super easy for me, which I think totally defeats the purpose.

Anyway, I'm wondering what you guys think about my options for working out, whether slow steady-state cardio or lifting light with lots of reps is worth the time and better than nothing. I'll also probably be around on the diet-related boards, looking for ways to clean up my eating again, since that's something I have a lot more control over.

Any comments or ideas would be so welcome!

Katie, sorry to hear about your problem. If you haven't tried it, I would suggest using one of those soft plastic mouthguards that wrestlers and American football players use. I don't know if that would help?

Anyway, I think that doing something is better than nothing. If you have the extra time and access, ellipticals probably are a great option. Maybe consider swimming as another alternative.

Katie, congrats on the loss and sorry to here about your jaw but for me, this could be your downfall:

started eating lots and lots of pasta

I know that I would probably put on heaps if I reverted back to eating copious amounts of pasta. Consider a protein shake. Not a long term replacement but it will be something you can take without too much discomfort. Make yourself some soup. I love a spicy butternut squash or carrot and coriander.

Exercise wise, how about combining low resistance with low intensity? Go for a walk but add some ankle weights or swim only using your arms.

I hope everything works out.