1. Instant confidence booster!
2. Reining in pregnancy pounds?
3. Quick cure for fatigue!

Instant confidence booster!  This may sound like a cop-out, but I'm actually afraid to lose weight. I've been heavy all my life; in a way it's part of who I am. Plus, I have a good sense of humor about it. Anytime there's an awkward moment at work I jump in with a fat joke. It lightens the mood, and I'm convinced that's why my coworkers like me. Still, my doctor keeps telling me I need to lose at least 60 pounds. How can I overcome my worry that people won't like me once I'm thin-or that I won't like myself?

Your fears are perfectly normal, and the fact that you're aware of them shows you're well on your way to overcoming them. So take a moment now to acknowledge that your weight affects only what you look like-it's not a reflection of who you are. No matter your size, you'll always be the caring, sensitive friend your coworkers love. Remind yourself of this regularly by repeating an affirmation like “I'm lovable and beautiful at any size.”

Reining in pregnancy pounds?   I gained 30 pounds in college that I never could shake…until last month, when after six months of dieting I finally dropped the last pound. But two weeks later, I found out I was pregnant, and it was as if I had a license to binge on all my favorites: hot dogs, French fires, and Doritos. Since then I've regained 15 pounds! How can I control my weight now without jeopardizing my baby's health?

First and foremost, pregnancy is no time to diet-you need to consume at least 300 extra calories per day during your second and third trimesters. But to keep weight gain within the recommended 30-pound range, fill up on scale-friendly lean protein, fruits and veggies. And take a daily calorie-burning stroll, which will also reduce pregnancy complications, such as varicose veins and diabetes.

Quick cure for fatigue!   I'm absolutely exhausted all the time. It takes me forever to wake up in the morning and at least three cups of tea to feel alert. But other than that I'm a healthy 31-year-old. My doctor can't find anything wrong with me. I stick to a vegetarian diet that includes protein from shellfish and soy, and besides birth control pills, I'm not taking any medications. Is my diet missing something?

Actually, your exhaustion may be due to too much copper in your diet. Copper overload can cause fatigue and mood swings, and your favorite foods (shellfish, soy and tea) are among the highest in copper. Oral contraceptives are also a problem: Estrogen causes mineral buildup, which interferes with nutrients that help turn food into fuel. To test your levels, ask your doctor for a hair analysis, or call Uni Key Health Systems (800-888-4353) for a home test.