Happy New year Jennifer! I think what you are describing is pretty normal. At least for me it is. Some days I can eat a decent meal (1-2 cups) then some days it takes me 30 minutes to eat 1/2 cup of food. I have tried to determine what causes the change, but I have yet to come up with an answer. I know when it's monthly time I get tight, but other than that....no clue. I think we have to just deal with it and go with the flow.
Congrats on your exercise and the scale moving! I decided to just remove my scale....it was driving me nuts!