A New You (Me) at 32.

I turned 32 yesterday. Ancient? P-shaw! :)

However, I have decided it is high time I address my "medical condition". I have severe pains/gas/bloating/constipation - you name it - pretty much every time I eat anything. It is embarassing and super uncomfortable. I have started to think about correcting/diagnosing the problem for years without much patience for it all. Now that I've reached a mature 32 I think it's time to get to the bottom of this and knock it off. This transition should help in my quest for a more organic lifestyle and better physique, as well.

I've known I am lactose intolerant for awhile now, but haven't done much about it. What can I say? I love pizza and pretty much anything with cheese. Who doesn't?! In addition to the LI, I've suspected for quite some time that I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Prompted by a sketch on an SNL rerun the other night, I Googled IBS symptoms and concluded that is likely what is ailing me. So, I'm keeping a food diary (starting this morning) and am trying to avoid the foods associated with both LI and IBS. Here's what NOT to consume...

Chocolate
Milk
Alcohol
Carbonated beverages
Caffeine
Artifical sweeteners (this includes gum, diet pop, sugar-free candy, etc.)
Too many salads/fruits/vegetables
Dairy products (except yogurt)
Beans
Fatty foods
Red meat
Beverages through a straw
Heavy meals

If you see me eating these things, shoot me a "tisk! tisk!" Thanks!!

Here's what I AM supposed to do...

Drink lots of water
Eat several small meals, rather than three large
Track everything I eat (what, when, how much, where I am when I eat it, who I'm with, what I'm doing, my mood and how I feel during/after)
Exercise
Yoga/meditation/massage (in addition to food, IBS can also be triggered by stress)
Some people get acupuncture and take herbs

Seems like a lot of work, but will probably come more naturally after I've done it for awhile. It will be so worth it to get past all the pain I have. Today is the first day I've followed the diet to a T (including food diary), but it is the third day of no chocolate, artifical sweeteners, carbonated beverages, red meat & dairy. That's a pretty big deal for me. I've been drinking a ton of water to make up for the lack of other beverages.

Besides putting a stop to my discomfort, my reward if I stick to my plan is this dress:

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=13658&pid=570619

TAG...You're it!

I've received a couple of comments on this here bloggy blog from people I've never met... which is SUPER cool! Just for fun, let's take a survey. If you are following along with "My So-Called Life" leave me a comment and let me know. If you don't know me personally, let me know how you found me. Okay? Okay. Awesome! GO!

Thanks for reading! :)

God Bless the Wicked Awesome USA

A couple of exciting things happening in this lovely country of ours...

1) New Kids on the Block are reuniting for a new single and a reunion tour. What could make me happier than that?! Only being chosen as Donnie's Cover Girl on stage during the concert. *sigh*



2) Tomorrow is Super Tuesday - 22 states are Caucusing in one of the most exciting Presidential elections in US history. How exciting is it to be a part of that?! We, as voters, have the opportunity to be a part of the DFL ticket going to either a woman or an African American for the first time ever. Pretty neat! I will be attending my first Caucus tomorrow here in Linden Hills.

If you're interested in selecting a particular candidate in tomorrow's caucus, it's easy! First, decide which party caucus you would like to attend (democrat, republican, independent). Green party caucus isn't until March 4. Find your MN caucus location here: http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

Democratic voting runs from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Republican and Independence Parties begin at 7:00 p.m. You do not have to be registered to vote - just eligible to vote in November. For a quick in-and-out, just cast your vote and leave. Or, you can stay for the actual caucus discussions. EZ Cheesy! :)

Now, go make history, bitches!