i got it. now time to use it and loose it.

(warning: this blog post discusses the one of the most basic human functions. pooping. stop now if having or reading about a bowel movement, or in my case, lack there of, offends you. if you continue, don't say i didn't warn you. but never fear, the picture of the bee pollen will be my only visual aid for this post....... carry on.)

oh dear trusty blog. i am so sorry i have neglected you again for nearly an entire month. i have missed you, but i have also been pretty busy. but now i am back with a new plan of action and a confession. i have strayed. i have been bad. i have eaten bad bad things. i have purchased bad bad food. i have driven thru. i have partaken in small individually wrapped holiday treats. and for that, i have dearly paid. i have been tired. i have been sad. i have been hyper then cranky. and most importantly of all, i have been constipated. yes, you heard me. i have been sans a proper poop for, well, for about 5 days. i think it's been 5 days. the last one was so long ago i really can't remember. but i come armed with a new plan. a plan i have been preparing for since the birth of this blog in august on 2008. a plan i have research for but some reason have failed to carry out. but in light of recent events, or again lack there of, i am ready. i am committed. (we'll see about that - will power is NOT my strong point.) i am paying for a gym membership. (that's good motivation for me folks. nothing like the threat of ray yelling at me for spending money on a YMCA membership that i don't use to get me to the treadmill.) i am, i am, well folks let's admit it......i am fat. not grossly obese or anything, but i definitely fall under the pleasantly plump category. a regular chunky monkey. and not to mention getting older by the minute. but what is really scary is the list i found the other day of what sugar does to your body. now we all know that sugar, especially the refined kind, is bad for you. it makes you moody, fat, kills your teeth, causes disease, etc..... but did you know that it does this......

• Sugar can suppress the immune system.
• Sugar can upset the body's mineral balance.
• Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children.
• Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
• Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
• Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
• Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
• Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
• Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.
• Sugar can cause kidney damage.
• Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.
• Sugar can cause copper deficiency.
• Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
• Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
• Sugar can promote tooth decay.
• Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
• Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
• Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
• Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and grey hair.
• Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
• Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
• High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
• Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
• Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
• Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
• Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
• Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.
• Sugar causes food allergies.
• Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.
• Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
• Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
• Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.
• Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
• Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
• Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.
• Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
• Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
• Sugar can cause depression.
• Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention.
• Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
• Sugar can cause hypertension.
• Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
• Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind's ability to think clearly.
• Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of blood clots and strokes.
• Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.
• Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!

so folks, while i get my plan of action together, here are a few of my favorite good for you food sites for you to look at till i return. enjoy!

http://www.101cookbooks.com/build_a_natural/
http://www.foodrenegade.com/
http://www.localharvest.org/ (for a farm nearest you)
http://realmilk.com/
http://www.michaelpollan.com/link.htm

p.s. dinner is being declared a success. i had a homemade mueslix blend of oats, raw almonds and walnuts, raw pumpkin and sunflower seeds, organic dried cranberries (oops those had some sugar in them), and raisins with some local whole milk, low temp pasteurized but non-homogenized. (i failed to make it to the raw dairy this week.....bad bad me.)

p.s.s. three hours after partaking in a herbal laxative treatment i finally had a decent BM.

thank goodness..... bout time.

p.s.s.s. the aforementioned RAY is really a sweet and supportive guy. the best in fact. and lately has been a great clean up help in the kitchen. SWEET BOY!!