Good Morning Everyone and Happy Friday! I am glad so many people are excited about The Cleaner Life Month. My mom and sister (commenter Stinky Cheese) are even going to play along with me and Rose.  Stinky Cheese already gave up white flour and sugar once and had spectacular results – clearer skin, lost weight, the whole bit. I’ve been thinking of maybe doing before and after stomach/waist measurements to see if the bloating I mentioned is reduced, but I’m a little nervous about sharing that kind of info. We’ll see. Oh, I’ve also decided that upon completion of the month I get a present. Nothing too fancy or expensive, just something that is a reward for working hard to feel my best inside and out!

Now to answer some questions about the Month:

Caronae said “I think I’ll try to join you as much as I can on this challenge. Two questions: Is stevia allowed (I always put it in my tea) and do puffins have white flour/soy? This is exciting sounding! I can’t wait to start.”

• Yes, stevia is definitely allowed. I didn’t mention it because I happen to not like it all that much.
• I checkout the Puffins ingredients online and they do contain soy.

Caitlin said, “WOW what an interesting challenge!! i cannot wait to follow you on your journey (from a distance LOL). do you not get to have any alcohol?”

• I didn’t think of this because I am honestly not a huge drinker and could definitely go 30 days without it without even trying. That said, I think organic wine is probably preferable over distilled liquor and beer.

And to clarify wiy why I’m cutting out soy. 

• I’ve read and heard both good and bad things about soy.  I am not always sure what to belive and what to ignore. I do, however, understand that soy contains phytoestrogens, which inetact with and alter the body’s own hormones.  The source of conflict in much of the research is whether that result of the  interaction is negative or positive. Ultimately, I don’t plan on abandoning soy forever, but I do think I was eating it too much out of convenience rather than necessity. It is a processed food and I think I can eat better things most of the time. 

Last Night’s Dinner

I had another yummy salad last night and I must share.

• Romaine Lettuce
• Raw Corn on the Cob (delicious and so sweet)!
• Broccoli
• Green Beans
• Red Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Dijon + Apple Cider Vinegar

I had it with the last of the Bababanush-Hummus Pasta from the other night and a giant sweet potato with corn and bean salsa.

More Getting to Know you Games

Because the Fun Facts Comments were such fun (who knew so many people had fake teeth issues like me!), I thought it would also be fun to get to know my readers by sharing 3 House Items. My three items represent different things about myself.

(1) Fun Fruit Lights – I got these lights at Urban Outfitters when I was a junior in college and I’ve had them ever since. They represent the fun side of me. Now they sit in my bathroom, but I don’t turn them on often because Mark says they aren’t safe. I use them when the main light is off during my mostly dark bedtime shower.

(2) Peaceful Yoga Room – Well, this is actually a big hallway, but its big enough for my mat and that’s good enough for me. It represents my peaceful side and reminds me to breathe when things get overwhelming. I think I want to paint the wooden letters and hang them permanently, but I can’t decide on color or location. I guess they also represent my indecisive side.

(3) My Tomatoes – This is my patio tomato! It lives outside the front of my house where it gets plenty of sun and lately, lots of water. It represents the side of me that loves fresh food. I love going to a Farmer’s Market, and the only thing better is your very own vegetables. They also represent the side of me that wants to improve.  I don’t have a good history with gardening, but I want to do it well!

There are other sides of me. For example, my messy side is found in my closet, but not on the internet!!!

What about you? What in your house represents you? Show me in pictures on your blog if you have one, or tell me in a comment!

The day turned out to be quite snacky. The thing about running longer distances (13 today – woohoo), for me at least, is that while I am hungrier, I can’t fit any more in my belly than usual. This means eating regular meals and a few extra snacks.

Snack Number 1 was a Mini Bag of Popcorn.  It was way too salty. I love popcorn, but really prefer it plain.  I also have a terrible habit of eating the unpopped kernels, which I enjoy on the way in; but give me such a stomach ache. Luckily, I remembered that this time and threw the kernels away.

After work I couldn’t make dinner fast enough. I had leftover soup from Friday night, but I added kidney beans for some extra fiber, leftover corn on the cob and sweet potatoes with cinnamon.

I would say this next thing was a snack, but it was really part of dinner – an Ezekial Tortilla w/ Pecan Butter. Just love everything about this.

And then, my final snack was delicious BackCountry Cookies. I actually froze this a week or so ago and pulled a couple out for dessert. I microwaved them for less than a minute and they were perfect. I really love all the City Girl Country Girl cookies!

And now, I’m done!

Music Question

Ashley left a comment asking what kind of music I listen to when I run. This is an important and fun topic!

I posted a list of some of the songs on my iPod here. Since then, I’ve gotten a few more great ones:

• Jack Johnson – Upside Down
• Soulja Boy – Kiss Me Through the Phone
• Flo Rida – Right Round
• Kid Cudi – Day ‘n’ Nite

To me, running music doesn’t necessarily have to be fast. The ability of a song to absorb me and help me ignore the desire to STOP or give me a little extra running attitude is sometimes just as important on a running playlist as one that pumps me up. Check out InTheGym.net for lots of good playlists and song ideas. Also, Melissa posts about music a lot and has a list of songs in her sidebar.

Fun Blog Giveaway: Cupcake Earrings made by Christie. Check out how to earn an entry.