I have made a few efforts to improve my well being in the past. On the 20th of February of 2009 I woke up and quit smoking ciggarettes. I was dating Stephanie at the time and I was and am still madly in love with her. I knew that smoking was having a real affect on my health and if there was anything in this world worth living for, it is her. Today I feel better, food tastes better etc.

After sailing around the world and spending time in Africa I learned the true meaning of 'it's a small world'. I also learned how so many of us in the western world take our food for granted. I watched as men dug through the dirt to extract grains of rice for their families, as we unloaded our cargo of food aid from the ship.

After my visits to Africa, I began contributing small amounts as I could to Kiva. I figured I should do something, and although it is a very small effort on my part, it still makes me feel good.


After experiencing how small our little home of Earth is, I became more aware of how our human family is negatively affecting our global environment. From polluting our oceans, rivers and streams, to dumping global warming gasses into our atmosphere. Recently my wife, who is an ecologist suggested we buy a Chevrolet Volt. I was more than happy to entertain that idea. To date we are averaging 115 miles per gallon of gasoline. I am very happy that we now contribute much less to all the problems of oil, from pollution to geo-political issues.

But, it turns out there is still much more I can do for my health and for the environment. I am a meat lover. I LOVE BACON!!!! Give me a porter house steak and I am in heaven. Fried chicken? I may eat the whole damn bucket! I love meat, there is no doubt about it.

But, here is some information I did not really know, or willingly ignored in the past.

• 10 people could be fed with the grain that you would feed a cow that would be turned into food for one person

• avoiding meat saves anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 gallons of water

• Factory farming of animals is disgusting and inhumane

There are a ton of reasons to reduce my intake of meat and dairy foods. As this blog continues I will continue to add some not so fun facts, and some that may be fun. The heart of this blog will to document my attempt to change my eating habits. This morning I began a 28 day diet, free from all meat, dairy and processed foods. I am going to attempt a plant strong diet.

Yesterday I went to the Dr. and had blood drawn, in about two weeks I will know my cholesterol levels and other important baseline data. When 28 days is over, I will have the blood work repeated and share the changes with any who wish to follow along with me.

On July 13th 2011 My daughter Kassidy was born. I would like to stick around as long as possible for her. I have no shortage of motivation.

Today is day one. Breakfast was good, and now it is time to make some lunch.