My sister was recently given a list of all the foods she can’t eat while pregnant. The list included things like eggs, soft cheeses, deli meat, and fish exposed to industrial pollutants.

Remember how, in the olden days, women could eat pretty much anything while they were pregnant? Nowadays, foods are riddled with pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and a number of other unhealthy things. This got me thinking about all the chemicals I’m putting into my body with every bite I take.

My grandmother, who is a fairly healthy 89 years old, eats pretty much only the food she’s able to grow herself. I have never seen her so much as try a Pringle (though she does have an affinity for Kit-Kats). She raises her own chickens and grows her own vegetables, and when she eats fish (often) or red meat (rarely), she buys it locally and knows exactly where it’s coming from.

So, starting tomorrow, I’m going to be doing what I call "The Grandma Diet." If my grandmother wouldn’t eat it, then neither will I. If I can’t buy it locally or make it myself, or if it isn’t organic or natural, it will not go in my body.

Now, am I going to start a chicken ranch in my backyard? No. But can I be more conscious of what I’m putting into my body? Absolutely.

I know it won't be easy. I’m going to sorely miss potato chips, store-made bread, fast-food chili, and all those other yummy treats to which my body has become so accustomed. But, in the end, I hope I’ll be healthier and more attuned to my body. And if I lose a few pounds, well that will just be a nice ol’ bonus.

I’ll post my food intake here, and if I struggle with anything in particular, I’ll post that here, too. Who knows, maybe I’ll inspire you to take the journey with me. If so, let me know how you’re doing with it, and if you have any food suggestions/tips, please feel free to share here.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some junk food to eat before I start the diet...