Last week, I felt a little bloated. I was constipated. I could go to the bathroom, but it wasn’t easy. After several days, I went to the pharmacy and purchased a laxative. Early the following morning, the laxative began to work. It was a tremendous relief.

I searched the internet to see what it said about constipation and read that constipation can have various underlying causes: dehydration, lack of fiber, inactivity, and side effects of medication. All of which could be related to me.

I’ve never eaten like I was supposed to. The few times I had a colonoscopy, my gastroenterologist told me that I needed to eat more fiber. So I am aware of the right things to eat. However, somewhere between knowing and doing, it doesn’t get done.

This is not the first time I have questioned my gastro issues or diet. But I am almost 64 years old and very tired of the gas, irritation (burning), and bloating. A part of me feels that even though changing my diet might be expensive, it’s probaly time I invest in myself more. After all, it could help me live longer.

I love milk, but I didn’t know dairy contributes to heart disease and type 2 diabetes; I have both. I also love meats, especially red meat, which can also put people at risk with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and certain cancers.

Some people say that the animals we eat have feelings; I am not saying they don’t. I just never thought about it like that. I have a pomeranian; he has feelings; just saying.

I don’t eat many fried foods anymore because of my heart disease and diabetes. I love eggs, but the yolk is high in cholesterol. I liked baking chicken wings but stopped when I heard chicken wings were high in fat and cholesterol.

I googled my information. I am not an expert

I like veggies, but not so much, which is my problem. I love junk food. Most of the things I like, I shouldn’t have.

I have been experimenting with plant-based meats. Although I’ve tried the buffalo cauliflower chicken, it’s been primarily burgers, sausages, and meatballs. I love the meatballs! The plant-based meatballs seasoned with pasta sauce taste like real meat; it’s delicious.

Not fully committed to veganism or becoming a vegetarian, but I will stay away from processed meats, eat more veggies, beans, sweet potatoes, and fruits, eat more plant-based foods, and see if eating like this will help regulate me, because being constipated sucks, I honestly believe I should give eating differently an honest try, who knows I might like it.