ITEM 1: This is optional - but if you're willing to contribute some data to the Gluten Free January project I'd love to have it.

Here's what I'm looking for:

1. Sex and Age

2. Waist Measurement (in inches or cm - nearest 1/4 inch or 1/2 cm - see below)

3. Weight (in lbs or kg) and status (overweight, underweight, correct weight - your opinion)

4. Subjective Rating of well-being (1 worst to 10 best - see below)

Waist is measured shirtless with a tape at the navel. Tape should be snug and level, but not compressing the skin. Stomach is relaxed - neither pushing in or out. 

Well being is just a number representing how you feel. 1 means you may be dead tomorrow. 10 means you feel invincible. It's squishy of course, but I'm still curious. 

I will keep the raw weight and waist numbers confidential, but I will publish changes. For example, if you lost 10 pounds I might publish that, but I won't say what you started out at or finished at. 

Once you take the measurements, I want you to forget about them. Don't start tracking these numbers if you didn't before. We will measure again at the end of the month, and we'll discuss what it means then. 

Take your measurements before you start the diet or on the first day you start. Email your info to glutenfreejan@gmail.com

ITEM 2: Cleaning out your pantry

We're almost to January and it's time to plan a pantry cleanup if at all possible. The best way to stay on a diet is to not see the stuff you're not supposed to be eating. If you have to get your coat and go to the store to satisfy a gluten craving then you're a lot less likely to do it. If it's sitting there just within reach then a moment of weakness can ruin everything. Throw it all away. 

If you live in a situation where not everyone in the household is playing along then try to sequester the forbidden foods so you aren't likely to see them. Put it in the garage, for example. Hopefully, the other people in the house will be supportive enough to put up with a little inconvenience for your sake. 

I did say 'pantry' but check your refrigerator and freezer as well. Hot pockets gotta go. :)