Iron. I have researched this topic so many times. Yet, I am still uncertain of exactly how much iron I need every day and how I am going to get it. Here's what I do know: Under severe times of stress, the body has a tendency to secrete more vitamin C than usual. Vitamin C is helpful in the absorption of iron. Bind that with too much coffee drinking, (Caffeine interferes with absorption), and you are asking for a low energy, bad mood swing kind of day.

Several bruises have appeared on my leg along with a severe crabby mentality. I broke down, poured myself a glass of red wine, and fried a steak.

That's right- I said fried. I used olive oil, garlic, and ginger. The pan was beautifully hot and the steak carmelized nicely.

My energy level went up, my mood improved, and I concluded that I am once again iron deficient.

My sinuses also bothered me the next day. Whether it was the lectins in the red meat or the sulfites in the wine (or both), I traded one benefit for one con.

I started to pull out food items from my fridge. Certainly, many things have 10 to 15 percent iron per serving, and I always focus on dark greens.

But considering the number of miles that I run, or the number of times a week that I strength train, or even the number of times I am short on sleep and high on caffeine, I am simply not getting enough.

I still want to detox with the help and advice of the local naturopath, but an unexpected 500 dollar bill (car repair) put that goal on hold.

Life is about to become super busy. So- before I buy another supplement, it's time to bite the bullet and hook up with an expert locally. I will take all my supplements in, explain what I am feeling, and ask her for advice.

Breakfast was funny today. I raced 6 miles in very hot and humid weather. My friends and I went out for breakfast. Now, everyone immediately grabs a recovery drink and a bagel or banana after the run. I got stuck with the traditional recovery drink because I had forgotten to bring my own. Bananas and oranges are off limits, so I went for the bagel (still an avoid, but at least it was a grain.) I followed it up with scrambled eggs and coffee.

Everyone was so worried at breakfast that I wasn't eating enough. It's not just "calories in, calories out."

I arrived home, grabbed some grapes, and discovered that I am quite full for now. Later, I will saute spinach and eat fish.

My kids will be in school next week. After inspecting the bus stops, and dealing with homework issues, I should be able to squeeze in an appointment with the local naturopathic doctor. My gluten free child still reacts to oatmeal, so his school lunch will be interesting. My older child was found to be low in potassium, which doesn't surprise me. He craves wheat and meat and cheese only.

He may need the calcium for now. So- breakfast will be a compliant cheese and high fiber fruit for my O.

I can feel the effects of this mornings race. My face is tired, and my thoughts are not quite as clear. Fish and soy sauce sounds great! (Need the salt, I suspect.)

Thanks for reading and God Bless.