In the Irish Catholic tradition, guilt is a genetic trait that is hard-wired into our chromosomes. In deference to my forebears (a suprising number of whom were nuns and priests), I tend to feel guilty about alot of things that aren’t really my responsibility: pollution, global warming, even the Writer’s Strike.

Of course, there are also things in my life that I can improve, like my eating habits. And despite a lifetime of apples and watermelon, I’ve developed a suprising affection for crappy junk food in the last few years.

But just as the Writer’s Guild would prefer I refrain from downloading episodes of “30 Rock” from the internet, my arteries and waistline would love it if I avoided frozen pizza for a while.

So, as this blog is my witness, it’s time to “green” up: before Lent, before my bicycle trip, even before the Democratic leadership race is finished.

For the next 30 days, I’m lettting go of all the plastic, packaging, chemicals, fast food, grease and grit of my formerly fast food life. Stay tuned as I describe the perils and pitfalls of this new, frighteningly squeaky-clean way of eating (and living).

Yes, Father Mulcahy: This penitent is writing a new script, called “Healthy Eating, 101″. Hello cucumber - time to say a few Hail Marys. <>