It is 73 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary. As much as I could lose a few more pounds, this exercise is more about eating well than it is about restricting calories.
I went into this with three chronic lung conditions – asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis. Proper nutrition is only part of my routine to keep these issues in check. I exercise, I see a respiratory specialist and a respiratory therapist regularly, I use inhalers, and antibiotics with oral steroids for flare-ups, and I get regular vaccines. 👍
I also went into this exercise with a failed epigastric hernia repair from three years ago. On February 24th, I went to see a surgeon about having this repaired.
My hernia is bothersome on occasion and a bit dangerous to ignore, so it has to be done. Heading out for my appointment, I was fine. Dan was driving, we were going to the Pasqua Hospital (a few blocks from home), the repair I had done last time was laparoscopic surgery done under local anaesthetic. No big deal!
Except, due to delays in traffic, parking issues, and a mix-up at the hospital, we were cutting it close timewise for my appointment. My stress ramped up, my stress triggered my asthma, and I walked into the surgeon’s office having an uncontrollable coughing fit.
The appointment went as well as possible, but the surgeon decided that he was putting me under anesthesia for the procedure. (It is difficult to do this kind of thing when someone is coughing their lungs out).
I came home upset, demoralized, and annoyed that I try so hard to manage my lung issues and I had failed, again, big time!
After a short pity part, I pulled it together. I got on with my respiratory management routine and soldiered on.
Then, I went for a CT scan that the surgeon had ordered. On top of a couple of other issues, the scan showed that I now have a NEW lung issue – bronchiolitis. Seriously!
Cue another pity party, cue another comeback – this time more intense and determined than ever. Not just to make my lungs stronger but to destroy the stress and anxiety issues that I have battled with forever.
So.. more exercise – more focused and intense, I switched up my bedtime meditation for Goggins inspirational podcasts/videos, I got an herbal brew from our local health food store. I am getting outside for more fresh air and exercise! 👍
And our weather tanked. More cold, more wind, more wet snow. Not good for my lungs. Another pity party… 🤦
Yesterday, I had it together! I decided to stay indoors and do a serious house cleaning & laundry including bedding.
And our power went out – for hours. I decided to forgo the pity party. I messaged my sister Elaine and we chatted back and forth for the duration, exchanging meal plans and shopping wins (and losses 😂).
It was a good chat and it was good for the soul – much better than another pity party. 🙂
Food Diary:
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2) (.3)
(2) eggs (180) (14)
(3) slices back bacon (52) (2)
(2) potato patties (240) (2)
Snack:
(24) oz water
(2) oz Dill Pickle peanuts (324) (14.2)
Supper:
(12) oz carbonated water
(1) Burrito –
(1) Tortilla wrap (170) (5)
(4) Oz ground beef (280) (19)
(1) c mixed veggies – onion, red pepper, black olives, mushrooms, oriental cabbage (68) (2.4)
(1) Tbsp taco sauce
(2) Oz shredded cheddar (114) (7)
(1) PC matrimonial cake (139) (1)
Total calories: 1600
Total Protein: 76.9 grams
Protein goal per day: 46- 58 grams
Notes:
- I am fairly certain that Molly, our picky Pyrenees, would not be caught dead eating a dill pickle – but if I have Dill Pickle Peanuts, Molly has Dill Pickle Peanuts.
- Dan and I made supper together last night, and yes he shredded oriental cabbage for the burritos. (The celery I took out didn’t make the cut… 🙄) Once the cabbage was cooked with the rest of the burrito filling, there was no trace of it. (I trust the nutrients remained? 🤔)
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💗🌞

I have never heard of dill pickle peanuts before. I am glad I found your blog. I followed your blog in the past. I stopped blogging for sometime but I am back now under a different name and title. My sweet Chancy passed away a few months ago so I have no dogs or cats now. Anne you look great. I have had to go on a gluten free diet and it has not been easy getting started but I am doing okay with it now. Give Molly some pats for me. Maggie (Mags)
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I am so happy to hear from you, Mags! It seems a number of us drifted away over the past couple of years and have started to wander back. 💕 We get those peanuts from Walmart, but they could be a Canadian thing. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Chancy was precious and a wonderful companion. I went to give Molly a pat for you, but being the not so precious type, she snatched one of Dan’s slippers and I had to chase her around the house. The pat may have been more of a slipper smack. 🙄 Thank you! I am generally feeling really well! So sorry to hear about your gluten issues. Both my sister in law and daughter in law have Celiac disease. The diet takes a lot of determination and effort. Have a great rest of your day, Mags! 💞🌞
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That certainly was a not so good day, Annemarie. I admire you for being able to work through it and for managing a 😂 about the convo with your sister.
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Thank you, Terry. It’s been a few frustrating weeks. I think we finally turned a corner today! It was even nice enough this afternoon for me to go outside, shovel our walks, and do my deep breathing exercises out there! I hope it continues to improve and we have some spring weather by the time you return! 🤗
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Thank you for sharing your experience—it sounds like you’re taking a very comprehensive and disciplined approach to managing your health.
It’s inspiring to hear how you’re combining proper nutrition, exercise, medical care, and medications to keep your conditions in check.
Managing multiple chronic conditions can be challenging, but it seems like you’re doing everything right to stay on top of it. Keep up the great work, and I hope you continue to find strategies that support your well-being!
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Sorry Molly ran off with Dan’s slipper but thank you for giving her a pat for me. Several of my family members have to eat gluten free foods one has Celiac disease. Sorry some of your family members have Celiac disease it is a difficult issue to deal with. I will see if my Walmart has the peanuts. I am still trying to get adjusted with my little Chancy not being around and following me every step, but I am doing okay. I missed hearing from you and I am happy to see that you are doing well. Thank you for the likes on my posts and the comment that I enjoyed very much. Keep doing well Anne. I hope the remainder of the weekend goes well for you.
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That is what Molly does EVERY time Dan leaves the house. Yes that Celiac disease is terrible. It is strange how there are so many good allergies, intolerances, and the like nowadays. Those peanuts were in the Joe Travels rack where the salty snacks are. I missed hearing from you as well and I like the blogs you are doing now. Have a great day, Mags! 😊💞
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I wasn’t always and that didn’t go well for me! I was well on my way to an oxygen tank a few years ago.
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I am so sorry you are having NEW issues. Keep us posted and chin up. You got it, girl!
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Thank you, Karla! I have no idea what that is all about. I haven’t seen my respiratory specialist yet, but I feel fine. I still cough but even that is gradually improving.
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Chin up! Looks like you may have it under control.
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Thank you, Karla. I’m not going back to where I was three years ago! 👍
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