We are home and our heatwave is over. It is forecast to be cooler and wetter today. The humidity is already 100%. (Good thing I watered our garden yesterday!)
Between wildfire smoke and high humidity this summer, my lungs are struggling. I can’t imagine how I would manage if I wasn’t on inhalers, using my Aerobika, doing aerobics, breathing exercises, weights and cardio, walking (weather permitting) – and running (a little bit).
It’s funny, in an odd way, that I used to think working out was for athletes and healthy young people who joined gyms to keep in shape.
I am infinitely grateful that I have learned that living a life based on exercise and healthy habits is for anyone wanting to enjoy quality of life. (Even seventy year olds with multiple chronic lung conditions 😊).
Daily Food Diary – Day 216
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios – no milk (147)
Lunch:
(4) radishes – red/white (21)
(1) c broccoli – green (31)
(2) pcs celery – green (14)
(1/2) c red pepper – red (23)
(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)
(1 1/2) oz marble cheese (170)
(2) oz Piller’s Ham (57)
(9) Lay’s wavy lightly salted chips (131)
Snacks:
(48) oz water
(11) Hint of Lime chips (275)
(3) tbsp salsa – red (12)
(1) Rolo ice cream cone (310)
Total net calories: 1273
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1273 = 51 over
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️❣️
I haven’t planted sunflowers for years, but always manage to have a few of them pop up in our flower bed. I don’t have the heart to pull them out as they have always been granddaughter Maddy’s favourite flower.
It is Day 215 of my Daily Food Diary and it’s another late day – 2nd in a row.
Yesterday morning we headed to Gravelbourg to put new flowers on my parents and grandparents graves and to freshen up my uncle’s gravestone.
Dan cleaned up the headstone and painted the base yesterday.I went to paint the letters and the rosary trim this morning.
The original plan was to work together, but one of us had to stay focused on Molly.
We tried having her loose, thinking she would stay close to us. She didn’t. We didn’t have the place to tie her down on a comfortably long leash. Shade was hard to come by…. unlike crickets! The entire graveyard was covered in little crickets!
Fortunately, the crickets backed off while I was painting this morning. I had a bit of an opportunity to empathize with my Dad as he originally carved the headstone. “In the memory of Herman…” must have been heartbreaking so soon after losing his little (younger) brother. A year later, he would be carving his Mother’s name and date of death on the right side of Herman’s monument. Thirteen years later, he would add his Father’s to the right.
When my parents bought their own headstone, they bought one to match for Grandma and Grandpa Martel and placed one on either side of Herman’s.
Last night I had a nice visit with my Aunt Lil. She is doing amazing. At 91, she is still in her beautiful home, she reads and does puzzles, she has a small garden, she drives to do her own errands, and she BAKES – including her own bread – totally by hand.
I don’t have to look far to find women to admire and inspire in my family.
We drove home earlier today. Tomorrow, I will be back to posting at my regular mid morning time.
It was a busy day yesterday and today isn’t much better. I am checking in late, but better late than never. It still counts!
Saturday is my serious house clean of the week. After I got my aerobic workout done, I scrubbed down the kitchen, vacuumed, and moved furniture to do a thorough sweeping of the living room and the kitchen. I also washed clothes and bedding, and we gave Molly a thorough brushing. And, I fed the squirrels TWICE.
I also did a bit of garden/yard work. A BIG bit. I watered EVERYTHING, fertilized the flowers and vegetables, and sprayed the tomatoes cucumbers, and peppers. My ailing tomato plant is still alive, but hanging by a thread. Most of the tomatoes are suddenly thriving, but the San Marzano are still fighting the rust fungus.
By suppertime, I was ready for something simple supper.
It wasn’t our most colorful meal but there was yellow corn, white mashed potatoes, and dark brown brownies (which probably doesn’t count as a healthy colour).
Daily Food Diary – Day 214
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) plain paratha (240)
(1) tbsp peanut butter (105)
(1) tbsp jam (90)
Snacks:
(60) oz water
Supper:
(1) Hungry Man Fried Chicken (520)
(1) Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie (50)
Total Net Calories: 793
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 793 = 429 under
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💗 😊
A touch of colour for Mom & Dad’s graves when we go to Gravelbourg. Always red carnations for Dad and yellow flowers for Mom.
It is 213 Days since I began posting my Daily Food Diary. 😊🌹
I have completed SEVEN of the twelve months that I set out to post. Every month I choose a different focus and for August I planned to do likewise.
Choosing a new focus is always a challenge and this month (August) has been the most difficult. I drew a blank for the past week, I settled on making this a month to focus on weekly meal planning. But our summers are notoriously short and meal planning is just too September Greige for me to get excited about.
So… I chose to go with COLOURFUL foods for August. While our garden is struggling this year, we do have a variety of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, rhubarb, and several herbs to provide color (and healthy goodness) to our meals. Of course, we also have access to all of the fresh colorful foods available at our supermarkets and local Farmer’s Market.
To kick the month off, I sourced out this short article which offers information on why a colorful diet is beneficial, plus the specific nutrients relative to each basic food color.
Today is also August 1st, which means this is my last diary entry focussed on foods that contain collagen or significantly contribute to the production or use of collagen in our bodies.
I know that I have genetic collagen issues. I also know that lack of collagen becomes an issue for everyone as we age – and I AGED this month. I celebrated my 70th birthday a few days ago. While I have considered it in the past, this month I decided the time had come to start taking collagen supplements.
I went with these capsules from Amazon. I liked the variety of collagen they provide.
Sometimes I avoid trying something like collagen supplements, because I am afraid I will be disappointed in the results and I don’t want to deal with that! In this case, I am sorry that I waited so long.
The supplements that I chose came with a notice that it can take 5 months of 6 gelcaps a day, to notice much difference. In one month – the chronic pain and stiffness in my hands has eased considerably, my nails are stronger and healthier than they have been in decades, and I am shedding far less hair.
I cannot tell what the collagen is doing for my internal issues (which is my real goal), but I believe the airways in my sinuses, throat, and lungs are improving. It is difficult to tell because our weather and frequent smokey spells cause breathing issues – and I have been taking antihistamines and a natural lung clearing tonic.
While taking collagen supplements seems to be beneficial so far, it is still important to keep on top of my diet to ensure that I am getting the nutrients required for my body to effectively utilize collagen. For that, I require adequate protein, vitamin C, zinc, copper, and amino acids. And of course – adequate exercise, rest, and stress management.
When it comes to one’s health, it is never a matter of just taking a pill (or six pills a day). At least not for me. If I don’t work – the pills don’t either. 😕
And of course, eliminating the foods that are detrimental to my system is as important as taking the foods that are beneficial. In that regard, I am happy to announce that with my birthday and our anniversary behind me – my cake is finally GONE.
But it was really good while it lasted! 😊
And in other monthly wrap up news, I may or may not have packed on 5 pounds this month. It’s a good thing I am taking up running – and that we are out of cake. 🤦
Daily Food Diary – Day 212
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) Egg Denver omelet with ham & green onion, shredded marble cheese, & Salsa (363)
(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)
Snack:
(48) oz water
(4) oz lemon water
(1) piece Caramel Toffee cake (1050)
Supper:
(3) battered & fried haddock filets (435)
(6) oz fries (230)
(1/2) c gravy (50)
(1/2) c coleslaw (104)
(12) oz 7 up (140)
Total net calories: 2289
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 2289 = 1067 over
* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly contribute to the production of collagen
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊💕
Today is Day 211 of my Daily Food Diary. Today is also Dan and my 26thWedding Anniversary.
That was us – with Dan’s Dad and my Mom. Dan’s Mom & My Dad passed away before we met but I have always felt that they had a part in our getting together.
We are having another nice quiet day today. I went for a walk with Dan and Molly earlier. Our air quality was No. 5 again due to ongoing forest fire smoke. It didn’t seem that bad, so I thought I would be ok. I was wrong. A few blocks in my lungs were so congested That I couldn’t keep up with Molly. I gave Dan her lead and turned back home. We were at a spot on our route where we could see almost to our house, so Dan and Molly waited until I got to our corner and then proceeded to finish their regular walk.
This afternoon, I am going to make a reservation for our short visit to Gravelbourg. Tonight we are going out for supper again. We are going laid back again. This time we are going to a Fish & Chip restaurant that Dan’s cousin has been recommending for months. We go out to eat so seldom now since I discovered my yeast issues, that we have to make the most out of it when we do. Tonight we are going to experience our new favourite fish joint! 😊
Obviously, another day without my daily run today. Yesterday, I ran on the spot on my kitchen fatigue mat. I will do the same today. If I can find a way to actually make running a regular part of my daily routine, I will look at investing in a fold-up treadmill for our spare bedroom. I know that come winter, I won’t be running on the snow and ice anyway, so I might as well start looking at options!
Daily Food Diary:
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Snacks:
(4) oz lemon water
(8) Hint of Lime Tortilla Chips (200)
(2) tbsp Salsa (8)
Supper:
(5) oz pork chop (162)
(1/2) pkg chicken ramen noodles (120)
(1) c brussel sprouts (56)
(3) tsp butter (103)
(1) sm side salad w/lettuce, cucumber, green onions, sunflower seeds, dried fried onions, Vidalia Onion salad dressing (256)
(1) piece Caramel Toffee Cake (1050)
Total net calories: 2117
Net calorie goal: 2117 – 1229 = 896 over
*Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly contribute to the production of collagen
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞🤗
It is 210 Days (30 WEEKS) since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. Thirty full weeks without a single miss. 🤗💞
It is 3 days since I started running daily. Today our air quality is ‘moderate’ coming in at a number 5. Dan and Molly walked alone. Today being a Wednesday, I will do a weight/cardio workout after my aerobics. Tomorrow, hopefully the smoke will clear and I will be able to get in Run #3.
This is summer in Saskatchewan. Cold, wet, hot, humid, smokey, clear, dry, and windy! This morning it was +6 Celsius when I got up. (42.8 Fahrenheit). 😯
The one positive of having a cold smokey summer day, is that it helps control the mosquitos and other obnoxious little bugs that generally thrive around here. Of course it also discourages the butterflies and bees as well. Such is life!
On the upside, I spent yesterday dressing up our patio furniture with the new seat cushions Dan bought yesterday. If the smoke clears, I am ready to drag out a space heater and blanket to enjoy a bit of fresh air.
In other news, my Lose It! app sent me a notice this morning. For the past 29 days, I have averaged 221 calories over my net calorie daily goal. 🙄
And in more news, Google just noted that I should have written ‘lost it’ instead of ‘Lose It!’ (Google isn’t wrong. 😂)
To be honest… While I have been noting a LOT of extra calories this month, I haven’t taken any credit for extra calories burnt this month. I do spend as much time as possible out in our yard – cleaning, weeding, watering (much of it with a heavy metal watering can). And, Molly is into super shedding mode so I also spend a lot of time in the house dealing with that situation.
It’s exhausting losing so much hair and spreading it throughout the house.
Daily Food Diary – Day 210
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Shreddies (200)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
(1) tsp sugar (16)
Lunch:
(1) PC Buttermilk chicken (240)
(1/3) c potato salad w/radish & green onion (113)
(2) Gyoza (90)
(1) egg roll (190)
(1) almond flour/chocolate chip cookie (50)
Snacks:
(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)
(4) oz lemon water
Supper:
(1) sourdough bun (259)
(5 1/2) oz lean ground beef patty (334)
(1) slice havarti cheese (80)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(1) tbsp bacon bits (30)
(1/2) c fried mushrooms & onions (30)
(10) lightly salted potato chips (52)
Total net calories: 1730
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1730 = 509 over 👎
*Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly contribute to the production of collagen
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️😊
It is Day 209 of my Daily Food Diary. 🤗💞 I celebrate the accomplishment each and every day, but I am to the point where it doesn’t really surprise me how far I have come. It is just a natural part of my day to day life.
I track everything I consume. I am mindful of everything I consume. My health is better for it.
Two years ago I quit eating yeast because I realized it was having a seriously detrimental effect on my health. I am still on the waiting list to see an allergy specialist, but in the meantime I am working out the details of my yeast issue. I have learned that there are many yeast related foods – like mushrooms, which are also fungi. There are foods that are very susceptible to mold (another fungi), like strawberries and black berries. There are foods that trigger yeast issues (generally any form of sugar). AND, while we often think of yeast as being used to rise bread doughs or to ferment beer and wine, it can be used and found ANYWHERE especially in processed or restaurant foods.
Keeping a Daily Food Diary has been a huge help in sorting this all out. I keep track of everything I consume over the course of the day. When I come to post it the next day, I am feeling any ill effects from anything I should have steered clear of, and it doesn’t take long to pinpoint the problem.
It is pretty cool actually, for something that is just a natural part of my day. 🙂
This week, I have started something else that I hope to make a natural part of my day. Yesterday, while Dan and I were out walking Molly, I broke away to go for a short run. I ran from a bench to the first intersection on our park path. This morning, I did likewise except I ran through the intersection to a big rock (just short of the small dog park). It is still not much, but I know that within a few days, I will be running the entire length of our park path. 🤗
Daily Food Diary – Day 209
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) crumpets (160)
(1 1/2) tsp butter (51)
(1) tbsp raspberry jam (50)
(3) slices back bacon (100)
Snacks:
(60) oz water
(4) oz lemon water
(1) apple (95)
(10) raspberries (10)
Supper:
(6) tempura shrimp (285)
(1) lg PC Buttermilk Chicken (240)
(3) Pork riblets (49)
(2) egg rolls (380)
(4) Gyoza (180)
(1) tsp plum sauce (6)
(1) tbsp shrimp sauce (20)
(1) tbsp Gyoza dip (50)
(1/2) PC caramel toffee cake (525)
Total net calories: 1904
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1904 = 683
* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly contribute to the production of collagen
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💖😊
Yesterday, I posted that I was going to start running today. I always try to keep my word, and this time (as usual) I did so! I went for a run in the park. I did not run far and I did not run fast… But I did RUN.
It is rather smokey today, but it did not bother me as much as the patch that drifted through last week. I am sure the species of trees that are burning makes a difference. Some species, like Birch, are always more of an issue for me.
Despite the smoke, I finished my little run, none the worse for wear – except my left hand ring finger is sore and swollen.
Bizarre! Dan figuresI must have caught it on Molly’s chain when I was leading her. 🤔
Sore finger or not, today is Monday so it is back to doing my morning aerobics and it is a day for weights and cardio.
Daily Food Diary – Day 208
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) Sourdough bun (259)
(1 1/2) tsp butter (51)
(2) eggs (160)
(1 1/2) oz ham (67)
(2) green onions (16)
Supper:
(1) medium salad (130)
(2) sticks chicken souvlaki (180)
(2) tbsp French Dressing (146)
(2) tbsp dried fried onion (33)
(2) tsp sunflower seeds (33)
(1) PC caramel toffee cake (1050)
(60) oz water
Total net calories: 2055
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 2055 = 833 over 👎
* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly contribute to the production of collagen
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️🌞
Yesterday was my birthday. It was a great day. I appreciated all of the well wishes from friends and family. I appreciated the calls from son Dan and daughter Jennifer. And we all appreciated the visit from the newly weds (Genie & Alec) – especially MOLLY!
I love the cardandthe flowers. The sourdough buns are pretty good. (Toasted & buttered with ham & cheese omelets to fill). Grandpa and I might have to check out the farmers market ourselves soon!
My Daily Food Diary entry for the day looks pretty brutal, but it was my 70th Birthday and we did go to Montana’s for (a very early) supper followed by Birthday Cake later in the evening.
Takeaway from this entry.. my total calories for the day were BAD And my food choices were not the most nutritionally sound. While I ate what I wanted… I could have done worse. Dan and I both had water with our meal. We generally pass on soda or alcoholic beverages. I gave Dan part of my (Ribfest) entree. The one I chose had 4 breaded hot wings. Dan ordered a smaller entree and took the yeast hit. And when we had cake, we both passed on the ice cream.
This cake does not require ice cream!
Today we are both back on track. We started our day with coffee before taking Molly on a good trek around the neighborhood. And, we had a relatively light meal for our Sunday brunch.
Our air is finally clear and our humidity is down. I am breathing somewhat easier. so I am thinking of going for a jog around our neighbourhood to kick off my 70’s tomorrow morning. I’ll let you know how that plays out. 👍
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 