2025 – Page 27 – Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie

Daily Food Diary – Day 92 of 365 Days

April 3, 2025April 3, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It has been 92 Days since I began tracking and posting my Daily Food Diary.

This Food Diary, which I use as a tool to become more mindful of what I consume, began on January 1st. The date was more of a coincidence than anything. This was not an impulse New Years Resolution type of thing. My motivation began months earlier.

While I had never been particularly mindful of what I consumed in the past, I always thought that I had a fairly healthy, basic diet. Until…

Three years ago, I realized that consuming anything made with yeast was a major issue, causing severe digestive issues. Dealing with that, made me take a better look at everything that I was eating. Until…

Last summer, I experienced ‘sugar creep’ in a big way. While I was blissfully unaware, I was adding more and more processed sugar to my diet. It was a vicious cycle of sugar highs, followed by lows, and back to the pantry for another sugar high. Until…

All of my digestive issues started coming back and my chronic lung issues flared up. I finally looked at my diet – and there it was – mounds of processed sugar. Cereals, deserts, toffee, candy covered nuts, store bought muffins, ice cream, soda….

By late September, I was enough of a wreck that I was ready to make a serious effort to become mindful of what I consumed on a daily basis and to make whatever adjustments were needed.

Ultimately, I decided that I would begin a Daily Food Diary on January 1st and finally that I would post it here, on my little blog, to help keep me accountable and committed for a full year (by which time, mindful eating will hopefully be a natural part of my health and wellness lifestyle) . So, here I am at Day 92 and moving forward.

Food Diary – Day 92

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (4.7)

(1) c Raisin Bran Crunch ((190) (210)

(1/4) c 2% milk (31) (28.7) (3.1)

Snacks:

(1) c Licorice Tea

(1) Mango (135)

(1/3) c Dill Pickle Peanuts & Smokehouse Almonds (298) (317) (2)

(32) oz water

Supper:

(4) oz beef burger – ground beef, sour cream, diced onion, Mrs. Dash spice, mixed spice, olive oil. (332) (91.4)

(1/2) cup mushroom and onions pan fried in olive oil. (38) (4.8)

(11) Old Dutch Ripple Chips (130) (115)

(1/2) c brown beans (130) (450) (8)

Total Net Calories: 1106 👍

Calorie Goal: 1269 – 1106 = 163 under

Total Sodium: 1231.2 mg 👍

Sodium Goal: 1500 – 2300 mg

Total Processed Sugar: 33.1 grams 😳

Processed sugar goal: 25 grams

* Note to self… read the entire label before buying ‘ healthy cereal’ and find a recipe for home made brown beans that have minimal added sugar.

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️💓

Daily Food Diary – Day 91 of 365

April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 91 Days since I began my Daily Food Diary. That is a full 13 weeks! 🙌 As I had hoped, I have become more mindful of what I consume on a daily basis and I have made a few adjustments along the way.

This month, I have decided to become more mindful of my sodium (a major component in table salt, MSG, and baking soda) and processed sugar consumption.

Processed sugar and excessive sodium consumption is not (typically) good for anyone. For someone like me, with multiple chronic lung conditions, too much of either is particularly bad.

A major issue with lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or bronchiolitis is MUCUS – the quantity of it and the viscosity of it. Diet affects both.

Some foods, like dairy products, increase the production of mucus. Other components of our diet dehydrate and thicken said mucus. Such mucus dehydrating items include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, sodium, and sugar. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps to counter these issues but only to a point.

Fortunately, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks have never been an issue for me. I enjoy my carbonated water – but I can live without it. Sodium and processed sugar are more of a challenge. Thus my April focus.

Yesterday, I kicked the month off with one of our fairly frequent, favourite suppers – just to see what I am starting with. The sugar content wasn’t bad – the sodium was off the charts. 🙄

I did search out a healthier snack to go with my afternoon tea. I can see switching these crackers for my all too typical potato chips.

**The chips in our pantry range from 240 to 360 mg of sodium per serving. (And +/- 260 calories)**

Food Diary – Day 91

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (4.7 mg)

(2) eggs (160) (440 mg)

(1) tsp olive oil (79)

(2) sl back bacon (35) (500 mg) (1 gr)

(5) PC asparagus (16) (10.5 mg)

(1/4) c green onions (10)

Snacks:

(1) Green tea

(14) Multi Grain Crackers (140) (110 mg)

(36) oz water

Supper:

(3) Riblets (36) (116 mg)

(4) spring rolls (180) (440 mg) (3 gr)

(9) Tempura shrimp (350) (460 mg)

(2) PC buttermilk chicken breast (250) (430 mg)

(4) Gyoza (170) (400) (2gr)

(1) tbsp seafood sauce (12) (110 mg) (2 gr)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80) (110 mg) (.5 gr)

(1) tbsp Gyoza sauce (15) (365 mg) (2 gr)

(1) tbsp Plum sauce (18) (15) (4)

Total Net Calories: 1372

Daily Goal: 1269 calories

Total Sodium: 3511.2 mg 😳

Daily goal: 1500 to 2300 mg

Total Sugar: 14.5 grams

Daily goal: 25 grams

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️☺️

Daily Food Diary – Day 90 of 365

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It’s been 90 days – THREE FULL MONTHS since I started my Daily Food Diary and began posting it on here.🎊

In March, I have been tracking and noting my protein consumption. I am surprised that I not only meet, but often surpass, the daily recommended amount of protein. From what I have read, too much protein can cause digestive issues. Since I seldom have digestive issues since I quit eating yeast, I am not really concerned. I think that between my lung issues and my genetic collagen issues, chances are I just use/need more protein in my diet. If an issue ever shows up on my routine blood work, I may have to revisit that thought.

Last night we rounded off the month with a meal to a local Buffet Palace. It is hardly fine dining, but good, basic food – and one restaurant where I can avoid yeast quite easily.

Today starts a new month and a new focus. For April I am going to track my SALT and SUGAR consumption. This one’s going to hurt. I love both and I know neither are good for anyone – especially anyone with multiple lung conditions that cause mucus issues. 😢

Food Diary – Day 90

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(1) c Shreddies (200) (6)

(1/4) c milk (31) (2)

(1) tsp sugar (16)

Lunch:

(1) Boiled egg (78) (6.3)

(1) tbsp Miracle Whip Lite (37) (.1)

(1/4) c green onions (10) (1)

(1) c lettuce (6) (.4)

Snacks:

(1) c Hibiscus tea

(52) oz water

Supper:

(1) Sm bowl of potato/ chicken, potato soup (113) (2)

(1) Salad Plate – Lettuce, Broccoli, Red onion, Tomato, Cucumber, cheese, Salsa, Pickled Beets, Brown Beans, cole slaw (233) (7.1)

(1) Teriyaki chicken thigh (skinless) & drumstick (430) (47)

(1/2) c French Fries (165) (3.2)

(1/4) c gravy (31) (4.4)

(1) c mixed vegetables (green & brown beans and corn) – zero butter, salt, pepper or flavor (44) (1.5)

(1) pc apple crisp (151) (4)

Total Calories: 1546 – 106 (aerobics) = 1440

Calorie Goal: 1269 – 1440 = 171 OVER

Total Protein: 75.2 grams

Daily Protein Goal: 46-58.5 grams

* It was that scoop of brown beans from the salad bar that put me over the top. 😯

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊💝

Daily Food Diary – Day 89

March 31, 2025March 31, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It has been 89 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary. Some days look better than others.

This one missed the mark. I went over on calories and I went under on protein. But, if I average the calories and the protein for the past week, it does average out. And if I take a panoramic view of how I am doing lately, I am not disappointed.

I have been working at improving my water intake. I was drifting back to my pre diary days for a while, so have been working on a correction there. I have also been foregoing the carbonated water for regular filtered water. I read lately that carbonated water is not recommended for people like me, with lung issues. We will see if this helps.

With the cold wind finally dying down, Dan and Molly, and I went walking yesterday. We stayed in our neighbourhood, traveling down sidewalks that are still covered with ice ruts, snow, and water. It doesn’t relate well to what I can claim for calories burnt but it is walking, at a slow pace, all stumbling and sliding aside. One doesn’t get credit for staying upright for the duration – or for the fresh air that helps my lungs.

I have been sleeping well, using my soft headphones to listen to sleep meditations when I go to bed at night.

And I have been making progress with my stress and anxiety management, which is huge for controlling my asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis.

Overall, my life is pretty good, and I am doing a pretty solid job of managing my health and wellness. Candy coated Easter eggs aside… And spoiler alert, if you thought that matrimonial cake went on forever, don’t hold your breath waiting for me to polish off my JUMBO bag of Easter Eggs. 🙄

Food Diary – Day 89

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(1) fried leftover baked potato (139) (3.7)

(2) eggs (160) (14)

(3) sm. Slices bacon (130) (8.9)

(1) tsp olive oil (79)

(3) tsp butter (103) (.1)

Snacks:

(1) c Lemon Ginger tea

(27) Old Dutch salt & vinegar chips (250) (2)

(1/2) Cup Sunflower seeds – (120) (4)

(6) candy coated mini Easter Eggs (85) (2.4)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) 8 oz bowl Cream of Asparagus Soup (278) (15.3)

(5) soda crackers

Total calories: 1409

Less 75 calories (walking) = 1334 Calories

Daily Goal: 1269 calories – 1334 = 65 OVER

Total Protein: 51.1 grams

Protein Goal: 46-58.5 grams

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💝☺️

Daily Food Diary – Day 88

March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

On January 1st, I started tracking everything I consume each day and posting it in my Daily Food Diary. I have never been great at keeping New Years resolutions, but I approached this more as a commitment and 88 days later, I am still on track! 😊

Yesterday, our main meal of the day was a family affair. Dan and I spent most of the day tidying up the house and getting supper together.

**Their Mom Jen with her fiance Tanner**

I struggle taking family photos. To be honest, I think it is the family that I have to work with. The photo of Genie on her own went well enough. (Her fiance Alec was at work) The other three were a challenge. How hard is it for TWO people to face the same direction at the same time? By the time I got to Dan and Ronan, they were all over the place. I am pretty sure they were trying to be difficult. I got one shot of Dan looking at the ceiling while Ronan was looking at the floor. 🙄

All in all, everything went as well as can be expected when you get a lot of family into a small house. Supper went particularly well. They all said our first attempt at pulled pork was a win. The girls chose the menu, with a bit of tweaking. Jen requested the brussel sprouts and Dan and I added buns and yeast free paratha bread for anyone wanting to build a pulled pork sandwich. It all worked.

Food Diary

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(1) c Raisin Bran Crunch (190) (3)

(1/4) c milk (31) (2)

Snack:

(1) c Licorice tea

(30) oz water

Supper:

(3) oz pulled pork (150) (2.2)

(1/2) c cole claw (74) (1.2)

(1) baked potato (139) (3.7)

(3) tsp butter (10) (.1)

(1/4) c green onion (10) (1)

(1/2) c brussel sprouts (28) (2)

(10) asparagus spears (33) (3.6)

(1) pc ice cream cake (613) (10.4)

Total Calories: 1373

Less 106 (26 min. Aerobics)

Net Calories: 1267

Calorie goal: 1269 – 1267 = 2 under 👍

* I can’t believe half of my calories yesterday came from DQ Blizzard Ice Cream Cake. The cake was a 10″ round cake (calories per DQ nutrition menu – 7360) cut into 12 equal pieces. One piece 613 calories. 😳

Total Protein: 47.5 grams

Daily Protein Goal: 46 to 58.5 grams

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️💕

Daily Food Diary – Day 87 of 365

March 29, 2025March 29, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 87 Days since I started tracking and posting my Daily Food Diary. It is 30 plus years since I was diagnosed with, and began treatment for, asthma. It is 5 years since I was diagnosed, and began treatment for, bronchiectasis and COPD.

Over time, I have learned a few things.

First – Medications on their own (other than the antibiotics and oral steroids for acute infections) do little to manage respiratory disease.

Second – Respiratory disease can be managed with inhalers, exercise, breathing exercises, fresh air, diet, adequate hydration, stress management, and adequate quality sleep.

Third – Management of chronic respiratory disease is a personal responsibility. For me, this has included a lot of research and a lot of trial and error.

A few days ago, I joined a bronchiectasis group on Facebook. It has been validation of what I have learned and what I have done to live reasonably well with my respiratory issues.

I have also encountered some surprising information. A LOT of the posts I have read mention the connection between diet and respiratory health. I have seen general physicians, specialists, respiratory therapists, and a dietician (regarding general allergies). None have discussed this connection. None have mentioned the prevalence of food allergies – specifically a YEAST allergy. None have advised me to avoid sugar, processed foods, or dairy products. None have discussed proper hydration.

In Canada, we have a health care crisis. We have a shortage of doctors and healthcare workers. We have a shortage of health and long-term care facilities. We have a shortage of emergency and acute care facilities.

What is really disturbing to me, is that we have a shortage of critical information being passed on to people who are diagnosed with chronic respiratory issues. Information that would keep people out of emergency wards and healthcare facilities. Information and advice that we shouldn’t have to search out on social media. 🤦

Food Diary – Day 87

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(3) crumpets (240) (6)

(2) tsp butter (68) (.1)

(2) tsp jam (33) (.1)

Snacks:

(1) c Tumeric Tea

(1/3) c bbq corn nuts (161) (2.8)

(6) candy coated mini choc. eggs (85) (2.5)

(30) oz water

Supper:

Taco Salad:

(200) grams ground chicken (260) (38)

(1/4) c shredded cheese (208) (13.2)

(2) c lettuce (12) (.9)

(1/2) med. Tomato (11) (.5)

(5) sl. Cucumber (4) (.2)

(1/4) c green onion (10) (1)

(1/2) c red pepper (23) (.7)

(3) green olives (22)

(3) tbsp salsa (15) (.7)

(6) Hint of Lime chips (150) (2)

Total calories: 1305

Less 106 calories – aerobics

Net Calories: 1199

Daily calorie goal 1269 – 1199 = 70 under

* Those candy coated chocolate eggs would have put me over my calorie goal for the day. Fortunately, I found that if I used regular salsa instead of Salsa Ranch Dressing on my Taco Salad, I could squeak out one more win. 😊🙌🙌🙌

Total Protein: 69.3 grams

Daily protein goal: 46 to 58.5 grams

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❤️

Daily Food Diary – Day 86 of 365

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It’s been 86 days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary – FOUR DAYS in a row that I have met my calorie goal. I am committed to meeting my goal SEVEN DAYS in a row.

I am concerned about how well I will stick to the plan on Saturday. We are hosting a birthday supper for granddaughters Prim and Maddy who had birthdays this week and for Dan whose birthday is in early April.

Yesterday, Dan and I went shopping for gifts for the girls and for the birthday supper, plus a number of odds and ends that we happened to need. We got the girls’ gifts, cards AND wrapping paper. We got the pork for the pulled pork plus a few of the extras we needed. Dan is going back today for everything I forgot – including the three stores that I totally missed.

I am not, and have never been, a great shopper. I’ve always wondered why ‘shopping’ is supposedly a predominantly female pursuit? The tide seems to be turning, at least 9 to 5 midweek. Dan blends right in with all the other retired men cruising the aisles with their shopping carts. They all seem to know what they are doing – unlike the handful of women (like me) who are wandering around trying to find their husbands.

Food Diary – Day 86

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(2) eggs (160) (14)

(2) oz ham (73) (13)

(1/4) c green onions (10) (1)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) potato patties (240) (2)

Snacks:

(1) c Hibiscus Tea

(40) oz water

Supper:

Beef Stir Fry:

(6) oz eye of round steak (264) (50.8)

(1/2) pkg ramen noodles (190) (5)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1/2) red onion (23) (.9)

(1/2) c mushrooms (22) (1.7)

(1/2) c red pepper (23) (.7)

(1/2) c cabbage (17) (1)

(3) cloves garlic (13) (.6)

(3) tbsp stir fry sauce (60) (.3)

(1/2) c celery (8) (.2)

(1) carrot (25) (.6)

Total calories: 1253

Less 161 (walking 41 & aerobics 106)

Net Calories: 1092

Daily calorie goal: 1269 – 1092 = 177 under

Protein: 94.9 grams

Daily Protein Goal: 46 to 58.5 grams

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💖☺️

**RIP Kat – It’s been 3 years since we had to let you go. We will never forget you, our sweet little girl. 💞**

Daily Food Diary – Day 85 of 365

March 27, 2025March 27, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

It is 85 days since I began keeping and posting my Daily Food Diary. My intention was to track everything I consume in a day, become more mindful of what I consume, and gradually make some improvements as to what I consume.

So far I believe I am getting as much out of the exercise as I thought I would. I am also getting more support and encouragement from my regular followers than I expected. For this, I am so grateful! 🤗

Reading what I consume every day can’t be that exciting for anyone. For me, the real magic happens when I decide what not to eat or bake or buy, knowing that I am going to have to write it in my diary and post it for any and all to see.

This week I decided to work harder to meet my daily calorie goal of 1269 calories a day. On Monday, I posted that would be my focus for this week and so far so good. Monday and Tuesday, I was substantially under my goal.

Last night was Dan’s dart night. We eat early on dart night, so we decided to make supper easy by indulging in some take out. That used up most of my calories for the day. 🤦

After Dan left, I had 88 calories left to fill my “600 Pound Life” and “911” marathon evening – my biggest snack event of the week, which I often fill by sharing a bag of popcorn with Molly. Last night, determined to stay on track, I indulged in RAW BROCCOLI drizzled with salad dressing.

Raw broccoli will never replace hot buttery popcorn, but last night it was broccoli for the win and I stayed under my calorie goal for the day – just barely. How exciting is that? 👍

Daily Food Diary:

BREAKFAST:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(3) crumpets (240) (6)

(2) tsp butter (68) (.1)

(2) tsp raspberry jam (33) (.1)

Snacks:

(1) c Cinnamon tea

(25) Classic Potato chips (160) (2)

(36) oz water

(1/2) c raw broccoli (15) (1.3)

(1/2) tbsp Kraft Sweet Onion Dressing (12)

Supper:

(1) Big Mac – no bun (463) (25)

(1) sm fries (230) (3)

(7) McNuggets (233) (18.7)

Total Calories: 1456

Less 126 calories 30 min. aerobics

Less 90 calories 40 min. walking

Net Calories: 1240

Net Calories goal: 1269 – 1240 = 29 calories under

Total Protein: 56.5 grams

Daily Protein Goal: 46 to 58.5 grams

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞💐

Daily Food Diary – Day 84 of 365

March 26, 2025March 26, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 84 days (11 Weeks) since I started my Daily Food Diary. It is incredible how quickly the weeks go by.

When I started this diary, we were heading into a brutal winter. We have left that behind as we now head into spring. Yesterday, we had our back door open so we could let the fresh air in and Molly could come and go on her own.

Spring is easily my favourite season of the year! It is the promise of summer – without the bugs. It is ultimately great grass and trees, flowers, and sunshine! What is not to love?

Daily Food Diary – Day 84

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(1) c Raisin Bran Crunch (190) (3)

(1/4) c milk (31) (2)

Lunch:

(1) Granola Bar (160) (3)

(12) oz water

Snack:

(1) c licorice tea

Supper:

(12) oz carbonated water

Chef Salad…

(2) c Romaine Lettuce (12) (.9)

(2) Radishes (3) (.1)

(10) slices cucumber (10) (.4)

(1/2) tomato (11) (.5)

(1/4) c green onions (10) (1)

(3) oz baked ham (140) (14)

(1/3) c shredded cheese (137) (8.4)

(2) hard boiled eggs (156) (14.1)

(1 1/2) tsp sunflower seeds (135) (4.5)

(3) tbsp Peppercorn Ranch dressing (165)

(2) tbsp French’s dry fried onions (200) (8)

Total Calories: 1362

Less 126 calories for 30 minutes aerobics

Net Calories: 1236

Daily Net Calorie Goal: 1269 – 1236 = under 33

Total Protein: 60.2 grams

Daily Protein Goal: 46 to 58.5 grams

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊💕

**Happy Belated Birthday to Madison, who turned 15 years old the day BEFORE her sister Prim turned 13.** 🤦🎂
**Grandma and Grandpa have ALWAYS known this because Mom went to the hospital as soon as we finished celebrating your second birthday.** 🙄🎂

It is impossible to believe our little girls have grown up so fast! We love you both and we are so proud of both of you!

Daily Food Diary – Day 83 of 365

March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It has been 83 days since I began keeping and posting my Daily Food Diary. It has been 3 years and 10 days since I began my health and fitness lifestyle.

Nowadays, I keep plugging along with my efforts, always with a quiet appreciation for how far I have come and how many benefits I have received from living a healthier more active life.

Then there are days like yesterday! While I have washed our Jeep on occasion, it is generally one of those chores that Dan handles. Yesterday, I decided it was my turn.

I headed down to a self-serve carwash ready to do battle. Half an hour later, I was heading home with a sparkly clean Jeep. Not only did I do a great job, best job ever – but there was no battle. I sprayed the pre-soak, used the foamy brush to scrub down the Jeep top to bottom, sprayed it all down with more soapy spray, and gave it a thorough rinse.

I came home, did my aerobic workout, had a granola bar AND headed down to Wascana Lake for a walk with Dan and Molly.

There was a time (3 years ago) when I thought that being a flabby, clumsy old wimp, that having asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis, that being sick and weak and miserable, that struggling every day was who I was.

It was. But three years later, I am stronger and happier and healthier than I ever could have imagined. And some days that is just so beyond exciting! 😁

Daily Food Diary – Day 83

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(1) c Raisin Bran Crunch (190) (3)

(1/4) c milk (31) (2)

Lunch:

(24) oz water

(1) Granola Bar (160) (3)

Snacks:

(1) c green tea

(25) Lay’s Classic Potato Chips(160) (2)

Supper:

(1) c white rice (242) (4.4)

(2) tbsp soya sauce (30) (2)

(3) sm. Chicken drumsticks(300) (30.5)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(10) asparagus spears (33) (3.6)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(5) pcs cucumber (4) (.2)

(1/2) med. Tomato (11) (.5)

Total Calories: 1237

Less 126 Calories for 30 min. aerobics

Less 85 Calories for 37 min walking

Net Calories: 1026

Daily net calorie goal 1269 calories

1269 – 1026 = 243 calories under for the day

Total Protein: 51.2 Grams

Protein goal for per day: 46 to 58.5 grams per day

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💕☺️