Category: Health and Fitness

Daily Food Diary – Day 194 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 194 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary! 😁🎈

I have a few random topics to touch on today:

  1. On Saturday, I had a major craving for a root beer.. I took a hard pass and had carbonated water.  Yesterday, I was looking to have an afternoon snack.  Being Sunday, I was thinking of something high in calories and low in nutrition… I had a pear and a handful of raspberries.  My Daily Food Diary continues to  work for me.  🤗
  2. Ten days ago, I started taking collagen supplements.  I don’t know what I was looking for but I wasn’t expecting to see any notable change for six weeks to five months.   Oddly enough, for three mornings now I have woken up without stiff, achy hands – for the first time since I can ever remember.  🤔
  3. After one nice warm day of sunshine, we are back to cool, wet weather.  We took  Molly for her walk before the rain started.  We went to Northgate Mall.  Dan got a haircut while I wandered the halls counting empty storefronts.   We both got wet getting back to the Jeep.  🌨️
  4. Today it is 3 Years and 5 Months since I started my Health & Fitness lifestyle.  Last night, I remembered how I used to get a brutal stabbing pain in my right side  every time I twisted sideways.   I know it was from Slipping Rib Syndrome (floating ribs that slip out of place).   But that doesn’t happen anymore.  It hasn’t for at least a couple of years.    The random benefits of living a healthy, active lifestyle never cease to amaze me. 😁

Daily Food Diary – Day 194

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(2) scrambled eggs (182)

(2) Eggo waffles (180)

(2) tbsp Maple syrup (110)

(3) slices bacon (130)

Snacks:

(1) Pear (103)

(10) Raspberries (10)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) Ham salad wrap (196)

(15) Light Salt potato chips (78)

(1) serving rhubarb cheese cake (227)

Total Net Calories: 1187

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1187 = 42 under 👍

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 193 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 193 of my Daily Food Diary.  Today is also SUNDAY. 

Being retired, one does not generally dwell on days of the week.  Sundays, or at least Sundays in our household,  have a unique flow to them.

This morning, I slept in until 7:00 AM.  I could have slept longer.  I was up at 3 AM dealing with a coughing fit that refused to pass.  Dan was up early, dealing with Molly. So there was no good reason why I had to get up.  Alas, Molly felt otherwise. 

Morning Breath!

I was up at seven, and by eight we were heading out for our morning walk.   Even in a neighbourhood surrounded by major roadways, Sunday morning walks are peaceful.   This morning, we detoured through two parks.  We were surrounded by nature and sunshine. 🤗

When we got back home, we whipped up a quick Sunday morning breakfast.  By the time we finished eating, it was time for Dan to head out to pick up granddaughter Maddy to take her to work – another Sunday morning ritual in our lives. 💓

I gave Molly her Sunday pig’s ear.  Being primarily cartilage, it is a great source of collagen for her – and one of her favourite treats.

I headed outdoors to my personal retreat, to write my daily blog and soak in the sounds of Sunday – from the water feature in our pond, to the birds, to the muffled sounds of traffic in a city slowly coming to life.

Daily Food Diary – Day 193

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(2) oz roast beef (109)

(12) French fries (120)

(1) c broccoli (60)

(4) tbsp gravy (20)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(10) chicken wing flats (425)

(6) multigrain crackers (180)

(6) vegetable thins (40)

(2) c raw vegetables – cucumber, mini carrots, cauliflower, radishes, broccoli (100)

(2) tbsp Frank’s honey garlic sauce (40)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)

Total net calories: 1209

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1209 = 20 under 👍

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 192 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 192 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary.  192 Days without one single miss! 😊🙌

I plan to stop posting my diary at the end of 365 days as I originally planned, but I may keep tracking my food intake indefinitely.  It’s never going to be about perfecting my diet – but I do appreciate the practice of being mindful of what I eat.

Speaking of being mindful…

Yesterday morning I went on a very rare shopping expedition.  I had THREE specific goals:

(1) To buy an outfit for a family event this coming week

(2) To buy new sneakers (the price of an increasingly active lifestyle)

(3) And.. to buy a card for said family event

Dan came with me to chauffeur and offer his input as required. 

After a frustrating walk around Southland Mall, Dan led me down a hallway that I had missed. (My sense of direction is as lacking as my shopping skills 🤦)

To my delight, we came across a Ricki’s store.  I thought the entire chain had closed down, but apparently not!  I went in and the  amazing sales clerk helped me to find the perfect dress – which was on sale! 

Our next stop was DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse.  I scored not one pair of sneakers but TWO – and both for less than the regular price of one, including taxes.

In keeping with my lack of shopping skills, I totally forgot about the card (Goal #3) when I realized it was lunch time.

With my yeast allergy/intolerance, choosing a restaurant gets complicated.  There  was an Olive Garden in the same general parking lot as DSW, so that seemed like a good sign. 🤭

On the good side… The service was great.  When I asked the waitress to hold the croutons on my salad, she (very professionally) asked if that was simply a preference.  When I told her about my  yeast allergy, she brought the manager to our table to discuss yeast free options.   He provided not only a crouton free salad, but also a yeast free butter & garlic alternative for their regular scampi sauce.   My lunch was amazing and I suffered no ill effects.  And the price for our meal was very reasonable. 👍

On the not so good side.. I was reminded how dicey it is for me to eat anywhere outside of our own kitchen.   I thought Olive Garden would be a pretty safe bet compared to most restaurants where much of the lunch menu is sandwiches (bread or bun).   I was wrong.   At Olive Garden most of their appetizers are breaded, there is yeast in all of  their pasta sauces, and there is even yeast in their Tuxedo Cake (which was a HUGE  disappointment for me. 😢) Fortunately, the manager and our waitress made sure I didn’t order anything containing yeast, for which I am grateful, but the experience will make me even more cautious going forward.

*** After Dan dropped me off at home, he did go to a store to pick up the card that we needed.  🤗💓

Daily Food Diary – Day 192

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Shreddies (200)

(1/4) c 2% milk (28)

(1) tsp sugar (16)

Lunch:

(1) Olive Garden salad (140)

(1) Olive Garden shrimp scampi – shrimp, red pepper, & asparagus (490)

Snacks:

(3/4) c Butterscotch Sundae ice cream (180)

(2) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (105)

(9) pecan halves (59)

(25) light salted ripple chips (160)

(60) oz water

Total net calories: 1133

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1133 = 95 under

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

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

Thank you, granddaughter Genie for this photo taken during your time in Toronto (working for the midway and wandering the streets looking for photos to take and restaurants that served homemade soup) 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 191 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 191 Days since I started maintaining and posting my Daily Food Diary! 💓

When I started this diary on January 1st,  my only goal was to identify trouble areas in my diet and make positive adjustments along the way.    Six months in, my diet is still a work in progress.   But, I am finding incredible value in this experience.   🙌

Six years ago, I began blogging here on WordPress/JetPack.  I was gearing up for retirement and thought putting my thoughts in writing would help me find my way from full time employment to making the most of my new reality.   This has also  been an experience  that has paid off in ways I could never have imagined. 

Writing has been a part of my life as long as I can remember – the better part of seventy years.    There is something about putting it in writing that brings things into perspective and makes them real.  Writing is my solid, creative expression of what I think, what I believe, what I feel.

Speaking of creative expression, Dan finished our pond yesterday and even found some blue food dye for the water this year. 👍 💞

Our little pond needed a complete remake this year, but it is up and running. 🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 191

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Morning Crisp Honey Nut (460)

(1/4) c 2 % milk (28)

Snack:

(1) apple (95)

(60) oz water

Supper:

Chicken Caesar Salad –

(2) c romaine lettuce (12)

(1/4) c red onion (15)

(3) oz chicken breast (140)

(1/2) c dried fried onions (133)

(2) tbsp bacon bits (60)

(1/4) c shredded Parmesan cheese (67)

(3) tbsp Caesar salad dressing (240)

Total net calories: 1078

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1078 = 151 under

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 190 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 190 of my Daily Food Diary!  💓🎉

This is also Alec’s birthday! 🤗🎂 Alec is granddaughter Genie’s fiance.    She is fortunate to have him in her life and we are happy to have him in our family.  Happy Birthday  Alec!

Prim, Alec & Genie’s friend, Alec, and Genie…this photo is a decade old.  It was the day we met Alec and back when their story was just beginning. (I scared him 😂)

This month, my Daily Food Focus is on collagen production and maintenance…

Last week, I started taking collagen supplements.  It is too soon to see any benefits but so far I haven’t suffered any side effects, so that’s a win.

I have been sourcing out foods that contain collagen or aid in the natural production and maintenance of collagen.   I highlight such foods in my Daily Food Diary.  

I continue to exercise daily (also very important to producing and maintaining collagen).  I do aerobics Monday thru Saturday, light weights and cardio Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and walk with Molly and Dan daily – weather and/or wildfire smoke permitting.  

It never fails to amaze me how few people (with or without dogs)   we encounter on our walks through our neighborhood parks.  👀

Daily Food Diary – Day 190

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) potato patties (240)

(3) slices back bacon (52)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1) pear (103)

(15) raspberries (15)

(3) PC’s dark chocolate (106)

Supper:

(6) oz roast beef (328)

(25) French fries (250)

(1/3) c gravy (40)

(1) tbsp horseradish (10)

(1 1/2) c broccoli (90)

Total net calories: 1075

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1075 = 154 under

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 189 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 189 of my Daily Food Diary.   189 Days without one miss! 🤗 🙌

This is the month I am focussing on the importance of foods containing collagen and those that support the production of  collagen.

For myself, I cannot imagine living a life with adequate, healthy collagen.  Knowing that everyone will ultimately struggle with collagen deficiency as they age, makes this month a special mission for me.

Collagen deficiency is MORE than wrinkles, hair loss, and fragile nails.   Collagen deficiency is a combination of any, or all of,  the following….

Migraines, ear, eyes, nose, and throat issues, respiratory issues,  tripping, stumbling and falling, a complete lack of balance, severe  muscle cramps, dislocated and sprained joints, digestive issues, a weak pelvic floor causing:   weak bladder, fallen bladder and pregnancy issues, vertigo, motion sickness, dizziness, fainting, choking,  exhaustion, difficulty speaking,  discomfort being still but pain caused by moving,  general muscle weakness, difficult and painful periods, dexterity issues – frequently dropping items and always struggling to:  write, deal with buttons, zippers, shoelaces, cutlery…

And that is just some of the physical problems that collagen deficiency can cause…

Then there are the very real mental and emotional problems that one deals with (especially if they have no clue that there is an actual reason for why they are the way they are!)

Anxiety – fear of falling, fear of being mocked, fear of rejection – especially in ANY sports related situation, fear of being humiliated for any number of reasons, fear of traveling and dealing with escalators, elevators, moving sidewalks,  fear of heights or water (vertigo)

Depression, grief, confusion, lack of self worth –   often caused by the way they are perceived by others, especially  professionals – teachers, doctors, therapists.

Fortunately, collagen deficiency is finally being recognized and understood as the root cause for the physical, mental, and emotional chaos that it can create in one’s body and in one’s life. 

And, fortunately,  while there is no (medical)  cure for collagen deficiency, a healthy lifestyle can definitely help to improve one’s physical, mental, and emotional situation.

The hardest part is knowing how and where to start.  Getting out of one’s comfort zone to get to a better place takes a lot….

My friend Dwight, made taking another  step out of my comfort zone that much easier for me today.    Instead of listening to all the what if’s – what if I fail, what if I humiliate myself, what if I get hurt or injured, what if people mock me or get impatient with me… Just do it, move forward with confidence and declare..

“Here I grow again!”

If I ever get a tattoo – that will be the one.   I know how far I have come, I know I have potential to go further  and I know that those words have the power to help get me through the challenges  that lies ahead.  😁

Daily Food Diary – Day 189

Breakfast:

(1) coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39)

(2) tsp sugar (32)

Snacks:

(30) Doritos (210)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1) Dairy Queen 6 chicken strip basket (1250)

Total net calories: 1484

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1484 = 255 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 188 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 188 of my Daily Food Diary. 

This month I am focusing on collagen.  Collagen is important to everyone, but particularly so if one is born with genetic collagen issues and/or as we age.    By our mid twenties collagen production begins to decline.  😮

Since collagen affects every function in our bodies, it is important to be as proactive as possible in maintaining our collagen production and metabolism.

There are few foods that are actually a source of collagen for us – meat, fish, and poultry.   Each of these contains specific sources of collagen – generally organs, tendons, skin, and cartilage.  Bone broth and gelatin, made from these sources, are often used to access this collagen.

Our bodies produce most of the collagen we need, but we require specific nutrients to do so.

Some minerals (copper, zinc, and manganese) are an important part of collagen production.  Other minerals (iron and selenium) are required for collagen metabolism.

Amino acids (proline, lysine, and glycine) are also necessary for collagen production.

And finally, vitamins C, E, B12, and Biotin (B7) are required.

Every day this month, I am highlighting the foods I consume that contain collagen – or the minerals, amino acids, and/or vitamins that are needed for the production and metabolism of collagen. 

In the next few weeks, I will source out these different foods and note what they specifically contribute to the process.  (So far, I know that egg whites are a good source of proline. 👍)

The San Marzano tomatoes from our  patio planter will be a good source of Vitamin C and Lycopene (which protects our skin from sun damage and ultimately collagen breakdown).
Our parsley will be another source of Vitamin C plus iron

Daily Food Diary – Day 188

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) Eggo waffles (270)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(1 1/2) tbsp Maple Syrup

Snacks:

(1) Mott’s Clamato Caesar (168)

Supper:

(1 1/2) serving nachos – Tortilla chips, ground turkey, red peppers, hot peppers, green onions, green olives, shredded marble cheese, salsa (875)

Total net calories: 1270

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1270 = 41 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 187 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 187 of my Daily Food Diary. 🧑‍🍳 Each month of my diary,  I set out to highlight one nutritional  aspect of my diet.  This month, my focus is on collagen.

Since collagen is so important to having and maintaining a strong and healthy body, I have been sourcing out and highlighting foods that contain or assist in the production of collagen for the past five days.

Today, I decided to touch on foods that destroy or slow down the production of collagen.

Foods to avoid for collagen health include: processed sugar, refined carbohydrates (especially white bread), and  fried foods.  It is also beneficial  to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.

Personally, I believe in balance and sustainable changes when it comes to eating, and life in general.  I am trying to be mindful of what I consume and I am gradually making ‘better’ food choices.   For better or worse, my Daily Food Diary is always a reflection of my reality. 🙄

Despite the high humidity this morning, Dan and I took Molly for her morning walk .  Walking is good for our collagen and hers. Just like people, dogs need collagen for their joints, skin, hair/fur, digestive health, and for their overall well-being.  Also, just like people, dogs lose and produce less collagen as they age.  Molly just turned three years old, but it is never too soon to ensure her health.

When we got back home, Dan took a few more photos of Molly and I.   As usual, she was less than co-operative. And yes, she was drinking out of the bird bath. 🤦

Daily Food Diary – Day 187

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) potato patties (240)

(2 1/2) eggs (200)

(2) tsp butter (34)

(2) slices bacon (170)

(1/2) tomato (11)

Snacks:

(1) peach (51)

(1) pear (103)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(2) cabbage rolls (300)

(3/4) c ice cream (208)

(2) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (105)

Total net calories: 1424

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1424 = 195 over 👎

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 186 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 186 of my Daily Food Diary. 😊

A healthy diet is an important part of the Healthy & Fit Lifestyle that I have been working to adopt over the past Three Years and Four Months. But, it is not the only part.

I  also focus on regular exercise, stress management, adequate sleep, fresh air, and regular lung clearing/deep breathing for my chronic respiratory issues.

Living a Healthy & Fit Lifestyle has led me to living a relatively active life in general.  This active life has resulted in having more strength and energy to tackle many daily chores including deep cleaning tasks around our house.

Living in a small, older home (our house was my husband’s first home) and having a very  large  furry dog (who regularly brings the outdoors in) can make housekeeping around here challenging,  to say the least.

Having a clean uncluttered home is important for anyone’s physical and mental wellbeing.  For someone like myself, with multiple respiratory issues – it is crucial.   I cannot breathe in a dirty / dusty environment.  Dust negatively affects my sinuses, throat, lungs – everything!

This weekend our weather has turned cool and wet, and yesterday we had smoke coming down from northern forest fires.  It is giving me the opportunity to stay indoors and tackle some ‘indoor’ chores  that have  been neglected while I have been outdoors enjoying the fresh air and working in our yard and garden lately.

These photos are from my Christmas clean-up, but I’m getting there!  😊

Yesterday, I scrubbed the kitchen floor – including moving the fridge and stove.  That was a bit scary. 🙄
Today it is time to tackle the living room.  👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 186

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

Lunch:

(48) oz water

(2) chicken drumsticks (152)

(15) light salted Lays potato chips (78)

Supper:

(6) oz roast beef (328)

(1 1/2) c mashed potatoes (356)

(1/2) c gravy (50)

(10) asparagus spears (33)

(1 1/2) tsp butter (31)

(2) Yorkshire puddings (208)

(1) tbsp horse radish

Total net calories: 1057

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1057 = 172 under

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

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

Daily Food Diary –  Day 185 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 185 of posting  my Daily Food Diary (without one miss). 🤗💪

This month, I am focussing on collagen in our diet and in our lifestyle. 

A healthy diet, adequate exercise, and collagen supplements can help us to keep our collagen levels up even as we age.   Unfortunately, stress produces cortisol which slows down collagen production and weakens the collagen in our bodies.

So, stress management becomes an important part of increasing and maintaining our collagen levels. 

For Dan and I, going out and walking our dog Molly is an important part of our stress management.   Last night, Dan decided we should switch things up by getting up at 6 AM this morning and heading straight out for a walk in the country.  (Go Dan! 💞) What could be a better (de-stressing) way to start our day!   Walking together with Molly, in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of nature  as far as the eye could see just sounded too perfect!

We were up at 5:50 A.M. – no coffee, breakfast, no vitamins or inhalers.  We got up, got dressed, and got ready to head out.

Molly was beside herself with excitement!
After driving MANY miles (on gravel roads that somehow devolved into whatever this was),  we found the exact location we were looking for.   WE HAVE ARRIVED!
This looked like a promising spot to head out for our little hike.
A picturesque little pool of water that turned out to be the breeding ground for countless  bloodsucking insects that were intent on crawling into my eyes and ears. 😝
We soldiered on checking out the thick foliage, finding a few flat rocks for our pond, and discovering a stretch of gorgeous pink, wild roses.   Pink roses have always had a special significance for Dan and I. 

I failed to get pictures of the wild roses.  By this point I had packed away my phone so I could use both hands to fight off those vicious little bastards from the watering hole.

And, we decided it was time to abruptly  head  home when a friendly young man pulled up in his halfton to advise us that his rifle club,  gathering along the valley,  were preparing to start shooting in our direction.  😳😯🤷

Fortunately, it was a short drive home.  And fortunately there is nothing more relaxing and good for dropping cortisol levels and maintaining collagen levels than returning home.  👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 185

Breakfast:

(1) c Coffee (2)

(2) granola bar with nuts (160)

Lunch:

(1) c spaghetti with meat sauce (287)

(10) Doritos (140)

(1) serving rhubarb torte (286)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1) gin & tonic (130)

Supper:

Large dinner salad – lettuce, radishes, green onions, cucumber, tomatoes, red pepper, sunflower seeds, fried dried onions, French salad dressing.  (356)

(2) chicken drumsticks (which contain significantly more collagen than breast meat) (152)

Total Net Calories: 1191

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1191 = 38 under 👍

* Highlighted food items contain significant amounts of collagen or significantly aid in the natural production of collagen.