Daily Food Diary – Day 184 of 365

It is 184 Days since I began keeping and posting my Daily Food Diary

It is 3 years and 4 months since I began living my Health and Fitness Lifestyle.  

It can be difficult, and honestly scary (terrifying),  to  begin the journey from being an exhausted, sickly,  weak, overweight, aging, couch potato to being a  healthy, happy, fit, strong, and  active senior. 

When you have multiple chronic lung issues , constantly struggle to breathe and your heart pounds every time you shuffle from your rocking chair to your snack cupboard, it is easy to imagine a heart attack if you attempt anything more strenuous than putting on your socks.

When you are born with collagen issues  and have failed at every effort to build any muscle or develop any coordination, failure is no longer a possibility – it is a probability.

Somehow, when you combine your two biggest fears – dying or failing (which has become an ultimate death sentence) – you can succeed. πŸ™„

When I began it wasn’t easy.  But, I did something I had never tried before.  I began where I was – at a point where I was comfortable. 

The first day of living my Health and Fitness Lifestyle I danced (shuffled around)  to one Buddy Holly song.  Five minutes tops.  And I built on that, gradually – until now I am doing aerobics six mornings a week, walking our dog Molly daily (weather permitting), and doing light weights and cardio three afternoons a week.   Plus I can, and I am, living a relatively active life – off the rocking chair and out of the snack cabinet. 

Exercise supports collagen synthesis – even for someone who has genetic collagen issues or anyone whose  collagen production has decreased due to aging.

Anyone who suffers from joint pain can  struggle to keepΒ  active and fit.  This article by the Arthritis Foundation might help you to get started on your own fitness journey,  with the help of collagen supplements and/or  adding more foods that contain collagen, or support the natural production of collagen,  to your daily diet.

Can Collagen Supplements Help Arthritis? https://share.google/ILbq9yniGJb0a8JGu

We took a break on our walk this morning to allow Molly a short run at the off leash dogpark.

Daily Food Diary – Day 184

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1) oz marble cheese (113)

(1) serving homemade hash browns (80)

(2) tbsp bacon bits (60)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(5) oz barbecued pork chop (241)

(1/2) pkg ramen noodles (220)

(1) corn on the cob (90)

(3) tsp butter (103)

(1) serving rhubarb torte (286)

Total net calories: 1291

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1291 = 62 over πŸ‘Ž

With our temperatures soaring yesterday afternoon, daughter Jen took Maddy and Prim to Regina Beach to cool off .Β 
Thank you Maddy for the cheeky photo of Prim!

Daily Food Diary – Day 183 of 365

Today is Day 183 of my Daily Food Diary.  I am half-way there without missing a single day! πŸ’ƒ

Today  is also granddaughter Gabby’s 20th birthday!

Happy Birthday, Gabby and good luck in your 3rd year of psychology studies. 

Gabby truly is an amazing young lady.Β  Everything she does, from and for,Β  her education, to dancing, to basketball, to work, to friends, to family and especially toΒ  being the BEST BIG SISTER to Lucas and Cason, she does with enthusiasm, love, determination, and her quirky goofy sense of humour.Β 

This month my health and wellness focus is collagen.  There are multiple natural foods that contain collagen or aid in the natural production/synthesis of collagen. 

I prefer to get the nutrients my body needs from the foods that I eat.   That being said, I do take Vitamin D daily because A. I live in Saskatchewan and B. It is particularly helpful for respiratory health.  With asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, and sinus issues, I need all the help I can get. 

I also take Vitamin B12 for my blood and Lutein for my eyes.

This morning, a regular visitor to my blog, Β  MarthaΒ Β from  https://walkingchestercom.wordpress.com commented thatΒ  she has been taking collagen supplements for her knees (joints) and she has experienced wonderful results.Β  Since this is collagen month – I decided this would be a great time to add them to my wellness routine.Β  It generally takes six weeks to notice any significant improvement from any change in supplements, exercise program, or diet so I will give it a couple of months to determine if it helps me.

It is going to be a warm day for us today  +33 degrees celsius (91F).Β Β  It doesn’t seem like a great day for baking Rhubarb Torte,  but rhubarb is high in vitamin C, which is good for collagen production  and I was up until midnight last night peeling the two grocery bags of rhubarb that granddaughter Maddy dropped off yesterday.  So, baking it is,  today. 🀷

Daily Food Diary – Day 183

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(2) tsp raspberry jam (33)

Lunch:

(2) oz Piller’s shaved ham (57)

(2) oz marble cheese (227)

(6) Kirkland multigrain crackers (140)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(2) c spaghetti & meat sauce (574)

(10) Dorito tortilla chips (140)

(1 1/2) dill pickles (1)

(3/4) c Chapman’s French Vanilla Ice Cream (208)

(9) pecan halves (105)

(2) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (105)

(1) tbsp caramel syrup (130)

Total Net Calories: 1687

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1687 = 458 over πŸ‘Ž

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly assist in collagen production/synthesis

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! πŸ˜ŠπŸ’

Daily Food Diary – Day 182 of 365

Today is Day 182 of sharing my Daily Food Diary. πŸ₯°πŸ’ƒ

This month, my focus is on COLLAGEN.  Since I am celebrating my 70th birthday later this month, this focus was a natural for me.  Most people recognize collagen for it’s role in skin and hair care – especially as we age.  

But college affects far more that our skin and hair – as noted in this quotation taken from an online article posted by The Cleveland Clinic.

https://share.google/YSN7onJmkUuvxPbQc

“Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It accounts for about 30% of your body’s total protein. Collagen is the primary building block of your body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, and other connective tissues. It’s also found in your organs, blood vessels and intestinal lining.”

Collagen production tends to decrease as we age so this is naturally when most people start to notice it (or the lack thereof).   Genetic conditions, such as  Ehlers Danlos syndrome (some forms of which are life threatening),  create collagen challenges from birth. 

When collagen levels are inadequate to function as they should, all kinds of fun things can happen to make life interesting.   There are the obvious wrinkles, thinning hair, and fragile nails.  There are the  unstable joints and weakened muscles which create mobility and dexterity issues.   There are circulation and breathing issues as  blood vessels and airways lose elasticity and stability.   There is even  vertigo caused by the weakness of the connective tissues that are supposed to be supporting the small bones in our inner ears.  There is pain, often excruciating pain, from muscle cramps to migraines to intestinal issues and more. (Fortunately pain is something that seldom  affects me, personally).

There is no magic pill or medical intervention available to ‘fix’ collagen synthesis deficiencies.   For now, the only treatments available deal with  managing the symptoms and  the health issues caused by the collagen failure.

But, there is good news!  A lifestyle focussed on exercise, diet, and stress management can do a lot to increase collagen production and efficiency in our bodies – especially if aging or benign collagen disorders is the root cause.

Since this blog is my Daily Food Diary, I will be highlighting foods that are rich in collagen and foods that support collagen synthesis within our bodies. 

Because much of my Health and Wellness Journey, that I started three and a third  years ago, involves fitness and stress management, I will be touching on them regularly as well – especially as they relate to collagen production and dealing with collagen deficiency issues.

Me and our dog Molly, who is a BIG part of my fit & healthy lifestyle.

Daily Food Diary – Day 182 of 365

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1) c homemade hash browns (80)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) oz ham (160)

(2) green onions (16)

Snacks:

(1) apple (95)

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

(1/6) c dry roasted peanuts (131)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) c pork fried rice – pork, rice, celery, onion, mushrooms *, soya sauce, olive oil, butter  (363)

(2) c chicken stir fry – chicken, red onion, red pepper, carrots, mushrooms*, Bok choy, cabbage, garlic, olive oil, teriyaki sauce (264)

(12) oz carbonated water

*There are specific types of mushrooms, such as Shiitake mushrooms that do help with collagen synthesis.

Total Net Calories: 1208

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1208 = 21 under πŸ‘

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! πŸ€—πŸ₯°πŸŒž

Our first Laverna blossom πŸ₯°

Daily Food Diary – Day 181 of 365

It is 181 Days since I started maintaining and posting my Daily Food Diary! πŸ’ƒ

Today is also July 1st, which means it is Canada Day. For myself and my fellow Canadians. πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦

It is also means that it is a full SIX months that I have been posting my Daily Food Diary – without a single miss! πŸ’ͺπŸ₯°

Each month, I choose to focus on one nutritional aspect of my diet.

In January, my goal was to track everything that I consumed each day.Β Β Β  I learned that I am a grazer – and the bit of this and bits of that throughout the day were notable!Β  My mainΒ  goal was never to lose weight, but becoming mindful of what I had been eatingΒ  did help me do just that.Β Β  Since January 1st,Β I  have dropped from 133.5 pounds to 121.8 pounds.Β  That is a loss of 11.7 pounds in six months.

In February, I tracked my Net Calories  –  everything I consumed each day minus calories burnt working out and walking.   I learned how easy it is to consume a LOT of calories from fast food, prepared foods,  and desserts. 

In March, I tracked protein.Β Β  I learned I eat a lot of protein rich foods.Β  I do aerobics every morning, walk regularly,  and lift light weights three afternoons a week.Β  I am working to build muscle and strengthen my bones, so I am ok with the extra protein (as long as it is within reason).

In April, I tracked sodium and processed sugar.  I thought I was doing fairly well at limiting the consumption of both.  I was wrong.  I was still consuming far too much.  I struggled throughout April but I am doing far better now.

In May, I tracked saturated fats.  Again, I learned I was consuming far more than I realized.  That too has improved in the past couple of months.

In June, I took note of the fruits and vegetables I was consuming.  According to the Canada Food Guide, my goal was a total of seven servings a day – not counting potatoes or mushrooms.  I thought this one would be easy.  Again, I was wrong.  Seven servings a day is a lot and my body did NOT deal well with it – especially the fruit.  I will keep trying but … we will see.

JULY is my birth month.Β  On the 26th, I will be 70 years old!Β  To celebrate, I am going for a fun focus.Β  This month, I am going to incorporate foods rich in collagen and ones that encourage collagen synthesis.Β  Collagen is necessary for healthy skin, hair, and nails.Β  It is also necessary for maintaining connective tissue, healthy joints, and strong muscles.Β Β  It isΒ  important as we age – when our natural collagen production drops.Β  And it is particularly important when you are affected by aΒ  genetic collagen disorder.Β Β  πŸ™„

Dan and I started July off right  with an early morning  walk with Molly.   Coincidentally, regular exercise also helps collagen production and synthesis.

Molly & I at  the Regent Park Pool

Daily Food Diary – Day 181

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(2) tsp jam (100)

Lunch:

(1) Sun ripened tomato tortilla wrap (200)

(1/4) c shredded marble cheese (114)

(3) steps bacon (130)

(1)  tomato (22) (1 SVG)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1) Sm. Taco Time Mexi Fries (265)

(1) Taco Time Crisp Meat Burrito (428)

(2) Taco Time Hard Shell Tacos (520) (1 SVG)

Total net calories: 1802

Total net calories goal: 1233 – 1802  = 569 over πŸ‘Ž

Fruits & Vegetables: 2 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings πŸ‘Ž

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

Happy Canada Day!

Daily Food Diary – Day 180 of 365

It is 180 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. πŸ€—

It is  3 Years and 4 1/2 Months since I started working out,  improving my eating habits, and working on stress management. 

Increasing my  strength and stamina (even minimally) was my original goal.    I am reminded of that goal every day and I cannot believe how far I have come.  It is so much more than feeling better,  looking better, or being more comfortable in my own body.   It is my life in general, from working out  six days a week to being capable of doing basic everyday tasks.

It is hard to get excited about taking out the trash, but when I pulled the garbage bag out of the trashcan this weekend – with little to no effort – I was the heavy weight champion! YES πŸ’ͺ I pulled a few deep rooted weeds out of our front yard. Again, YES πŸ’ͺ I walked Molly, all by myself, last week. HELL YES! πŸ’ͺ

Anyone can sit in a rocking chair, watching imaginary people living imaginary lives.Β Β  I am living my life!Β  The fact that I CAN never fails to amaze me and it is more than enough to keep me moving forward. Β Β 

Daily Food Diary – Day 180

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) poached eggs (143)

(1) potato patties (120)

(2) slices back bacon (3)

Snacks:

(1) c cinnamon apple tea

(48) oz water

(1) peach (58) (1 SVG)

(15) raspberries (15) (1 SVG)

(1/3) c mixed nuts (131)

Supper:

(2) c spaghetti & meat sauce (574) (1 SVG)

(1 1/2) c broccoli & cauliflower (90) (3 SVG)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(4) lg olives (64) (1 SVG)

Total net calories: 1406

Net calories goal:  1233 – 1406 = 173 over πŸ‘Ž

Fruits & vegetables: 7 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings πŸ‘

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 179 of 365

It is Day 179 of my Daily Food Diary.  πŸ₯°

Yesterday, I was not feeling well.   Fortunately, I am much better today!

Dan and I took an early walk with Molly.  I even felt well enough to cross Elphinstone and walk around Patricia Park.   This is a small, fairly well kept park, but the gophers have been going crazy there this year.   There are big, deep gopher holes everywhere and Molly insisted on checking out every one of them.  🀦

As usual,  she also insisted on looking at everything, except Dan, when he was trying to take a picture of us.

These were the best five shots out of ten or so.  😊

I have learned one thing about my eating habits this month.  When good nutrition really matters – when I am traveling or when I do not feel well – I drop the ball.  I eat what I shouldn’t and avoid what I should.  Every time!

I know how much what I eat affects how I feel.  But,  when it matters most, I make poor choices. πŸ™„

I need to get pro-active about this and start planning ahead.Β  I need quick, easy meal plan options available for when I get sick.Β  I also need to plan what I will eat and what I will avoid when I travel.Β Β  Mostly, I need to remember that no matter what I am doing, it is never a free pass when it comes to my diet – especially when it comes to my food allergies and intolerances.Β 

Daily Food Diary – Day 179

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(2) Chicken drumsticks (152)

(15) light salted potato chips (78)

(1) PC butterscotch pudding cake (153)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1) c Lemon Ginger tea

(1/4) c spicy dill pickle peanuts (117)

Supper:

(2) Harvest all beef hotdogs – no bun (440)

(1/2) c baked beans (123) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tomato (1/2 SVG)

(1/2) mini cucumber  (1/2 SVG)

(1/4) c red onions (1/4 SVG)

(15) light salted potato chips (78)

(1/2) c French* Vanilla ice cream (138)

(2) tbsp butterscotch sauce (130)

(1) tbsp chocolate sauce (52)

(9) pecan halves (59)

* Have you ever noticed that diet wise ‘French‘ is a code word meaning “twice the calories”?  I’m surprised obesity has never been a serious issue in our family. πŸ€”

Total net calories: 1807

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1807 = 569 over πŸ‘Ž

Fruits & vegetables: 2 1/4 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings πŸ‘Ž

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! πŸ€—πŸ’ž

Daily Food Diary – Day 178 of 365

Today is Day 178 of my Daily Food Diary.Β  For whatever reason, I am struggling today.Β Β  I am  not feeling well and going for an 8 am walk with Dan and Molly didn’t help. 🀷

I was fine yesterday – in fact this entire week has been going well.Β  Β Β  I even added a couple of exercises to my daily routine.Β 

First, I went back to adding a strength and cardio workout three afternoons a week. Β  That went well.Β   πŸ’ͺ 😊

Second, I started making a to-do list every day.Β  I keep it simple –  just a small effort to make myself a bit more efficient and productive.Β Β 

One item that I added to my list and completed this week was to finish reading a book that I borrowed from Granddaughter Genie a few weeks ago.

‘ No Mud, No Lotus’ is an excellent book.Β  It offers practical Buddhist practices and exercises to transform the suffering in our lives to joy.Β   For whatever reason, as I got to the last few chapters, I struggled to find time to pick it up and finish it.Β  This week, I put it on my to-do list and I am glad that I did so.

The final chapter discussed Walking Meditation.Β  This is a practice I am familiar with.Β  The author, touched on mindful breathing – which I struggle with.  Β  But, he also touched on using this  mantra to add  peace and focus to this practice…

“I have arrived, I am home.”

I have always been obsessed with the concept of home. Β Β Β  A real home,  to me, is our most sacred place on Earth.

A home does not have to be a priceless mansion, it does not have to be spotless or perfect, and  it definitely does not need a wow factor. 🀦

A home should be comfortable, functional, clean,Β andΒ  cared for. Β  A home should be a refuge for ourselves,Β  our family (including pets), andΒ  visitors.Β  Regardless of who you are, or where you go, entering a real home should make you feel welcome,Β worthy,Β  and safe.Β Β  Being home, or entering any home, gives you a responsibilityΒ  to act with respect, dignity, and kindness towards yourself and towards all others within – family, extended family, friends, or strangers. 

Finishing this book was more than having the satisfaction of crossing an item off of a list.Β  It was the  opportunity to revisit the memories, the experience, and the emotional relief of saying “I have arrived. I am home”.  And,  it will be a powerful and favourite mantra going forward. πŸ’ž

Daily Food Diary – Day 178

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) oz ham (57)

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

(1) tsp butter (34)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(1) peach (58) (1 SVG)

(15) raspberries (15) (1 SVG)

(72) oz water

Supper:

(6) oz ribeye steak (420)

(1) corn on theΒ  cob (78) (1 SVG)

(1) side salad (90) (1 SVG)

(1) baked potato (80)

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

(1 1/2) tbsp French dressing (110)

Total net calories: 1207

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1207 = 31 under πŸ‘

Fruits & vegetables: 6 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 πŸ‘Ž

That’s it for today.Β  Take care and have a great day! πŸ’—πŸ˜Š

Daily Food Diary – Day 177 of 365

This is Day 177 of my Daily Food Diary! πŸ’ƒ

Yesterday was a pretty good  day for me.  Not food goal wise… But good as days go!

Molly and I took our morning walk alone as Dan was busy getting ready to head out for a round of golf.   We did pretty good on our own, although it is always better when Dan is with us and I know he has our backs  (water, back up collar, poop bags….  πŸ‘).  He was particularly missed when Molly and I were walking the grassy path between the railroad tracks and McKinley Street and Molly screeched to a sudden stop to pee.  I didn’t catapult over her, but I was startled.  We had another (long) moment when we were cutting through the ball diamonds to come home and Molly saw friends of hers at the dogpark (across the water channel).  I thought I might be going for a swim, but I  managed to hold onto her collar and drag her until she decided to continue our walk. 🀦

After we got home, I did my aerobic workout and had my lunch before Maddy & Prim called.  They were at the Regent Pool (by the dogpark) and were looking to come for a visit.  It was their first day of summer holidays so I was pretty excited that they chose  to come and spend part of it with  Grandma. πŸ’ž

We had a good visit and the girls had toasted bacon and tomato sandwiches.   When the grandkids come over they often talk about visits and sleepovers that we had when they were younger.  They each have their own favourite memories.   The other day,  Prim told me that she mostly remembers the food we shared. 

Just as they were talking about heading home, our afternoon thunder storm hit.   They don’t live far but I drove them home before the worst of it hit.   Had they walked, they would have gotten drenched at the very least.

Maddy & Prim – heading into grades 10 an 8 when school resumes in September.
Maddy & Prim – back in the day, when Maddy was trying to make beautiful memories and Prim was excited about having  lunch. πŸ˜‚

Daily Food Diary – Day 177

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

Lunch:

(2) eggs (168)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) potato patties (240)

(2) slices back bacon (35)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) Mott’s caesar (168) (1 SVG)

(2) chicken drumsticks (152)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) servings asparagus (33) (2 SVG)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(1) c Sidekicks Butter & Herbs (280)

(5) large garlic stuffed  olives (80) (1 SVG)

(1) serving butterscotch pudding cake (153)

(1) scoop ice cream (91)

(1) tbsp butterscotch sauce (65)

Total net calories: 1411

Net calories goal: 1238 – 1411 = 174 over

Fruits & vegetables: 5 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! πŸŒžπŸ’ž

The plants in and around our yard are still struggling this year (despite the sun, rain, and lightening that we have been getting).  While the plants are small, the blossoms are huge.  🀷

Daily Food Diary – Day 176 of 365

It is 176 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. πŸ€—

In 1 week, I will have completed the first half of this challenge – to track and post my Daily Food Diary for one full year.

In 1 month, I will celebrate my 70th birthday.  I love new beginnings and noting the start of a new decade is no exception. 

I celebrated my 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th,  & 60th birthdays with high expectations that this would be my BEST decade ever!  They all had their highs and lows, but the best and the worst were my 30’s and 60’s.  Those were intense decades. πŸ™†

I have a really good feeling going into my 70’s.  For the past three years I have invested in my physical, mental, and emotional well being.   I know that regardless of what happens in this coming decade – for better or worse – I am as ready as I can be to embrace and appreciate the better and to manage the worst with peace, faith, and dignity.   πŸ’ƒπŸ’ƒπŸ’ƒ

Ready as I’ll ever be! πŸ˜‰

Daily Food Diary – Day 176

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) c grapefruit (39) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(1) c pork & vegetable fried rice (118) (1/2 SVG)

(1) PC Butterscotch Pudding Cake (153)

Snacks:

(1/4) c mixed nuts (180)

(15) raspberries (15) (1 SVG)

(48) oz water

Supper:

Taco salad:

(1) Dinner salad: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red pepper, green onions, radishes (113) (4 SVG)

(4) oz minced turkey with taco seasoning (168)

(1/4) c shredded cheese (114)

(2) tbsp salsa ranch dressing (110)

(8) Hint of Lime chips (200)

(12) oz carbonated water

Total net calories: 1085

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1085 = 153 under πŸ‘

Total Fruit & Vegetables: 6 1/2 servings

Fruit & vegetable goals: 7 πŸ‘Ž

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! πŸ˜ŠπŸ’“

Daily Food Diary – Day 175 of 365

It is 175 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary.Β  πŸ€—

My Daily Food Diary is part of the Health and Wellness Lifestyle that I adopted three years ago.

This week, summer has (sort of)  returned to Saskatchewan.Β Β  At least,Β Β  it is warm andΒ DRY enough to resume our morning walks.

And Molly is ready to go!

School is winding down and the kids around here are ready for their annual summer break.Β  The schools are feeding into their enthusiasm by taking them on field trips to our neighbourhood park where they have basketball courts, a soccer field, a huge handicap accessible play structure, and an equally huge spray pad.

Part of the kids’ entertainment, is hiking past our front yard where Molly sits in her corner and soaks in all the attention as the kids hike by.

When we take our walk, we pass the park and Molly again becomes the centre of attention for many of the kids.Β   On the best days, like yesterday,Β  some of the kids run up to the fence to interact with her.  πŸ’ž

Whether we are making memories, or trying to preserve them,  Molly takes dog walking to a new level.

Walking is only one part of the healthy active retirement lifestyle that Dan and I are working to build.   Being out in nature, together, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air,  with Molly for ongoing entertainment makes it the best part. ❀️

Daily Food Diary – Day 175

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) eggs (160)

(3) tbsp bacon bits (90)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(1) pear (103) (1 SVG)

(20) lightly salted potato chips (104)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) tomato (22) (1 SVG)

(1) mini cucumber (10) (1 SVG)

(1 1/2) c white rice (363)

(2) oz pork tenderloin (91)

(1 1/2) c vegetables – red pepper, *mushrooms, cabbage, leek, gr onions, celery, carrots (80) (2 SVG)

* Mushrooms do not count as vegetables

(2) tbsp soya sauce (30)

(1) tbsp butter (103)

(2) lg vegetable spring rolls (250) (2 SVG)

(2) Gyoza (90)

(1) tbsp plum sauce (35)

Total net calories: 1589

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1589 = 351 over πŸ‘Ž

Fruits & vegetables: 7 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings πŸ‘

Dan’s Bleeding Heart continues to THRIVE.