Tag: active aging

Daily Food Diary – Day 267 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 267 of my Daily Food Diary! 💝

This is starting out to be a good day.  Dan is off golfing so Molly and I went solo on our walk.  We both went the distance without any issues whatsoever. 😀

Yesterday did not go as planned.  I did walk Molly and I got my workouts in.  My baking date with Jen fell apart.  She had errands to run and work to do on her truck..plus a bit of a vehicle tuneup demo that she gave to Maddy and her friends who are all working on their Drivers Training this year.  (If you are going to drive, you should know the basics of vehicle maintenance. 👍)

It was one of the warmest days of our year so far, so baking wasn’t looking like a great idea.  I was happy to water our garden and do a bit of reading.  

First published December 24th, 2024.

I am not too deep into this book, but I am thoroughly enjoying it.   I highly recommend it.  In fact, I think it should be required reading in highschool, recommended reading before getting married, and an absolute necessity before having children and/or grandchildren.

Since I began my health and fitness journey, one unexpected benefit that I have enjoyed is that I worry less about what others are doing, eating, thinking, or saying while being more focused on working on myself.  

This book is next level and well worth the modest price and time it takes to read it. 

Today I have my regular aerobics workout and treadmill time.  I am going to do more baking – alone as Jennifer is at work, and hopefully get more reading time.

Daily Food Diary – Day 267

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) paratha (240)

(1) tbsp peanut butter (105)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Lunch:

(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)

(1 1/2) oz sliced chicken (70)

(2) slices bacon (87)

(1) tomato (22)

(1/4) c white onion (5)

(1) c lettuce (8)

(1) tbsp peppercorn ranch dressing (30)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1) sourdough bun (259)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(5) oz lean ground beef burger (304)

(1) slice havarti (180)

(1) tomato (22)

(1/4) c white onion (5)

(1/2) c spinach (2)

(20) lightly salted ripple chips (160)

(1/2) oz Philidelphia Cheese onion dip (20)

Total consumed calories: 1694

Total used calories: 302

(30) min. Aerobics (176)

(30) min. Walking (53)

(30) min weights (73)

Total net calories: 1392

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1392 = 163 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 260 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 260 of my Daily Food Diary. 🌞

Yesterday was a great day!  I did a complete aerobics and light weight routine plus I did twenty minutes on the treadmill.  We also had visits from Maddy and Genie & Alec!

Yesterday was also another day that my collagen supplements proved their worth.  At suppertime I opened a new jar of horseradish and a new can of coffee with my bare hands!   The coffee comes with a top seal that requires hand strength to grab the tab and pull the seal off.   Until now, I have had to take a sharp knife and slice it off.  Less than three months after starting Collagen Supplements I can easily remove it as directed.

After supper and twenty minutes on our treadmill, I did my lung clearing with my Aerobika device.  I take deep breath in and blow out which engages a flutter valve that vibrates and loosens the mucus in my lungs.  In two years, my best effort generally involves one to two breaths before I have a coughing fit and start  choking up large amounts of mucus. (Sorry, I know that  sounds gross).   Anyway, it is a long messy process. 

Last night, I did THREE sets of TEN deep breaths, coughing up a minute amount of mucus. 

That is amazing!

I did cough up a bit of mucus when I went to bed, when I woke up at 4 AM and after I got up this morning.  Absolutely NOTHING compared to what I have been dealing with for the past five to twenty years.

Purchased from Amazon for less than $30 cdn for a month’s worth.

For twenty years, I have been telling doctors that my biggest health issue (possibly a tie with my yeast intolerance) was a collagen issue.   Every one of them told me collagen issues are  nothing.

Three months ago, Martha from http://walkingchester.wordpress.com left a comment on one of my blogs telling me how much collagen supplements had improved her mobility and quality of life.   I ordered my first bottle of Collagen Supplements that day and they have been more effective than I could possibly have hoped for (with zero side effects).

I could be upset, or sad for the quality time I have lost in my life, but I am not.  I am just grateful to Martha for encouraging me to try  Collagen Supplements.

And I just want to share my results going forward in hopes that others seeing my results will look into trying  the collagen option for dealing with their stubborn chronic pain, weak muscle, general health issues that do not respond to typical treatments.  Especially, as we age… Collagen deficiency becomes a real issue.  🧓🧑‍🦳

(* As with any supplement anyone with health or allergy issues must do their own due diligence.)

Daily Food Diary – Day 260

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) Eggo waffles (180)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(2) tbsp syrup (104)

(2) slices bacon (87)

Snacks:

(1) Asian pear (116)

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(6) oz beef roast (376)

(1) c mashed potatoes (237)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(1/2) c gravy (50)

(1) c beets (75)

(2) tbsp horseradish (14)

Total consumed calories: 1593

Total used calories: 363

(30) min. Aerobics (176)

(30) min. Light weights (73)

(20) min. Treadmill (35)

(30) min. Food prep/cooking (56)

(30) min. Cleaning (67)

Total net calories: 1186

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1176  = 43 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 259 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 259 of my Daily Food Diary.  That is a full 37 WEEKS! 😊💞 I remember celebrating my first week in.  I thought that was a major accomplishment at the time. 😂

I found a photo of my high school year book entry recently.  (I have no idea why it is black and white.  I am pretty sure color was a thing in 1973. 🤦)

Two things of note here: 

It is funny how much I thought I knew when I graduated.  😂 I was so naive and clueless but I thought I knew myself and everything about the world around me.

And… I still have no idea where I am going or  where I will end up  (or what places this adventure will take me along the way).  I do however, totally believe that I am on the right path. 👍

At seventy years old, I do not know everything, but I have stopped talking to plastic cows – so there is that!

I am feeling great this morning but Molly and Dan went walking without me due to another foggy morning.  I will be doing my aerobics, weights, and treadmill – indoors, with the dehumidifier doing its magic.

Daily Food Diary – Day 259

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Cheerios (147)

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

Lunch:

(4) slices shaved turkey (60)

(1) medium tomato (22)

(12) Lightly salted Lay’s chips (160)

Snacks:

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

(1/2) c chicken broth (10)

(48) 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) 355 ml can RootBeer (170)

Total Calories consumed: 2028

Total calories used: 363

(30) min. Walk (53)

(30) min. Aerobics (176)

(1) hour house cleaning (135)

Total net calories: 1665

Net Calorie Goal: 1229 – 1665 = 435 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 258 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 258 of my Daily Food Diary – without a single miss! 🌋

Yesterday, I returned to my typical workout routine.  I had no problem doing a complete aerobics session nor a light weight routine.  I only did fifteen minutes on the treadmill but I was happy with that.  I was planning to step back a bit just because I had not been using the treadmill for long before I was sidelined by my latest lung infection.

Yesterday on my blog,  I was discussing the benefits that I have already experienced since I started taking collagen supplements two and half months ago.   One benefit that I failed to mention was my much improved balance and co-ordination.

I am so excited about all of the benefits that I am receiving from these collagen supplements.  I am constantly noticing the difference and thinking “Look what I can do!” . I went for an entire full length walk this morning and I DID NOT stumble once. 

Many years ago, many decades ago, I was a bridesmaid in my brother and sister-in-law’s wedding party.   During the rehearsal, I tripped and stumbled so many times that the best man got annoyed and asked me if I was drunk.   Nope… That was just my life before collagen supplements. 🙄

That there has always been something wrong with the way my body produces and/or uses collagen is obvious.  But looking at how people in general live and age, I believe that collagen deficiency is getting and will only get worse until things change.

A couple of nights ago, Dan and I were talking about our fathers.  They were both incredibly strong men – physically and otherwise.    Neither of them ‘worked out’ at a gym or otherwise.  Their strength came from their diet rich in collagen.

I see regular articles about the foods that Boomers (and pre-Boomers) ate – foods considered beneath the sophisticated palate of today’s youth. 

Our fathers ate head cheese and pork hocks, stewing hen soups, tougher cuts of beef  – slow cooked in sauce and gravy to break down the cartilage and tendons, gelatin salads and desserts, blood sausage, sardines and more of the like. 

It was good flavourful  food without the unhealthy additives that are in our food today and it made people strong.  Strong enough to live strong, healthy,  high quality lives. 

My Dad on the Left, Dan’s Dad on the right
Our supper last night.  It was good – the meat was slow cooked, the beets and garden tomato and cucumber were amazing, the mashed potatoes and gravy were perfect.  But the nutritional value fell short of our Dad’s diet.   Unfortunately!

Daily Food Diary – Day 258

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Snacks:

(1/2) c Campbell’s chicken broth (20)

(12) tortilla chips (153)

Supper:

(6) oz roast beef (376)

(1) c mashed potatoes (237)

(1/2) c gravy (50)

(1) c beets (75)

(3) tsp butter (103)

(1) tomato (22)

(5) slices cucumber (4)

(1) cooking onion(44)

(2) tbsp horseradish (14)

Total calories consumed: 1458

Total calories used: 474

(30) min. aerobics (176)

(30) min. weights (73)

(15) min. Treadmill (26)

(30) min. yard/garden (88)

(1) hr. Food prep/cooking/cleanup (111)

Total net calories: 984

Net calories goal: 1229 – 984 = 246  under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 248 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 248 of my Daily Food Diary and I am still on a roll! 🥳

I am still feeling pretty adequate on Day 4 of my antibiotics and Prednisone.   A couple of news bites since yesterday morning.

* The hospital surgical unit called yesterday to book my hernia repair for September 19th.  Unfortunately, they have to delay it until I have the Prednisone out of my system, but at least I am on their radar!  And someone else gets their procedure bumped up. 👍

* I got the results of my blood tests. I’m no expert but they seem to indicate that I have an infection. 👍

* And… I have plans this weekend  to help daughter Jen work on her Jeep.  She is changing out the motor, transmission, wheels etc. from the Jeep they rolled a couple of years ago to the one they bought this spring.  My mechanical proficiency won’t help her out, but I’m pretty sure I can hand her the tools she needs and take away the parts she doesn’t.  👍

And ‘Flea’ will be back rolling better than ever, sooner than later!

Daily Food Diary – Day 248

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

Brunch:

(1) lg cheese biscuit (258)

(2) oz Piller ham (57)

(1 1/2) oz cheese (170)

(2) tsp butter (68)

Snacks:

(1/2) c caramel corn (85)

(1/2) c ice cream (120)

(2) tbsp chocolate sauce (105)

Supper:

(1) lg cheese biscuit (258)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(1) beef wiener (150)

(2) tbsp salsa (8)

(1) green onion (8)

(6) onion rings (270)

(3) cheese sticks

(1) tomato (22)

(5) sl. Cucumber (4)

Total calories consumed: 1843

Calories used: 172

(20) min. Walking (49)

(30) min min. Housecleaning (67)

(30) min. Cooking/food prep (56)

Total net calories: 1843 – 172 = 1671

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1671 = 442 over 👎

* Prednisone zoomies gone… Raging hunger on! 🤦

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 240 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today  is Day 240 of my Daily Food Diary! 🥳

Today is also our daughter-in-law Amanda’s birthday!  🎂

Every day is special, but when we have one dedicated to someone we truly appreciate, it makes days like today all the better

There is so much to appreciate about Amanda that it is difficult to put into words – she is caring, upbeat, hilariously funny in her unique Amanda way.  She is adventurous, intelligent, LOUD but unassuming, high energy, and totally loving and loveable. 

Best of all, Amanda is an amazing mother and a genuinely great wife and partner for son Dan.    Truly, those two deserve each other and the life they have built together!

Happy Birthday, Amanda – and MANY more! 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 240

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) sausage patty (150)

(2) potato patties (240)

(2) eggs (160)

Snacks:

(15) Lay’s lightly salted ripple chips (218)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(5) oz Tbone steak (375)

(1) baked white potato (100)

(1) yellow ear of corn (80)

(5) tsp butter (171)

(1) red tomato (22)

(5) slices green cucumber (4)

(1/2) c  brown mushrooms  (8)

Total net calories: 1253

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1253 = 24 over

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 238 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 238 of my Daily Food Diary.  That is a full 34 weeks without one miss. ☺️

Today is almost two full weeks since we got our ‘new to us’ treadmill.  The first night we got it, I used it for fifteen minutes, the second night twenty, and every night since for a full thirty.

Until last night!  For the past three or four nights,  using the treadmill had just been getting harder and harder.

Over the past three and a half years, I have found that making commitments was more effective for me than setting result driven goals.  I have found that modest, persistent, consistent efforts were more effective for me than occasional grand gestures.  And I have found that muscle fatigue is a real thing!

When my muscles turn to achy, breaky, jello, it is time to set some down time for rest and recuperating.

Last night was one of those nights, and I’m thinking I am  going to have to start taking regular  break nights from the treadmill until I build up some muscle strength. 

It is unfortunate, because I  enjoy my evening treadmill time – physically and mentally.  But it has to be done!

Maybe our treadmill will appreciate the necessary break times.
Intermittent weight lifting is helping me to develop some arm muscles!  🥳. (I’m still working on the Bingo wings. 🙄)

Daily Food Diary – Day 238

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(1 1/2) tsp jam (75)

(3) tsp butter (103)

Lunch:

(1 1/2) c chicken, green, white, orange, red vegetable, stir-fry (307)

Snacks:

(60) oz water

(15) barbecue chips (130)

Supper:

(1 1/2) c chicken, green, white, orange, red vegetable, stir-fry (307)

(1) red tomato (22)

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

(10) hazelnuts (88)

(1) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (52)

(1) tbsp caramel sauce (130)

Total net calories: 1360

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1360 = 131 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 237 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 237 of my Daily Food Diary. 😋

Our skies are clear, our air is smoke free, and we are finally starting an entire week of actual summer temperatures.

Dan and I took Molly for an uncharacteristically uneventful walk this morning.  We did stop at the dog park where Molly got in a few short solo runs across the park.  

I have to cut this one short.  Our garden is starting to wilt and it’s not going to water itself!

Daily Food Diary – Day 237

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Cheerios (147)

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

Lunch:

(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)

(2) oz ham (57)

(1) oz marble cheese (113)

(1/4) c white cooking onion (3)

Snacks:

(14) hickory smoked almonds (70)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(2 1/2) c chicken stir fry – orange carrots, green onions, cabbage & celery,  brown mushrooms, red pepper, chicken filets, ramen noodles (622)

(1) vegetable spring roll (100)

(4) Gyoza (133)

Total net calories: 1022

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1022 = 207 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 235 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 235 of my Daily Food Diary! 😀

We are having a fairly uneventful weekend.  Our air is (thankfully) smoke free.  Our temperatures are mild  and we have limited wind.

Yesterday, I took advantage of our pleasant weather to do some work in the garden.  Dan drove granddaughter Maddy to work and went driving with her after she was off.

Every once in a while I would check my phone (Life 360) to see where they were and make sure they were still on the road.  Dan had her drive for quite a while – in the city, far from country ditches. 😂

Apparently, she did quite well.  Our Jeep came close to losing a side mirror but no actual harm done.

I’m glad we have Life 360 – but seriously Maddy.  Using a photo from your first ever Annual Boxing Day Sleepover for your profile picture?  You should be driving a pedal car. 😳

This morning we went for an early morning walk, had our typical Sunday morning, breakfast and tidied up a bit.   Dan and his cousin from BC (who dropped in for a short visit) are outside in the gazebo.

Outside this morning – feeding the squirrels peanuts and cleaning up after Molly.

Daily Food Diary – Day 235

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) plain paratha (240)

(1) tbsp peanut butter (105)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Snacks:

(1/3) c mixed nuts (238)

(1) Mott’s Clamato Caesar – red (168)

(4) asparagus spears – green (20)

Supper:

(4) c nachos: tortilla chips, ground beef w/ taco seasoning, onion, peppers, & olives  – green, peppers – red, shredded cheese (650)

(3) tbsp salsa – red (15)

Total net calories: 1128

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1128 = 101 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 232 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 232 of my Daily Food Diary. 😄

Today it is one week since we got our  treadmill.  I am not a world class athlete yet, but I have been using it for 30 minutes every evening and I am already noticing the difference.

Ever since I can remember, when I stand in one spot (even momentarily) my hips, knees, and ankles lock up.  Even if I am moving, it is an effort to keep them from locking up.   It is frustrating, but I am used to it.

For the past two days, I have noticed that at least my knees are moving a lot smoother.  I’m not sure if my ankles are any better, and I know I am still struggling with my hips – but it’s a start!

Daily Food Diary – Day 232

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Lunch:

(2) Barbecue drumsticks(270)

(1) c raw vegetables: cauliflower – white, radishes & peppers – red, onions & green (90)

(1) tbsp peppercorn ranch dressing (60)

(60) oz water

(8) oz lemon water

Supper:

(2) SVG Arby’s roast beef (200)

(1) Medium Arby’s Crinkle cut fries (530)

(2) Arby’s cheese sticks (220)

(2) Arby’s gravy (35)

(1) horseradish sauce (50)

Total net calories: 1401

Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1401 = 180 over 👎

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