Daily Food Diary – Day 135 of 365

It is 135 Days since I started my 365 Day Food Diary! 🎉 I am DONE my entire round of antibiotics and I only have 2 more days of Prednisone! ☺️

With chronic respiratory issues, this has NOT been my first rodeo with antibiotics and Prednisone, but for whatever reason, this has been a rough one.

Yesterday, I was finally feeling pretty good once I got past the high humidity in the morning.   I had a great aerobic workout and I got some kitchen deep cleaning done. 

My only issue was a serious appetite ALL day.  I don’t know if my body needed the calories to recover, if  I haven’t been drinking enough water, or if it was the Prednisone talking – but I was HUNGRY all day.

I had a good enough breakfast, and lunch, but supper was over the top.  I chopped everything up for the stir fry and Dan came in and offered to cook it.  It was amazing. It was dessert worthy amazing!

I blew through both my net calories and saturated fat goals for the day,  but there you go.   In the past two weeks, I only totally missed one workout, we took a few walks, and I was somewhat productive even on my worst days. 

Fall down, get back up, repeat.  But the falls get fewer  and the get back up comes sooner.  It is progress. 👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 135

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) sausage patties (190) (5 grams)

(2) Classic Eggos (180) (1.5)

(1) tsp butter (34) (2.3 grams)

(1) tbsp Maple Syrup (55)

Lunch:

(48) oz water

(1) BBQ chicken thigh (160) (1 gram)

(1/2) c potato salad (220) (2 grams)

Supper:

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

(8) oz stir-fry (pork tenderloin, leek, red onion, mushroom, carrots, celery, cabbage, baby Bok choy, water chestnuts, terriaki-oyster-soya sauce, black pepper, crushed hot peppers).  (349) (3.8 grams)

(3/4) c French Vanilla Ice Cream (240) (7.5 grams)

(1) tbsp Chocolate sauce (52) (.1 gram)

(1) Lemon oatmeal cookie (68) (.6 grams)

Total net calories: 1736

Net calorie goal: 1243 – 1736 = 493 over 👎

Total saturated fats:  24 grams

Saturated fats goal: 13.75 grams 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 128 of 365

It has been 128 days since I started my Daily Food Diary.   In 128 days, I have missed zero daily entries,  or posts on Jetpack (WordPress). 💃

People do not succeed in reaching goals, or in life, by hiding behind excuses.  That is one of life’s basic truths. 

That being said, yesterday’s diet goals were a complete miss.  While excuses cannot turn my results into a win, I do have a few to share. 🙂

* Starting my morning with a medical appointment – a less than stellar one that resulted in three prescriptions (one that may be a permanent addition to my daily routine), a requisition for a chest x-ray and an appointment for a check up in two weeks.  ⚕️

* Having taken my first dose of the antibiotic I received, I was hit by some bizarre side effects.  I felt like I had been punched between my eyes and felt dizzy. 🥴

* Since I felt rather off, I passed on my daily aerobics and walk.  That meant I had zero calories to subtract from the calories that I consumed.  😒

* We took Molly to the vet for a tic treatment and to get one of her ears checked out.  While there the vet did her upcoming annual checkup, identified a fungal ear infection and prescribed medication, and provided her with a tic prevention as well as one for worms.  Molly came away with a clean bill of health and kudos for being such a big, beautiful, happy, friendly, calm girl.  I came away with a $442.00 bill. 🙄

* And finally, we got home and I received the sundress I had ordered. Size Small. AND.. It fits perfectly! 💃 🎉🎉🎉

So there you have it, a few hits, a celebration, and a miss on my daily diet goals.  I am not terribly upset.  I, am delusional enough to  think days like this help  to keep my body from going into starvation mode. (That will never happen. 😂)

Daily Food Diary – Day 128

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) cornmeal muffins (130)

(1) tsp butter (34) (2.3 grams)

Lunch:

(3) oz dark skinless turkey (150) (1.9 grams)

(6) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (150) (1 gram)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1) pear (103)

(7) raspberries (7)

Supper:

Taco Time Takeout:

(1) Small Mexi-Fries (265) (3)

(1) crisp Meat Burrito (428) (6)

(2) Hard shell tacos (432) (9.8)

Total Net Calories: 1701

Net calories goal: 1243 – 1701 = 458 over 👎

Total saturated fats: 24

Saturated fats goal: <13.75. 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 126 of 365

It is 126 Days (18 weeks) since I started my Daily Food Diary.   My ultimate goal setting out on this adventure was more about improving the nutritional value of what I consume each day, than any effort to lose weight. 

That being said, today I weighed in at 124 pounds! That is nine pounds down from the 133 pounds that I weighed on January 1st of this year AND 36 pounds down from the hefty 160 pounds that I weighed three years ago, when I kicked off my Healthy Active  Lifestyle.  💃

I do have a general goal to eventually reach my ‘best weight’ of 115 pounds.  That is where I feel and look my best.  But, being my best is more about how fit and healthy I am.  That is where daily exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management all matter. 

I have been struggling with my morning exercises for the past couple of days.  The following video popped up on my You Tube feed yesterday.  It is one I hadn’t tried previously.   I found it motivating so am sharing the link for anyone who is looking for a boost to their daily workout.

* I do not, and never have, promoted any product or video for any financial kickback.  If I share anything like this, it is just because it worked for me.  🙂

Daily Food Diary – Day 126

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) oatmeal/bran/apple muffin (164)              (.6 grams)

(1) tsp butter (34) (2.3 grams)

Lunch:

(25) Lightly salted ripple chips (270) (1 gram)

(3) oz dark turkey meat (150) (1.9 grams)

Supper:

(4) oz lean ground burger (307) (7.6 grams)

(1/2) c baked brown beans (196) (2.5 grams)

(2) cornmeal muffins (290) (2 grams)

(2) tsp butter (69) (4.7 grams)

(1) PC bacon (43) (1.1 grams)

(1) tbsp habanero cheese (25) (1.1 grams)

(1/4) c mushrooms (11)

(1/4) cooking onion (3)

(1) tsp olive oil (40) (.7 grams)

(1) side salad (90) (1)

Total net calories: 1528

Net calorie goal: 1244 – 1528 = 285 over 👎

Total saturated fats: 26.5 grams

Saturated fats goal: 13.75 grams 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 122 of 365

It is 122 Days since I began my Daily Food Diary.  This is Day 2 of my focus on tracking  saturated fats.

In March, my focus was on tracking protein in my diet.  I learned that my diet is high in protein.  This did not really surprise me, as I feel like a dishrag if I do not have my protein.

In April, my focus was on tracking sodium and processed sugar.  I learned that any amount of processed sugar has a detrimental effect on my respiratory health and that I consume a lot of sodium.

This month, I am focussing on saturated fats.   Eliminating saturated fats is important for everyone for heart health, so that obviously includes me!

The challenge here is that animal based products, be it meat, eggs, cheese, milk, etc. are high in saturated fats – except for fish which I prefer to avoid .  Plant based, high protein food,  like brown beans,  are low in saturated fats but high in processed sugar

This month it will take time, effort and research to maintain the protein in my diet while reducing the saturated fats,  while eliminating the processed sugar, and while cutting back on sodium.  

Once I have a handle on these four areas of concern in my diet (protein, sodium, processed sugar, and saturated fat), I can start working on all of the vitamins and minerals that we tend to receive from our vegetables and fruits. 

I do not expect to ever reach a perfect palatable place in my diet.  It is always going to be about balance.  But I do expect that as long as I keep up my Daily Food Diary, I will keep learning and making positive adjustments, that will serve me well throughout 2025 – and beyond.  ☺️

Daily Food Diary – Day 122

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Cashew granola breakfast bar (160) (2.5 grams)

Lunch:

(2) chicken drumsticks (401) (5.8 grams)

(1/2) pkg spicy chicken ramen (190) (3 grams)

Supper:

Nachos:

(6) oz extra lean turkey (221) (2.6 grams)

(1) tbsp taco seasoning (40)

(25) salt free tortilla chips (260) (1 gram)

(5) black olives (18) (.2 grams)

(1) jalapeno (4)

(1/4) c green onions (10)

(1/2) c red pepper (23)

(1/2) c shredded Habanero cheese (240) (12 gram).  (we didn’t have a lower saturated fat option – but I did use half as much cheese as I usually do)

Total net calories: 1354

Net calorie goal: 1247 – 1354 = 107 over 👎

Total saturated fats: 27.1 grams

Saturated fat goal: 13.75 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 120 of 365

It is 120 days since I started my Daily Food Diary.

Looking at the results of my calorie counting and sodium and processed sugar tracking yesterday, it doesn’t look good for my progress in this exercise.   But, results do not always tell the entire story.

Last night, I was planning a supper that would have had me meet my nutritional goals for the day.  But plans change.

At lunchtime yesterday, Granddaughter Prim texted to ask if she and her sister Maddy could come for supper.   We went from a supper for two to a ham and scalloped potato family meal – and I hit the ham hard.

Prim and Maddy

We always enjoy time spent with any of our grandkids.  Last night,  we had three big wins to celebrate as well!

1) Maddy who has been struggling with her math,  got the results of her latest math test since starting to work with a tutor  (a retired math teacher who Genie introduced her to) … 48 out of 50!  Big win for Maddy!!

2) Prim and I started talking about obesity and restaurant food.  It might seem like a  strange subject for a thirteen year old, but she instigated it.   That led to her checking out nutritional information for one of her favourite restaurants and comparing a Veggie Burger and a Deep Fried Chicken Burger.  The clear winner (nutritionally)  – Deep Fried Chicken Burger had lower calories, sodium, and processed sugar.  We both learned something new – which is always a win.  And it was a big win for Prim because she learned that, especially when it comes to food – better choices are not always that obvious.

3) The girls’ sister Genie dropped by for a short visit and to drive the girls home after supper.

Left, Genie last June.  Right, Genie last night.

Genie has struggled with health issues since she was born – partly genetic, partly due to being born prematurely.   The last couple of years have been particularly difficult for her.  Since giving up yeast and starting to feel so much better,  I have been trying to convince Genie to try that as well.  In the past few months, she decided it was worth trying.  The proof is on her face! Her bloating is gone, she is feeling much better, and she is so much happier.  It wasn’t all about the yeast, but it was a big win for Genie – and one that encouraged her to adopt other positive changes.

It is always good to see the grandkids.  It is even better when we see them learning  how much power they possess – to deal with the challenges that life hands them and to earn the wins that life has to offer .  🌹

Daily Food Diary – Day 118

Breakfast:

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

(1/4) c milk (31) (28.7 mg) (3.1 grams)

(1) c Raisin Bran Crunch (190) (210 mg) (20 grams)

Snacks:

(44) oz water

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) oz BBQ corn nuts (124) (277 mg)

(1) oz Spicy dill pickles (170) (221 mg)

(1) oz smoked almonds (310) (90 mg)

Supper:

(2/3) c scallop potatoes (15) (620 mg)

(1/2) c corn (62) (10.9 mg)

(1) tsp butter (34) (31.7)

(6) oz old fashion ham (238) (1497 mg)

(1) side salad (90) (115 mg)

Total net calories:  1290

Net calorie goal: 1247 – 1290 = 43 over 👎

Total Processed Sugar: 30.9 grams

Processed sugar goal: < 25 👎

Total Sodium: 3106 mg

Sodium goal: 1500 to 2300 mg 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 118 of 365

It is Day 118 of my Daily Food Diary. ☺️ This month I have been tracking the calories, processed sugar, and the sodium that I consume every day.

I still have work to do on my processed sugar and sodium consumption. However, I have learned which foods I need to avoid or eliminate from my diet.  And.. I have made a couple of positive changes this month.  I have switched from salted nuts to unsalted peanuts and I have started eating Lightly Salted chips – at least sometimes.

For May,  I will switch things up and track saturated fat.  That should be interesting, since I will still be counting calories and avoiding sodium and processed sugar.  And of course, I always avoid yeast! This is getting to be a juggling act.  It is getting difficult to consume enough calories each day, when I am avoiding everything that contains calories!

Yesterday, was election day in Canada.  I am glad that is finally behind us!

I am super happy with how our trip to our voting station went yesterday.  It was only about one kilometer from here so we decided to take Molly and walk over there. (We took turns going in to vote and staying outside with Molly).   Anyway… We got halfway there and realized we had forgotten 💩bags for Molly.  That is never a safe gamble to take.  I power walked home and back to where Dan and Molly were waiting for me.

The exciting part… That extra kilometer, made in record time, did not bother me  at all! I did not struggle to breathe, and there was no muscle or joint discomfort.  My blood oxygen was 98% last night.   And, even this morning, I am fine.  That is what makes this all worth while!

While I was in the polling station, I ran into someone I actually know – and really like. And… Since our polling station was at a high school we saw a lot of teenagers.  They were all friendly, polite, and happy to see Molly.  A couple of them even came over and visited with me and Molly –  the entire time that Dan was inside.   They were both  charming and they kept Molly totally distracted! (A good thing because she usually gets rather stressed when Dan has to leave us on our own when we are out and about).

Daily Food Diary – Day 118

Breakfast:

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

(2) Eggo waffles (180) (300 mg) (4 grams)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tbsp maple syrup (55) (12.5 grams)

(2) slices back bacon (50) (425 mg)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

Snacks:

(30) oz water

(1) c Matcha green tea

(1) Asian Pear (180)

(4) strawberries (15) (.5 mg)

Supper:

(1) Hamburger – Thick & Juicy. (290) (440 mg)

(1) slice Havarti cheese (70) (160 mg)

(4) oz potato salad (154) (332 mg) (4.9 grams)

(24) Lightly salted Lays chips (134) (48 mg)

(1) tbsp Philadelphia onion chip dip (23) (75 mg)

(1/4) c mushrooms (12) (.8 mg)

(1/4) c onions (15)

Total net calories: 1095

Net calorie goal:  1247 – 1095 = 152 under 👍

Total Processed sugar:   20.4 grams

Processed sugar goal: < 25 grams 👍

Total Sodium: 1817.7 mg

Sodium goal: 1500 – 2300 mg 👍

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

Kept on my kitchen window ledge, this little vase was a gift from granddaughter Genie to my mother (many years ago).  The carnation came from the spray on my Father’s casket (1993).  The rosebuds came from my Mother’s. (2013).

Daily Food Diary – Day 105 of 365

It is 105 Days since I started my Daily food diary.  That is 15 Weeks ! 🥳

I have learned a few lessons in these past few weeks.  The biggest thing that I have learned has been  how getting a handle on yeast and sugar is going to make a huge difference to my health in general – but specifically to my respiratory health.   I have been avoiding yeast for a couple of years and that has made a big difference, especially to my digestive health.    These last few days,  I have been avoiding as much processed  sugar as possible.  That has already made a huge difference to my respiratory health

I have been diagnosed with asthma – a genetic disease, which is triggered by stress and allergies.  I can manage that by taking preventative inhaled steroids, rescue inhalers, stress management, and avoiding allergens (like fresh cut grass).   I have also been diagnosed with COPD, bronchiectasis, and bronchiolitis.  They all have understandable causes.  Management, has been  an issue.  The issue with all of them is the amount and consistency of the mucus that they produce.  If I can get a long term solution to that with diet and hydration, it will be a gamechanger for sure.   I seem to finally be on the right track.  That is so much more than I could have hoped for when I started this Daily Food Diary fifteen weeks ago!

Food Diary – Day 105

Breakfast:

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

(2) slices back bacon (35) (500 mg)

(2) potato patties (240) (420 mg)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1/8) c Dill Pickle Peanuts (113) (146mg ) (.5g)

(1/8) c unsalted peanuts (43)

Supper:

(1 1/2) c Rice (363)

(3) oz pork tenderloin  (125) (62.1 mg)

(1/4) c red onion (15)

(1/2) c canned mushrooms (20) (333 mg)

(1/4) c red pepper (12) (1.5 mg)

(1) c Bok Choy (60)

(1/2) c celery (8)  (40.4 mg)

(2) tsp olive oil (79)

(1/8) tsp seasoning salt (190 mg)

(3/4) tbsp soya sauce (11) (458 mg)

(1) tbsp butter (103) (95 mg)

(3) spring rolls (135) (330mg) (2.2 g)

(1) egg roll (100) (270 mg) (2 g)

(1) tsp plum sauce (6) (5 mg) (1.3 g)

Total Net Calories: 1283

Net calorie goal: 1259 – 1283 = 24 over 🙄

Total Sodium: 2854.7 mg

Sodium goal: 1500 to 2300 mg 🙄

Total Processed Sugar: 6 grams

Processed sugar goal: <25 grams 👍

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

Daily Food Diary –  Day 100 of 365

It is 100 DAYS since I began my 365 Day Daily Food Diary.  💖

100 days and by yesterday’s numbers,  I am not terribly impressed.  Not only did I consume   MORE than double my processed sugar goal, but today my lungs are noticeably paying for it.   A few years ago, this would have been one of those days to consider throwing in the towel and giving up this obviously futile effort.

But, this isn’t three years ago.  This is NOW. This is not an “All or Nothing” exercise.   Even on my worst days, this is an “ALL OR SOMETHING” exercise.

Despite a couple of bad decisions yesterday, I am celebrating the good decisions that I make everyday.  The few of these, and handful of those,  that I pass on throughout the day.  The carbonated drinks that I pass on every day.  The healthy salads that I make,  when I would prefer something less nutritious.  All of the SOMETHINGS that I do every day to prove that I am being more mindful of what I consume, than I was before I started this exercise.

The bottom line is, I am not throwing in the towel.  This exercise is working – even on the bad days when a few maraschino cherries and a little wee Sesame Snap don’t seem like a bad idea. 🙄 

Daily Food Diary – Day 100

Breakfast:

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

(1/2) grapefruit (41)

(1) tsp sugar (16) (4.2 g)

Lunch:

(1) hotdog (160) (55 mg)

(20) Salt & Vinegar chips (185) (267 mg) (.7 g)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1) c Lemon Ginger tea

(1) Sesame Snap (150) (3 mg ) (9 g)

Supper:

Chef Salad:

Lettuce, tomato, radishes, cucumber, black olives, green onions, (2) oz ham, (2) boiled eggs, (1/4) c shredded cheese, (1) tbsp sunflower seeds, (1) tbsp salad dressing, (2) tbsp fried fried onions.  (665) (1024.5 mg) (3.3 g)

(2) scoops French Vanilla ice cream (160) (30 mg (3 gr)

(1) tbsp Choc syrup (33) (22 mg) (5.9 g)

(6) maraschino cherries (60) (12 g)

Total Net Calories: 1441

Calorie goal: 1269 – 1441 = 172 over 🙄

Total Sodium: 1976 mg

Sodium goal: 1500 – 2300 mg

Total Processed Sugar: 58.1 grams

Processed sugar goal: < 25 grams ☠️☠️☠️

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 84 of 365

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?

Spring Dogs.. 😳

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 77 of 365

It is 77 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary.  That is 11 Weeks! By the time I knock off another 41 weeks, I might be addicted to this morning exercise and being mindful of what I consume on a regular basis.

Another thing I could easily become addicted to is getting out walking with Dan and Molly. 

Yesterday we ventured down to Waterfall Park.  Our temps were still well in the chilly range, there was yet another fresh layer of snow, and I was walking on an iffy ankle and a slightly wobbly knee.  But… The only hard part is taking the first step (after I put on my sweater, ski pants, boots, jacket, and gloves 🙄).

Once we got to the park, it was all good.  I took Molly’s lead and we made out fairly well.  My knee and ankle felt fine and we even ventured down an unfamiliar path.  It was not as groomed as our regular ones and there was a steep drop off of both sides – one side leading down to the creek.  Molly and I managed to both stay upright.    Dan caught sight of three dogs and a group of kids approaching, so he took Molly’s lead.  It was all good – until Molly’s collar came apart for some reason.   Dan was able to hold onto her while I got the collar back together.  It is a heavy duty pinch collar, with steel links that are almost impossible to take apart and to replace.  Apparently, it just takes the perfect move to slip it apart!  I lucked out getting it back together.

This shot was from a couple of days ago but shows Molly in her element.

The rest of the walk was uneventful. When we got home, Dan brought Molly in and made our tea.  I spent a few minutes shoveling our front walks before I joined them.  At the end of the day, my left knee was fine, my right ankle was fine – and my left foot had a weird kink in it.  It is still bothering me a bit this morning, but I am sure I can walk that off when we head out today.  🙂

Food Diary – Day 77

Breakfast:

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

(1/2) Grapefruit (41) (.8)

(1) tsp sugar (16)

(1) Granola Bar (160) (3)

Lunch:

(24) oz water

(1/2) Beef burrito (308) (15)

Snacks:

(1) c Lemon Ginger tea

(25) Lay’s Classic chips (160) (2)

Supper:

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) lg. Taco Salad (520) (16)

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

Total Calories: 1357

Total Protein: 39.1 grams

Daily Protein Goal: 46 to 58.5 grams

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