Tag: active aging

Daily Food Diary –  Day 100 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

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

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

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

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

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

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

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

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! 💝😊

Daily food Diary – Day 73 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 73 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary.   As much as I could lose a few more pounds, this exercise is more about eating well than it is about restricting calories.

I went into this with three chronic lung conditions – asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis.  Proper nutrition is only part of my routine to keep these issues in check.  I exercise, I see a respiratory specialist and a respiratory therapist regularly, I use inhalers,  and antibiotics with oral steroids for flare-ups, and I get regular vaccines. 👍

I also went into this exercise with a failed epigastric hernia repair from three years ago.  On February 24th, I went to see a surgeon about having this repaired. 

My hernia is bothersome on occasion and a bit dangerous to ignore,  so it has to be done.  Heading out for my appointment, I was fine.  Dan was driving, we were going to the Pasqua Hospital (a few blocks from home),  the repair I had done last time was laparoscopic surgery done under local anaesthetic. No big deal!

Except, due to delays in traffic, parking issues, and a mix-up at the hospital, we were cutting it close timewise for my appointment.  My stress ramped up, my stress triggered my asthma, and I walked into the surgeon’s office having an uncontrollable coughing fit.

The appointment went as well as possible, but the surgeon decided that he was putting me under anesthesia for the procedure. (It is difficult to do this kind of thing when someone is coughing their lungs out).

I came home upset, demoralized, and annoyed that I try so hard to manage my lung issues and I had failed,  again, big time!  

After a short pity part, I pulled it together.  I got on with my respiratory management routine and soldiered on.

Then, I went for a CT scan that the surgeon had ordered.  On top of a couple of other issues, the scan showed that I now have a NEW lung issue – bronchiolitis.  Seriously!

Cue another pity party, cue another comeback – this time more intense and determined than ever.  Not just to make my lungs stronger but to destroy the stress and anxiety issues that I have battled with forever.

So.. more exercise – more focused and intense,  I switched up my bedtime meditation for Goggins inspirational podcasts/videos, I got an herbal brew  from our local health food store.  I am getting outside for more fresh air and exercise!  👍

And our weather tanked.  More cold, more wind, more wet snow.   Not good for my lungs.   Another pity party… 🤦

Yesterday, I had it together!  I decided to stay indoors and do a serious house cleaning & laundry including bedding.

And our power went out – for hours.  I decided to forgo the pity party.  I messaged my sister Elaine and we chatted back and forth for the duration, exchanging  meal plans and shopping wins (and losses 😂).

It was a good chat and it was good for the soul – much better than another pity party.  🙂

Food Diary:

Breakfast:

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

(2) eggs (180) (14)

(3) slices back bacon (52) (2)

(2) potato patties (240) (2)

Snack:

(24) oz water

(2) oz Dill Pickle peanuts (324) (14.2)

Supper:

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) Burrito –

     (1) Tortilla wrap (170) (5)

     (4) Oz ground beef (280) (19)

     (1) c mixed veggies – onion, red pepper, black olives, mushrooms, oriental cabbage (68) (2.4)

     (1) Tbsp taco sauce

     (2) Oz shredded cheddar (114) (7)

(1) PC matrimonial cake (139) (1)

Total calories: 1600

Total Protein: 76.9 grams

Protein goal per day: 46- 58 grams

Notes:

  1. I am fairly certain that Molly, our picky Pyrenees, would not be caught dead eating a dill pickle – but if I have Dill Pickle Peanuts, Molly has Dill Pickle Peanuts.
  2. Dan and I made supper together last night, and yes he shredded oriental cabbage for the burritos. (The celery I took out didn’t make the cut… 🙄) Once the cabbage was cooked with the rest of the  burrito filling,  there was no trace of it.   (I trust the nutrients remained? 🤔)

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 72 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It has been 72 Days since I began my Daily Food Diary.  I do not plan  our meals for the week or the day in advance,  consider the calories involved, or the nutritional value.  For me, this exercise is about keeping a record of what we eat, watching for unhealthy trends, and ultimately making  adjustments as I progress through the year.

One thing that I have been doing, adjustment wise, has been tweaking a few recipes, and trying a few new ones.

Yesterday, for the very first time, I baked a loaf of NO YEAST Soda Bread. This was the recipe I used.

https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/irish-soda-bread/

This was my result:

Going into the oven
What came out of the oven…

Honestly, I don’t know what the hell my oven did to my soda bread.  Fresh out of the oven it tasted pretty good.  Neither Dan, nor I, had ever tasted soda bread, but it tasted much like regular bread (sweeter).  It also had a similar texture. We tried toasting it. That was a fail. Rather than toast, it dehydrated. 

I have not really missed bread since I quit eating yeast.  I have missed buttered toast with raspberry jam.  This was not the answer.   AND… I have really missed Baked French Onion Soup topped with croutons and hot melted cheese.  I have tried a couple of other options but they were NOT the answer.  I am going to try making croutons out of this Soda Bread and test them out on a couple of bowls of onion soup for Dan and I this weekend.  Wish me luck! 🤞 

I am  going to check out other Soda Bread recipes to see if I can find one with less sugar.  I don’t know how crucial the sugar is to the texture of the final product.   If anyone has  experience making soda bread, I  would be grateful for any advice!

Food Diary – Day 72

Breakfast:

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

(1) c Shreddies (200) (6)

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

(2) tsp sugar (33)

Snacks:

(24) oz water

(1) c Lemon Ginger Tea

(1) Slice homemade soda bread (68) (10)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tsp raspberry jam (17)

(12) Tortilla Hint of Lime chips (300) (4)

(2) Tbsp salsa (8)

Supper:

(4) oz lean roast beef (219) (29.9)

(1) tbsp horseradish (15)

(1) c mashed potatoes (113) (1.9)

(1/4) c gravy (20) (.3)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(7) asparagus spears (23) (2.5)

(1) pc Matrimonial square (139) (1)

(12) oz carbonated water

Total Calories: 1254

Total Protein: 57.9 grams

Protein goal per day: 46 to 58.5 grams

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 71 of 365 

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It has been 71 days since I began my Daily Food Diary.   It has become an important part of my personal healthcare, but it is only one part.

Keeping active is a part that I have been working on for the past three years.  I do aerobics every morning, I dance when the urge hits me, I do strength training with light weights three times a week (when I am not waiting for hernia surgery), and I love to walk – especially when the weather is nice and the path is free of snow and ice.

We are fortunate to have miles and miles of well kept paths in and around our city.  Some of those ‘around’ the city are more challenging, but most are easily walkable. 

When I am out walking, one thing that I generally notice is the lack of others who are likewise out and about.    Regardless of season, weather,  time of day, or path we choose,  these well kept paths are  a lifeless stretch as far as the eye can see (other than squirrels or geese). AND… In Saskatchewan, we can generally see pretty far. 

Walking in nature is such an easy and awesome way to improve and maintain our health and well being.    I can’t imagine why our paths seem so under utilized.  Is this normal?

Food Diary – Day 71

Breakfast:

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

(1) Plain Paratha (240) (7)

(1) Tbsp Peanut Butter (105) (4)

(2) Tsp jam (33) (.1)

Snacks:

(24) oz water

(1) c tea

(1/2) c raspberries (32) (.7)

(1 1/2) pc matrimonial cake (208) (1.5)

(25) Lay’s Salt & Vinegar chips (230) (2)

Supper:

(2) servings Chicken Caesar Salad (700) (16)

(2) slices bacon (87) (5.9)

(2) tbsp dried fried onions (33)

(12) oz carbonated water

Total Calories: 1671

Total Protein:  37.5 grams

Protein goal for the day: 46 to 58.5 grams

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 52 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

For 52 days now, I have been recording and posting my Daily Food Diary.   Focussing on my diet does not mean that I am neglecting other aspects of my health. 

I am doing my morning aerobics six mornings a week and with our much milder temperatures, I am excited about getting outside and enjoying our fresh air.  With this in mind, I set out with Dan and Molly yesterday  for a walk around our neighborhood.

I don’t know if you can see or relate to  our ice rutted street or the sidewalk across the street, which is buried under two or three feet of ice and snow.  I know you can’t see our sidewalk but Dan does keep it cleared and passable – unlike most residential sidewalks in this area and ALL sidewalks adjacent to  city owned property.

Walking in conditions like this is extremely difficult and dangerous.  Walking in conditions like this while holding onto a Great Pyrenees like Molly is pretty much impossible.

Walking a Great Pyrenees on dry solid ground can be difficult enough.

Fortunately, there are parks in the city with trails that are maintained and we have a large yard that I can access to get some fresh air.    But, walking around our neighborhood again will have to wait until Mother Nature makes our streets and sidewalks passable. 🌞

Food Diary – Day 52

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) crumpets with butter & jam (211)

(2) thin sliced bacon (200)

(24) ounces water

(1/2) grapefruit with sugar (56)

(1) blueberry/oatmeal muffins with butter (190)

(12) ounces carbonated water

(1) tortilla wrap (170)

(12) pcs pepperoni (65)

(4) slices shaved ham (90)

(2) slices back bacon (35)

(1/3) c shredded cheese (120)

(1 1/2) c mushrooms, red onion, red pepper, green olives (35)

Total Calories: 1224

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 48 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

I am 48 days into my Daily Food Diary and 17 days down for tracking my calorie intake.

More days than not this month,  I have consumed more calories than I should, if I am looking to LOSE weight.  Many of those calories tend to be ones that have little, to no,  nutritional value.   So far this month, my biggest  WIN has been that I can see why I am not losing weight and why my diet is not helping me to feel as good as I should.  🙄

Keeping a Daily Food Diary was never just about losing weight, or even mainly about losing weight.  Likewise, it was never meant to be a quick, magical fix for improving my overall health. 

My Daily Food Diary is simply a tool.  It shows me in black and white what I need to do to improve my diet.  It cuts through the excuses and the mindless eating  and will ultimately get me to a point where I am adequately nourishing my body with the nutrients it needs to function at a higher, healthier level.  

Every new day is a new opportunity to do a little better, so that by the end of the year I will have made noticeable progress and eating well is just another part of living well. That’s the plan!

Food Diary – Day 48 of 365

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) Eggo Waffles (330) with butter (103) and syrup (100)

(3) thin slices of bacon (180)

(24) oz water

(1) c tea (1)

(2) cookies (146)

(25) Lay’s Classic Chips (140)

(3) Small cabbage rolls (300)

(3) Bulk Barn Allsorts (64)

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) c tea (1)

Total Calories: 1367

Yesterday, I started tracking my calories on an app called  ‘Lose It!’ , recommended by Terry from http://radicallyretired.com. So far it seems simple enough even for someone who is technically challenged (such as myself).   I am still learning the ropes and going back and forth between my manual method and automated,  but from what I have seen, I would definitely suggest checking it out.  

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 41 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Good morning to yet another frigid day in Saskatchewan!  I feel for those who have to be out and about in this weather, life and business as usual. 🥶

I have three days remaining to Year Three of my health and fitness journey.  I am satisfied with how this past year has progressed.  While I will always have chronic lung issues – asthma, COPD, & bronchiectasis – I managed to dodge any infections this year requiring antibiotics and oral steroids. 👍 My mental and emotional health has become ever stronger along with my physical strength 👍 I have missed minimal morning aerobics (very minimal due to health issues). 👍 I lost another ten pounds this past year and toned up noticeably. 👍 My life continues  to get easier as I grow progressively stronger! 🤗

I am ending this year on one frustrating note.  My strength and cardio training has been on hold for the past few weeks due to issues with my epigastric hernia.  I have an appointment with a surgeon in a couple of weeks to discuss repairing the repair that I had done three years ago.  In the meantime, I am being cautious.  I have enjoyed  getting out and walking with Dan and Molly in lieu of more strenuous workouts, but on the minus forty days that is not an option.

Molly keeping otherwise occupied on another minus 40C  day.

Food Diary – Day 41

(1) c coffee (1)

(1) Denver (no toast) (2) eggs/ ham/onions (260)

(2) Potato patties (240)

(24) oz water

(1) Mango (202)

(2) cookies (146)

(1) c tea (1)

(1) 6 oz pork chop (283)

(1) c white rice (206)

(1) c broccoli & cauliflower with butter (89)

(6) Large olives (30)

(12) oz carbonated water

Total calories: 1458

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 40 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Yesterday, I posted a few photos of summer in Saskatchewan.  Today is Monday and it is time to get back to the reality of winter in Saskatchewan.

Quick pic of my front yard flower bed. 
Molly Dog –  Her spot was on the sofa beside Dan.  Since we got our new living room furniture, she is torn between Dan and her blanket which I appropriated to protect my chair in case she happened to jump up on it.
Molly and I out walking Waterfall Park yesterday.

It’s a minus 41C (feels like) this morning.  We are in preservation mode at this point.  Dan and I just started a big pot of stewing hen broth.  Tomorrow, we will be warming up with hearty homemade chicken noodle soup.

A couple of chicken soup suppers will be a good thing this week.  First because it will be great for warming us up, second because it will be lean meat and lots of fresh vegetables (plus egg noodles). 

Today marks FOUR DAYS until I complete three years of my health and fitness journey.  When I started out, I was tipping the scales over 160 pounds.   Now I am just a few ounces over 130 pounds.  I would love to weigh in under 130 pounds this Friday.  Our chicken soup might do it for me, especially if I up my aerobics to make up for the lack of weight workouts and minus 40 walks. 

Food Diary – Day 40

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Breakfast Sandwich – Back bacon, egg, cheese & tea biscuit. (465)

(24) oz water

(8) Licorice allsorts (167)

(25) BBQ chips (270)

(1) c tea (1)

(2) chilli dogs – no bun, with cheese, onions, and (14) multi grain crackers (710)

(12) oz Carbonated water

Total calories: 1515

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

No outdoor flowers to enjoy for a while, but the orchid Dan got me last Valentine’s Day is still blooming! (Blooming again for the forth time)