Tag: chronic health issues

Daily Food Diary – Day 212 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 212 of my 365 Day Food Diary!

Today is also August 1st, which means this is my last diary entry focussed on foods that contain collagen or significantly contribute to the production or use of collagen in our bodies. 

I know that I have genetic collagen issues.  I also  know that lack of collagen becomes an issue for everyone as we age  – and I AGED this month.  I celebrated my 70th birthday a few days ago.  While I have considered it in the past, this month I decided the time had come to start taking collagen supplements.

I went with these capsules from Amazon.  I liked the variety of collagen they provide.

Sometimes I avoid trying something like collagen supplements, because I am afraid I will be disappointed in the results and I don’t want to deal with that!    In this case, I am sorry that I waited so long.

The supplements that I chose came with a notice that it can take 5 months of 6 gelcaps a day, to notice much difference.  In one month – the chronic pain and stiffness in my hands has eased considerably, my nails are stronger and healthier than they have been in decades, and I am shedding far less hair. 

I cannot tell what the collagen is doing for my internal issues (which is my real goal), but I believe the airways in my sinuses, throat,  and lungs are improving.  It is difficult to tell because our weather and frequent smokey spells cause breathing issues – and I have been taking antihistamines and a natural lung clearing tonic. 

While taking collagen supplements seems to be beneficial so far, it is still important to keep on top of my diet to ensure that I am getting the nutrients required for my body to effectively utilize collagen.   For that, I require adequate protein, vitamin C, zinc, copper, and amino acids.    And of course – adequate exercise, rest, and stress management. 

When it comes to one’s health, it is never a matter of just taking a pill (or six pills a day).  At least not for me.  If I don’t work – the pills don’t either. 😕

And of course, eliminating the foods that are detrimental to my system is as important as taking the foods that are beneficial.  In that regard, I am happy to announce that with my birthday and our anniversary behind me – my cake is finally GONE.

But it was really good while it lasted! 😊

And in other monthly wrap up news, I may or may not have packed on 5 pounds this month.   It’s a good thing I am taking up running – and that we are out of cake. 🤦

Daily Food Diary – Day 212

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) Egg Denver omelet with ham & green onion, shredded marble cheese, & Salsa (363)

(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)

Snack:

(48) oz water

(4) oz lemon water

(1) piece Caramel Toffee cake (1050)

Supper:

(3) battered & fried haddock filets (435)

(6) oz fries (230)

(1/2) c gravy (50)

(1/2) c coleslaw (104)

(12) oz 7 up (140)

Total net calories: 2289

Net calorie goal: 1222 – 2289 = 1067 over

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

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 211 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 211 of my Daily Food Diary.   Today is also Dan and my 26th Wedding Anniversary. 

That was us – with Dan’s Dad and my Mom.  Dan’s Mom & My Dad passed away before we met but I have always felt that they had a part in our getting together.

We are having another nice quiet day today.  I went for a walk with Dan and Molly earlier.  Our air quality was No. 5 again due to ongoing forest fire smoke.  It didn’t seem that bad, so I thought I would be ok.  I was wrong.  A few blocks in my lungs were so congested That I couldn’t keep up with Molly.    I gave Dan her lead and turned back home.   We were at a spot on our route where we could see almost to our house, so Dan and Molly waited until I got to our corner and then proceeded to finish their regular walk.

This afternoon, I am going to make a reservation for our short visit to  Gravelbourg.  Tonight we are going out for supper again.   We are going laid back again. This time we are going to a Fish & Chip restaurant that Dan’s cousin has been recommending for months.  We go out to eat so seldom now since I discovered my yeast issues, that we have to make the most out of it when we do.  Tonight we are going to experience our new favourite fish joint! 😊

Obviously, another day without my daily run today.  Yesterday, I ran on the spot on my kitchen fatigue mat.  I will do the same today.  If I can find a way to actually make running a regular part of  my daily routine, I will look at investing in a fold-up treadmill for our spare bedroom.  I know that come winter, I won’t be running on the snow and ice anyway, so I might as well start looking at options!

Daily Food Diary:

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)

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

Snacks:

(4) oz lemon water

(8) Hint of Lime Tortilla Chips (200)

(2) tbsp Salsa (8)

Supper:

(5) oz pork chop (162)

(1/2) pkg chicken ramen noodles (120)

(1) c brussel sprouts (56)

(3) tsp butter (103)

(1) sm side salad w/lettuce, cucumber, green onions, sunflower seeds, dried fried onions, Vidalia Onion salad dressing (256)

(1) piece Caramel Toffee Cake (1050)

Total net calories: 2117

Net calorie goal: 2117 – 1229 = 896 over

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

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 209 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 209 of my Daily Food Diary.  🤗💞 I celebrate the accomplishment each and every day, but I am to the point where it doesn’t really surprise me how far I have come.  It is just a natural part of my day to day life.

I track everything I consume.  I am mindful of everything I consume.  My health is better for it.

Two years ago I quit eating yeast because I realized it was having a seriously detrimental effect on my health.  I am still on the waiting list to see an allergy specialist, but in the meantime  I am  working out the details of my yeast  issue.   I have learned that there are many yeast related foods – like mushrooms, which are also fungi.  There are foods that are very susceptible to mold (another fungi),  like strawberries and black berries.  There are foods that trigger yeast issues (generally any form of sugar).   AND, while we often think of yeast as being used to rise bread doughs or  to ferment beer and wine, it can be used and found ANYWHERE especially in processed or restaurant foods. 

Keeping a Daily Food Diary has been a huge help in sorting this all out.  I keep track of everything I consume over the course of the day.  When I come to post it the next day, I am feeling any ill effects from anything I should have steered clear of, and it doesn’t take long to pinpoint the problem.

It is pretty cool actually, for something that is just a natural part of my day. 🙂

This week,  I have started something else that I hope to make a natural part of my day. Yesterday,  while Dan and I were out walking Molly, I broke away to go for a short run.  I ran from a bench to the first intersection on our park path.   This morning, I did likewise except I ran  through the intersection to a big rock (just short of the small dog park).   It is still not much, but  I know that within a few days, I will be running the entire length of our park path.  🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 209

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) crumpets (160)

(1 1/2) tsp butter (51)

(1) tbsp raspberry jam (50)

(3) slices back bacon (100)

Snacks:

(60) oz water

(4) oz lemon water

(1) apple (95)

(10) raspberries (10)

Supper:

(6) tempura shrimp (285)

(1) lg PC Buttermilk Chicken (240)

(3) Pork riblets (49)

(2) egg rolls (380)

(4) Gyoza (180)

(1) tsp plum sauce (6)

(1) tbsp shrimp sauce  (20)

(1) tbsp Gyoza dip (50)

(1/2) PC caramel toffee cake (525)

Total net calories: 1904

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1904 = 683

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

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 208 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 208 of my Daily Food Diary! 🌹

Yesterday, I posted that I was going to start running today.  I always try to keep my word,  and this time (as usual) I did so!  I went for a run in the park.  I did not  run far and I did not run fast… But I did RUN.

It is rather smokey today, but it did not bother me as much as the patch that drifted through last week.  I am sure the species of trees that are burning makes a difference.  Some species, like Birch, are always more of an issue for me.

Despite the smoke, I finished my little run, none the worse for wear – except my left hand ring finger is sore and swollen.

Bizarre!  Dan figures I must have caught it on Molly’s chain when I was leading her.  🤔

Sore finger or not, today is Monday so it is back to doing my morning aerobics and it is a day for weights and cardio. 

Daily Food Diary – Day 208

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Sourdough bun (259)

(1 1/2) tsp butter (51)

(2) eggs (160)

(1 1/2) oz ham (67)

(2) green onions (16)

Supper:

(1) medium salad (130)

(2) sticks chicken souvlaki (180)

(2) tbsp French Dressing (146)

(2) tbsp dried fried onion (33)

(2) tsp sunflower seeds (33)

(1) PC caramel toffee cake (1050)

(60) oz water

Total net calories: 2055

Net calorie goal: 1222 – 2055 = 833 over 👎

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

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 206 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 206 of my Daily Food Diary.  Today is also my 70th birthday!

Dan went to get my birthday cake yesterday and bought me TWO birthday cards. My sister Elaine also sent me a card to mark the occasion.  She makes all of her own greeting cards and they are always amazing. 

“It’s not how old we are in life.  It’s how bold we are in life.” 🙌
Best cake EVER.  I love salted caramel and in cake form it is over the top.

Dan and I are going to Montana’s for supper.  We just had an amazing steak a couple of days ago and I have been craving ribs so RIBS it is!

Neither Dan or I could think of any present that I could want or need.  Then I decided that I would like to go to Gravelbourg next week to put new flowers on my parents and grandparents graves and repaint the letters on my Uncle Herman’s gravestone.  My Dad worked as a stonemason in his younger years so he carved the gravestone himself.  Uncle Herman passed away from leukemia when he was only twenty-five.  His passing left a profound mark on my Dad throughout his life.

Anyway, I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate my 70th birthday by showing my appreciation for my parents and ancestors.  I would not have been blessed with the years I have had,  were it not for them.  🌹

Daily Food Diary – Day 206

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Cheerios (147)

(2) oz 2% milk

Lunch:

(2) eggs (160)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1 1/2) oz ham (67)

(2) green onions (16)

(2) almond flour chocolate chip cookies (100)

(10) Raspberries (10)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1) lg. Dinner salad (356)

(4) oz tenderloin (120)

Total net calories: 799

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 799 = 529 under 👍

* I wasn’t starving myself yesterday.  I did my aerobics and my cardio/weights yesterday, so that brought my net calories down.  Also, my pulled muscle was pretty uncomfortable after all that deep breathing at my lung function test yesterday morning so I just wasn’t hungry. 

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

A personal note of appreciation from me to you. 🌹

Daily Food Diary – Day 205 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 205 of my Daily Food Diary! 🙌

I am posting a bit later than usual this morning because I went to see my respiratory therapist for my annual lung function test. 

The test itself is not going to win any awards – or bring up any discussion of oxygen tanks 🤗, but it was a good appointment.

Katie cut me some leeway for the muscle I pulled during a coughing fit yesterday.  It was painful when I did it, and much worse after I had a hot bath.  But Dan rubbed CBD oil on the affected area three times and I put an ice pack on it twice.  It is much better today, but still tender enough to be an issue doing all the deep breaths for the tests

Also, this past week has been horrid for humidity and forest fire smoke – both of which have a detrimental effect on my breathing.   The good news is that today the humidity is down and the smoke is gone!

I told Katie that I was feeling much better this year because I had gotten a handle on my diet – especially my sugar consumption.  I mentioned that my Daily Food Diary helped immensely in making me more mindful of what I was eating. (Especially my ‘throughout the day’ snacking).   She said she had a relative who was struggling with her diet, and she was going to mention this to her.  Then she said how much she enjoys my appointments because she always learns something new.   I appreciate how much I have learned from Katie over the years, but it made me feel really good that I have been giving something back.

Finally, I don’t usually wear nail polish but I had done my nails for Genie & Alec’s wedding last week.  I had to remove the nail polish before I went for my appointment.  I noticed that my nails are significantly stronger and healthier since I started taking collagen supplements a couple of weeks ago.   That was a bonus that I was not expecting this soon! 👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 205

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)

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

Lunch:

(3/4) serving nachos

(1) almond flour/chocolate chip cookie (50)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(7) oz ribeye steak (490)

(1) tbsp BBQ sauce (25)

(1) sm. Baked potato (80)

(3) tsp butter (103)

(1/4) c green onion (10)

(1) c fried mushrooms (44)

(1) ear of corn (78)

Total net calories: 1229

Net calorie goal:  1229! 🙌

Seriously, I got that dead-on without even trying. 🙂

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

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 202 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 202 of my Daily Food Diary.  202 Days without a single miss! 🙌

There is nothing earth shaking happening in my life today, but a few things of note…

First… Molly and I had another win yesterday!  Dan was golfing and we had a repairman come to check out our water heater.   When I saw him pull up in his van, I called Molly and put on her leash so I could ensure control while he was here.  She’s never been aggressive – but she is big and she can show attitude.

No attitude yesterday.. Molly sat beside me quiet and well mannered! 👍

Second… Yesterday, despite humidity of  100%  I had a Molly walk, did my morning aerobics, did weights and cardio and met my Net Calorie Goal.   Today we got up to a Smoke Risk of 11 (Very Bad) and humidity of 94%.  The smoke risk has dropped to a 7, which is still too high for my lungs to handle especially with the humidity.  No walk today. 😢

Third… It has been 18 days since I started taking collagen supplements.  My hands are definitely less crampy and painful than they have been for decades.  I don’t know what other benefits I may see in the months to come, but I do know that when it comes to supplements, vitamins, and medications – they don’t work unless I do.  So, I am doing the best I can to get the most I can out of these collagen supplements – weather permitting.

Daily Food Diary – Day 202

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) tortilla wrap (170)

(2) eggs (160)

    (1) tsp olive oil (40)

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

    (2) oz. Piller’s shaved ham (57)

    (2) green onions (16)

    Snacks:

    (1) Pear (103)

    Supper:

    (6) oz water rotisserie chicken DK meat (300)

    (2/3) c potato salad (358)

    (15) BBQ potato chips (103)

    Total net calories: 1179

    Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1179 = 49 under 👍

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

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

    Daily Food Diary – Day 201 of 365

    by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

    It is 201 Days since I began posting my Daily Food Diary.   It is two years since I eliminated yeast from diet and started taking a serious look at improving my diet in general.    And, it is three and a half years since I started living a healthier and more active lifestyle.

    One would think, I would have it all down to a science by now, but looking at my Food Diary entry from yesterday – obviously NOT.

    What is truly ironic, is that yesterday I was  messaging  back and forth with my sister Lorraine and we were discussing our health issues, our eating habits, and our frustration with North American attitudes towards diet in general.  Every day is a celebration  – and every celebration needs an overindulgence of poor food choices and alcohol fueled fun. (At least I dodged the alcohol fueled fun. 🙂) 

    Fortunately, another Monday has come around and it is a new opportunity to dial back on the calories and amp up on the exercise.  I’ve been one of the 35% of Canadians living with obesity, and I am not going back there!

    We  started our Monday with a walk with Molly.   Dan and I both struggled  with the  100% humidity – as well as with trying to keep  Molly out of the burr laden weeds along one stretch of roadway. 

    We  managed to walk a respectable distance – and brought Molly home ready for a nice quiet nap. 👍

    Being Monday, I still have my aerobics to do this morning, weights this afternoon, and chicken salad is on the menu for supper. 😊

    Daily Food Diary – Day 201

    Breakfast:

    (1) c coffee (2)

    (2) potato Patties (240)

    (2) eggs (160)

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

    (5) asparagus spears (16)

    (1) tsp butter (34)

    (3) slices bacon (130)

    Snacks:

    (25) No Name Barbecue Chips (270)

    (48) oz water

    Supper:

    (7) oz New York Strip Steak (546)

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

    (1/2) c red pepper (23)

    (1/4) c red onion (15)

    (1/2) c celery (8)

    (1/2) c mushrooms (22)

    (2) tsp butter (69)

    (2) tbsp soya sauce (30)

    (1) c broccoli (30)

    (1/2) c cauliflower (14)

    Total net calories: 2086

    Net calories goal: 1229 – 2086 = 857 over 👎

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

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

    Daily Food Diary – Day 199  of 365

    by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

    It is Day 199 of my Daily Food Diary and it is 1 week until I turn seventy!

    This morning,  Dan was scheduled to pick up  granddaughter  Maddy and drop her off at work.  Since he would be at the southern end of the city, he offered to take me out to Dutch Growers.

    Dutch Growers, one of our city greenhouse/landscaping businesses was large when it was in the city.  Now that it has moved to a more rural location, it is massive.

    They sell everything Yard and Garden, plus clothing, accessories, jewellery, house plants and home decor.   They have a large four season building that leads to several large enclosed greenhouses.  

    I was looking for a specific plant spray (which they do not carry).   But, I had my eyes open for something that I would appreciate for my seventieth birthday present.  I could probably have spent a few thousand dollars on waterfalls, planters,  and fairy statues, but I managed to resist such temptations.

    I do have a sizable elephant that I picked up there years ago.

    I did walk out  with a serious case of lung congestion.  We were not halfway home before Dan asked me if the humidity in the greenhouses had bothered me. 🤦

    Seriously, I have asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD – and I was so enthralled by all of the huge plants, decor, and miscellaneous goods that I hadn’t even noticed.  (Although, I certainly should have known going in).

    It is great that between my daily workouts, my medications, and my general attention to diet, I can forget about my chronic respiratory issues.   But on occasion,  that does come  back to bite me on the butt!

    Daily Food Diary – Day 199

    Breakfast:

    (1) c coffee (2)

    (1) granola nut bar (160)

    Lunch:

    (2) c romaine lettuce (15)

    (2) green onions (16)

    (3) oz canned chicken (150)

    (1) tbsp Dilly Dip  (80)

    (25) No Name barbecue potato chips (270)

    (6) candy coated mini Easter Eggs (130)

    * I swear, the bag is ALMOST empty

    (48) oz water

    Supper:

    (2) c chilli with meat & beans (452)

    (1) plain paratha (240)

    (3/4) c ice cream (180)

    (1) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (52)

    (1) tbsp caramel sauce (130)

    (9) pecans (59)

    Total net calories: 1574

    Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1574 = 346 over 👎

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

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

    My garden meditation zone (pre Molly)

    Daily Food Diary – Day 182 of 365

    by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

    Today is Day 182 of sharing my Daily Food Diary. 🥰💃

    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 👍

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

    Our first Laverna blossom 🥰