Today is another high risk smoke day, so another indoor day. I had hoped to spend some time walking Molly, puttering around our yard, and reading in our gazebo. Apparently, that is not going to happen.
It is amazing how suddenly we went from, hot, summer days to spending days on end trapped indoors to escape wildfire smoke. I know we are far from alone in this and much better off than those living in fire zones. Still, it is frustrating for those of us dealing with chronic lung disease and environmental allergies.
I miss sunny summer days!
Souris, Manitoba Wascana Trails outside ReginaCandy Cane Park at Wascana Lake
Daily Food Diary – Day 221
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) plain paratha (240)
(1) tbsp peanut butter (105)
(1) tablespoon raspberry jam (red) (50)
Lunch:
(1) c beef/vegetable stir-fry (brown, red, green, orange, white) (100)
It has been over a month since I started taking Collagen Supplements. My nails are stronger and healthier than they have ever been, my hands are barely achy (even first thing in the morning), my hair is shedding less and looking healthier, my skin texture is improving, AND my sinuses are starting to feel noticeably better. I don’t know how to describe that, except they feel firmer and less collapsible, if that makes any sense.
A couple of days ago, I mentioned Generational Health here, on my blog. I was talking about the positive health and wellness lifestyle habits that we pass down to future generations. I was mostly referring to physical health.
Last night our daughter-in-law sent me a photo of our grandson Cason and son Dan. Since Cason was a tot he has been playing board games, card games, and doing Jigsaw Puzzles with his parents, older siblings and grandparents.
When we were at Dan and Amanda’s this spring, Cason brought out a chess board and asked me to play a game. He said he knew how because he had seen someone playing Chess on one of his kiddie shows. I was a bit skeptical but, ok then!
With a little help setting up the board and the occasional advice during the first round, Cason had a good grasp on the game. Despite my best efforts, he won the second one.
Natural talent, and above average intellect aside, kids need encouragement, support, and adult role models to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
As a parent, I have occasionally wondered if my parenting was ever effective or appreciated. Seeing my sons and daughter parenting their children, it is obvious that they were both. 💞
Daily Food Diary – Day 220
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Lunch:
(1/4) stuffed GREEN pepper (86)
Snacks:
(10) Lay’s lightly salted potato chips (57)
(1/4) c barbecue corn nuts (260)
48) oz water
Supper:
(2) c beef steak and vegetable – green, red, orange & white stir-fry (200)
(1) c white rice (242)
(2) tbsp soya sauce (30)
(1) tbsp butter (103)
(5) Gyoza (167)
(1) tbsp Gyoza dipping sauce (15)
Total net calories: 1090
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1090 = 131 under
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 🌞💕
It is 218 days since I began posting my Daily Food Diary.
It is six years since I began posting my blog on WordPress. I had just given my boss a one year heads up that I would be retiring on my 65th birthday.
For a few weeks, I had been sourcing out articles on retirement. I’m not sure what I was looking for – but it wasn’t the plethora of articles regarding the problems and pitfalls of retirement with less than millions of dollars in the bank, a substantial amount of investment income rolling in each month, and estate planning that I should have began before giving birth to my children (forty some years ago🤦).
Our retirement was not going to meet the standards of the financial gurus who write such articles. But then our lives had never revolved around our finances.
So, I started a blog to help me find my way from full time employment to successful retirement.
Once I did retire, I soon realized that our financial situation was the least of our retirement challenges. Financially, we are comfortable – even since Dan joined me in retirement. We manage.
Our health is on shakier ground. I learned three years ago that to enjoy retirement, I was going to have to get a handle on my chronic lung issues and the lack of strength and stamina that I struggled with.
My health and wellness journey began. It has been two steps forward, one step back, and a series of twists and turns that I could never have imagined.
This year, the biggest and best change in my life has been seeing how I have become a better influence for my children and grandchildren. It has been seeing and appreciating the time my son and his wife invest in being outdoors and active with their family. It has been seeing my daughter-in-law and daughter deal with food allergies and personal fitness. It has been seeing our grandchildren put down their iPads and get out and get active. It has been seeing our granddaughter Genie & her husband Alec, happily and healthily married, and planning to one day add a new generation to our family.
Health and wellness has become a priority in our family and is the subject of many conversations – conversations started by daughter Jen, granddaughter Prim, or my husband Dan.
This morning, I went looking to source out articles on Generational HEALTH, to get more insight on the subject.
I didn’t look far, but from what I saw Google AI pretty much summarized everything I came across.
“the health conditions, risks, and patterns that are passed down through families across generations”.
That sounds pretty sad, but it is a definition that I see changing – in my family and others.
This is ‘Generational Health’ – Maddy and Prim at Wascana Park with sister GenieAnd this – Granddaughter Gabby with brothers Lucas and Cason boating with Dan & Amanda And this – Genie & Alec celebrating their life together in sickness AND health & fitness (physically, mentally, and spiritually)And this – starting married life with a healthy bowl of vegetable soup! 😂
Daily Food Diary – Day 218
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) granola bar (160)
Lunch:
(1/2) stuffed pepper – green, red, white (190)
(1) oatmeal lemon cookie (68)
Snacks:
(48) oz water
(5) Hint of Lime chips (125)
(1/3) c Weekender Mix peanuts (240)
Supper:
(12) oz carbonated water
(1) large dinner salad – Romaine lettuce, cucumber, broccoli, green onion – green, tomato, red pepper, radishes – red, sunflower seeds, dried fried onions, Vidalia Onion salad dressing (263)
(3) sticks pork souvlaki (240)
Total net calories: 964
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 964 = 258 under
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️😊
We are home and our heatwave is over. It is forecast to be cooler and wetter today. The humidity is already 100%. (Good thing I watered our garden yesterday!)
Between wildfire smoke and high humidity this summer, my lungs are struggling. I can’t imagine how I would manage if I wasn’t on inhalers, using my Aerobika, doing aerobics, breathing exercises, weights and cardio, walking (weather permitting) – and running (a little bit).
It’s funny, in an odd way, that I used to think working out was for athletes and healthy young people who joined gyms to keep in shape.
I am infinitely grateful that I have learned that living a life based on exercise and healthy habits is for anyone wanting to enjoy quality of life. (Even seventy year olds with multiple chronic lung conditions 😊).
Daily Food Diary – Day 216
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios – no milk (147)
Lunch:
(4) radishes – red/white (21)
(1) c broccoli – green (31)
(2) pcs celery – green (14)
(1/2) c red pepper – red (23)
(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)
(1 1/2) oz marble cheese (170)
(2) oz Piller’s Ham (57)
(9) Lay’s wavy lightly salted chips (131)
Snacks:
(48) oz water
(11) Hint of Lime chips (275)
(3) tbsp salsa – red (12)
(1) Rolo ice cream cone (310)
Total net calories: 1273
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1273 = 51 over
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️❣️
I haven’t planted sunflowers for years, but always manage to have a few of them pop up in our flower bed. I don’t have the heart to pull them out as they have always been granddaughter Maddy’s favourite flower.
It is 213 Days since I began posting my Daily Food Diary. 😊🌹
I have completed SEVEN of the twelve months that I set out to post. Every month I choose a different focus and for August I planned to do likewise.
Choosing a new focus is always a challenge and this month (August) has been the most difficult. I drew a blank for the past week, I settled on making this a month to focus on weekly meal planning. But our summers are notoriously short and meal planning is just too September Greige for me to get excited about.
So… I chose to go with COLOURFUL foods for August. While our garden is struggling this year, we do have a variety of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, rhubarb, and several herbs to provide color (and healthy goodness) to our meals. Of course, we also have access to all of the fresh colorful foods available at our supermarkets and local Farmer’s Market.
To kick the month off, I sourced out this short article which offers information on why a colorful diet is beneficial, plus the specific nutrients relative to each basic food color.
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! 😊💕
Today is Day 211 of my Daily Food Diary. Today is also Dan and my 26thWedding 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! 💞🤗
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! 💖😊
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 figuresI 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! ❤️🌞
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
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 