Today is Day 274 of my Daily Food Diary! ❣️With September done and gone, I am 9 months done and 3 months to go.
Every month, I choose one focus for my Daily Food Diary. For October, I have decided to go with Changing Seasons – and how they affect the foods we eat.
October started with the same seasonal indecision that we have been experiencing in Saskatchewan for a couple of weeks.
Yesterday, it was unseasonably warm. I spent time outside cleaning our Jeep and enjoying the weather. After supper, I went to pick up our granddaughter Maddy from her band clinic. I wore a sweater and left the air conditioner on.
This morning, I picked up Maddy to drive her to school. I wore my coat and turned the heater on. Such is autumn in Saskatchewan.
Last night, we went with some hearty fall Smoked Beans for supper – as well as a couple of summery Hot Dogs and a few potato chips. 🙄
It is impossible to predict which direction this month will take weather wise.
Today is my 273rd consecutive day of posting my Daily Food Diary! 🎀
For some reason it is getting harder to post in the morning these days, but I am getting it done. 🙂
I get up early enough to see the sun rise…and to see weird alien clouds across the street.
Today is shaping up to be another relatively quiet day. I have my aerobics and light weights to do, a bit of touching up around the house, and I will hopefully get the Jeep cleaned today.
My big excitement will be venturing over to granddaughter Maddy’s school tonight to pick her up after her band retreat. It’s only a few blocks from here so the only real challenge will be dealing with the other parents and grandparents who will be doing likewise. I cannot imagine how this school has such huge band events. It is nuts just dropping her off at a regular early morning band practice.
Maddy and I went to see a friend of hers who was involved in a band/choir event at his school a few months ago. There were about fifty people there including the performers. And there are way more students attending his school. 😧
Anyway, I have things to do so I should get on with it.
Daily Food Diary – Day 273
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) crumpets (240)
(2) tsp butter 68)
(1) tbsp jam (50)
Lunch:
(1/2) c beef broth (15)
(10) low salt ripple chips (75)
(1/2) PC Chocolate Coconut Brownies (60)
Snacks:
(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1) lg dinner salad – lettuce, spinach, radishes, cauliflower, green onions, dried fried onions, sesame seeds, salad dressing (256)
(2) chicken drumsticks (401)
(1) PC Chocolate Amaretto cheesecake (257)
Total consumed calories: 1641
Total used calories: 489
(30) min walking (53)
(30) min aerobics (176)
(30) min treadmill (59)
(1) hour housework (202
Total net calories: 1152
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1152 = 78 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❤️
This is also September 30th – mere hours away from October. It is beautiful out now, with a bit of wind, and forecast to reach 29 degrees Celsius (84 F). 👍
Dan went golfing a few days ago. The lack of leaves on the fairway was amazing for this time of year!
I am having a good if somewhat muddled day, but I have been for a walk with Dan and Molly. I have done my aerobics. I am ready to start some laundry as soon as I am done my blog. And the plan is to clean the inside of the Jeep and do thirty minutes on the treadmill before supper.
My plan yesterday, was to do my treadmill but I tweaked my back walking Molly in the morning. After Dan rubbed it with CBD cream, I felt so much better I fell asleep at 8 pm and basically slept through the night. At some point I got off my recliner and went to bed. 🙄
Daily Food Diary – Day 272
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) granola bar (160)
Lunch:
(1/2) c beef broth (15)
Snacks:
(6) hint of lime tortilla chips (150)
(1) PC puffed wheat cake (226)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(2) servings pork fried rice (894)
(12) oz carbonated water
Total consumed calories: 1447
Total used calories: 445
(30) min aerobics (176)
(30) min light weights (73)
(30) min walk (53)
(30) min food prep & cooking (56)
(30) min yard and garden (88)
Total net calories: 1002
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1002 = 227 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❣️
A bit of color in Regent Park, but most of the leaves are still on the trees inthecity as well! 🤩
Today is also Monday. Yesterday, we had Prim and dog Sasha over for the afternoon and into a sleepover.
It is amazing how well Molly and Sasha get along. They are both big dogs, both females, and there is never a whiff of an issue. I don’t think I have ever heard Sasha bark, and when they are together, Molly is too chill to bark either. Sasha is like her support dog. 😂
Prim, who is thirteen, was likewise amazing. She made us all quesadillas for supper – including slicing the chicken breasts and vegetables and cooking them. She EVEN helped with dishes and kitchen cleanup after supper.
This morning she was up (without being called) at 6:30 so she could have breakfast and get home by 7:30 so do her morning chores, finish her homework, and feed Sasha and the cats BEFORE school. 🤗
Prim!
After cleaning up, we played three games of chess. I won the first, Prim won the second in three moves (with help from a friend she was on speaker phone with), and she won the third – all on her own. 👍
Daily Food Diary – Day 271
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) scrambled eggs (182)
(1 1/2) oz ham (43)
(1) tomato (22)
Snacks:
(6) Hint of Lime Chips (150)
(1) 355 ml RootBeer (170)
(1/2) chocolate/coconut brownies (74)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1) lg quesadilla – 2 tortilla wraps, chicken breast, green onion, black olives, red pepper, jalapeno, banana pepper & taco sauce (713)
(1) butterscotch brownie (229)
Total consumed calories: 1585
Total used calories: 111
(1) hour food prep/cooking/cleanup (111)
Total net calories: 1474
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1474 = 245 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💓🌞
This is starting out to be a good day. Dan is off golfing so Molly and I went solo on our walk. We both went the distance without any issues whatsoever. 😀
Yesterday did not go as planned. I did walk Molly and I got my workouts in. My baking date with Jen fell apart. She had errands to run and work to do on her truck..plus a bit of a vehicle tuneup demo that she gave to Maddy and her friends who are all working on their Drivers Training this year. (If you are going to drive, you should know the basics of vehicle maintenance. 👍)
It was one of the warmest days of our year so far, so baking wasn’t looking like a great idea. I was happy to water our garden and do a bit of reading.
First published December 24th, 2024.
I am not too deep into this book, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. I highly recommend it. In fact, I think it should be required reading in highschool, recommended reading before getting married, and an absolute necessity before having children and/or grandchildren.
Since I began my health and fitness journey, one unexpected benefit that I have enjoyed is that I worry less about what others are doing, eating, thinking, or saying while being more focused on working on myself.
This book is next level and well worth the modest price and time it takes to read it.
Today I have my regular aerobics workout and treadmill time. I am going to do more baking – alone as Jennifer is at work, and hopefully get more reading time.
Daily Food Diary – Day 267
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) paratha (240)
(1) tbsp peanut butter (105)
(1) tbsp jam (50)
Lunch:
(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)
(1 1/2) oz sliced chicken (70)
(2) slices bacon (87)
(1) tomato (22)
(1/4) c white onion (5)
(1) c lettuce (8)
(1) tbsp peppercorn ranch dressing (30)
(60) oz water
Supper:
(1) sourdough bun (259)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(5) oz lean ground beef burger (304)
(1) slice havarti (180)
(1) tomato (22)
(1/4) c white onion (5)
(1/2) c spinach (2)
(20) lightly salted ripple chips (160)
(1/2) oz Philidelphia Cheese onion dip (20)
Total consumed calories: 1694
Total used calories: 302
(30) min. Aerobics (176)
(30) min. Walking (53)
(30) min weights (73)
Total net calories: 1392
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1392 = 163 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊💞
Yesterday we had a busy and productive day. We got our garage reshingled. I can’t see it from our yard but apparently it looks fine and with four experienced roofers it was finished in four hours. Molly was relieved when they were gone. She was beside herself with anxiety while they were up there. 🤔
Back to her happy self 😊
Jennifer, Prim, and I got a bit of baking and a lot of visiting in yesterday. Jen is supposed to return this afternoon for another round
This morning Dan, Molly, and I went for our morning walk. That was uneventful.
When we got back, I sat down for a minute with my phone before starting this blog and then doing my aerobics and light weights.
I have no idea why, or where it came from, but I found myself going down some rabbit hole of a discussion regarding how today’s young mothers are much better parents and people than my generation was/is.
I remember when my eldest was about six months old and I felt likewise. I am grateful that we did not have Facebook to memorialize my naivety back in those days.
Like most parents since the beginning of time, I did my best. Trying to compare how I did compared to my parents or my children? I would win some, I would lose some. The world changes from one generation to another. Parenting must adapt, even though the basic premise and core values remain the same.
They survived and turned out well enough. Our family is, and always will be, a work in progress. As will theirs! 💞
Daily Food Diary – Day 266
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c milk (28)
Snacks:
(10) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (250)
(1/2) c nacho cheese (160)
(2) tbsp salsa (8)
(3/4) c Maple Walnut Ice cream (225)
(10) hazelnuts (88)
(1) tbsp chocolate sauce (52)
(1) tmst caramel sauce (130)
Supper:
(3) c dinner salad (190)
(3) chicken drumsticks (300)
Total consumed calories: 1581
Total used calories: 509
(30) min. Aerobics (176)
(30) min. Walking (53)
(30) min. Treadmill (55)
(2) hrs cooking (222)
Total net calories: 1581
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1072 = 158 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️💝
Yesterday was a great day! I did a complete aerobics and light weight routine plus I did twenty minutes on the treadmill. We also had visits from Maddy and Genie & Alec!
Yesterday was also another day that my collagen supplements proved their worth. At suppertime I opened a new jar of horseradish and a new can of coffee with my bare hands! The coffee comes with a top seal that requires hand strength to grab the tab and pull the seal off. Until now, I have had to take a sharp knife and slice it off. Less than three months after starting Collagen Supplements I can easily remove it as directed.
After supper and twenty minutes on our treadmill, I did my lung clearing with my Aerobika device. I take deep breath in and blow out which engages a flutter valve that vibrates and loosens the mucus in my lungs. In two years, my best effort generally involves one to two breaths before I have a coughing fit and start choking up large amounts of mucus. (Sorry, I know that sounds gross). Anyway, it is a long messy process.
Last night, I did THREE sets of TEN deep breaths, coughing up a minute amount of mucus.
That is amazing!
I did cough up a bit of mucus when I went to bed, when I woke up at 4 AM and after I got up this morning. Absolutely NOTHING compared to what I have been dealing with for the past five to twenty years.
Purchased from Amazon for less than $30 cdn for a month’s worth.
For twenty years, I have been telling doctors that my biggest health issue (possibly a tie with my yeast intolerance) was a collagen issue. Every one of them told me collagen issues are nothing.
Three months ago, Martha from http://walkingchester.wordpress.com left a comment on one of my blogs telling me how much collagen supplements had improved her mobility and quality of life. I ordered my first bottle of Collagen Supplements that day and they have been more effective than I could possibly have hoped for (with zero side effects).
I could be upset, or sad for the quality time I have lost in my life, but I am not. I am just grateful to Martha for encouraging me to try Collagen Supplements.
And I just want to share my results going forward in hopes that others seeing my results will look into trying the collagen option for dealing with their stubborn chronic pain, weak muscle, general health issues that do not respond to typical treatments. Especially, as we age… Collagen deficiency becomes a real issue. 🧓🧑🦳
(* As with any supplement anyone with health or allergy issues must do their own due diligence.)
Daily Food Diary – Day 260
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) Eggo waffles (180)
(2) tsp butter (68)
(2) tbsp syrup (104)
(2) slices bacon (87)
Snacks:
(1) Asian pear (116)
(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(6) oz beef roast (376)
(1) c mashed potatoes (237)
(2) tsp butter (68)
(1/2) c gravy (50)
(1) c beets (75)
(2) tbsp horseradish (14)
Total consumed calories: 1593
Total used calories: 363
(30) min. Aerobics (176)
(30) min. Light weights (73)
(20) min. Treadmill (35)
(30) min. Food prep/cooking (56)
(30) min. Cleaning (67)
Total net calories: 1186
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1176 = 43 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❣️
Today is Day 259 of my Daily Food Diary. That is a full 37 WEEKS! 😊💞 I remember celebrating my first week in. I thought that was a major accomplishment at the time. 😂
I found a photo of my high school year book entry recently. (I have no idea why it is black and white. I am pretty sure color was a thing in 1973. 🤦)
Two things of note here:
It is funny how much I thought I knew when I graduated. 😂 I was so naive and clueless but I thought I knew myself and everything about the world around me.
And… I still have no idea where I am going or where I will end up (or what places this adventure will take me along the way). I do however, totally believe that I am on the right path. 👍
At seventy years old, I do not know everything, but I have stopped talking to plastic cows– so there is that!
I am feeling great this morning but Molly and Dan went walking without me due to another foggy morning. I will be doing my aerobics, weights, and treadmill – indoors, with the dehumidifier doing its magic.
Daily Food Diary – Day 259
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Lunch:
(4) slices shaved turkey (60)
(1) medium tomato (22)
(12) Lightly salted Lay’s chips (160)
Snacks:
(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)
(1/2) c chicken broth (10)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1) sm. Taco Time Mexi Fries (265)
(1)Taco Time Crisp Meat Burrito (428)
(2) Taco Time Hard Shell Tacos (520)
(1) 355 ml can RootBeer (170)
Total Calories consumed: 2028
Total calories used: 363
(30) min. Walk (53)
(30) min. Aerobics (176)
(1) hour house cleaning (135)
Total net calories: 1665
Net Calorie Goal: 1229 – 1665 = 435 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take careand have a great day! 💝🌞
After a couple of weeks off to deal with a lung infection, I am back to my regular workout routine today. 👍
Despite already encountering one small glitch, I am excited. This morning we have FOG. With my asthma, that means Dan and Molly are off on their morning walk without me while I stay housebound with the dehumidifier running on high. 😯
When it comes to being pro-active with our own health, sometimes we have to make adjustments.
Speaking of being proactive, it is 2 1/2 months since I started taking Collagen Supplements. The information that came with these gelcaps stated that it would take a full five months of use before one would see a notable difference.
Collagen supplements from Amazon.
The transformation that I have already experienced, two and a half months in, is definitely notable!
Top to bottom:
My hair is the consistency of hair – unlike the cat fur that I have been sporting for my entire life.
My sight is notably clearer due to..
Increased stability of my sinuses.
My hearing has improved and my vertigo has virtually disappeared due to stability of inner ear, etc.
For the first time in three years my cough is showing significant improvement due to stability of sinuses and airways in my throat and upper lungs.
My hands are not numb, achy, or stiff. My dexterity shows signs of definite improvement.
My nails are stronger and healthier.
My skin tone has improved significantly.
Increased stability in joints – I can walk (indoors or out) without tripping, stumbling….
Increased upper body muscle strength (despite not working out).
Reduced muscle pain – especially sitting or lying in place.
My hips, knees, and ankles do not automatically lock when I stand in place. I can move freely or stand in one place without feeling tense. 🥰
It has been two decades since I realized that most of my wellness issues came from a collagen disorder/deficiency. It never occurred to me that using a collagen supplement could help me. I have been told by medical professionals that collagen issues ‘are nothing’. (Maybe they are if you do not experience them).
I honestly do not understand the disconnect between what doctors (here) say and what I know. I just know that EVERY BODY is different and that mine requires more collagen than I get through my diet or that my body can produce.
It’s about being proactive and accountable, about knowing our bodies and how to maintain them. For me that means Collagen Supplements. 😉
Daily Food Diary – Day 257
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) thin slices bacon (150)
(1) 2 egg cheese omelet (260)
(2) potato patties (240)
(1) tomato (22)
Snacks:
(1) c caramel corn (170)
(1/2) c beef broth
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1) Dinner salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green onions, radishes, cauliflower, black olives, sunflower seeds, dried fried onions, lemon garlic vinaigrette (328)
Today is Day 254 of my 2025 Daily Food Diary! 💓 I have (so far) been successful in putting out my daily post. 👍 I have been enjoying recapping my days in this manner and I have been successful in making some beneficial changes to my diet.
For the reasons above, I have decided to maintain this project through 2026 – with one slight change….
Rather than tracking my calories consumed each day, I am going to track my calories used.
I feel that I am ready for this move and I am excited to explore new ways and means to keep active. AND I am excited to share my conquests with all of the regular and occasional visitors to my blog.
Getting down to the core health issues that have plagued my entire life and discovering ways to deal with them and improve my fitness level and quality of life has been an amazing adventure for me.
I know it has been less than exciting, and more than a bit painful, for those who have been following me for the past +3 years.
I get that, and I appreciate it. But the wins I make are not made in the grand gestures or the five star days. They are an accumulation of all of the moments, the choices, the bits and pieces of knowledge that I pick up along the way.
It’s not fireworks and shooting stars – but from where I was three years ago to where I am now, I think it’s pretty impressive. 😁
Two family weddings – only 4 years but a lifetime apart. 💞
Daily Food Diary – Day 254
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) Denver breakfast wrap (560)
Lunch:
(1) BBQ chicken drumstick (135)
(6) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (150)
Snacks:
(1/4) c mixed nuts (180)
(3/4) c Maple Walnut Ice Cream (225)
(2) tbsp chocolate sauce (105)
(48) ox water
Supper:
(1 1/2) serving Baked French Onion Soup (552)
Total consumed calories: 1909
Total used calories: 419
(30) minutes walking (53)
(30) minutes cooking (56)
(1) hour gardening (176)
(1) hour house cleaning (135)
Total net calories: 1490
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1490 = 261 over
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞☺️
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 