Today is also Sunday September 7th. I am on my 5th day of my latest round of antibiotics and oral steroids. I am feeling pretty decent – helped no doubt by the solid sleep that I have been getting for the past couple of nights.
All things considered, my only major issue today is that I destroyed my glasses this morning. I am pretty much blind without them so that’s not good. I do have one older pair that I can wear until I get replacements but they are single vision glasses AND the only time that they did not make me look goofy was when I tried them on in the optometrist’s office. 🤦 Fortunately, as long as I avoid mirrors I don’t have to see myself. 😊
Maybe I have them upside down? They are Versace frames, so great quality, but they just don’t suit me. 🙄Molly is having a GREAT weekend. Yesterday, Jen and Maddy were here for an hour AND this morning Genie came by to join Molly & Grandpa for their morning walk. (Genie took the photo)
Daily Food Diary – Day 249
Breakfast:
(1) c Coffee (2)
(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Lunch:
(1) Harvest All Beef Wiener (150)
(1) No Name Low Salt Ripple Chips (130)
Snacks:
(1/2) c Home made chicken broth (27)
(60) oz water
Supper:
(1) Extra Large homemade quesadilla (861)
(3) tbsp salsa (12)
Total consumed calories: 1357
Total used calories: 243
(30) minutes housecleaning (67)
(1) hour gardening (176)
Total net calories: 1114
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1114 = 116 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💖😊
Yesterday, I came out 76 calories over my Net Calorie Goal. This was not because I ate more than I should have. I just took a day off from any of the workout routines that I usually indulge in to burn off extra calories.
No walk with Molly, no aerobics, no weights, and no treadmill.
I did drive Dan out to his golf tournament, did my typical house chores, and watered the garden. By the time I finished my blog and did my check-in with my workout buddies I was done.
I have been under the weather this past week and yesterday I had no gas left in the tank.
I’m not feeling any better today, so my plan is to post my blog and head off for nap.
Hopefully, by tomorrow I will be getting up to a better day – ALL DAY!
Looks good to me. See you tomorrow! 🙂
Daily Food Diary – Day 242
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Lunch:
(2) scrambled eggs (182)
(1 1/2) oz leftover Tbone steak (125)
(1/4) c white mushrooms (11)
(2) green onions (16)
(2) tsp butter (34)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1) Hungry Man chicken cutlet dinner with yellow corn (520)
Total net calories: 1305
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1305 = 76 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💖☺️
Our skies are clear, our air is smoke free, and we are finally starting an entire week of actual summer temperatures.
Dan and I took Molly for an uncharacteristically uneventful walk this morning. We did stop at the dog park where Molly got in a few short solo runs across the park.
I have to cut this one short. Our garden is starting to wilt and it’s not going to water itself!
Daily Food Diary – Day 237
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2 % milk (28)
Lunch:
(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)
(2) oz ham (57)
(1) oz marble cheese (113)
(1/4) c white cooking onion (3)
Snacks:
(14) hickory smoked almonds (70)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(2 1/2) c chicken stir fry – orange carrots, green onions, cabbage & celery, brown mushrooms, red pepper, chicken filets, ramen noodles (622)
(1) vegetable spring roll (100)
(4) Gyoza (133)
Total net calories: 1022
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1022 = 207 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❤️
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! ☺️❤️
It is 198 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary!
It is 3 and almost one-half years since I started living a lifestyle focused on my Health and Fitness.
The quality of my life has improved exponentially in this time. One thing that I have been particularly grateful for is a marked decrease in my anxiety – something I have struggled with throughout my entire life.
That being said, in the past few months my anxiety level has been creeping back up there. I have several coping strategies but sometimes they just don’t want to work!
This morning I took Molly on a walk around the neighborhood, by myself. It was hardly the first time. But, I have been walking her alone – knowing Dan was at home and available if anything went sideways. This morning, Dan was not home. It was truly Molly and I – no backup, if required.
I’ll be good!
I got about two feet out our gate and down the sidewalk before my anxiety went through the roof. There was no way, I was turning back or taking any shortcuts.
We finished our route with no major incidents and I felt fine as soon as we got back in the yard. I will take that as a win, and hopefully it will ramp up my confidence enough that it will make our next solo trek that much easier.
I am so over this anxiety stuff! It serves zero purpose and just makes life so difficult.
Daily Food Diary – Day 198 of 365
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Shreddies (200)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
(1) tsp sugar (16)
Snacks:
(1) pear (103)
(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)
(5) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (125)
Supper:
Pan Pizza:
(1) Tortilla wrap (200)
(2) tbsp pizza sauce (17)
(3) oz sliced ham (86)
(15) slices pepperoni (150)
(1/4) c red onion (15)
(1/2) c mushrooms (22)
(1/2) c red pepper (23)
(1/4) c shredded marble cheese (120)
(1) pc chocolate cake (472)
Total net calories: 1505
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1505 = 276 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! 💕😊
It is 196 Days since I began my Daily Food Diary. That is a full 28 WEEKS without one miss!
My biggest (Food Diary) news from yesterday is that I finally drank that Root Beer yesterday. I’m pretty sure that was my second soda since I started this challenge back on January 1st. (Not counting a couple of Tonic Waters used as mix with Gin).
Anyway, I did have a root beer yesterday and did so quite deliberately. Any amount of sugar isn’t good for me as it thickens the mucus in my lungs and makes it difficult to cough to clear them. However, this afternoon we are having a family event so no coughing would be a good thing. It wasn’t a moment of weakness – just a natural cough suppressant for one day. 😊
This morning, Dan and I walked Molly – together. No smoke, no golf! 👍 We stopped at the storm channel to check out Momma Duck just sitting on a rock. Her ducklings are probably at an age to get into all kinds of trouble and make all kinds of noise while doing so. I think Momma just needed some alone time.
We had enough of a walk that Molly needed a rest when we got home. Or maybe she is just exhausted from producing hair. I cannot imagine why she is not bald. I spend half my time sweeping up and dusting away dog hair – and we have already brushed her twice this week. (Filling the garbage can with hair and destroying the porch carpet in the process! 😯)
Daily Food Diary – Day 196
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) Plain paratha (240)
(1) tbsp peanut butter (90)
(1) tbsp jam (50)
Lunch:
(3) PC chicken wings (2) drumettes & (1) flat (264)
(10) potato chips (52)
Snacks:
(48) oz water
(355) ml Root Beer (170)
Supper:
(1) Dinner salad (190)
(3) sticks pork souvlaki (240)
(2) tbsp peppercorn ranch dressing (70)
(2) tbsp dried fried onions (67)
(2) tbsp sesame sesame (33)
(1) serving rhubarb cheesecake (260)
Total net calories: 1438
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1438 = 209 over
* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen
The merry little Marigolds are blooming for granddaughter Genie today 🤗
This is Day 187 of my Daily Food Diary. 🧑🍳 Each month of my diary, I set out to highlight one nutritional aspect of my diet. This month, my focus is on collagen.
Since collagen is so important to having and maintaining a strong and healthy body, I have been sourcing out and highlighting foods that contain or assist in the production of collagen for the past five days.
Today, I decided to touch on foods that destroy or slow down the production of collagen.
Foods to avoid for collagen health include: processed sugar, refined carbohydrates (especially white bread), and fried foods. It is also beneficial to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Personally, I believe in balance and sustainable changes when it comes to eating, and life in general. I am trying to be mindful of what I consume and I am gradually making ‘better’ food choices. For better or worse, my Daily Food Diary is always a reflection of my reality. 🙄
Despite the high humidity this morning, Dan and I took Molly for her morning walk . Walking is good for our collagen and hers. Just like people, dogs need collagen for their joints, skin, hair/fur, digestive health, and for their overall well-being. Also, just like people, dogs lose and produce less collagen as they age. Molly just turned three years old, but it is never too soon to ensure her health.
When we got back home, Dan took a few more photos of Molly and I. As usual, she was less than co-operative. And yes, she was drinking out of the bird bath. 🤦
Daily Food Diary – Day 187
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) potato patties (240)
(2 1/2) eggs (200)
(2) tsp butter (34)
(2) slices bacon (170)
(1/2) tomato (11)
Snacks:
(1) peach (51)
(1) pear (103)
(60) oz water
Supper:
(2) cabbage rolls (300)
(3/4) c ice cream (208)
(2) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (105)
Total net calories: 1424
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1424 = 195 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! 💞🌞
A healthy diet is an important part of the Healthy & Fit Lifestyle that I have been working to adopt over the past Three Years and Four Months. But, it is not the only part.
I also focus on regular exercise, stress management, adequate sleep, fresh air, and regular lung clearing/deep breathing for my chronic respiratory issues.
Living a Healthy & Fit Lifestyle has led me to living a relatively active life in general. This active life has resulted in having more strength and energy to tackle many daily chores including deep cleaning tasks around our house.
Living in a small, older home (our house was my husband’s first home) and having a very large furry dog (who regularly brings the outdoors in) can make housekeeping around here challenging, to say the least.
Having a clean uncluttered home is important for anyone’s physical and mental wellbeing. For someone like myself, with multiple respiratory issues – it is crucial. I cannot breathe in a dirty / dusty environment. Dust negatively affects my sinuses, throat, lungs – everything!
This weekend our weather has turned cool and wet, and yesterday we had smoke coming down from northern forest fires. It is giving me the opportunity to stay indoors and tackle some ‘indoor’ chores that have been neglected while I have been outdoors enjoying the fresh air and working in our yard and garden lately.
These photos are from my Christmas clean-up, but I’m getting there! 😊
Yesterday, I scrubbed the kitchen floor – including moving the fridge and stove. That was a bit scary. 🙄Today it is time to tackle the living room. 👍
Daily Food Diary – Day 186
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
Lunch:
(48) oz water
(2) chicken drumsticks (152)
(15) light salted Lays potato chips (78)
Supper:
(6) oz roast beef (328)
(1 1/2) c mashed potatoes (356)
(1/2) c gravy (50)
(10) asparagus spears (33)
(1 1/2) tsp butter (31)
(2) Yorkshire puddings (208)
(1) tbsp horse radish
Total net calories: 1057
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1057 = 172 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! 😊❤️
It is 181 Days since I started maintaining and posting my Daily Food Diary! 💃
Today is also July 1st, which means it is Canada Day. For myself and my fellow Canadians. 🇨🇦
It is also means that it is a full SIX months that I have been posting my Daily Food Diary – without a single miss! 💪🥰
Each month, I choose to focus on one nutritional aspect of my diet.
In January, my goal was to track everything that I consumed each day. I learned that I am a grazer – and the bit of this and bits of that throughout the day were notable! My main goal was never to lose weight, but becoming mindful of what I had been eating did help me do just that. Since January 1st, I have dropped from 133.5 pounds to 121.8 pounds. That is a loss of 11.7 pounds in six months.
In February, I tracked my Net Calories – everything I consumed each day minus calories burnt working out and walking. I learned how easy it is to consume a LOT of calories from fast food, prepared foods, and desserts.
In March, I tracked protein. I learned I eat a lot of protein rich foods. I do aerobics every morning, walk regularly, and lift light weights three afternoons a week. I am working to build muscle and strengthen my bones, so I am ok with the extra protein (as long as it is within reason).
In April, I tracked sodium and processed sugar. I thought I was doing fairly well at limiting the consumption of both. I was wrong. I was still consuming far too much. I struggled throughout April but I am doing far better now.
In May, I tracked saturated fats. Again, I learned I was consuming far more than I realized. That too has improved in the past couple of months.
In June, I took note of the fruits and vegetables I was consuming. According to the Canada Food Guide, my goal was a total of seven servings a day – not counting potatoes or mushrooms. I thought this one would be easy. Again, I was wrong. Seven servings a day is a lot and my body did NOT deal well with it – especially the fruit. I will keep trying but … we will see.
JULY is my birth month. On the 26th, I will be 70 years old! To celebrate, I am going for a fun focus. This month, I am going to incorporate foods rich in collagen and ones that encourage collagen synthesis. Collagen is necessary for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It is also necessary for maintaining connective tissue, healthy joints, and strong muscles. It is important as we age – when our natural collagen production drops. And it is particularly important when you are affected by a genetic collagen disorder. 🙄
Dan and I started July off right with an early morning walk with Molly. Coincidentally, regular exercise also helps collagen production and synthesis.
Molly & I at the Regent Park Pool
Daily Food Diary – Day 181
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) crumpets (240)
(2) tsp butter (69)
(2) tsp jam (100)
Lunch:
(1) Sun ripened tomato tortilla wrap (200)
(1/4) c shredded marble cheese (114)
(3) steps bacon (130)
(1) tomato (22) (1 SVG)
(60) 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 SVG)
Total net calories: 1802
Total net calories goal: 1233 – 1802 = 569 over 👎
Fruits & Vegetables: 2 servings
Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day!
It is 160 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. 😬
Yesterday was not a banner day in the the kitchen!
I was over on calories *, processed sugar, sodium, and saturated fats. I fell short on fruits and vegetables. 😞
There was a BUT on the calories. I was over because I didn’t do my aerobic workout in the morning. BUT, I was active all day – I was just doing things that I don’t count the calories used for.
I brushed Molly, we took her for a bath, and I walked her home from the pet store (to help finish drying her).
I finished the laundry, baked Lemon Squares for Danny and cut up all three squares I made and packaged them up. I watered the garden and the flowers in the front yard. I packed. I did the dishes from breakfast, lunch, and baking and cleaned the sink, counter tops, and stove top. I tidied up the house, had a bath and did my hair.
I had a short visit with granddaughter Genie and I brushed Molly AGAIN.
Clean, fluffy, and totally exhausted!
Today we hit the road to go up to son Dan’s to watch the boys for a few days. It should be a few active days and a few healthy days in the kitchen! 👍
Daily Food Diary – Day 160
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) crumpets (240)
(2) tsp butter (69)
(3) tsp jam (50)
Lunch:
(1/2) c macaroni salad (258) (1/2 SVG)
(1) radish (1) (1/4 SVG)
(1/5) c red onion (1/4 SVG)
(3) slices Piller’s shaved ham (50)
Supper:
(1) Hungry Man Chicken Cutlet Dinner (520) (1 SVG)
(1) Gluten free DK chocolate and peanut butter dessert bar (110)
(1) Lemon Dessert bar (193)
Total net calories: 1472
Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1472 = 234 over 👎
Fruits & Vegetables: 2 servings
Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️😊
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 