Tag: healing

Daily Food Diary – Day 341 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 341 of my Daily Food Diary. 🤗

Today is December 8th – another day closer  to meeting  my goal of maintaining and posting 365 consecutive days of my Daily Food Diary. 

It is also another day to count my Daily Food Diary wins from the past eleven months.   Today’s win is….

All of the love and support that I have received from my WordPress/Jetpack friends, acquaintances, and random visitors this year.  I appreciate all of your  kind words, encouragement, advice, and feedback more than I can express in words alone.  

Dwight, from http://fadedjeansliving.com thank you for taking the time and effort to run ChatGBT through my 2025 blogs and sending me the list of  100 notable wins that were compiled.  That was above and beyond!   Thank you for being my friend and thank you for sharing your technical savy!  💓🤗

For my general real life win of the day today…

Our temperature was a bit milder this morning, so I joined  Dan and Molly for our morning walk.  For whatever reason, Dan and I both struggled to breathe.   The last couple of blocks took some self-talk  on my part.  I just kept repeating “one step closer to stronger, healthier lungs”.   EVERY STEP!  Dan and I both made the distance, so persistence for the win ! 👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 341

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) slices bacon (87)

(2) potato patties (240)

(1) sm tomato (11)

Snacks:

(1) Oz Amaretto (110)

(36) Oz water

Supper:

(12) Oz carbonated water

(2) eggrolls (360)

(2) tsp plum sauce (12)

(2) chicken stripe (240)

(1 1/2) Oz rifles (74)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (50)

(4) gyoza (133)

(2) tsp gyoza dipping sauce (133)

Total consumed calories: 1489

Total used calories: 242

(30) min aerobics (171)

(30) min treadmill (71)

Total net calories: 1247

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1247 = 38 over 👎

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

I miss my December PEACE sign but that was back a couple of years ago – when I was still chunky and Molly was still in her wood eating phase.

Daily Food Diary – Day 327 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 327 of my Daily Food Diary! 😎

I have been trying to be mindful of what I eat (and cook) for almost eleven months now.  I have even been  putting a respectable effort into choosing our menu – especially supper.   Despite all this effort, often – like once a week,  I find out that my  daughter, her daughter, or both of them – made exactly the same thing as us on the same day.   Last week it was Genie.  For supper on Saturday, Dan made Baked French Onion Soup.   After, seeing my blog on Sunday – Genie messaged me to say that she had done likewise for herself and her sister Prim.  So strange – I know Genie makes a lot of homemade soup, but I don’t think either of us make French Onion Soup regularly.  But apparently, when we do..🤔

It is another relatively pleasant day in Southern Saskatchewan – so far!  There is talk of snow but we have dodged it so far. (or at least the snow that comes and stays until spring)

We went for our morning walk.  The  humidity was relatively high (93%) but I still did quite well coughing wise –  a few random coughs, but no coughing fits, so that was good!

Another hand shot today. 

This one is to share my win for yesterday.  I got my wedding rings on.  I haven’t been able to wear them for months –  since I caught my finger on Molly’s chain (leash) when I was walking her.    The swelling in my knuckle refused to go down.   Now it is finally gone. 😁

Daily Food Diary – Day 327

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) 2 egg Denver omelet (235)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(36) oz water

(2) Belgium chocolate cookies (107)

Supper:

(3) spring rolls (375)

(3) c chicken stir fry (614)

(12) Oz carbonated water

Total consumed calories: 1573

Total used calories: 137

(30) min walking  (137)

Total net calories: 1436

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1436 = 222 over 👎

That is it for today.  take care and have a great day! 🤗🧡

Daily Food Diary – Day 319 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 319 of my Daily Food Diary. 😁

I missed my  walk with Dan and Molly this morning.  That was partly because I was making bacon for our Sunday Brunch.  Mostly, it was our 100% humidity.  Molly was anxious to get on with it and I knew waiting was not going to make it any better.  The fog is here to stay today.

I did do a more thorough than usual kitchen clean up after we ate.  I have an ivy plant from Jen hanging in our kitchen window.  I finally gave it a trim the other day. 

This was an old picture.  It got WAY more out of control after that.  The window was obliterated.
After the trim. 🤭

Now that we actually have light coming in through the window, it is worth a bit more elbow grease to keep the kitchen shining. 🙄

There isn’t a lot more planned for today.  I want to do some reading and clock some time on the treadmill. 

Later, Dan will probably watch the Grey Cup game since the Saskatchewan  Roughriders are playing.   🏈

Daily Food Diary – Day 319

Breakfast:

(1) coffee (2)

(2) Eggo waffles (180)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(2) tsp maple syrup (104)

Snacks:

(10) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (250)

(3) tsp salsa (12)

(2) Black licorice twizzlers (45)

(60) Oz water

(1) gin & tonic (130)

Supper:

(1) Homemade nachos (865)

Total consumed calories: 1656

Total used calories: 311

(30) minutes (174)

(30) minutes walking (137)

Total net calories: 1345

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1345 = 137 over 👎

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💓🤩

Daily Food Diary – Day 317 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 317 of my Daily Food Diary! 🌞

This morning we were up and about for an earlier that usual walk with Molly. We left the house at 8:30, just as a LOT of people were passing through the neighbourhood on their way to work and quite a few kids were making their way to school. Molly handled the extra foot and vehicle traffic quite well all things considered.

Our weather was fairly decent, but hard to believe it was as decent as our Weather Channel would have us believe. It was supposedly plus 13C with low humidity. It seemed pretty cool and damp to us but we were dressed accordingly so we were comfortable enough.

Yesterday, we had a quiet day around here. We had our walk and I did my aerobics. The rest of the day was spent getting our new phones in order and tidying up the house. I don’t know that I did anything out of the ordinary, but my lungs felt amazing when I headed off to bed last night. Absolutely clear, and I didn’t even cough when I took a few deep breaths just to check them out. I don’t know what happened, but I’ll take it when I can get it and I just hope there will be more days and nights like that in my future. 🤗

This morning, Dan is off for coffee with some of the guys that he worked with. Molly is down for a nap. I should get on with a workout or two while all is quiet on the home front.

Daily Food Diary – Day 317

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) plain paratha (240)

(1) tbsp raspberry jam (50)

(1) tbsp peanut butter (105)

Lunch:

(1) cheese biscuit (129)

(3) oz roast chicken breast (75)

(1/3) c gravy (24)

Snacks:

(1) 315 ml Root Beer (170)

(1/2) c raspberries (32)

Supper:

(2) bowls vegetable beef barley soup (360)

(2) snickerdoodles (140)

Total Consumed Calories: 1327

Total Used Calories: 193

(30) minutes walking (137)

(30) minutes aerobics (174)

Total Net Calories: 1016

Net Calories Goal: 1208 – 1016 = 193 under 👍🏻

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

Regina Floral Conservatory – a few years ago.

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 25 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

I’m still here and I am not looking to abandon my food diary until my 365 days are done.   🥶🐣🌹🍂. (For my son who appreciates my use of emojis. 😂)

Speaking of appreciation, in a few days  (February 14th) I will be celebrating three years since I began this health and fitness journey that I am on.

During these years I have appreciated having  the support and encouragement of a number of people – my husband Dan (who always supports and believes in me), my family (siblings, nieces, children, and grandchildren), my fitness friends and so much more, Jackie and Dwight (who are a part of my life every day and my motivation to keep going especially when life throws me a curveball), everyone on WordPress who has been SO supportive (those who have been with me from the beginning, those who have joined me since, and those that have passed through and left a kindly word), my friends (who check in on me through Facebook), my medical experts (especially Lara my Nurse Practitioner and Katie my respiratory therapist) and last, but not least, ME.

I am almost in awe of the me that I was three years ago.  That me was exhausted and cold and miserable, that me struggled to breathe and experienced heart palpitations every time she got up from her rocking chair, that me was anxious and unhappy, that  me was fat and flabby and bloated – but THAT ME decided I deserved better and made it her mission to take responsibility for MY health, fitness, and future.   That me could not possibly imagine how her decision would change me or the quality of life.   But she did it – she got up and danced (shuffled) through one little Buddy Holly song and she changed my life.

The last three years have not always been smooth or easy.  I broke my arm, experienced health issues, and had other setbacks,  but the me that was has persevered and now my future self is calling me forward.   That is pretty cool and something that I never fail to appreciate. ☺️

Food Diary – Day 25

(1) c coffee

(1/2) grapefruit with sugar

(1) granola bar

(24) oz water

(1) c tea

(1/2) sm bowl Frito Hoops

(24) oz water

(2/3) 10″ tortilla crust pizza with ham, back bacon, pepperoni, mushroom, red onion, red pepper, and black olive pizza

(2) chocolates

(1) c tea

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 16 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Day sixteen of 365.  I am still here, although I am running late for the 2nd day in a row. 

Yesterday, I was late to the party because I had had a rough night sleep and just finally fell asleep when I should have been getting up. 

Last night, I slept like a rock for a solid ten hours. 🤦

I’m up already!  Ok, maybe finally? I love the housecoat Dan got me for Christmas.  ❤️

Another day this week to focus on drinking water.  Proper hydration is so important to everyone, but I am noticing more and more how important it is for those of us with chronic health issues.

For myself, with multiple respiratory issues, proper hydration is key to dealing with mucus.  The good news is – water works! I have been gradually upping my water intake this week and my sinuses are so much better! I usually sleep well,  with  occasional wakeups due to coughing fits, most often triggered by post nasal drip.   Last night, no coughing – nothing!

My sister Lorraine commented on my post yesterday (as anonymous).  She noted that one of the rules for organ transplants (hers was kidney) is proper hydration – two litres a day of water, and double that if you have an alcoholic drink.

Speaking of kidneys, I have had previous issues with kidney stones – for which plenty of water is advised.

This morning, my daughter Jen sent me an interesting post on  Instagram, from an account dedicated to those who have EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome – a genetic collagen disorder).   https://www.instagram.com/share/p/BAMZdhiVBc

This post notes that not only is proper hydration important but so is sodium, potassium, and magnesium to support cellular hydration, fluid balance, and nerve transmission.

One thing that I have learned the hard way, is that while medical intervention is available during a chronic health crisis, one has to be proactive in maintaining one’s health and controlling one’s flare ups between the crises.   Adequate hydration is one such proactive measure that is necessary.

Daily Food Diary – Day 16

(1) c coffee

(3) crumpets with butter and jam

(12) oz water

(12) oz water

(1) c tea

(1 1/2) sm bowls chips and sm crackers

(12) oz water

(1) lg taco salad – lettuce, spinach, baked chicken, onions, radishes, cucumber, red pepper, olives, shredded cheddar cheese, dried fried onions, Salsa salad dressing and a few Hint of Lime tortilla chips

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) chocolate

(12) ounces of water

Total water : 60 OUNCES 🎉

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

Farewell to 2024

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2024, Health and Fitness

This is it – the final day of 2024.   For the first time in what seems forever, I am excited to bid farewell to one year and to welcome in the next! 

2024 was a good year for us, not perfect (there were a few hiccups) but overall a really good year. 🌟

This has been the first full year of retirement for my husband Dan.  We have settled into a pretty good daily rhythm.    Dan’s been kept busy dealing with our  shopping, spending time at the dogpark with Molly, and keeping up to granddaughter Maddy – who’s highschool and work schedule often clashes with her mother’s busy work schedule.    I keep busy working out, cooking, baking, and generally keeping things neat and tidy. 

We have also both been catching up on some home and yard  maintenance projects that had been avoided during my years of 8 to 5 and Dan’s 24/7 shift work.

Our December project – painting and refurnishing our livingroom.  I finally have the Steel Blue sofa that I fell in love with thirty years ago. 👏
The new microwave and stand – the stand was all Dan’s project.  While the end result is perfect, the execution was a bit painful.
The freshly painted spare room that became Molly’s room. 😂

All was not work and no play, as daughter Jen and I took a long anticipated trip through the Dakotas to help my sister Jeanne celebrate her birthday.

Always a warm welcome and a good time at Jeanne and Don’s.

A couple of more great moments from 2024 came via granddaughter Maddy…

Celebrating Maddy’s Grade 8 graduation, addition to the principal’s honor roll, and academic award for literary excellence.
Dan and I also had the honor of attending  Maddy’s indoctrination visit to high school – Arch Bishop O’Neil.

To round off the year, we had an early Christmas visit from son Dan, Amanda, Gabby & Cason. 

And Bacardi and Cornelius who stay with us,  while Dan and family stay at a nearby hotel with a waterpark for some R & R between visits.

Christmas itself was a fairly quiet day, topped off with a traditional turkey supper with daughter Jen and family.

Overall, Christmas this year was just a nice stressless time where hiccups happened, but everything ultimately worked out well for everyone.

That is a wrap for 2024.  Tomorrow, we usher in a new year with all of the hopes, wishes, and intentions to make it our best one yet.

July 16th Update

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2024, Health and Fitness

Summer has finally settled in Saskatchewan!  None too soon for me and all of the rest of my news for this week is positive as well.

Our garden is showing signs of growth.  I took a few photos last Sunday and tried to repeat them this past Sunday as well. 

Tiny Tim Tomatoes
Garden Shot
Garden and Pond

Molly is thriving despite the heat that she is unaccustomed to.  Dan has been taking her to the park before it gets too warm out.  Her friends have been going earlier than usual as well, so it’s all good.   Yesterday, we took her for her annual vet checkup.  She passed every test with flying colors.  Her weight is a perfect ninety three pounds and her teeth are clean and white. (Yay Greenies!)

Molly 💞

As for me, all is going well!  I have not missed a single Monday thru Saturday morning aerobics since the beginning of July.  Even more impressive, I have not missed a single Monday, Wednesday, or Friday afternoon strength training session.  I have also been clearing my lungs with my Aerobika (morning and night) and have been using my neti pot at least a couple of times a week.  And… I have been getting a decent amount of sunshine and fresh air each day.

All of this consistent effort has kept me healthy despite the fact that I spent an evening at our new urgent care centre last week (supporting Maddy who had a severe bout of the flu and a brutal ear infection).  The next night I was doing likewise at the Pasqua hospital with Jennifer.    Fortunately, they are both pretty much recovered with only minor lingering effects.  And YAY for me, I did not catch anything from them or from anyone else at either health center.

There’s not much else to report on.  I have a Spirometry test with my respiratory therapist on the twenty-fifth of this month and I am celebrating my sixty-ninth birthday on the twenty-sixth.    My goal is to keep nailing my workouts, keep healthy, and crush both my spirometry and my birthday. 😁

Take care and have a great day! 💞🌞

September 1st Update

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2023, Health and Fitness

“Time flies when you are having fun!” Albert Einstein’s wisdom is obviously as relevant today as the day he coined this phrase. I have been having fun and this year has been flying by. 😁

I have been doing quite a bit of cleaning, yard work, and work on the spare bedroom. It is exciting to find that such tasks are so much easier, now that I am in better shape.

I took down ‘The Mirror’, polished it, and rehung it. It is one of those jobs that I have always dreaded but it went surprisingly easy this time. 😁

I have been upping the intensity of the Zumba workouts that I do and have been dancing almost every day. Or I was, until the smoke from the northern forest fires drifted back our way. It is supposed to clear up by tomorrow morning. We can only hope.

I splurged last week and ordered myself a new pair of dress boots. They arrived today and are a perfect fit. My wardrobe could use a bit of help these days too, but I would like to lose a few more pounds before I start investing in anything I will outgrow. (ungrow?). I’m not sure what the correct term is for that – when you lose weight and your clothes get too big for you.

These boots are made for dancing. 😊

Speaking of losing weight, that is one area where I have not seen a lot of progress. I have been working on this lately, by addressing my diet and eating habits. Deleting yeast from my diet has made such a huge difference to my health and well-being, that I have started to focus on what I eat in general.

Snacktime – fruit and nuts
Supper – homemade baked beans and salad

I have even, for the first time ever, started writing down what I eat, counting calories, and noting nutritional values. It has been interesting – and not that difficult. It has been very interesting seeing actual recommended portion sizes and adjusting accordingly, seeing how easy it is to cut calories without losing out on taste or being left wanting, and seeing how different foods affect my appetite – for better or worse. It isn’t really anything I didn’t know, but I just assumed I was doing ok diet wise. Maybe not!

When I began working out, last February, I was amazed at the benefits, and how quickly I noticed them. I have no doubt that being more mindful of what I eat, or do not eat, is going to be an equally exciting and beneficial part of my health and fitness journey.

Onwards and upwards – this one might stay on my fridge for another month – or two.

Take care and have a great day!💞🌞