healthy aging – Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie

Daily Food Diary – Day 350 of 365

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 350 of my Daily Food Diary. 💝

My first win for the day is ‘Yay, I am home from the hospital, the operation was relatively uneventful, and I am not too much the worse for wear. ” The anesthesiologist ultimately decided to go with a spinal freezing instead of the general that was planned as it would be easier on my lungs.

My second win for the day, was having Dan with me for most of my hospital stay, picking up a couple of prescriptions on the way home, and detouring to McDonalds to pick up a late breakfast/early supper for both of us.

My Daily Food Diary win was being able to easily handle any fasting and diet restrictions that needed to be made over the past couple of days. Easy peasy!

Today it is 32 years to the day since my father passed away. We were fortunate to have had him for the time that we did and none of us would have wished for him to suffer the effects of cancer for another day. That being said, losing him so close to Christmas, in the midst of carols and festive decorations, was beyond difficult. Today my thoughts are with my father and with all those who are mourning the loss of a loved one during this holiday season. My heart truly goes out to you.

Daily Food Diary – Day 350

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Denver wrap with 2 eggs, ham, shredded marble cheese, green onions, salsa (537)

(36) Oz water

Supper:

(3) chicken drumsticks (420)

(1/2) pks Ramen noodles (190)

(10) asparagus spears (33)

(2) teaspoons butter (68)

Total consumed calories: 1250

Total used calories: 1208

(30) minutes aerobics (171)

(30) min treadmill (71)

Total net calories: 1008

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1008 = 200 under 👍

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

My huge **bonus** win for the day was receiving this beautiful bouquet from my friends Dwight and Jackie. 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 343 of 365

December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 343 of my Daily Food Diary! That is a full 49 weeks of maintaining and posting my Food Diary every day!

For my December recap, My Daily Food Diary win for today is another BIG one – possibly the biggest so far!

As part of my overall Health and Fitness Lifestyle, becoming mindful of what I consume each day has helped me to FEEL GOOD.

In July, I turned seventy years old. I have no real idea how good I should feel – but I feel good! When I go out anywhere, I notice the grey haired women around me. I never know how old they are or any extenuating health issues they may have, but they do not look like me, they do not move like me, and they do not seem as happy as me. Obviously, I cannot see myself but I know I do not shuffle, I am not bowed over or leaning on the grocery cart for support, or using one of those store scooters. And, whether I look it or not, I know I am happy.

In the online world, I likewise seldom see myself – especially in those ‘after sixty you should never… articles’. I read one this week, by a supposed heart specialist, who claimed that while some people may be able to shovel snow until the are 65, however most people over 45 should refrain from doing so – unless they are using a snow blower or possibly a push shovel (if used with caution). 😳

Today I have a few general life wins to celebrate and appreciate…

1) This morning Dan, Molly, and I went for our walk and stopped off at the dogpark. We didn’t make our full typical route, but Molly got in a few good runs with Ripple. We were out in the fresh air for pretty much a full hour.. (very fresh air -30° Celsius with the windchill or -22° F). I had no trouble breathing, very little coughing, and I didn’t feel that the cold was unbearable.

2) I got the results from my blood tests that I had done yesterday. They weren’t as thorough as usual, but everything they tested for came back perfectly NORMAL

3) Yesterday, I did all of our laundry – I am now officially ready to start tackling Christmas baking.

4) Tonight, I am out and about – heading off to Maddy’s band concert with Jen.

So many wins these days, so much to be grateful for! 🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 343

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) breakfast sandwich – sourdough bun with butter, egg, sausage patty, havarti (645)

Snacks:

(36) Oz water

(1) PC Christmas cake (240)

Supper:

(2) servings nachos with ground beef, peppers, green onions, black olives shredded cheese, and salsa (865)

(12) Oz carbonated water

Total consumed calories: 1752

Total used calories: 379

(30) min walking (137)

(30) min aerobics (171)

(30) min treadmill (71)

Total net calories: 1373

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1373 = 164 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 311 of 365

November 8, 2025November 8, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 311 of my Daily Food Diary. 🙌

Today we woke up to the first notable snowfall of the season.

With plus 9 degree C temperatures expected Monday, this snow won’t last, but the air was crisp and clean when we walked Molly earlier.

Fortunately, Dan took the leash while Molly bopped around, zigging and zagging to sniff out anything buried under the fresh snow. I followed behind, grateful to stay vertical on the snowy sidewalks and icy streets.

Tonight we are celebrating the arrival of winter with a pot of ground beef, vegetable, & barley soup.

Other than that, we don’t have any major plans today. I have a list of small chores to get done around the house, some aerobics and and a weight session to do, and possibly a batch of cheese biscuits and/or snickerdoodles to get in the oven. ☺️

Daily Food Diary – Day 311

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) c grapefruit (39)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(2) crumpets (160)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Snacks:

(2) black licorice Twizzlers (45)

(1) tbsp honey (40)

(14) lightly salted chips (130)

(1) oz chip dip (40)

Supper:

(9) air fried chicken wing flats (364)

(1 1/2) oz riblets (74)

(6) onion rings (150)

(3) cheese sticks (190)

(8) tater tots (124)

(1) tbsp Frank’s Louisiana Hot Sauce

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (50)

(2/3) c Maple walnut ice cream (198)

(2) Belgium Chocolate cookies (107)

Total consumed calories: 1806

Total used calories: 210

(30) min walking (137)

(30) min treadmill (73)

Total net calories: 1596

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1596 = 388 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 236 of 369

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 236 of my Daily Food Diary.😍

Almost eight months ago, I started keeping a Daily Food Diary. My main goal was to eat less high calorie/low nutritional foods and to eat more foods that are high in nutritional value.

One of my secondary goals, was to determine which foods I am allergic to, or for whatever reason I cannot tolerate.

I have a few foods that I knew I cannot eat – pumpkin seeds (home made pumpkin pie is fine), cranberries (but I can drink cranberry tea), and YEAST.

It isn’t terribly difficult to avoid pumpkin seeds or cranberries. Yeast is a whole different story. Despite avoiding brewers yeast and baking yeast (in obvious products) I have still been having issues with yeast showing up in less likely foods. I have found that restaurants use red and white sauces that contain yeast, canned gravy and store bought broths contain yeast, some soda crackers, potato chips and other snack foods contain yeast. But there are other foods that bother me for no conceivable reason – store bought or restaurant served cakes, pancakes, muffins and the like.

Recently, I found that a LOT of commercial baking, including cake (icing), pancakes, and muffins contain powdered egg whites and powdered egg whites contain Yeast. 🤦

According to Google, yeast is added to egg white powder to improve product stability and prevent discoloration and off-odors.

So, there’s that!

I have also discovered recently, as has my daughter, that foods containing palm oil cause an allergic reaction. (A severe one for Jen!). One more thing to check for on product ingredients.

We are fortunate that in Canada we have strict packaging labels for food that contain comprehensive ingredient and national value lists.

I am also fortunate that my daughter, and hers, work at a restaurant where they have access to information on typical commercial food ingredients used. (Unfortunately, they both share my food sensitivities plus have their own to deal with).

And I am fortunate that I have become more mindful of what I eat, by using my Daily Food Diary. It is definitely helping me to zero in on foods that I should avoid going forward. 👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 236

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) scrambled eggs (182)

(3) strips bacon (130)

(2) potato patties (240)

(1/2) red tomato (22)

Snacks:

(60) oz water

(1/2) bag popcorn (160)

(3/4) c Butterscotch ice cream (180)

(9) pecan halves (59)

(1) tbsp chocolate sauce (52)

(1) tbsp caramel syrup (130)

Supper:

(3) c potato soup: white potatoes & onions, green chives & parsley, bacon bits, & cream mixed with water from potatoes (420)

(1/4) c shredded marble cheese (120)

(5) soda crackers (63)

Total net calories: 1587

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1587 = 358 over 🤦

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 222 of 365

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 222 of my Daily Food Diary. 222 seemed like an auspicious number so I decided to run it past Google.

The number 222 signifies Balance, Harmony, and Trust. That sounds pretty good to me!

I started my morning by taking Molly for her morning walk. It went well – better than usual, so that backed up Google’s prediction for the day. 😊

Daughter, Jennifer and I are taking her dog Sasha to Pet Value today to introduce her to their dog bath. We’ll see how powerful Number 222 really is.

**Molly with Sasha. Sasha isn’t short of sass and attitude (even when she’s not the big dog).**

Yesterday, I learned something new about my eating habits.

Left to my own devices, I am an evening snacker. I knew that from the night shifts that Dan used to work and the Dart Nights he goes to in the winter since he retired. Alone, I could mindlessly munch my way through countless empty calories.

Now that I am more mindful and accountable for what I consume in a day, that is not so much of an issue. But, I have a new one!

This summer, Dan has been golfing quite frequently. I am fine with that. He sees his friends, gets out in the fresh (somewhat) air, and is relatively active. It is all around healthy, quality time for him. I have my time to do my workouts, read, do my nails, whatever.

The only problem is, supper is generally much later than I am accustomed to. Even, if I have a good breakfast and lunch – or a hearty brunch, I am ready for supper by 6:30. By 7:30 I am starving! I am in a losing battle with any random snack that crosses my path. Even if I have a good mid-afternoon snack, it is a struggle until supper is served. 🤦

Daily Food Diary – Day 222

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) scrambled eggs (182)

(3) slices bacon (130)

Snacks:

(3/4) c ice cream with pecans, chocolate sauce, and caramel syrup (421)

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

(48) oz water

Supper:

(4) oz pork cutlet (240)

(12) crinkle cut fries (82)

(1/2) c gravy (50)

(1) mini cucumber (green) 10

Total net calories: 1168

Net calories goal: 1222 – 1168 = 54 under

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 209 of 365

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 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 184 of 365

July 4, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 184 Days since I began keeping and posting my Daily Food Diary.

It is 3 years and 4 months since I began living my Health and Fitness Lifestyle.

It can be difficult, and honestly scary (terrifying), to begin the journey from being an exhausted, sickly, weak, overweight, aging, couch potato to being a healthy, happy, fit, strong, and active senior.

When you have multiple chronic lung issues , constantly struggle to breathe and your heart pounds every time you shuffle from your rocking chair to your snack cupboard, it is easy to imagine a heart attack if you attempt anything more strenuous than putting on your socks.

When you are born with collagen issues and have failed at every effort to build any muscle or develop any coordination, failure is no longer a possibility – it is a probability.

Somehow, when you combine your two biggest fears – dying or failing (which has become an ultimate death sentence) – you can succeed. 🙄

When I began it wasn’t easy. But, I did something I had never tried before. I began where I was – at a point where I was comfortable.

The first day of living my Health and Fitness Lifestyle I danced (shuffled around) to one Buddy Holly song. Five minutes tops. And I built on that, gradually – until now I am doing aerobics six mornings a week, walking our dog Molly daily (weather permitting), and doing light weights and cardio three afternoons a week. Plus I can, and I am, living a relatively active life – off the rocking chair and out of the snack cabinet.

Exercise supports collagen synthesis – even for someone who has genetic collagen issues or anyone whose collagen production has decreased due to aging.

Anyone who suffers from joint pain can struggle to keep active and fit. This article by the Arthritis Foundation might help you to get started on your own fitness journey, with the help of collagen supplements and/or adding more foods that contain collagen, or support the natural production of collagen, to your daily diet.

Can Collagen Supplements Help Arthritis? https://share.google/ILbq9yniGJb0a8JGu

We took a break on our walk this morning to allow Molly a short run at the off leash dogpark.

Daily Food Diary – Day 184

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1) oz marble cheese (113)

(1) serving homemade hash browns (80)

(2) tbsp bacon bits (60)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(5) oz barbecued pork chop (241)

(1/2) pkg ramen noodles (220)

(1) corn on the cob (90)

(3) tsp butter (103)

(1) serving rhubarb torte (286)

Total net calories: 1291

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1291 = 62 over 👎

**With our temperatures soaring** **yesterday afternoon, daughter Jen took Maddy and Prim to Regina Beach to cool off .**
**Thank you Maddy for the cheeky photo of Prim**!

Daily Food Diary – Day 155 of 365

June 5, 2025June 5, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 155 of my Daily Food Diary! 🌞

The sun is shining and we are looking forward to having a good day – much of it spent outdoors in our yard and garden and of course taking Molly for a walk around the neighborhood.

Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours in the garden, working up one planter, planting more tomatoes, and watering my thriving little plants. I can’t believe how quickly these plants are getting established and growing to fit their environment.

I also can’t believe how much stronger I am than I was three years ago. Before I started living my ‘healthier and fitter lifestyle’, everything was such a struggle. Yesterday, I was lifting five gallon pails of dirt, full (full size) watering cans, and using a garden fork to dig deep into packed earth. I was amazed at what I could do – and how easily it could be done!

**This watering can used to be heavy even when it was empty. 🙄**

I will always have compromised lungs. The damage from asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD doesn’t go away. But, with being active, eating well, stress management, adequate rest, fresh air, and proper healthcare, I can have a quality of life I couldn’t imagine possible three years ago.

Daily Food Diary – Day 155

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

Lunch:

Ham & vegetable omelet:

(2) eggs (160)

(4) sl. Pillers shaved ham (54)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1/4) c red pepper (12) (.5 SVG)

(2) green onions (16) (.5 SVG)

(5) lg. asparagus spears (16) (1 SVG)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(3/4) c sliced strawberries (40) (1 SVG)

Supper:

Chicken salad:

(3) chicken thighs (360)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

Vegetables – (2 1/2) c lettuce, (1) mini cucumber, (5) grape tomatoes, (2) green onions, (3) radishes, (1/4) c red pepper, (1/2) c cauliflower (125) (4 SVG)

(2) tsp sunflower seeds (33)

(3) tbsp dried onions (50)

(2) tbsp French Dressing (120)

(1) serving Apple Crisp (227) (1 SVG)

Total net calories: 1053

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1053 = 185 under 👍

Total fruit & vegetable: 9 servings

Fruit & vegetable goal: 7 servings 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 154 of 365

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 154 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. That is 22 Full WEEKS! 🥳💞

Consistently keeping a Daily Food Diary and posting it has been a bit challenging, but obviously not undoable. I was fortunate to have an opening in my regular morning routine. Fitting in my Daily Food Diary and making it a habit has come quite naturally.

The real test will come next week when we head to son Dan’s to watch the boys for a few days and our routine is suddenly blown apart. It will take some planning but I am confident that I can get it done.

I started this adventure to find where I needed to work on my diet, and discover ways to make it happen. This Daily Diary has been a big help.

This month, I am trying to increase the fruits and vegetables I eat. My goal is seven servings per day (combined). This is the recommendation of the Canada Food Guide – and one that few people come close to meeting.

I am struggling, but I have come up with a few things that will help…

* I asked Dan to buy me 3 grapefruits. If I start breakfast with 1/2 grapefruit, that is one serving down. 😁

* I also asked Dan to buy a container of mini cucumbers and miniature tomatoes. I know slicing a cucumber or tomato isn’t that difficult, but it is just easier to grab a mini cucumber or a handful of miniature tomatoes. The easier the better, when it comes to changing or building habits. 🙄

* I have started making pickles a regular part of supper planning – dill pickles, pickled asparagus, olives, or pickled beets – they all count as vegetables, and they are as easy as it gets. 🙂

* Dan brought home 4 huge apples. I made them into an Apple Crisp. 1 large serving counts as a serving of fruit! I used vegetable oil instead of butter in the crumble (to reduce saturated fats) and I used honey with the apple mixture in lieu of sugar. And, between the goodness of the apples and the oatmeal, it is a relatively healthy dessert!

Daily Food Diary – Day 154

Breakfast:

(1) coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) plain paratha (240)

(1) tbsp peanut butter (90)

(1) tbsp raspberry jam (50)

Lunch:

(1) hard boiled egg (78)

(1/2) c cauliflower (14) (1 SVG)

(1) mini cucumber (10) (1 SVG)

(14) grape tomatoes (70) (1 SVG)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)

(36) oz water

Supper:

(12) oz carbonated water

(3 1/2) oz pork chop (141)

(1) corn on the cob (90) (1 SVG)

(3) tsp butter (103)

(2) green onions (16) (1 SVG)

(5) large stuffed olives (68) (1 SVG)

(1) lg serving Apple Crisp (227) (1 SVG)

Total net calories: 1270

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1270 = 32 over 👎

Total fruits & vegetables: 8 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 153 of 365

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 153 since I began posting my Daily Food Diary. 🙌. It is amazing how fast this year is going – one day at a time. 🥳

Yesterday, was a very welcome smoke free day.

We were able to take Molly for a short walk over to the dogpark. Her friend Willy was there. They didn’t do a lot of running, but Molly did take one jog across the park when she noticed I was walking the perimeter checking for dog 💩. Willy took a leisurely stroll when he snatched Molly’s water bowl and tried to sneak off with it. 😂

Yesterday afternoon, I was finally able to get outside to do some yard and garden work.

**My carnation plant is still waiting to go in the front yard flower bed.**

**But Dan’s Bleeding Heart is continuing to thrive and I got pepper plants in yesterday.**

**Meanwhile, Molly took another round out of my poor little watering can.**

Today isn’t looking too promising. I was just outside and it appears the smoke is drifting back in. This could be a laundry and baking day.

Daily Food Diary – Day 153

Breakfast:

(1) Coffee (2)

(1) Granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(1) pear (103) (1 SVG)

(1) peach (51) (1 SVG)

(20) Doritos (255)

Snacks:

(2) mini cucumbers (60) (2 SVG)

(1) c licorice tea

(1) tsp honey (21)

(36) oz water

Supper:

(1.5) Svg. Homemade nachos with unsalted tortilla chips, ground beef with taco seasoning, red pepper, green onions, jalapenos, olives, shredded cheese (852) (2 SVG)

Total net calories: 1219

Net calorie Goal: 1238 – 1219 = 19 under 👍

Total servings fruit & vegetable: 6

Fruit & vegetable goal: 7 👎

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