Tag: healthy aging

Daily Food Diary – Day 47 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

I am  47 days in on maintaining and posting my Daily Food Diary.  I am still discovering things about myself and what I consume on any given day.  

Yesterday,  I had a bowl of potato chips.   Potato chips are one of my biggest weaknesses. 🙄  I learned years ago to take a small bowl of chips and put the bag back in the pantry.   The bowl I use generally holds one recommended serving of chips.  (Ie:  No Name Spicy Barbecue 23 chips = 260 calories or Ruffles Regular 23 chips = 280 calories or Tostitos Hint of Lime 11 large chips = 250 calories.   Yesterday, I chose Lay’s Classic chips. I had 23 chips,  but Lay’s Classic Chips have a recommended serving of 47 chips = 280 calories!  So 23 chips is only 140 calories.  They are no healthier than any other chips – they have more saturated fat and half the sodium of No Name Spicy Barbecue,  but they are a score if one is just looking to  reduce calories.  👍

It is one week until I see the surgeon about having my hernia surgery redone.  My patience is wearing thin.  I have set aside my strength exercises until I get this matter resolved.   I planned to replace these workouts with walks, which is not happening  as long as it is minus forty out.  So, I have been doing my morning aerobic workouts and forgoing my afternoon workouts.  It is frustrating and I am annoyed that I have not taken up something else in the meantime.  I do have options.  I could do step ups? Wall Pilates? Yoga? I could do a lot of things BUT… But what? 🤔

Time to warrior up!

Food Diary – Day 47

1c coffee (2)

(2) Eggs (160)

(4) Thin slices bacon (360)

(2) Potato patties (240)

(24) oz water

(1) c tea (1)

(24) Plain potato chips (140)

(3/4) c caramel corn (120)

(12)  oz carbonated water

(1 1/2) c chicken noodle soup (180)

(2) mini cupcakes (200)

(1/2) c sunflower seeds – shell on (130)

Total calories: 1533

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 44 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

First off today…Happy Valentine’s Day To You and to all of the significant others in your life!

It is the 44th day of my Daily Food Diary and the very FIRST day of of the FOURTH YEAR of  my Health and Fitness Lifestyle. 

While losing weight has never been my number one priority over the past three years, I was hoping to weigh in  less than 130 pounds today.   I have been fluctuating over and below that magic mark for at least a week and today I am …. Ta Da..   slightly over. 🤦 I am in the normal range for my height (5′-1″ tall)  and age (69 going on 70 in July).   But still… 🙄

Three years ago, I would have been upset at the fail.  I would have made excuses, blamed God, the universe and anyone who always had it easier/better than me.   I would have  wanted to give up trying for anything that I wanted in  my life.  My day and my life would have been a bust!

One of the benefits of the work that I have put in over the past three years, is that today I am in a way better place attitude wise.   I could have done better and it was only through lack of effort and better choices that I did not. 

While I did not nail this goal, I have gradually come a long way in the past three years…

I feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.   I am better as proven by my weight,  blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and all of my other health markers that are in the normal range (naturally – without the aid of prescribed or OTC drugs or herbal remedies).   I am less judgemental of others and more aware of what I am doing, and what I can be doing better.  That is far more empowering and way less frustrating.  I am stronger.  A few years ago, I retired to take life easy.  I learned that life is easier when I do the work to make, and keep myself,  stronger.   It hasn’t been difficult, time consuming, or expensive.   It has meant moving more, eating better, and meditating at bedtime.  Most of all it has meant being consistent and developing a desire to Do Better, Be Better, Live Better.

Food Diary – Day 44

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Potato patty (120)

(3) Slices back bacon (60)

(24) oz water

(1) c tea (1)

(1) Robin’s Walnut Crunch (360) ***

(12) oz carbonated water

(2) Bowls homemade chicken soup (238)

(12) oz water

(1/4) c sunflower seeds – with shell (65)

(1/6) c almonds (150)

(17) mini licorice allsorts (148)

Total Calories: 1126

N.B. The Walnut Crunch was the treat Dan got me for Valentine’s Day.  I ate it yesterday because he also got the mini cupcakes I had requested.

Spoiler Alert…. Today’s Daily Food Diary,  which I will post tomorrow morning, will include mini cupcakes, pan seared and oven baked steak, and probably a Caesar. 😉

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 37 of 365

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

I am thirty-seven days in on my Food Diary and my mission to become more mindful and responsible in what I consume.  

This exercise is just part of what has become  my health and fitness journey to adopt a strong and healthy lifestyle. 

I have learned a lot in the past three years but there is one quote that I came across recently that really sums up the method to my (possible) madness.

“If you are persistent,  you will get it.  If you are consistent, you will keep it.“

This quote has been credited to Harvey Mackay who is a successful American businessman, author, and syndicated columnist.

His advice is obviously relative and effective to more than creating a fit and healthy lifestyle.    Words worth noting.   (Take note Genie. 💞)

Granddaughter Genie (with her Mom and our daughter Jen). 
I recently discovered Genie has been stalking me (following me 😂) on my Food Diary blogs. 

Food Diary – Day 37

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) Crumpets with jam & butter (408)

(1/2) c pineapple, (1) peach, (1/2) cup raspberries (123)

(2) cookies (146)

(25) salt & vinegar chips (270)

(2) c beef stew (300)

(2) Tea biscuits (200)

(12) oz carbonated water

(1/2) Bag popcorn (250)

Total Calories: 1699

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 35 of 365

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

If our local groundhog declared an end to winter earlier this week, Mother Nature did not get the message.

We got a fresh drop of snow last night, we are expecting a lot more in the next forty eight hours, and while our temperatures are out of the deep freeze, they are  far from balmy.

The good news is, our weather has us craving comfort food, much of which is nutritionally sound.   Our stew last night was full of protein and fresh vegetables and I’m thinking chilli could be on the menu tonight.

This fresh snow also provides an opportunity for a good workout and fresh air.   That snow isn’t going to clear itself and even if Dan gets our (NEW) snowblower back up and running, there are places a snowblower just can’t go.

Food Diary – Day 35

(2) c coffee (2)

(3) Crumpets (240) with butter (68) and jam (100) 

(24) oz water

(1) c tea (1)

(1/2) pear (51)

(2/2) kiwi

(3) cookies (219)

(4) c homemade beef stew (600)

(12) oz water

(1) c tea (1)

Total calories:   1313

Beef stew – Beef, potato, carrot, lo bak (daikon), onion, garlic, mushrooms, peas, turnip, celery,  gravy

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 34 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Thirty-four days in and it seems I am past the worst of the flu that I have been fighting off.    Yesterday I wasn’t dealing with the exhaustion and aches and pains that I had been.  I was even somewhat productive.

I got my aerobic workout done yesterday morning.  I vacuumed the living room and porch (no small task when one has a huge hair shedding Pyrenees).  I  baked a large batch of oatmeal/coconut cookies (not sure why but I had a major craving for them and they are Dan’s favorite).  I worked on my current sewing project. 🤦 And, I made Taco salads for supper, which is always worth the slicing and dicing.   

At the end of the day, I felt fairly accomplished.   After the sewing debacle, I decided to go all out and enjoy a Caesar with my Taco Salad.  I have never been a ‘drinker’ and since I have had to avoid yeast, alcoholic beverages are  typically on my ‘don’t go there’  list.   Last night I was feeling it and today I am paying for it. 🙄

Food Diary – Day 34

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Pear (102)

(1) Granola bar (170)

(1) c tea (1)

(2) Oatmeal/coconut cookies (146)

(1) Taco salad (791)

(1) Caesar (188)

(24) oz water

(1) c tea

Total Calories:  1401

** Taco Salad included: Lettuce, green onions, radishes, tomato, olives, orange pepper, seasoned ground turkey, shredded habanero cheese, fried dried onions, salsa salad dressing, and 5 Hint of Lime Tostitos chips

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 26 of 365

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

I have been noting and posting my daily food and liquid intake for twenty six days.  I have found some room for improvement, made some adjustments, and have begun to realize some benefits. 🤗

Obviously, my health and fitness journey is about more than what I eat and drink.  I do aerobics six days a week, typically do strength training Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and I rest on Sunday. 

Yesterday, my rest day included time spent grooming our dog, Molly and time outside enjoying a rousing game of fetch.  It is a bit challenging when you have a hundred pound  Pyrenees who is less than co-operative. 🤦

* My husband Dan helps position and brush Molly.  He also gives the porch a good vacuuming when we are done. 💞
I don’t fetch.

Food Diary – Day 26

(1) c coffee

(3) Thin slices pcs of bacon

(2) Eggs

(1/2) Tomato

(2) Potato patties

(12) oz water

(1) c tea

(1) Apple

(24) oz water

(12) oz carbonated water

(1 1/2) c pork souvlaki with mushrooms

(1) c cheese ravioli with minimal butter and fresh garlic

(1) sm side salad

(20) oz water

(2) chocolates

(1) c tea

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 21 of 365

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

It is Day 21 of my Daily Food Diary.  Three weeks since I began recording my intake and sharing it here on JetPack. 😊 (I cannot begin to express my appreciation for those who have checked in and especially those of you who have been regular visitors to my blog.  Your support and encouragement goes a long way to keeping me on track!)

My diet still needs improvements,  but daily tracking has already helped me to up my water intake substantially in the past few days.  This has had two major positives for me. 

Number 1 – My between meal snacking has decreased naturally and easily.

Number 2 – My sinuses have improved significantly, which in turn is beginning to improve my sleep and my lung function.

The best thing about building healthy habits is how easily one good thing leads to another. 🤗

Our cold weather snap broke yesterday, so with the our sun shining and feeling good, I went outside to feed the squirrels.   I also took Molly’s new Frisbee to play fetch with her.  Molly does not play fetch particularly well but I did get fresh air and a bit of exercise (fetching Molly’s Frisbee) in addition to my regular morning workout. I’ll take that as a win!

An older pic of Molly heading outside not to play fetch.

Food Diary – Day 21

(1) c coffee

(1 1/2) Cinnamon swirl pancake with cream cheese icing and maple syrup

(1 1/2) slices of thin sliced bacon

(12) oz water

(12) oz water

(1) c tea

(12) oz water

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) pork chop

(1 1/2) c Sidekicks Herb and Butter noodles

(1 1/2) c Brussel sprouts with butter, salt, and pepper

(12) oz water

(1) c tea

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 20 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Good morning! It is a much better morning today thanks to a significant improvement in our weather.  We are looking to reach minus 3 C (3 degrees below freezing) by this afternoon.  Much better than the ‘feels like’ minus 39 to 49 that we have been experiencing.

Obviously, our snow will not be going anywhere today, nor will I be lounging in our gazebo.

Also, last night I checked my Sask Health account and was somewhat surprised that the results from the ultrasound I had done yesterday morning were already posted.  There were no surprises in the results.  A hernia repair will be in my foreseeable future. 

Food Diary – Day 20

(2) c coffee

(1 1/2) cinnamon swirl pancakes with cream cheese icing and maple syrup ***

(3) Thin slices bacon

(12) oz water

(12) oz water

(1) c tea

(12) oz water

(12) oz water

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) lg chicken Caesar salad with dried fried onions in lieu of croutons

*** My bad was getting Dan to take me to our nearby Smitty’s for breakfast after my ultrasound.  I did eat only HALF of my order – but I saved the other half for this morning. 

I love Smitty’s Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes but I forgot to tell the waitress that I don’t eat whipped cream. Fortunately, I was able to scoop it off with my spoon and set it aside, but I felt bad wasting it.  I know our restaurants are struggling with higher food costs and lower sales.

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 18 of 365

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

It has been eighteen days since I began my daily food diary – recording everything that I eat and drink and sharing it here on JetPack.

It soon became obvious that hydration was an area that needed some work, so I have spent the past week focussing on drinking more water than I typically do. 

In a few days, I was noticing benefits – clearer sinuses, smoother skin, less cravings  for between meal snacks, and more.  I know from taking up regular exercise, meditating, and working on my diet, that it will only get better.

I have learned more about myself and proper self-care in the past three years than I have in my lifetime.  I have recognized benefits that I never imagined possible – at least not for me. And definitely not in my sixties! 

My one regret has been that I did not get my 💩 together sooner. 

Recently, I read an article where people like me were referred to as ‘LATE BLOOMERS’.  At first I was offended and trotted out my lame old excuses.  I grew up before the Internet and all of the information readily available to younger people now, I was always sickly and wimpy – I didn’t know anything else was possible, I was busy taking care of other people!

Then I started thinking about it.  We have a large yard and garden.   In the spring and summer and into the fall, we have an abundance of flowers.  I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate them all.

But late in the season, when the weather has turned cold and our yard becomes a wasteland of Saskatchewan greige, the flowers long gone,  there is always that one intrepid little petunia blossom that opens up to brighten my day.

That ‘late bloomer’ is special.  I will make a dozen trips out of my way to pay it a visit and appreciate its beauty and resilience, before it fades away.  I realized that being a late bloomer isn’t a bad thing.

People notice late bloomers – and that’s a good thing, especially for later boomers like me who have special people in their lives – people like grandchildren.  They are aware of  my efforts to get fit and healthy, they see the results, and hopefully they are inspired to follow my lead,  sooner than later, because they deserve to bloom for a lifetime.

Food Diary – Day 18

(1) c coffee

(1) 2 egg omelet with back bacon, mushrooms, onion, and cheese pan fried with olive oil

(12) oz water

(12) oz water

(1) c tea

(12) oz water

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) tortilla wrap with filling of ground beef, onion, mushroom, spinach, red pepper, garlic, salsa, and cheese

(1) handful of Touch of Lime tortilla chips

(12) oz water

Total 60 ounces of water! 🎉

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 14 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is day fourteen of my daily food journal so time to celebrate my two week anniversary! 🎉🎉🎉

This seems a good time to do a recap of my original intention and how things are going – to keep myself on track and to bring anyone who is late to the party up to speed. 

Me.. 69 going on 70, 5’1″, 132 pounds

I began my 365 day Daily Food Journal on January 1st.  My intention was to track my food and liquid intake, to keep ahead of any unhealthy food habits, and to build some better ones. I decided to share it on JetPack for accountability sake, which gives me that extra incentive needed to push through the year ahead.

My reason for embarking on this journey dates back a few months.  Despite being on a health and fitness journey for a couple of years and working out regularly, I failed to notice that I had gradually built up a pattern of eating a LOT of refined sugar.  

Eating a bizarre amount of sugar triggered my allergies/food intolerances – particularly to yeast and yeast related foods.  My allergies triggered my chronic sinus, lung, and digestive issues.  In short order, I was miserable – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and I was starting to cut back on my workouts and other healthy habits I had been developing.

It took a shockingly short amount of time to undo a lot of work I had been doing and to undermine benefits I had come to enjoy and expect.

Fortunately the first thing I looked at was my diet.  I saw my health practitioner to have a complete checkup with thorough blood, urine, and sputum testing to confirm my findings.  The next step was to set out on a path to resolve the situation – seriously cutting back on processed sugar! And finally to start this journal to ensure I didn’t wander off course in the months to come.

Since starting my daily journal, I have managed to cut out a fair amount of mindless snacking and  I have recognized (partly due to input from readers) that  I seriously need to work on drinking more water. 

(Lack of proper hydration was no doubt part of the problem when I started over indulging in the sugar.  Had I been flushing some of that sugar out of my system, I doubt that I would have experienced such a spectacular crash and burn.)

So here I am, back on track and working to stay there – with the help of my daily food journal and your much appreciated support and encouragement.

Food Diary – Day 14

(1) c coffee

(3) Crumpets with butter and raspberry jam

(3) 8 oz glasses of water

(1) c tea

(2/3) small bowl of mixed nuts

(2) sq dark chocolate

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) Dinner plate of roast beef with strong horseradish, potatoes and gravy, carrots, celery, and onions

(2) Chocolates

(1) Cup of tea

N.B…. I started the day strong with the water intake but went off the rails and ended up with 36 oz (28 oz short of my goal).  🙄

            Also, that super strong  Keg Horseradish did a great job of clearing my sinuses.  I read some promising articles about the nutritional values of horseradish last night so I plan to start using it regularly for a while to see if it can actually help me get my sinus issues under control once and for all.

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

We are still months away from summer flowers but we are already above freezing this morning so I’ll take it! January in Saskatchewan is not usually this kind.