With fog blanketing the city yesterday, it was a long rough day. It seems every time I celebrate a really good day, things have to go sideways. There are not a lot of things that will trigger my asthma anymore, but fog will do it every time.
Anyways, I missed our walk yesterday morning due to the high humidity. I wasn’t terribly active all day, and I rounded the day off with a poor night’s sleep.
Fortunately, the humidity is down today so I am feeling much better. I made the morning walk and even managed to hang onto Molly’s leash for the distance – almost. Dan took her solo for a bit after I decided I was done.
There’s not much else happening around here today so here is a photo for anyone who needs a Monday boost.
One of daughter Jen’s regulars at Superstore gave it to her a while back. I thought it was such a special random actof kindness.Who couldn’t use an emotional support pickle! 💓💓💓
Daily Food Diary – Day 320
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) scrambled eggs (182)
(3) slices bacon (130)
(2) potato patties (240)
(1/2) sm tomato (5)
Snacks:
(48) Oz water
(1) tbsp raw local honey (40)
Supper:
(1) Gin & tonic (130)
(1) Ham salad wrap (400)
(8) Lightly salted ripple chips (116)
(1) Oz onion chip dip (40)
(3) baby dill pickles (9)
(1) snickerdoodle (9)
Total consumed calories: 1384
Total used calories: 0
Total net calories: 1384
Net calories goal: 1208 – 1384 = 176 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊💗
This year is going by so fast. I can’t believe October is almost here. 😮 I am not sure what I will be doing as a focus for October, but I am thinking something along the lines of seasonal food trends. With fall comes soups, stews, Thanksgiving, Halloween… I could work with that.
I did some more baking for Jen & familyyesterday. I have a blueberry cheesecake in the fridge, a chocolate and amaretto one to make today, and a roaster of smoked beans that I promised Maddy & Prim tomorrow.
It has been almost three months since I started taking collagen supplements. Yesterday, I realized another shift that has occurred over the past few days… I have virtually no urge for between meal or evening snacks.
I haven’t been snacking that much since I started my Food Diary, but I have still felt really hungry and weak at times ( A lot of times 😁). That just ‘ran out of steam’ feeling. I don’t get that anymore. My stamina is improving with my strength. ☺️
Last night, after cooking all afternoon, cleaning up, making supper, cleaning up AGAIN, I went into the spare room at nine thirty and did 30 minutes on the treadmill. It is getting marginally easier every time, but still I was proud of myself that I got it done last night. 🤩
Fall is here with a vengeance today. It is cold and windy. We are shaking things up a bit this morning. Dan is gone for a haircut and a bit of shopping while I do my blog and my aerobics. We will walk Molly once it (hopefully) warms up a bit.
Daily Food Diary – Day 268
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) 2 egg and ham breakfast wrap (495)
Snacks:
(1/2) c no added salt chicken broth (5)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(4) oz baked pork chop w/mushroom sauce (220)
(1) c white rice (242)
(2) tbsp soya sauce (30)
(1) c broccoli (56)
(1) tsp butter (68)
(1) side salad (187)
(1) PC blueberry cheesecake (190)
Total consumed calories: 1454
Total used calories: 731
(30) min walking (53)
(30) min aerobics (176)
(4) hrs food prep/cooking/clean up (444)
(30) min treadmill (59)
Total net calories: 723
Net calories goal: 1229 – 723 = 507 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️💖
Today is also son Mark’s birthday. He lives across the city from us with his fiance and two young sons. I have not seen him in almost four years, but he is still and always will be my son – and of course I wish him well on his birthday (as well as every other day of the year 🎂💝).
This morning, I took Molly for a walk by myself, as Dan is taking advantage of our gorgeous weather to go golfing.
I came home to have a bowl of cereal and found that the only container of milk in our fridge had not been wrestled open. 🤬
On my first try, with my bare hands, I got that sucker open!
Every day since I started taking collagen, my strength is increasing, and I find myself easily doing things that I have not been able to do for decades (or ever). It is incredible!
Of course the most incredible thing is how much better my respiratory system is doing. I will always have asthma and multiple environmental allergies. But in general, my sinuses, throat, and lungs are feeling strong and clear. Much better than they have been for five years. 🤗
Daily Food Diary – Day 264
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) thin slices of bacon (87)
(2) eggs (160)
(2) potato patties (240)
(1) tsp butter (30)
(1) small tomato (22)
Snacks:
(1) c caramel corn (160)
(22) Doritos (153)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(12) oz carbonated water
(4) oz ribeye steak (280)
(1) c linguine (200)
(6) shrimp (74)
(3) tsp butter (103
(1/2) c mushrooms (8)
(2) Cloves garlic (4)
(1) tomato (22)
(5) slices cucumber (4)
Total consumed calories: 1549
Total used calories: 114
(30) min. Food prep/cooking/cleanup (56)
(30) min. Treadmill (59)
Total net calories: 1435
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1549 = 205 over 👎
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 251 of my Daily Food Diary! Only 114 Days until my 365 Day challenge is COMPLETE without one miss! 🤩
Healthwise, yesterday was rough! I got through my Prednisone episode yesterday morning, but my sinuses and upper chest were so congested all day it was difficult to accomplish anything.
But!!! I did go over to spend a couple of hours with daughter Jen. Together, but mostly her, we got her transmission and transfer case off of her Jeep and she got it and her new transfer case over to their mechanic.
He got on it right away, rebuilt the new transfer case with brackets from the old. The next time Jen’s fiance has time off of work to come home, he and the mechanic are ready to install this, the motor from Big Red (Tanner’s Jeep), and reattach the exhaust system.
‘Flea’ will roll again – sooner than later!
Today I am feeling MUCH better. My blood oxygen and pulse were way better this morning, I went for a walk with Dan and Molly, and came back to get some yardwork done.
I am on my last day of this round of antibiotics. I have three more days of Prednisone to go. I have a follow up appointment with my Respirologist tomorrow morning. AND… I got the results of my X-rays yesterday afternoon. Other than a bit of opacity (?) indicating an infection (no surprise there) everything looks good, stable, and clear of any fluid.
I am excited that everything is coming together. By next week, I should be back to my regular workout routine. 💪😁
This afternoon, I am going back to spend a bit more time with Jen and coming home to just Putz around the house – take it relatively easy.
Daily Food Diary – Day 251
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) Cheese biscuit breakfast sandwich with game, egg, and provolone cheese (511)
Time is such a strange concept. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years… All are set in stone. But, this year is just flying by. I can’t believe I have been posting every day for 227 DAYS in a row.
While this year has been passing ridiculously fast, this week has been dragging on forever! This is the longest week since I retired. 😳
At least, the days have been productive this week. Yesterday, Dan and I emptied our upright freezer and defrosted it. That was a job and then some, but it was great to have it all done and everything packed back in, in some kind of order.
I love those Dollar Store containers for keeping things organized!
Other than cleaning our deep freezer, We walked Molly, I did my aerobic workout, I did my Friday weights and cardio, AND last night I took another spin on my ‘new to me’ treadmill. Sixteen minutes and I got to Level 3. I haven’t attempted the incline yet. 🙄
Daily Food Diary – Day 227
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1/2) pink grapefruit (39)
(1/2) tsp sugar (8)
Lunch:
(2) eggs (160)
(1) oz ham (29)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(1/5) c chopped red onion (13)
(1/4) c red pepper (12)
(2) brown mushrooms (20)
(1) oz marble cheese (113)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1) sourdough bun (190)
(3) oz pistrami (120)
(1) slice Swiss Cheese (106)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(1/2) c whitish sauerkraut (23)
(1) PC apple pie (296)
(1) vodka cooler (228)
Total net calories: 1046
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1046 = 176 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a good day! 💖😊
It is 169 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary.
It is 35 years since I was diagnosed with asthma and 5 years since I was diagnosed with COPD and bronchiectasis. This year, I was diagnosed with chronic sinus issues.
It is 3 years since I began proactively living the health and wellness lifestyle which inspired my Daily Food Diary.
Living with chronic respiratory issues is not easy. Struggling to breathe, day in and day out, is nerve wracking and exhausting. Coughing day in and day out is frustrating to me and annoying to anyone fortunate enough to be around me. Having a severe coughing fit (which I tend to have several times a day) is concerning for me and anyone around me. Whether I will choke to death or drown in my own mucus is up for debate, but it never sounds good.
With chronic respiratory health issues there are countless things that can make matters worse – extreme cold or heat, sitting or laying down, humidity, air pollution, allergies, stress, poor diet choices….
There are also things that can make chronic respiratory disease manageable – medication, lung clearing tools and techniques, stress management, air purifiers, aerobics, walking, being generally active, healthy diet choices….
For the past few days, I have been dealing with more of the ‘making matters worse’ and less of the ‘making matters manageable’.
My lungs, and my body in general, are not happy. But, we are back in our home environment, and working to get back into our regular routine. It isn’t easy.
Yesterday we walked Molly and I did my aerobics. I cleared my lungs a few times and used my rescue inhaler more frequently. I mostly ate better – avoiding sugar and eating vegetables. I spent time outside, sweeping the patio, watering plants, feeding squirrels, and helping Dan put the patio furniture in the gazebo.
It wasn’t easy, but I was constantly inspired by my friend Jackie’s motto. Whenever things got difficult, I reminded myself “We Do Hard Things”.
Life isn’t easy. It isn’t meant to be. But if we can do the hard things, we can handle the challenges. 😊💪
We’ve got this! 👍
Daily Food Diary – Day 169
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Shreddies (200)
(1/4) c milk (28)
(1) tsp sugar (16)
Lunch:
(2) BBQ chicken drumsticks (220)
(1/2) c cauliflower (14) (1 SVG)
(1) carrot (25) (1 SVG)
(3) radishes (16) (1/2 SVG)
(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)
(12) BBQ potato chips (135)
Snacks:
(32) oz water
(1) Mott’s Clamato Caesar (168) (1 SVG)
Supper:
(5) oz rib steak (350)
(1/2) c mushrooms (22)
(1/5) c red onions (13)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(3/4) c potato salad (330)
(1) side salad – lettuce, green Onions, radishes, black olives, sunflower seeds, French salad dressing, dried fried onions (210) (2 SVG)
Total net calories: 1578
Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1578 = 356 over 👎
Fruits & vegetables: 5 1/2 servings
Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️❤️
It has been 83 days since I began keeping and posting my Daily Food Diary. It has been 3 years and 10 days since I began my health and fitness lifestyle.
Nowadays, I keep plugging along with my efforts, always with a quiet appreciation for how far I have come and how many benefits I have received from living a healthier more active life.
Then there are days like yesterday! While I have washed our Jeep on occasion, it is generally one of those chores that Dan handles. Yesterday, I decided it was my turn.
I headed down to a self-serve carwash ready to do battle. Half an hour later, I was heading home with a sparkly clean Jeep. Not only did I do a great job, best job ever – but there was no battle. I sprayed the pre-soak, used the foamy brush to scrub down the Jeep top to bottom, sprayed it all down with more soapy spray, and gave it a thorough rinse.
I came home, did my aerobic workout, had a granola bar AND headed down to Wascana Lake for a walk with Dan and Molly.
There was a time (3 years ago) when I thought that being a flabby, clumsy old wimp, that having asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis, that being sick and weak and miserable, that struggling every day was who I was.
It was. But three years later, I am stronger and happier and healthier than I ever could have imagined. And some days that is just so beyond exciting! 😁
Daily Food Diary – Day 83
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2) (.3)
(1) c Raisin Bran Crunch (190) (3)
(1/4) c milk (31) (2)
Lunch:
(24) oz water
(1) Granola Bar (160) (3)
Snacks:
(1) c green tea
(25) Lay’s Classic Potato Chips(160) (2)
Supper:
(1) c white rice (242) (4.4)
(2) tbsp soya sauce (30) (2)
(3) sm. Chicken drumsticks(300) (30.5)
(1) tsp olive oil (40)
(10) asparagus spears (33) (3.6)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(5) pcs cucumber (4) (.2)
(1/2) med. Tomato (11) (.5)
Total Calories: 1237
Less 126 Calories for 30 min. aerobics
Less 85 Calories for 37 min walking
Net Calories: 1026
Daily net calorie goal 1269 calories
1269 – 1026 = 243 calories under for the day
Total Protein: 51.2 Grams
Protein goal for per day: 46 to 58.5 grams per day
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💕☺️
Happy Birthday to our newest teenager PrimRose! We love you and wish the best for you – ALWAYS! 💞🎂
I am 66 Days into tracking and reporting everything that I eat and drink in a day. Generally, this is getting easier as I go.
Using the Lose It! app has made tracking calories and nutrients easier so that has helped. Being retired has made it easier to take the time to do a blog every morning. Using habit building skills that I have been utilizing for years, definitely helps me to be consistent without a lot of effort.
On another note… Today is International Women’s Day. Of course, I am celebrating the women in our family.
Daughter Jennifer with her daughters….Genie, Maddy, and PrimDaughter-in-law Amanda with daughter Gabby
All of the women in our family – young and not so much, are strong, independent, intelligent, capable, caring, adventurous, ambitious and so much more. It is easy to celebrate them.
However, I have to admit that I am disappointed that we are still at a point where we need a special day to celebrate women, a special day to fight for women whose lives are made harder simply because they are women, a special day to show respect and appreciation for women who deserve respect and appreciation every day of the year.
In my mind men and women are different in many ways, but as humans they are equal – and they should just be treated as equals, in the workplace, in the home, in the news, at the ballot box – everywhere and every day. 😏
Food Diary – Day 66 of 365
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2) (.3)
(1) c Honeynut Cheerios (147) (2.7)
(1/4) c milk (31) (2)
Snacks:
(24) oz water
(1) c Lemon Ginger tea
(2 1/2) oz fresh coconut (175) (6.8)
(2) tbsp Chocolate topping (129) 2)
(1/2) c sunflower seeds in shell (360) (12)
Supper:
(1/3) Tray Nachos (865) (31.7)
(12) oz carbonated water
Total calories: 1707
Total Protein: 57.5 grams
Daily protein goal: 46 to 58.5 grams
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️❤️
It has been 63 days since I began my Daily Food Diary. That is a full NINEWEEKS. I still have 43 weeks to go, but it is still a milestone worth celebrating. 😁
One thing that is notable about my diet, is that I avoid foods/drinks that include yeast, yeast extract, and anything that is fermented.
While it is supposedly rare, I cannot tolerate yeast in my diet. It causes a multitude of digestive issues from uncomfortable bloating to severe abdominal cramps, and more. It just isn’t worth it!
Most of the time, I simply skip bread products (including anything that is breaded),anything that is fermented, and most alcoholic drinks – especially red wine.
Other times, I use yeast free alternatives – tea biscuits, waffles, puff pastry, crumpets, tortilla wraps, etc. Recently, I have been experimenting with PARATHA, which is a yeast free flatbread that we buy frozen and pan fry (without oil )to a nice crispy, flakey texture.
Paratha is high in calories (even the Less Oil option) and has a LOT of sodium. It isn’t something we indulge in every day, but occasionally, it makes for a very enjoyable yeast free alternative.
Food Diary – Day 63
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) peach (51) (1.2)
(24) Dutch Crunch kettle chips (240) (3)
Supper
(2) servings Arby’s roast beef (299) (32)
(1) Large crinkle cut fries (530) (7)
(1) Mozza stick (110) (4.8)
(1) pkg horsey sauce (60) (-)
(1) gravy (35) (1)
Total Calories: 1705
Total Protein: 60.4 g
Protein daily goal: 46-58.5 grams
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💕😊
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 