Category: Diet and Health

Exercise, fresh air and blogging

Lucky me and you! We had means to interact with each other while the rest of the world was under lockdown in March, 2020

I wrote this post in March 2020, just when the whole of the world was going into lockdowns for the first time.

In today’s mad mad world, we are lucky to have one thing that is not affected by the threat of illness. Our blogging!

This thought struck me while planning out my day. Going shopping is out. Socializing is out. And most of the things we do together are out for the time being. But we are lucky that blogging is a solitary occupation. We can blog and be in touch with our friends all over the world. No chances of getting ill or catching a virus, unless it’s of the cyber variety.

Sitting by ourselves, we can roam the world, catch up with our friends and their news and never feel lonely or isolated. We get all the mental stimulation and exciting while never even getting up from out comfy chair. Can you imagine anyone else being this lucky!

So this is what I am doing these days. Nice solitary walks around the neighborhood and getting plenty of exercise and fresh air. And at home, blogging and reading. Took these pictures while on a walk with my grandson today.

Keep well and keep safe. As they say;

Keep calm and blog!

Written for JusJoJan- Exercise, Prompted by Wendy, hosted by Linda

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Free range chickens

Organic food is supposed to be healthier for us, at least that’s what those in the industry tell us, but there’s a problem with it, it’s at least twice as expensive as ordinary food.

Free-range eggs and chicken are much more costly than caged eggs and chickens but I fail to see what is the actual difference here except for the price.

The same is the story with organic vegetables and fruits, where smaller packaging cost more and they look the same as non-organic produce, especially bananas which are smaller and greener!

People are conflicted when they are given the choice of buying organic or regular produce, but I personally feel that it’s just a marketing gimmick and that there is very little difference between the two.

I feel like it’s a sort of nutritional blackmail, that if we don’t buy organic produce or free-range chicken and eggs, we will be putting the health of our family at risk!

Do you buy the organic produce or regular one?

Written in response to Six Sentence Story- Range, hosted by Denise

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My secret addiction!

I’m re-sharing a post from 2019, in response to Weekly Prompt- Bored- Games from Sue W and GC

Games, puzzles, and word games, I am addicted to them all. I have different passions at different times. Nowadays, it’s Jigsaw puzzles( the ones you play on your phone or tablet). Before I started to write my blog, this was a major time killer for me. I would be sitting at home, at the airport, on the bus, or at a get-together where I didn’t know anyone ( I know it is very rude!), I would take out my phone and start working on my puzzle. But it was one sure-shot way of avoiding boredom.

How my addiction to computer/ phone games started?

It was about 30-35 years ago, that while talking to my brother, who is a doctor, the topic of occupation ( mine) came under discussion. I haven’t had a proper job since I completed my studies. Being a homemaker and full-time mom didn’t leave much time for a whole-time job! So he told me that it was essential to keep my mind active to prevent early dementia ( my grandfather suffered from it). He suggested word games and other ” mind games” ( the literal ones). I started playing Solitaire and FreeCell on my PC, ( we had a PC for the whole family in those days).

From there I progressed gradually to phone/ laptop/ tablet. I played games to while away my time, amuse myself, and exercise my mind. To say that enjoyed this pastime would be an understatement. I loved it!

But my family was not happy about it. They termed my harmless hobby as an addiction. There were a lot of representations made to me about sitting with my phone or laptop, staring at the screen, and being blind and deaf to everything going around me was not good for me!

So to respect the wishes of my family, I tried to cut down on my games addiction. I would give myself a timetable for playing my favorite games, an hour in the morning and/ or an hour in the afternoon, was the time I allowed myself. The resultant withdrawal was not difficult to manage. And then I came to the stage where my kids were all on their own, working and/or married! I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands. I was free to do whatever I wanted with my time. Also, I discovered a new obsession, Jigsaw puzzles.

It was interesting and challenging. I gradually increased the level of difficulty I could handle ( the maximum is 400 pieces). I got pretty good at it too.

But one day, (4 years ago) my very good friend Dr. Tanya@ Salted Caramel told me that she had started writing a blog. She encouraged me to do the same. Her encouragement and support from my family, finally made me bold enough to take this step. Now, most of my time is spent either reading the blogs of people I follow or writing my posts.

My family is happy that I have found a constructive way to spend my time. I am happy to have found something positive to do and love the feedback and encouragement that I find here in my blogging world, so everyone’s happy.

But one thing I haven’t told anyone is that I still do my daily Jigsaw Puzzle! I also play my card games daily challenges while no one is watching!

Photo Credits: Google and Pixabay

Let me know through your comments and feedback, how you like my post!

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Inedible foods

I’ve never been a fan of eating something

That can make a sound

Or walk away on its legs or feet

Give me something rooted to the earth

Growing green, red or orange, the colorful the better

Give me grains, lentils, nuts and vegetables of all sorts

Don’t expect me to eat something that bleeds or can make me bleed

Keep your animal proteins and organs

And just give me things that I enjoy without guilt

In short, I’d rather eat a fake chicken burger than the real thing

Or enjoy a bowl full of soup made with tomatoes and basil

Though not a total vegan, I’m a vegetarian I’ll admit

You can entertain me with a spread of stuff growing in the soil

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For Friday Faithfuls this week, I would like you to share the weirdest foods that you have ever eaten, or some foods that you would never even think about trying.

Written for Friday Faithfuls- Food I’d never eat, hosted by Jim

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Our Bones

October 24, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about bones. It can be any genre or tone. Is it spooky, irreverant, poignant? Go where the prompt leads!

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Most humans have 206 bones, the largest in our thigh to the smallest in our ears.

The importance of healthy bones becomes apparent as we grow older. Broken bones, deformities, and arthritic bones/ joints are what make us realize that we are aging.

Three fractures in my left foot, 3 years ago were a warning to me. Luckily it healed well In the stipulated timeline. But now I’m very careful and I have vitamin D, and calcium supplements to prevent further damage to my bones.

I would advise you all to look after your bone- health to live healthy lives.

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Word count: 99

Written in response to 99 Word Story- Bones, hosted by Charli Mills

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I’m sick so gimme heaps bread and lots of hot soup!

You guys might have noticed that I’m not spending much time on my blog these days. I am in grips of seasonal allergy/ flu. Cough, wheezing and sleepless nights are taking a toll. I’m currently with my elder daughter and she is feeding me nice nourishing soups every day.

Since we all are foodies, we enjoy our soup with heaps of garlic bread, buttered and hot from the oven. This food remedy has helped me a lot and so has a visit to the doctor today. He assured me that the chest is clear so it was an allergic reaction to the grass pollen ( or something else). I came home with a bag full of new drugs but they are helping so I am hopeful of sleeping through the night 🤞🏼

Hopefully I’ll be able to get back to reading and commenting on your posts soon.

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I’m combing two prompts from Sue W and GC, their weekend prompt- Heap and their mid-week prompt Soup

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Getting serious about getting fit- Quotes

I’ve written a couple of posts on the topic of fitness for WQW. This week I felt that this posts says what I wanted to say. So I’m sharing it again! Sorry if you experience de ja vu!!!!

Previously published as; Fitness is the key

October 5: Fitness Follow-up #3 Make Your Efforts Do Double Duty/ or favorite indoor sports or exercises

I’ve gone from being a lazy couch potato in my forties to a comparatively fit 60-year-old because I’ve realized how important it is to be physically fit as we approach old age.

Taking care of your body so that the body can take care of us when we need it to!

I am no advocate of punishing workouts that build up the muscles, define the abs and give pleasing contours to various body parts for people of older age. Why? you may ask!

I have seen so many people falling into this false illusion that a perfect body is the ticket to a happy successful life. I personally advise older people to be as fit as they can for their age. This entails;

Being able to walk for at least half an hour without feeling tired or drained out.

Not getting breathless walking up a flight of stairs.

Being able to do small jobs around the house like cooking, folding laundry, tidying up the house etc

I would again emphasize that healthy body is the best gift we can give ourselves. Youth is notoriously famous for its inconsiderate attitude towards the body it inhabits. Young people abuse the body by ignoring most of the good principles of healthy living. Fortunately, most people realize the importance of having a healthy body as they mature. I feel that instead of obsessing about the outer beauty, if we nurture the inner wellbeing and strength, we would have a better shot at enjoying our lives.

Now is the time to start the rest of your life with positivity. Start walking a few minutes daily and increase it in small increments. I have done it and I know it is possible if you are determined to make your physical condition better. Some people have too much pain to be able to even walk but they can with the help of their doctors or therapists can undertake light stretching exercises that will get the blood flowing. Underwater exercises are excellent for joint, muscle and back pain.

Whatever works for you, please do it. Slowly and gradually you will see an improvement in your physical and mental health.

Now I’ll get off my soapbox!😅

Written in response to WQW# 38- Fitness, hosted by Marsha

Written for WQW # 3- Topic: Fitness, hosted by Marsha

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When pain takes over

For those brave people suffering from chronic pain

Have you experienced chronic pain?

It feels as if it’s the only thing in your life

You cannot think or feel anything beyond pain

What is funny or sweet, it all lose their meaning

When your body is demanding constant attention

Words of sympathy, gestures of empathy

Often go unnoticed or unappreciated

For the mind is constantly struggling with pain

Anyone who knows a sufferer of chronic pain

Should be very understanding and forgiving

For when we ourselves are faced with this challenge

We truly know what they are really going through

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These last 3-4 months have thought me a valuable lesson. Pain is one of the feelings that can only be appreciated by the sufferers and others can only guess at the mental state of the one experiencing it. Be kind, be understanding and most of all generous for if they speak harsh words, they don’t mean it.

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#Awareness

Eating healthy= Respecting your body

September 7: Food: Healthy Snacks

Writer’s Quotes Wednesdays (a Photo or Writing Challenge)

We all own ourself this duty;

To keep our bodies healthy!

What we put in our bodies is what makes us; Strong and healthy or sick and weak. Who says a healthy diet has to be boring or not tasty.

Try food combinations that can give you the maximum advantage and yet are tasty and appetizing.

Eating white meat, especially fish is healthy, adopt this habit

Shun red meat and organ meat as it will make you sick

Add fresh and green vegetables to your diet in oodles

Grain and lentils are good to keep hunger at bay

Don’t use too much white food like flour-based pasta, sugar, or salt

Fresh fruits fulfill the requirement of vitamins and minerals

Staying healthy is very much a choice and so is choosing an unhealthy diet

It is your only body: look after it for there isn’t a replacement

Healthy eating is often associated with food that is considered not appetizing. But many healthy snacks are yummy too.

Nuts, and nut butter, but do make sure they don’t contain corn syrup.

Cheese and yogurt are rich in calcium and proteins and make great snacks.

Fresh fruit like apples, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries all are great healthy snacks.

Dried fruits like cranberries, figs, and peaches, or fruit chips like banana chips, and apple chips are good to eat and satisfy hunger too.

Cucumber or carrot sticks dipped in yogurt dressing are a savoy alternative when hungry.

Potatoes, boiled, mashed, or baked are perfectly healthy options too. Just hold the butter or sour cream.

Suffice to say, we can always make healthy eating choices, provided we have the will and knowledge to do so. So go on, treat your body to some good food.

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Written for;WQW #34: Eating Your Way to Good Health, hosted by Marsha

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Dieting- No more

April 18, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about never ending. You can hyphenate never-ending or write an example of a story that never ends. What is endless and why? Go where the prompt leads!

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Getting fit and going down to my ideal weight was a never-ending struggle for me.

Unbeknown to me, I had thyroid disease since my teenage which made my weight fluctuate periodically. At forty-four, I was diagnosed and became aware of its implications. Since then, I am on thyroid medication and till a year ago, I still was trying to lose weight, only to gain it all back eventually.

My motivation for losing weight has changed and the desire to look better has taken a backseat, to be healthy. Now I eat healthy, and keep my stats in the range.

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Word count; 99

Written for Carrot Ranch’s prompt-Never ending, hosted by Charli Mills

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