Modified Keto day 14… Family birthdays, and mom’s dementia.

Some days I feel like I’m in a rut. Doing the same things over and over and over. Like my morning coffee. Like deciding on continuing with the diet or try something else. In all honesty, today I didn’t eat anything until around 5 pm. And then it wasn’t much. But I’m just not feeling myself. I’m feeling bloated. And with that feeling comes the feeling of being defeated. Hopefully tomorrow, these feeling will be gone and I will have a much better day and week on my modified Keto journey. At least that is what I am hoping for.

Today was a fun and somewhat productive day. I managed to design our tumblers for our upcoming Carnival Vista cruise. It is the first time I have used my Cricut Explore Air to cut vinyl. I have completed one tumbler and even though it isn’t perfect, it will work perfectly for my needs.

My plan is to put things on the tumblers that are what my family wants on theirs. So the variety includes a cruise ship, a couple of dolphins, a whale, a flamingo, a ships wheel, and a 3 anchors. And each tumbler will also have everyone’s name on them. Everything has been cut but I have not had the chance to put them on the tumblers. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow.

This afternoon was fun. We had family birthday’s at my sister-in-law and brother-in-laws house. We celebrated birthdays for my brother-in-law, my daughter, and my granddaughter Victoria. This is always fun and there is always plenty of food.

On our way home, we had to stop at CVS to pick up a prescription for my mother. She wasn’t expecting us to come over, but when we got there she was happy to see us. She didn’t know she had a prescription ready but she told me she was out of a lot of her medications. My mother’s dementia seems to be getting worse. She hasn’t driven in over, no longer manages her medications, and does not manage her finances. But she thinks she can do anything and everything. Vascular Dementia is sad to witness. We know that one day we will have to make some decisions about where she will be living. But for right now, she is able to take care of her basic needs. She does not cook for herself but we make sure she has plenty to eat.

My mother is very excited about our upcoming cruise. Of course she thinks she needs new everything for the trip!!! While I was at her house, we did some online shopping and got her some casual things to wear in the evening. Now all she needs are some shorts and some dainty things and she should be good to go!!!

My hope for this cruise is that she makes some memories that will stay in her mind for a very long time. My mom, daughter, granddaughters, and I will be making scrapbook pages after our cruise. I hope that will help her with retaining the memories we make.

Modified Keto day 13 and organizing my photos from our 2014 Carnival Triumph cruise.

It has been a very long day, but all Saturday’s are like that. So far today, I have had my usual coffee, and Atkins Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar, and unsweetened ice tea. I’m currently starving and I had not planned on eating anything else for the rest of the day, but then my son brought me half of an avocado with Tuna. Who can say no to that when they are starting???

This morning while I was working my real job, I was able to sort thru 923 photos from our Carnival Triumph cruise. It is actually a fairly easy process. I order my photos from Shutterfly. I arrange my photos by their identifying number and luckily that is pretty much how they arrive. I then separate them according to the day and then put them in photo protectors. Very easy. So very easy.

Today is Dixie’s 4th birthday. Unfortunately, I was not able to take her to Petsmart like I had hoped, but that’s ok. She’s a Yorkie. I’m sure she will forgive me.

So tell me, how do you keep you vacation photos?

Hello Modified Keto day #12, I think. And I may or may not have done some more shopping online!

I must say, I am glad I cheated on my diet yesterday. Why? Because today, when I woke up, I did not have a headache. Because yesterday I realized exactly how low my potassium levels had become. And because today when I fearfully stepped on the scale, I was pleasantly surprised that weight had not changed. Nothing I did damaged the progress I had made. So yes, I am happy that I cheated on my diet and the next time I feel I am in need of a cheat day, I will not fear it or feel guilty about it.

After a VERY GOOD nights sleep, I woke up and had my normal coffee. I didn’t eat anything until after 11am. At that time I had a brunch consisting of bacon and scrambled eggs with spinach, mushrooms, and onions topped with hot sauce. And I couldn’t eat it all!!! A stayed full for the remainder of the day.

Around 6 I was a little hungry so I fixed a plate of shredded chicken, cheese cubes, olives stuffed with garlic, cucumbers, Parmesean cheese whisps, and ranch dressing for dipping. I ate all of the olives and some of the cheese cubes, a few of the whisps, and just a little bit of the cheese. Once I was full, that was it.

I also realized that today is the beginning of the tax free weekend in Texas. So, I decided to check out Old Navy and Steinmart to see if there was anything I couldn’t live without or that I need for the cruise. I guess only time will tell if I purchased anything!!!

Tomorrow my little Yorkie rescue, Dixie turns 4. At least that is the age that is shown on the papers we received. But our vet thinks she might actually be older due to her health issues. But that’s ok. I do not care how old she is, we will celebrate her birthday by taking her to Petsmart for a new collar and maybe a new shirt or dress and a special birthday treat. She deserves to be spoiled on her special day. Not that she isn’t spoiled any other day, LOL!

What modified Keto diet? Today was a complete cheat day.

I feel refreshed and somewhat guilty about today. It was 100% a total cheat day. I needed it. I needed to get rid of the headache. I needed to not worry about making sure I was eating the right things. I needed to now worry about anything. I needed a day off. I needed a ME day. And I’m not sorry about it. In fact, before I go to bed, I plan on having some vanilla ice cream with Hershey’s syrup on top!!! Tomorrow, I will have my morning coffee and a sensible Keto friendly breakfast then I will fast.

Today was fun!!! Everything started out like normal… headache with a coffee chaser! No breakfast because I knew I was going to have lunch out with my granddaughter Victoria and my hubby. I just did know where we would be eating at. It would be Victoria’s choice.

We picked her up around noon but before we left on our adventure, we spent a little time with my daughter and grandson. Don’t want to leave anyone out!!! When we left their house, we didn’t know if we would go to the AT&T store before or after lunch but we knew that Victoria wanted Mexican food. Good choice!!!! We ended up going to the AT&T store first, mostly to avoid the lunch crowd at El Fenix.

It is always fun going to the AT&T store. We went to take care of Victoria’s new cell phone. Once that was taken care of, we also switched from Uverse to Direct TV at a huge savings for us and we upgraded (???) our cell phone service to unlimited everything. AND we are updating our internet as well. But no new phones.

Next on our agenda of two things to do was lunch. It was an easy drive across the street to El Fenix. As someone who is use to having tortillas, rice, beans, and chips every day, it was nice to indulge even if it was only for one day. I ordered the cheese enchilada and tamale that came with rice and beans. We also had queso for the table. But to be good, I had unsweetened ice tea! But I guess that didn’t really do any good since I bought pralines as we were leaving the restaurant. When I cheat on a diet, I really cheat!

While we were eating, I decided to make a trip to a nearby mall. We needed to walk off our food and it would be good exercise. Plus I wanted to look for some clothes for our cruise. Well… we walked, I shopped. We walked, I shopped. I’m sure you get the picture, right? I only went to 5 stores but only bought at 4. But I only bought stuff that was on sale with the exception of one thing for Victoria, a cover for her new cell phone.

First stop was Old Navy. I was looking for shorts. I really didn’t think that would be difficult. I found 2 pairs. Only. Two. Pairs. And they were nothing I couldn’t live without. But I did buy 3 shirts. I cannot wait to wear them on the cruise!!! Also, Jim found a pair of matching socks he thought would be cute for our grandson and son-in-law.

Next two stops were purchases for Jim. At Sears he found a pair of Wranglers that were regularly $40 something and he paid a little over $18. That was a good buy and he was so happy with himself! At Dillards, he scored a pair of shorts and a pair of slacks that were at a very good price!!! He was very impressed of the selection they had in his size!

Our last stop at the mall was at Shoe Dept. Encore. I left there with a pair of Sperry’s that I have been wanting for a long time. I was thrilled that they had them in my size and for $24.99!!! Definitely another good buy for me!!!

As we started to walk to the car, it decided to rain. Since my mother’s apartment is on the way to my daughters house, we decided to let the rain pass at her place. I figured it would be a good time to do some online shopping for her as she as some clothes she really needs to get. Unfortunately, her electricity kept flickering on and off which would turn off her computer. We will have to complete her shopping later.

The weather finally let up and we left to go to my daughters for a while before we headed home. Now that we are home, we are very tired. But I’m not too tired to skip the ice cream!!!

How was your day? Did you do anything exciting or special?

Modified Keto day 10 plus 3 packages in the mail!!!

I must honest, today started out real rough. I woke up with a migraine that did not go away until around 6 this evening. I managed to drag myself out of bed around 10 and decided to fix myself something to eat. Today’s breakfast consisted of bacon and eggs. And yes, I did have my normal coffee intake. But, once again, no Starbucks.

The cruise countdown cheered me up but didn’t make the headache go away. I wonder if the diet has anything to do with the headaches…

I did receive some packages in the mail today. One from Baublebar, one from Michaels, and UPS delivered 2 Shutterfly orange envelopes. Not only did I get the replacement photos that UPS conveniently misplaced last month, I also received the replacement photos that Shutterfly sent. But since I still had a headache, I did not open the packages.

In the late afternoon, I started getting a little hungry so I had the last of the left over chicken stuff I made yesterday and I also had one hotdog that was sliced and stuffed with cheese then wrapped in bacon. My beverage of choice after my morning coffee was unsweetened ice tea.

Once I started feeling better I started opening a couple of the boxes. Up first was Baublebar. Today’s package only contained one pair of earrings, the Fantasia Drop Earrings. I just love them and I cannot wait to wear them on our cruise. I also received the Lobe Wonder Ear Support patches I want to try and the Devonne Sunglasses in pink which was a gift with purchase. I truly love they way they package their products.

Then I opened the box from Michaels. I could not wait to see the different colors of vinyl I ordered. I’m even more excited to start playing with them on my Cricut Explore Air. I have plans for some tumblers and now that I have all of the different colors of Vinyl that I want, I’m going to really start on the tumblers this week. Maybe even tomorrow!!! These are the colors I ordered: light yellow, red, grape, azure, med blue, caribbean, and flamingo. I’m just so excited!!!

Now about the Shutterfly orange envelope thingy’s… It is obvious that the original one was damaged and so far, I have been afraid to open that envelope. But, I won’t know the extent of things until I do. It didn’t take much to open the original package and I was really afraid that the photos would be damaged but, to my surprise, there was nothing wrong with them!!! I guess now I can organize these photos as well as the photos from our Carnival Triumph cruise and a trip to Galveston. There are plenty of photos to do some large scrapbooks!!!

With the headache finally gone, I feel energized! I think I will use this time to do something productive. I just do not know which productive thing I want to do. I think I will start with the photos so they do not get messed up!

Just my modified Keto diet day 9

I feel like my days are basically the same. Another morning of coffee with the normal 2 teaspoons of sugar in the first cup and nothing in the refills. So boring. Nothing to eat for breakfast since, once again, I was not hungry. Still feel achy all over and definitely have a headache. But I will power thru this until I reach my goal.

Today, I actually cooked something for lunch. I had a small amount of cauliflower in the refrigerator so I put it in some water to boil and soften. I had seen some videos for some chicken recipes and since I had over 3/4 of my Costco rotisserie chicken, I decided to experiment. I diced up some onion, mushrooms, and spinach and cooked them in butter. When they the onions were translucent, mushrooms were brown, and the spinach had wilted, I added some cream cheese with onion dip I had left over for some unknown reason, plus some regular cream cheese and some sour cream. Once everything was melted and blended together, I added some of the shredded chicken and stirred it all together to blend. Of course, after I added the chicken, I realized I had forgotten the cheddar cheese so I quickly added just a little to top it off. Once everything was done, I put the cauliflower in a bowl and topped it with my cheesy chicken stuff. I must say, it was pretty good. The left over chicken stuff was put in a container and placed in the refrigerator. So much so that when my hubby got home from work, he asked what it was. I told him and asked him to go ahead and finish it. He must have like it because even the left over are gone!!!

Around 4pm I started getting a little hungry so I had an Atkins White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar. It was good, but I need to avoid nuts as much as possible. These will definitely not be something I have every day. And not because of the nuts, but because it was just so sweet.

That is it for today. If you have any ideas or suggestions for me as I make my way through this modified Keto diet, please let me know.

Another day on my modified Keto diet

I began my day by weighing myself. I must admit, I was afraid to do it since I knew I wasn’t 100% Keto. I will never be. But I was happy to see that I was down 3.8 pounds. This definitely encouraged me to continue on this path. As least as best as I can.

After my self-imposed weigh in, I had my typical morning coffee and nothing to eat. I wasn’t hungry at that time! Yes I did go to Starbucks, but the strangest thing happened. I usually will sip on my Venti Java Chip Frappuccino all day but today, it was just very sweet tasting. I’m not sure if it because of the reduction on my daily sugar intake or what but I just couldn’t do it today.

Breakfast/lunch consisted of chicken, purple cabbage cooked in butter, and tomato wedges with some Ranch for dipping. I even dip my chicken in Ranch… don’t judge!!!! I have always known that everything is better with butter but I’m really enjoying it more than I have in the past.

I started getting a little hungry so I had one Atkins Peanut Butter Cup. This also seemed very sweet and did not make my stomach very happy. But I survived!!!!

For dinner, I had 2 fried eggs cooked in butter seasoned with salt and pepper only and topped with some hot sauce.

I feel real encouraged with the weight loss, as low as it was. At least it is a start and I’m very happy with it. I may not need to buy any new clothes for our cruise after all. Well, maybe not that many, LOL!!!

My modified Keto diet day and Costco shopping!!!

Today was a busy Sunday!!! Woke up and had my normal coffee plus a couple of refills. Woke up feeling good!!! And I wasn’t hungry so I didn’t eat anything!!!! I had a couple of errands to run so I was out of the house just after noon.

First errand was to pick up some of my mothers prescriptions from CVS. I’m so thankful they have a drive-thru!!! After that was done and spent a short amount of time at her house, I headed to Costco for errand #2. I was on a mission to get one of their rotisserie chickens. I absolutely love them and I know they are something that are allowed on the Keto diet. I also picked up some other things that HOPEFULLY will be Keto friendly. The item with the black lid is actually almond butter!

On the way home, I still was not hungry but I was thirsty so I was a bad girl and went to Starbucks. I tried to justify this by telling myself it was only because of the fatigue I was feeling and I needed to be able to function when I had to work this afternoon. I’m not sure I convinced myself, but it sure tasted good.

A couple of hours after I got home, I started getting a little hungry so I fixed me a plate of chicken, bell pepper slices, tomato’s and ranch dressing. It tasted good and definitely took care of hunger. To be honest, I’m craving something sweet right now, but I’m trying to distract myself with things I need to do to prepare for the cruise.

Tomorrow will be one week since I actually started this Keto diet, or modified diet, or whatever you want to call it. I will be weighing myself in the morning. I do not expect to see a change, but it will be interesting to see if there was a change!!!

Today’s modified Keto

Saturdays are typically very busy as this is the day I basically work a double shift. I’m not complaining. I love what I do and the fact that I am fortunate enough to be able to do it from the comforts of my home is a huge bonus!!! But I did forget to make an appointment for my Shih Tzu mix pup with the groomer. I promise, He does have eyes!!!

This morning was busy as usual. Around 10:30 I decided it might be a good idea to at least time something to nibble on until I could actually fix something to eat. So, I had an Atkins chocolate chip cookie dough bar. I do not know if it is allowed on the Keto plan, but it is what I had available and I was able to nibble on it until around 5pm. And yes, I did have my usual coffee, but no Starbucks today.

This evening, I didn’t make an actual meal, instead I just fixed a plate with last nights left over steak cute into bite size pieces, along with some veggies and cheese. And there was Ranch dressing for the veggie dipping!!! Unsweetened tea was consumed for hydration purposes.

Other than that, it was definitely a boring day. I may or may not have placed an online order with Michaels. I guess only time will tell on that one!!!

My Keto diet is more of a modified Keto.

Today has just been strange and I’m not sure why. Nothing out of the ordinary really happened. I poured myself my normal cup of coffee but didn’t really drink much. I had to go to the bank for my mother then a trip to Dollar Tree for some cruise goodies, a stop at Aldi looking for something but didn’t find, then I went to Starbucks for a Venti Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with a double shot. I know. It’s not allowed on the Keto diet but I have to make some modifications since I have allergies to artificial sweeteners and the so-call natural ones make me itch. And besides, it fills me up!!!!

Breakfast ended up being brunch and was a simple bacon and eggs with some salsa on top. I had a very hard time eating all of it. As the day went on, I never became hungry. But I have little energy which makes the work day so much fun… NOT.

When I made dinner, I wasn’t hungry but I still tried to eat a little. I regret it now because I’m starting to feel real bloated. With my GI issues, this is not uncommon, but it just feels different this time and I do not know why.

I do believe tomorrow will be a very low-key kind of day for me. I need to really evaluate my diet modifications and see how I can best proceed.