01/04/2020 Saturday

Our tremendous tribe exemplifies the circle of life for sure. Because of everyone's willingness to share sorrow, joy; death, birth; endings, beginnings... we all grow in our understanding, compassion, and ability to move forward and live our own best lives. Love and light to all, but especially to Liz. Soak in all of the love and strength we are streaming your way.

Weight: 140.8
Veggies/Fruits: 9
Macronutrients: Cals - 1,248, Carbs - 118, Fats - 38, Protein - 106, Fiber - 28
Green SmartPoints: 28
Water: 2 cups
Sleep: 8.5 hours (feels great!)
Exercise: 6,577 steps and yoga@home (15")

Liz, my friend, I know that this morning you're waking up in a very different world. If you want to talk any time, I'm here for you. Despite all my keystrokes, I can be a good listener, especially on this front.

My plan for yesterday--writing in the college library stacks and going to hip-hop dance class--didn't work out, since both facilities are still closed for the holiday break. However, they'll be open next week, and I'll go then.

Today is Saturday, which means I have nothing on my calendar and need to stir up some trouble.

BTW, since returning home from Chile and Antarctica, I've lost four pounds and am back down to where I was before the trip. I feel great about that. I'm SO VERY READY to get back to 135 pounds!

And finally, from today's NYTimes: How to Be Healthy in Just 48 Words:

Daytime television talk shows, popular podcasts and diet books on the New York Times best-seller list would have you believe that being healthy is complicated. You need to eat the latest superfood, buy the perfect supplements or join the hippest fitness cult. These theories are particularly popular right now, as people commit to New Year's resolutions.

But after practicing family medicine for 16 years, with a focus on nutrition and obesity, I've learned that the keys to good health are quite simple to describe. In fact, I believe the best health advice can be boiled down to 48 words.

So what are these 48 words? In no particular order:

Don't smoke (2).

Get vaccinated (4).

Avoid trans fats (7).

Replace saturated fats with unsaturated if you can (15).

Cook from whole ingredients -- and minimize restaurant meals (23).

Minimize ultraprocessed foods (26).

Cultivate relationships (28).

Here's today's dancing video: Single Ladies Hip Action!

What are the other 20 words?

Weight 134.8, down 3 pounds in the last week. Not really a surprise as for the second time in my life I haven't felt like eating much (the first was when my DD died).

Yes, the Circle of Life. Let's all celebrate Paula's wedding today!

And on Ann's excerpt, I especially like "Cultivate relationships". Absolutely!

Up to central Massachusetts to meet with the funeral director this afternoon and to see DD. A friend of mine who writes professionally is editing the obituary for me.

Love to all!

Good morning. Waking up in Madison. We're going to meet our son and his girlfriend for brunch in a bit. And then a tour of his apartment for me. DH helped him move in, but I haven't seen it yet. After that, not sure.

Thinking of you Liz.

152.4 down 5.2# since 1/1, 7.4# to go.

Liz, let the peace of the process comfort you today. Praying for help and support to be with you, surround yourself with caring and compassionate and helpful folk today; we are sending all love and support from afar.

Sun is shining here this morning and we are settling into our new routine with Swann. I continue to (try) to practice patience and am sure to be making many mistakes and creating much confusion. Slow progress is being made- steps forward-reteach-learn more-reteach. One great gift that came with Swann is the gift of movement- especially in getting out and about. Decision is out of my hands- walking daily is the same as brushing ones teeth. It just gets done and I do not have to have a "discussion' with myself as to wether or if I am to do it. DH and I have been sharing that- 1 hr out each in the morning and afternoon. The last few afternoons I have also been tagging along with Kurt. We have discovered places I have not trod in the 25 years we have lived here. Is this Dave's -VERTICAL?

Today I'm making my version of black eye peas with the remaining half package. Will be a combination of peas, ham, onion, carrot, celery, and a bit of tomato cooked soup like in broth. No green tomato relish for this dish.

May to day be filled for all with such warm and comforting experiences.

Bonnie, that sure sounds like lots rapid, beneficial change happening at your house. I love that "no discussion required" situation. I could use some more of that over here.

Weight 202.2

It's a quiet morning here. The tree did not come down yesterday as I am procrastinating. But it must come down by Sunday night as Monday is trash day. With nothing on my calendar, today would be good.

Otherwise sitting with coffee and a protein shake. I do so much better when I don't have to think about what to eat. I wish I had a go-to lunch I looked forward to daily that required no thought. Dinners are covered. Lunch is my weak spot. What do you have for lunch? I like warm things in fall/winter. Low effort preferred right now.

I am thinking about Liz and her family today...

Cecily, you asked for a go-to daily luncheon.

Most days, I do some version of this ...

A sandwich of some kind using either Sara Lee multigrain bread (45 cals/slice) or a Thomas's Light Multigrain English Muffin (toasted, of course) with 3 ounces of sauteed chicken breast (I pound it out quite thin, season it with some kind of chicken seasoning/rub and let it marinate for 3-4 hours before sauteeing it in a hot pan sprayed with olive oil). Sometimes I switch out the chicken breast for a Morningstar Spicy Black Bean veggie burger. I accompany the sandwich with 1 ounce of melted Parmesan cheese or with a serving of caramelized onions and sweet peppers (that I roast a mess of once a week, usually the weekend). I also spread the toasted bread or muffin with a tablespoon of Hellman's Light Mayo and a little low-cal BBQ sauce.

As a side dish I make a large side salad of arugula/baby spinach, mini-cucumbers, scallion, chopped up radishes, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and dress it with Skinny Girl balsamic vinaigrette.

All this sounds like a lot more work than it really is. Here's a photo of today's lunch.

That looks delish!