“I’ve been away for 15 days” Update – Health 27.11.2017

Hey there everyone,

Do you still remember me? I know, I haven’t posted in about half a month.

I’ve been both busy and lazy and those are my reasons.

Since we haven’t talked for so long, I decided an update might be interesting, if you’re like me and like to know what people are up to. Or just so you know I’m not dead.

So, I’ll divide this update into categories, which will be published on different days.

Health:

• I’ve been mostly feeling well, when it comes to my mental health. A few things give me anxiety, especially the students, when they are being difficult, but that’s just normal, every day stress.
• I got the results for my CT scans and had an appointment with an orthopedist and my back are fine! The doctor I consulted before said it was really bad and that I should schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon. Crazy woman. I don’t have any significant back problems, just bad posture, sitting for long hours and having weak back muscles. I haven’t had any complains since I began going to my water aerobics classes almost every day.
• I’ve been drinking a very healthy amount of water. I get to 2 l on most days and I can drink even more on others. I think this is actually causing 2 issues: 1) My liquid retention is bad. 2) I can’t seem to hold my pee. Oh yeah, I’m mentioning my urinary issues on the internet. Maybe some of you have been there? I suddenly feel a very strong urge to pee and feel like I’m almost peeing my pants, which does happen some times. I mean, I don’t pee my pants, I just let out a few drops. This is new to me and very strange. I’m 26. Isn’t that too young to be incontinent?
• My period was 48 days late. No, I’m NOT pregnant. No, I don’t have ANY health issues. It was just on vacation, I guess?
• I’ve been eating somewhat right and in small amounts. I write down everything I eat using an app and I don’t even get to 2000 calories most days and always get the “You’re not eating enough” notification. Yet, I’ve gained weight. I’m currently at 93.2 kg. Funny thing is I’ve been walking more than ever (aiming for at least 10.000 steps each day) and I’ve been doing water aerobics and swimming almost every day of the week. It is very strange and discouraging. Maybe it gets worse before it gets better?

I’ve been track every single thing health-wise. I use several apps. Do you have a food or exercise journal? Pedometer? Do you track your calories or sleep?

This app, Flo is just perfect for women. You can track your whole cycle, so you know when your period is coming or if you are ovulating (for those trying to get pregnant. There’s also a “pregnancy mode”), your cervical mucus, symptoms of PMS, you’re sexual activity (again, for those trying to get pregnant or if you just want to know what you’ve been up to), your weight, your sleep, your physical activity (through another app), your steps, your calorie intake (again, through another app), your weight and your water intake. There’s also a community, meaning users can actually comment on different articles and topics and share experiences and problems. It’s just a really good app and I recommend it for sure.

Now, tell me about your health:

Is everything okay?

Do you track your health data?

Do you have any good health tips?

Are you good at taking care of yourself?

Do share!!

Thank you so much for reading!

 

 

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Daily Planner and Journal: 31.10.17 “MAJOR sweet tooth, Thank God my party is behind me and I wish I didn’t buy on WISH” edition

Good morning everyone!!

Happy Tuesday!! Better than Monday, am I right?

Monday was not a very good day for me. I was still extremely tired from the weekend/birthday party and not feeling so well. It is kind of weird because I was in bed by 1 a.m on Saturday, slept until noon on Sunday, took about 2 naps and was in bed by 10.30. I’m so getting old.

We had done 0 for the party during the week so we had to get everything done on Saturday by 5 p.m. Thankfully, I had Rui and his brother who did most of the work, as I was very tired from a difficult work week and was extremely slow. Whatever they did in 10 minutes, took me 30. They trimmed the outside trees and cleaned the patio, we went shopping, we cleaned kitchen, living room and bathroom (there was no way we would manage to clean the bedroom and office), took the sofa covers to the wash station to be washed and dried, baked the cake (Rui did, I just made some  butter cream icing and iced the cake), got the tables set and got everything ready for the party. Rui spent the whole night by the grill, feeding everyone.

By 6 p.m, guests were arriving, I was just out of the shower, trying to fit in the 3 dresses I had picked and not succeeding. I decided I would just throw on some pants and top and call it a day. I was too tired to get my hair done or put on makeup, wishing I had cancelled the party lol

The party was fun but also very stressful. Do you have any crazy, awkward, family members? Well, I sure do. Two family members decided it was very fun to get VERY drunk and spend the whole party in a corner, talking about life and sad things. When they were not being philosophical, they were being annoying and trying to hug me. My anxiety was building up. Thank God my mom and sister were there to handle the situation.

Same guests, plus a third one, decided it would be fun to turn my patio into a graveyard for cigarette butts. We don’t mind at all if our guests smoke outside. Not at all. But we DO mind the cigarette butts all over the floor. Do you know what we also mind? When guests decide it is a lovely idea to smoke a joint at my party in our patio. What the actual fuck? You DON’T smoke that shit at my house without even asking. You don’t smoke that shit at my house at all. I have NOTHING against weed. I don’t mind if people smoke it. Just don’t do it in my house. I have neighbors, my neighbors have kids and we have a neighbor who is a cop.

Imagine if someone complained about the noise (which they wouldn’t because it was a Saturday night and our neighbors are very nice people) and the police got there to find drugs… Not a very good scenario. Funny thing is that we didn’t even notice. My mom told me yesterday and I got extremely mad. Rui is pretty pissed as well. I’m sure some of our guests saw it which is pretty embarrassing.

Anyway, thank God that fucking party is over. Some people will never be invited to our home again. I’m not even sorry.

Well, it was fun anyway, as I got to spend time with very nice people. I got nice presents, which I will show you soon. I’ll do a post showing you all of my birthday gifts.

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I’ve been having this stupid issue with sweets and food in general. I could eat sweets all day long. I crave them all the time and I must have something, otherwise I cannot focus on anything else. It’s bothering me because I know how unhealthy it is, because it makes me gain weight and because I HATE when I’m unable to control something. I wake up during the night and eat all kinds of shit and don’t even remember it properly in the morning. What the what? Am I sleep eating?

Steps I am taking to solve this issue:

1. Talk to my psychiatrist (I’ve texted her to call me and am waiting for her answer). She might be able to tell me if this has something to do with my medication or not and what I need to do in order to solve this issue.
2. If my psychiatrist cannot help I am scheduling an “eating disorders” appointment at my local clinic.
3. I might schedule a therapist’s appointment as well.
4. I am NOT buying any kind of sweets or candy to have at home.
5. I will start going to the gym.

I’m trying to have this “find a problem – think of how to solve it” approach. I hope this inspires you to do the same and just look at any problems or issues proactively.

I’ve just picked up my blood tests and, apparently, my cholesterol levels are pretty high. Oh shit. It’s the first time I have gotten such results. I really need to do something about it.

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I have been buying things on Wish for about a month now. I’m very sad to report that 50% of my purchases come with some kind of issue, usually related to poor quality, damages or wrong number.

How disappointing.

However, I must say that they are very helpful and quick to solve the problem and provide a refund.

Do you shop on Wish?

Have you had any issues?

I am definitely interested in knowing your experience with this store/app.

We’ll talk soon.

 

Happy Birthday to me – 26 goals for year 26 + One year challenge

Good day to you people!!

I hope everyone is having a good, stress-free, easy Monday.

As you might have noticed from the tittle, it’s my birthday.

26 years ago today (close to 5 p.m), mom was probably in a lot of pain, poor thing. Thanks mama, for pushing me out, I know it must have been hard for you, despite the fact that it was probably the only time I was ever thin.

I used to love my birthday, but I’m NOT feeling it at all this year. For several reasons:

• I’m no longer in my early twenties;
• I’m close to 30, my scary age;
• I’m NOWHERE NEAR where I thought I would be by now, if you had asked me 10 years ago.
• I had the shittiest year, 25 being extremely hard. Is it going to be over now?
• I’m still going through some of the consequences of my mental health issues, meaning I’m still a fat ass and I hate my body and can’t stand looking at myself;
• I have some small family issues, nothing to big, thankfully;
• I have lost one of my best, childhood friends, probably forever.

I told Rui that the only thing I wanted to do today was try a pumpkin spice latte and go thrift shopping. I need some cardigans. I have decided to just go to Primark to get them because it’s closer and near Starbucks.

I’m going to my mom’s house for dinner. Not feeling it at all, but I need to do it for them.

Rui always takes my birthday off and so we have enjoyed a lazy morning, talking about my birthday blues and eating my favorite cereal (me).

I still have to work from 5 p.m to 7 p.m, which I don’t mind at all. I like being with the kids, even if they drive me crazy most days.

Because 25 was so bad, I’m kind of determined to TRY and make 26 way better. I came up with a few goals and also a few challenges.

26 goals for year 26:

1. Finally get my f*cking driver’s license;
2. Finally get braces and endure all of the suffering. At least high school has been over for many years so there’s no one to make fun of me;
3. Lose the damn weight;
4. Travel somewhere; Anywhere. Just see some new place, outside the country;
5. Get into that second degree I want to take so bad; (shhh, you all know what I’m talking about but I won’t say anything so I don’t jinx it. I’ll be doing my best to accomplish this goal which is more than just a goal, but one of the things I NEED to do with my life.
6. Write an e-book. (I have, but as a ghostwriter); 
7. Double my number of followers on this blog;
8. Go back to being a red; I just love it so much.
9. Share some exciting news in May; Can’t talk about it yet, sorry.
10. Learn Spanish so I can help the kids; 
11. Join the church choir. So, this might be happening already, I just haven’t said anything. I’m not particularly religious, as you already know. I have faith and I pray and I love to read your posts about faith and God’s word. But I don’t consider myself fully catholic and I don’t go to church. But I feel the need to sing. I haven’t in a long time and my spirit longs for it. So I looked into different options and the easiest and friendliest was the church choir. I have talked to one of the ladies and she lives near me so she even offered a ride. I’m going next Monday and try it out.
12. I had this idea or this calling after all of the things that happened in Portugal for the past few months. I would like… and bear with me… to train to be a volunteer  firefighter. Putting out fires is not all they do. They are the first at car accidents, 911 calls, they ride ambulances, help in all kinds of situations and are the first ones to be there for people when they need it the most. I thought it sounded stupid and impossible because I’m so far from being fit and I have no physical strength or resistance. I have talked to a girl I know who is a firefighter and she told me that’s not an issue at all. She said the physical test are minimal and that I could always get better and lose the weight before or while I’m taking the preparation course (250 hours, I think) because it would be long before I had to actually do something. I talked to my local fire department and they said I should go there and speak to them in person. I don’t know. Rui and I are talking and trying to figure out  what this would mean to us and how and if we could make it work. I don’t know if I dream too much of if I’m just someone who really wants to make a difference.
13. Learning how to sew;
14. Keep collecting plants and turn our patio into a beautiful garden;
15. Double my income;
16. Do my best to get organized; For the past few year, maybe more, I’ve had this problem where I can’t seem to get my shit together. If I’m working and being successful there, my house is a mess and the dog needs a bath. If I’m off, I should be cleaning the house but I seem to always feel tired and lazy so nothing gets done anyway. Laundry is an issue too. I’m always behind on errands. People keep telling me I don’t call or answer their calls. I just need to find a way to balance things better.
17. Really help someone;
18. Learn how to dance;
19. Volunteer at some charity or event;
20. Finally decorate this house;
21. Go off my medication completely. 
22. Meet some new people and make new friends. Be open to people and to the world in general;
23. Be in more pictures;
24. Just go to places and get out more;
25. Try new things;
26. Challenge myself;

Year 26 Challenge:

• 1.5 L of water every single day for a year;
• Exercise every single day for a year; (even just 15 minutes of yoga)
• No McDonald’s or soda for a year; (here’s looking at you, coke)
• 1 book a week for a year;
• 1 post a day for a year;
• 1 selfie a day for a year;
• Mandatory full skin care for a year; (Never go to bed without washing my face, never leave the house without sunscreen, never forget to moisturize after showering, remember to clean and moisturize my face on the weekends)
• Write 1 nice thought about myself every day for a year;

I guess I’m ready to take on this year. I just need to accept being 26 and try to make the best of it. I don’t to let another year go by and feel like I haven’t tried hard enough or that I haven’t accomplished anything. It’s the worst feeling.

Does anyone want to join me in one of the above challenges? We can be sodaholics anonymous together!!

Thank you for being here, friends.

Health for days journey – June 28th (Stop all the slacking edition)

Good morning everyone!!

I hope you’re all doing well. Has your week been good so far?

I’ve come to the realization that this health journey hasn’t been healthy at all. I’ve been doing this for months and I’m actually worse. Why? Because I’m not focused and that has to change. I need to take action or things will never get better.

That being said, my main priorities for today are:

• Drink 2 l of water;
• Eat well – protein, 5 portions of fruits and veggies, avoid sugar and cut carbs to about 1/3 of what you use to eat;
• Take your meds on time;
• Take your multivitamin;
• Walk 1000 steps, at least. I’ve downloaded a pedometer and that is the first goal, just 1000. I plan on walking around my neighborhood until I reach my goal;
• 10 minutes of guided meditation;
• 30 minutes of reading;
• 30 minutes of adult coloring;
• 20 minutes of yoga;
• 20 minutes of listening to music;

And my tasks – non priorities, are:

• I really need to do some gardening. There are weeds to pull out, seeds to plant and plants that need to be trimmed (can I say that for plants?). I need to give them some fertilizer and water them. The garden also needs to be swiped a washed down with the hose and some bleach where Rosa usually poops;
• I need to do a few loads of laundry; And put them away immediately, before they pile up;
• I really need to find a way to trick Rosa into giving her parasite medicine and cleaning her ears and teeth. I bet I won’t, she’s sneaky.
• Empty Betty and fill her up again;
• Clean all floors;
• Read and comment blogs;

What else can you expect today?

• My Perfect Party Series on Gracie from A Light In The Darkness;
• 2 posts on Instagram;
• 2 posts on twitter;
• 1 post on Facebook;
• My “What’s Up Wednesday” post (didn’t happen last week);
• A poll!! I have 4 pairs of shows I was thinking on giving away. I’m not so sure now. You guys will help me decide if I keep them or donate them;
• An update tonight;

And that’s all.

• What is up with your Wednesday?
• What are your priorities for today?

Thank you so much for reading.

Have a wonderful day.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Chey

 

General update + grocery shopping haul and meal plan

Hey guys,

I hope you had a nice weekend and that your Monday was short and sweet.

Let me tell you what I’ve been up too.

As you know, Mr.R went to his hometown to see his family on the weekend and I stayed home because I had a sore throat and did want to get sick, which I didn’t as it eventually went away.

What did I do being home alone?

Hung out with Rosa and nothing really interesting. I blogged, I did a Facebook, Instagram, Blog and twitter cleanup and I watched one and a half movies. Zodiac which I loved and half of Apolo 13. I love Tom Hanks so I’m sure I’m going to love it as soon as I get to it. Zodiac was good and even better because I’m actually fascinated by serial killers and love to read about them and watch documentaries. Am I the only one? Oh there are more weird thing that I watch. I love crime documentaries and… brace yourselves, live surgeries and autopsies. No I’m not a sociopath or Psychopath, I just really want to be a doctor and have no issues with blood, needles or watching anything really. I can stomach most things, unless they involve an animal. Then I have to look away and cry.

That’s pretty much what I did. Nothing especial. Oh and I slept and watered my garden.

Now the more interesting part (I think)

I decided to take pictures of our groceries (we just came from the store) and show you what we eat in about three weeks and our eating habits.

 

We bought:

Whole wheat pasta (macaroni) – 4 packs or 1 kg for 3,36€ It’s quite expensive when you compare it with regular pasta. We would have gotten the same amount for less than 1€, but I’m staying a way from processed food.

Ciabatta bread with seeds – (It’s whole wheat) – for 1,09€

Whole oats – instead of the flakes I used to get. As soon I realized there’s a healthier version I had to substitute) – 0,85€

Brown sugar – I’m obviously staying way from refined sugar and I don’t really trust stevia, so I’m only using brown sugar and organic raw honey as sweeteners – 250 g for 1,99€ which is expensive but I’m going to make it last as long as I can.

Peanuts – Rui likes to snack on them and so do I. They’re to mix with my almonds, hazelnuts and raisins. – 1,59€

3 different flavors of jello – (peach, orange and strawberry/passion fruit ) I like to eat as a snack because it’s sweet but not that bad for me, especially if I add a little more water than what is recommended, to dilute it. – 3,27€

Whole wheat crackers with salt – (the ones on your right, looking at the picture) because to add them to my lunch as carbs or eat them as a snack. – 1,49€ (I think they come with 14 packs)

Whole wheat crackers x 2 packs – I wouldn’t have bought if I had read the label before. They have high-fructose corn syrup and I run from it like the plague. That and aspartame are my NEVER EAT foods. – 1,30€

4 cans of tuna (in water and not vegetable oil) – we like to use it in salads or sandwiches and it is healthy. – 3,40€ (for almost 500 g)

1 can of chickpeas – We like them in salads as well. – 0,59€

2 cans of black beans – I didn’t eat beans before but I’m used to them now and sometimes used them as a meat substitute. 1,18€

2 cans of sweet corn – I absolutely love it in salads. – 0,98€

2 cans of sliced mushrooms –  (I do plan on not getting any canned foods, we’ll be getting frozen sweet corn and fresh mushrooms next time) – 1,58€

Fruits, veggies and dairy:

Bananas – 1,36,€ for 1,300 g or 6 bananas. I eat a banana every day.

Fuji apples (my favorite) – I eat one every day, usually. – 1,120 kg for 1,56€

Peaches – 900 g for 1,23€

(We have about 5 kg of oranges that Rui’s mom sent us, as well)

2 cartons for skimmed milk – I’m giving up on milk, but we bought just in case we need some or Rui wants some. – 9,94€

16 cups of plain Greek yogurt – I’m giving up on milk but keep eating plain Greek yogurt as a source of protein. – 3,29 €

Frozen baby carrots – one of my favorite things to add to my lunch and to have as a snack. I eat them frozen and it’s so refreshing. – 450 g for 0,89€

2 packs of flamengo cheese – regular and light, in case I want to have some, I have the light version for myself – 3,38€

1 pack of mortadella (with olives) – for Rui. – 0,89€

Fabric softener – 2,39€

Baby wipes – We use them in the bathroom. I’ve been thinking of not buying them anymore and just use soap and water to wash myself after I use the toilet. It worries how many we go through and how bad they are for the environment. – 2 packs for 2,14€

Q-tips – we are running out. – 0,49€

Paper napkins (recycled)  – 0,45€. I have been thing about switching them (although we always buy recycled) for fabric napkins. I could buy some fabric and sew a few.

2 recharges for those things you plug-in your socket so the mosquitoes don’t eat you alive at night. – 9,99€ (it comes with a new plug)

Those toilet things that release some detergent when you flush the toilet. These have bleach on them. I love using bleach as a toilet cleaner so. – 2 for 1,29€

Daily sanitary pads – I know I shouldn’t wear them as they don’t let your skin breathe and can cause infections down there, but I feel dirty without them. Do you girls wear them? (can we talk about this or is it offensive?) – 1,05€ (I buy the thong ones because I can wear them with all my panties. I do wear thongs but not every day as they are not good for you)

Dental sticks for Rosa – She doesn’t cooperate with us to brush her teeth so we do what we can – 1,99 €

What else did we get?

1 huge bag (20 kg) of dog food – 16,59€

So much fish:

White fish/hake – 1,850 g for 11,13 (it will enough for 10 portions)

Salmon – 400 g for 3,68€

Mullet snapper – 1,140 g for 9,11€

Some meat:

Turkey steaks – 4,40€

Turkey breast – 1,370 kg for 8,89€

Pork chops – 1,142 kg for 4,33€

And that is all. We already had some things at home: Some pork, cod-fish, frozen veggies, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, oats, one white cabbage, a huge bag of potatoes and onions my mother-in-law sent us and some other little things.

Our total: 115,45€ – which was cheap, actually, for the amount of stuff we got.

We think this could last us about 3 weeks and that we can meet our monthly grocery budget of 150€. We have  34, 95€ left in our budget and that is probably enough for when we run out of fruits and veggies or bread.

Next week we’ll probably have cucumbers, tomatoes and strawberries for our garden.

I’m trying to eat plant based and eating my portions in fruits and vegetables. I’m also trying to stay away from sugars, processed foods and refined flours. We’re both focused on eating more fish or leaner meats.

Meal plan:

Tuesday, 27th – Tuna and black bean salad.

Wednesday, 28th – we’ll have enough leftovers.

Thursday – Turkey steaks with rice and cabbage.

Friday – Grilled salmon with boiled potatoes and a salad.

 

 

 

 

“I see the back fat and I choose to love it” Ashley Graham Ted Talk

I came across this video yesterday and it gave me a lot to think about. Do you choose to love your flaws? I know I don’t. Could I ever? I have no idea.

What is your opinion on this topic?

What do you have to say about this video?

Do you love yourself just the way you are?

 

Health for days journey – May 5th (I didn’t know they made lavender tea edition)

Hello there, my dearest people (I’m in dictator mode)

Are you happy it’s Friday? I bet you are!!

Since I’m home, the days of the week don’t matter that much, since I have the whole week to myself and the whole Mr. R to myself on weekends. This is actually bullshit, we’ve been together over 4 years, we spend a lot of time together but each of us doing their own shit. So, when I say I have him all to myself, it means that he is available if I want to bug him. In reality, I’m probably blogging and he’s probably planting pumpkin seeds or something. Then we remember each other, and decide to hang out or watch a movie. Or go grocery shopping, if I bother him enough.

Anyways, enough with the Friday talk.

Do you have plans for the weekend? I would love to know them.

Tomorrow Rui and his friend are going to work on his car, some kind of inspection preparation? No idea. They just do it themselves instead of going to the shop. When I met him he didn’t know  shit about cars. He didn’t even know how to ride the subway (true story – maybe another day) and now he’s like this car geek. Since he bought the car he has learned so much about it and how to do the maintenance himself. That’s just who he is. He has an engineering mind. He NEEDS to know how stuff works. He does research and looks for information and learns how to do things. He knows so much about cars and parts and how an engine works. It amazes me every time the subject comes up. And I don’t even know how to ride a bike (true story – maybe another day). Again, lets stop praising the beautiful and amazing qualities of my man and focus on the subject at hands, which is telling you my weekend plans.

So tomorrow they are going to work on their cars and then we are having lunch with his friend, wife and two boys. I’m sure it will be fun, you know how much I love kids. After lunch I’m coming home and Rui is coming to his parents house, to spend mother’s day, which is this Sunday. I was supposed to spend the night at my parents but we have Rosa and we are still deciding if she goes to the doggy hotel or if I stay with her and go to my mom’s house on Sunday morning, by bus. I’ve been begging mother to let me take Rosa but she says it will bother her cat (because he’s such a lord), that she will shit everywhere (she won’t, she’s house trained) or that she will not behave. Okay, mom. Drama queen. I don’t want to distress her idiot cat so it might not be a good idea to take Rosa. Also, my mom, sis and I (stepdad is working, rest of the family is crazy) will probably go out to lunch on Sunday and Rosa would have to be closed up in a room, so she doesn’t eat my mother’s super pussy cat (he’s afraid of his own shadow). Let’s see what we decide tonight.

So, these are my plans for the weekend. What are yours? Tell me. I’m always curious and I love to know what you’re up to. I’m excited that Rui is going to bringing me perfect raw organic honey that my sweet (as honey, ha) mother-in-law has been saving for me. The store bough sugary shit is really… shitty.

I’m in a tea mood today. No coffee. No milk. Tea. More exactly Melissa and lavender tea. Let me tell you, I had no idea they made lavender tea.

I have such a huge, one-sided headache. Not sinusitis related, thank God. Those are miserable. This one is big but bearable. If it gets too bad I drink a shot of espresso and it goes away. I always avoid taking medication for anything because, well, I think I take enough already. And I HATE medication. Just knowing the shit I’m putting into my body… makes me nervous. But my brain likes it and my brain chemistry loves it so… as long as it’s helpful and making me better I’m going to take it. Anything to heal.

Do I have a to-do list? Of course I do. I always have one.

• Water my desk and bathroom plants. I mean my desk plants, not the desk itself, I’m not sure I made that clear. Again… water the plants that I have on my desk and the plant that I have on my bathroom. Better? Thought so.
• Put away the huge pile of laundry that I have (finally) folded. Some of it has been sitting on my bedroom rug (I have no shame, do I?) since before Easter;
• Put away the dishes that I washed a couple of days ago and that are definitely dry. Wash the dirty ones. There aren’t many, so it must be quick;
• Vacuum the living room floor. Either that or convince Mr. R to do it. I hate vacuuming. Give me a room full or laundry or dishes or 30 rooms to dust but 1 small room to vacuum and I lose my shit;
• Wash all the floors with bleach. Yes, I like to do that once in a while. I get a mop and a bucket and I use bleach instead of floor cleaner.
• Make my bed; I have changed the sheets yesterday but I have yet to make it today; I should do it immediately after I wake up, I know. But what if I want to go back? Okay…
• Answer a few emails and texts and I’m not used to do this anymore. When I had my business I had texts and emails and Facebook messenger and Whatsapp booming all day long. Maybe that’s why I’m crazy.
• Pack Rui’s bag for his little trip. No, he’s not dumb or useless and he’s perfectly capable of packing for himself but I like to do it for him. I always know where things are. I think it’s better to pack already instead of waiting for him to do it while asking me “have you seen x?”, “have you seen y”. What is up with men? It’s like they don’t even live at home. We always know where our shit is (and theirs).
• Keep gathering the materials for my studying sessions;
• Go and pick up some lemons from the tree!

So far I’m in the same good, but not great mood has I have been this whole week. I have no appetite and keep losing weight. You know that losing weight is not my priority at all. I know I’m fat but what I want to focus now is my health and to put good foods and nutrients into my body. Those who look at me and say “Wow, she used to be so much thinner” can go fuck themselves. Pardon my French. I’m talking like a truck driver today. No offense to truck drivers.

I know why I am like this. Not motivated at all and super slow and kind of sad. That family member I told you about. They are suffering. And I suffer through them. That’s just me. I get stuck on thing until they are solved and my loved one is no longer suffering. Rui says I cannot function like a normal person when I’m worried about someone I love and he might be right. I just absorb the sadness and pain. I want to focus on myself and take care of me but I can’t help it.

Anyway, see you tonight!!

xx

**Useful information: You can find the word “Shit” 8 times in this post.

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Did you go back to check??

Love.

Cheila

Health for days journey – day 17 (The “I haven’t cleaned my house since before Easter and deeply regret it”) edition!

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

What a beautiful Thursday this is. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, Rosa is getting crazy because she wants to catch them all… Just a normal Spring day.

We are having a ladies’ stay-cation, while Rui went away for work. Me and Rosa plan on doing each other’s hair and nails and watching Mean Girls. Kidding, mostly I just clean the house and she stares at me.

Today is the first day I’m trying to get back on track!! Who else was naughty during Easter and wants to join me?

Anyway, I’ve got good news!

As you know, I had a psychiatrist’s appointment yesterday. She told me she is really happy with me and my improvements and that I don’t even look like the same person that went there for the first time, so lonely and sad and desperate. She said she can really see an improvement and… she cut back on my meds!!! A few of them!! It’s the first time something like that has happened. Usually they would either change or increase my medication, but not this time. She said she could see they were working. I told her I was sleeping too many hours and she said that was a good sign, it meant that I was taking too much medication and could reduce significantly. Today I woke up naturally at 7.30!! I also told her I was not losing way, despite exercising and doing so many diet changes and she told me to walk those 4 km that take to get me to town and back EVERY SINGLE DAY! Am I going to be able to do that? It’s scary and I’m so lazy. Let’s see.

The funny news is that my actual doctor’s appointment (family doctor, for exams) was not yesterday, it’s on the 26th. Ooops. It’s actually sad because I couldn’t wake up to go (too much medication) and Mr.R got super pissed and went to his, at 8.15 a.m. When he got there they told him “Oh but it’s not today, it’s on the 26th”. Poor baby.

I have yet to go to my office and start packing, didn’t do that yesterday. We are planning on going on Sunday. But I DID manage to convince Mr.R to go and buy some clothes. We got him a pair of shoes, 3 pairs of pants, some boxers and about 5 or 6 T-shirts. He needs some polo shirts as well (they are a little more formal for meetings and such) but he didn’t like any of the colors so, next time. We got good deals too. So I’m happy about that.

That’s all I did yesterday. That and watch the pilot of Poldark. I did like it but I’m not convinced yet lol Let’s see if the second episode does a good job in making me go through with it.

I’m only now having brunch/lunch/whatever. I should definitely do a meal plan with schedule hours. Might work on that today. I’m having my usual oatmeal, some coffee, some ice water with lemon and a dessert plate full of frozen baby carrots. Does anyone else eat that as a snack/lunch complement? They’re fresh and delicious.

My house is such a disaster, you have no idea!! I have the amount of dishes of a small restaurant to wash, a pile of laundry bigger than my house, things to unpack, things that I bought that need to find a home, etc. It’s really in critical state. I might do a room each day lol while doing laundry. I want to do some Spring cleaning so that’s what I will do. I might start with the kitchen today, or tomorrow lol and go from there.

Oh and did I tell you my dog is on her period? Oh yeah. She bleeds all over the house? “Put a diaper on her” hahahaha she would take it off and eat it. So I just need to wash everything. Over and over. She’s outside checking for cute dogs right now, which is good, at least she’s not on the couch. Oh, the joys of being a girl dog mom!

What else did I want to tell you?

Oh I got a lovely postcard and letter for my first pen pal to send something. My gorgeous  friend Natalie sent me a beautiful post card. I can’t show you because it’s from her city and I need to respect her privacy. But it’s beautiful and it came with a lovely letter. I can’t wait to send her something back. Thank you, Natty!!

I’m also waiting on a book that I won in a Giveaway that Jenny did!! I was so surprised when she told me I was the winner. I have never won anything!! I could have a book of my choice and I chose Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck. I’ve been meaning to read it for a while so it was a great opportunity to finally have the book. I’m still waiting on it and currently stalking the mailman.

I have bough drawing paper, brushes and gouache. A new hobby to add to my reading, watching movies, watching series, readings blogs, blogging, doing crochet and knitting, which I already don’t have time for? Stay tuned, I’ll be the next Picasso.

I guess that’s it guys. Oh I told you I would start telling you how I am in terms of weight every day (I’m not shamed of being overweight) so you (and I) can check my progress.

Current weight: 87,3 kg / 192.7 lb

Goal weight : 60 kg/ 132.4 lb

Must lose: 27 kg/ 59.8 lb

I have I bet with Rui that if I lose 10 kg/ +- 20 pounds by June I get to go shopping and spend big time!!!! I have about 2 months (it can be June 20, for example) so that means I have to lose 1 kg (or 2 pounds, +-) per week. I will not starve at all. I will eat healthy and exercise.

Who else needs to lose a little weight?

Do you have any tips/tricks?

I guess that’s it for now, my friends.

See you later!!

Love.

Cheila

 

My new diet – food changes

Someone (maybe more than one person) asked if I would share my dietary changes on the blog and of course I will!! I decided to write a post, sharing my new food choices and meals with you. Let’s get to it.

Introducing nuts and seeds:

This is something I would not buy or care to eat at all before. I would just simply ignore them. Now, I’m adding them to my diet, because I’ve learned how important they are.

• For nuts I bought this mix, which contains: Almonds, dark chocolate covered peanuts, peanuts and cashews. I will eat this as a snack, mid morning or afternoon. Just a handful of them. They are quite satisfying!
• For seeds I bought chia and then a mix which contains: golden flaxseed, brown flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds. I will add them to salads, food in general, yogurt, but mainly I will eat them for breakfast, with oatmeal (also a new addition);

Introducing oats:

• I will start having oatmeal for breakfast, instead of bread which is what I usually have. I stayed away from oatmeal for many years because I felt like it didn’t have any taste. Well, let me tell you that made with some milk, adding honey, a banana, some seeds and cinnamon… It’s amazing!! And good for me. How can that be?!

Drinking lots of water:

• Well, this is one goes without saying. We should all drink more water. I’m going for 1,5 l a day in the form of simple water or my lemon tea, which I sweeten with either honey or stevia.

Eating all the veggies:

• I do usually eat plenty of veggies, but now I’m trying to increase the amount to make sure I go through my five portions every single day. I either add them to meals or eat a salad as a side. I use a lot of frozen veggies, they are so cheap and easy. I usually buy green beans, peas, Brussels sprouts, Asian mix and Mediterranean mix. For salads I usually use two types of lettuce (my favorite is iceberg), red cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes and sweet corn.
• We will start having things from the garden soon such as broccoli, peppers, cabbage and a few other things.
• We buy potatoes and carrots and onions buy the pound.

Fruit:

• Thankfully we both love fruit and go through a lot of fruit each week. We try to buy fruits that are in season. Right now we have two kinds of apples, tangerines, kiwis, pears and bananas. I also love grapes and mangoes and berries but they are way too expensive, usually.
• In the Summer we eat strawberries, watermelon, nectarines, plums, peaches and apricots. I can’t wait for them to star showing up at the supermarket!!

Whole grains:

• We usually eat whole wheat bread, but the one you buy in the bag, which has sugar and salt and fat. Thankfully, we have amazing bread in Portugal, so I will switch to real whole wheat bread, locally made.
• I also want to switch to whole grain pasta and brown rice but first I need to go through the past and rice I have now, as I don’t want to waste any food. When we finish them, I will only buy whole grain. (Rui hates brown rice, so this should be funny)

Dairy:

• I always drink milk with my coffee. My favorite is Skimmed and lactose free but it’s way too expensive, so I gave up the lactose free part and have been drinking skimmed milk.
• The last time I bought butter, which is not butter it’s a vegetable spread, I decided to buy fat-free, so that is covered. I don’t even notice a difference.
• For cheese, we usually buy Portuguese cheese. I haven’t checked to say if it’s too fat, but I will today. If it is, I will by the fat-free version.
• For yogurt, I’m thinking about buying plain Greek yogurt for smoothies (which will have a banana, some oats, seeds, yogurt and spinach) but for a snack I eat regular yogurt. I know it has sugar but it’s small and it only has 100 cal. I also don’t eat them every day.
• I tend to cook using cream (mainly for pasta)but I will put an end to that. There soy substitutes that are not as fat and are a great way to add soy to my diet (good for depression).

Meat and fish:

• We are not very bad in this department as we buy mostly turkey and chicken, with the occasional pork and beef, always grilled. I will, nevertheless, try to substitute some of my meat for beans (which I don’t like, but am willing to eat because they are so healthy).
• As for fish, we usually eat some tuna (canned in water), codfish and very rarely salmon. I need to increase the amount of fish I eat. More salmon, maybe some sardines and other different options!! Fish is really good for you, so I will try to eat as much as I can during the week. Maybe 4 times fish and 3 times meat? That would be a good idea. Or do 4 times fish, twice meat and a meatless day, with bean or lentils or something of the sort.

Lunch meats:

• I eat regular ham, something called “chourição” which I don’t know how to translate (google it to see pictures) and baloney. I will quit the baloney because I learned it’s bad for people who have gastritis.  I might quit the chourição too because it is really fat. Then I’ll switch to some lean version of ham and keep eating it in sandwiches.

Other foods:

• I have quit my cereal. They will be a weekend treat now. Not a daily meal. I haven’t had them in over a week. I crave them but ignore it.
• I will eat eggs as I usually do, maybe I will start eating them for breakfast sometimes.
• I will have only one cup of coffee a day, because it hurts my stomach because of the gastritis. If I want more, I will allow myself one decaf, but just one, as it’s not very good for you.
• I quit cookies and candy, they will only be a part of my diet occasionally. I will leave them for when I have my period and crave chocolate, for when I go to the cinema (popcorn) or for parties or special occasions.
• I quit soda as well. I love coca-cola. I might allow myself to have a can a week.Or leave it for special occasions.
• I quit juice as well, as I am running away from sugar. I will make an exception for 100% orange or apple juice sometimes, for breakfast but not with my meals.
• I will keep drinking tea, with honey or stevia, never sugar.

 

I guess I covered everything guys? Did I? Please tell me if I’ve forgotten some food groups or foods in particular that you would like to know about. I intend on sharing “what I ate today” posts and recipes. Would you like that?

I would love tips and comments about your own diet in the comment session. Please tell me, what do you eat? Are you a healthy eater? What are your bad food choices? What can’t you stay away from?

I hope you like this post!!

(Monica from One way to health, tell me if I’m eating right, girl!)

Love you guys!

xo

(Featured image is from my boyfriend’s veggie garden, taken by him)

Health for days journal – Day 1 (planning)

Good morning dear friends,

It’s 07.55 a.m and I couldn’t sleep. That’s okay. I’m home, so I have plenty of time to take a nap later. I already had breakfast, made my list of to-dos for the day and now I’m about to write a very important post.

I told you I was going to leave work for a while and take care of myself, but I didn’t give you any details on what I’ll be doing over the next few weeks/months. Today I want to give you a general plan, so you know what I’m doing to improve my health and well-being.

Before anything else, I’m going to need to talk to my landlord and tell him that we are terminating my contract. I do not look forward to that conversation.

Then, I’m going to talk to my students and tell them I will no longer be able to teach them. I don’t look forward to that either. It kind of breaks my heart. But me first, right? Just for now.

Some of them have a few hours paid in advance so we need to decide what to do about that.

But this is today/over the next few days.

What’s going to happen in general?

Dietary changes:

• I will do some research today and come up with a diet plan that is suited for people with depression, taking into account my weight issues and stomach problems. After that I will outline a meal plan/shopping list that meets my needs. My goal for this period is put as many nutrients into my body as possible, change my bad habits and lose excess weight.
• The weight loss will certainly help my depression and anxiety in many ways, as I will feel and be healthier, more confident and will suffer less from stomach, back and knee issues.
• I will also increase my water intake, which is so low this time of year.

 

Exercise:

• I will try to do something every day, even if it’s just a short walk. I will certainly swim when I go to the city, do some YouTube videos (random, I think, but mainly yoga, Pilates and Zumba) and just try to keep moving, even if it’s just doing chores at home.

 

Sleep:

• I will try to establish a good sleeping schedule, going to bed early and getting up early too. I will rest as much as possible, allowing myself a little more than eight hours a night and occasional naps. The goal is to be 100% rested and revitalized when I get back to work.

Happiness plan:

• Rui and I established that I’m supposed to do as many of my favorite things during this period as possible, in order to switch my brain to happy and satisfied. That sad I will: Do crochet (I have a blanket I’m working on); read as many books as I can (I miss it so much); sing and listen to music; watch movies and series; get lost in some of those adult coloring books; meet my family and friends often; blog;
• I will also try to get out in the sun a little every day because I’m usually inside all day and I need to catch some air and get my vitamin D levels up;

Work:

• We are trying an approach where I will work ten hours a week, going to the students’ houses. It’s just two pairs of 10th grade siblings who need help with English and Portuguese. This was not a part of the initial plan, as I was supposed not to work at all, but I convinced Rui to let me work this ten hours. He’s not very happy about it, but I think, since he wanted me to focus only on myself and not about work, but the money is good and I’m more relaxed if I know I’m bringing in a part-time income, along with no longer having the office rent (which is quite expensive, almost as expensive as our house rent);

School:

• I only need to do three courses and then I finish my degree. I will, obviously not put this aside. I’m not sure I will be going to class, but I will be going in for tests, exams and presentations as well as do all of the assignments and readings;

Housework:

• I will happily take care of ALL housework during this period, as Mr. R is taking care of almost 100% of the expenses. I love cleaning and doing laundry and dishes and cooking, so I will be more than fine with this. I even consider chores a workout.

Doctor’s appointments:

• I will have a psychiatrist’s appointment once a month and a weekly therapist’s appointment. We are also going to ask for some exams, which I think my doctor’s should have ordered a long time ago, but haven’t. Just to rule out other health problems and to make sure I’m getting the best care;
• I will continue to take my medication every day, hoping it will be less and less with time. (I currently take 8 pills a day);

Blogging:

• I’ll keep blogging every day as I usually do, so you guys can follow my journey and hopefully feel inspired to take care of yourselves as well.

General care:

• I will try to be nicer to my body in general and take better car of my hair, skin and nails, that have been neglected for a long time! #moiturizerisyourfriend #whyamiusinghashtags?

I’m happy with where I’m at with my plans, and will do every possible thing in order to heal and get better. I will have the support of my loving, perfect husband (we are technically married anyway) and my dear friends and family. This should be fun!!

Today’s to-dos:

1. Talk to my students: Ery, Raphael, Sofia, Milene, Laís, Catarina, Ana, Filipa, Gustavo, Luís, Welton, Carla, António, Isabel;
2. Research dietary changes;
3. Cut hair; do a mask;
4. Talk to x about guest post;
5. Make waxing appointment for tomorrow (have gynecologist’s appointment on Wednesday and don’t want him having problems finding anything #queenofTMI);
6. Update “getting my shit together list”
7. Get to know 5 blogs and bloggers better. Dive into their blogs, read some articles, comment, like, support. I want my readers to know I’m their reader too.
8. Fold and put away laundry;
9. Change bed sheets;
10. Wash blankets from sofa (dog hair for days, that should have been the name of this blog)
11. Dust bedroom;
12. Put away dishes;
13. Do dishes;
14. Do a few loads of laundry;
15. Work out (try new?)
16. Watch movie (Casablanca) while crocheting;
17. Take it easy!!!

 

How are you taking care of yourself today? I would love if you would share in the comments!

Love. C.