Tag: healthy

Finding the Best Chocolate Protein Shake: My Reviews – Part 2

Today we are going to taste Fairlife Core Power and Muscle Milk.

First up … Fairlife Core Power. This one has 170 calories, 26 G protein, 8 g carbs, 2 g fiber, and 5 g sugar. It is very creamy and has a nice chocolate flavor. I really liked this one. 4 stars.

img_8131
img_8132

Muscle Milk – sounds like something that a body builder would drink, doesn’t it? It has 170 calories, 25 G protein, 11 g carbs, 6 g fiber, and 0 g sugar. I had high hopes for this one. First, the smell is not pleasant. It smells like medicine. While it starts out creamy, it quickly turns chalky. It lacked a chocolaty taste. I had two sips and I was done. This is a pass for me. 0 stars

img_8147
img_8148
img_8149

Is there a “health” food or healthy recipe you would like me to try or compare? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Stepping Into My GLP-1 Journey: A New Chapter Begins

I’m officially standing at the start of something new—and I feel genuinely excited about it.

Beginning my GLP-1 journey isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about taking control in a way that feels intentional, informed, and long overdue. After a lot of research, reflection, and preparation, I’m ready to focus on getting healthy, not chasing perfection, but choosing progress.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to is simply moving better. I want my body to feel like a partner again, not something I have to fight with. Less knee pain is high on my wish list—because when movement hurts less, life opens up more. Walking becomes possible. Energy comes back. Confidence grows.

And yes, I’m excited to make myself a priority.

Not someday. Not after everything else is handled. Now.

As part of this journey, I’m starting a walking program, something gentle but consistent—movement that fits into real life and supports long-term health. I’m also continuing the healthy eating and movement plan that’s already been working for me. Since December 15, 2025, I’ve lost 11 pounds, and that matters. It tells me I’m capable. It tells me I can trust myself when I commit.

There’s also room for small, surprisingly hopeful goals—like trying (and maybe even liking!) cottage cheese. It might sound minor, but embracing new foods and habits is part of building a healthier relationship with my body and my choices.

This GLP-1 journey feels like a tool—not a shortcut, not a magic fix, but support. Support as I keep showing up for myself. Support as I build momentum. Support as I choose health, mobility, and strength for the long run.

I’m proud of where I’m starting.
I’m excited about where I’m going.
And for the first time in a long time, I’m doing this—for me.

It is a start

Last month I began preparing to take better care of myself. I met with my doctor, had a thyroid scan, and met with a wellness coach. I believe I have a good plan in place to lose some weight and get stronger.

I see the doctor again next week. He may or may not put me on a GLP-1. I wanted to start this journey for several years and have done extensive research into using GLP-1s to assist with weight loss. I have been reading up on things to do to minimize side effects.

Yesterday I had a good discussion with my wellness coach. I learned a lot from her in that one hour call. For example, I am on the right track in adding more protein to my diet. I am also on the right track with cutting down on coffee and it’s companion poisons – sugar and artificial creamer. I have switched over to drinking tea either green or black tea. I allow myself one 50 cal probiotic soda but I have not had one every day. It is a treat. I drink mostly water now.

This week I started doing squats. Every hour while I was at work I did 10 squats. I did this for two days and by the third day I was in quite a bit of pain and discomfort. The wellness coach told me that it was lactic acid buildup in my legs and that I should drink more water when I do squats. She said that the water will help flush away the lactic acid. I plan on trying that on Monday .

I plan to keep a record of my journey here and will update as things move along. I have already lost 5 pounds so I am feeling more positive that I can do this than I ever have.

Let’s do this thing!

Have you had the cold?

Down here on the SW Florida coast, there is a cold, virus…crud going around. Mike came home with it two Friday’s ago. Two days later, I started with it. It was weird. The symptoms were exactly the same for us both, just two days difference.

They were:

  • Sore throat
  • Extreme sinus/nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Exhaustion
  • Body aches
  • Cough (starting as non-productive then becoming productive)

I started with it on Sunday. I spent Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in bed. No appetite. On Wednesday, I saw the doctor and he put me on antibiotics. Thursday, Friday, Saturday showed much improvement. It is now Sunday and I am feeling a lot better. We both still have the cough but that will go away soon, I hope.

I am susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia, so I was lucky this time. This all started with someone coughing all over him at work.

Things I ask, without infringing upon your “freedoms”:

  • Cover your mouth when you cough
  • Cover your face when you sneeze
  • If are sick and you can, STAY HOME
  • Wash your hands
  • Use hand sanitizer

Good luck out there.

Thanks for reading.

My Lingo CGM is bossy!

Today, after indulging in some candy to see how it would affect my glucose count, my CGM (I shall call her Lingy) got bossy and told me I had to do 20 squats! What a bossy pants. I moved into a corner near my desk and completed all 20 squats. Kind of proud of myself!

The harpooned whale

So, my Lingo CGM (continuous glucose monitor) arrived. I prepped my arm and placed the sensor. It did not hurt at all. I did, however, bleed like a harpooned whale.

So far, my levels have been between 76 and 110. I can’t wait to see how it goes tomorrow. Here is a photo of the sensor showing the needle.

It’s been a while.

I can’t believe it has been almost 8 months since I last posted. Where have I been? To be honest, no where. I’ve been in quite a funk lately – mentally and physically. I recently decided I needed to do something about that.

First, I started reflecting on my mental health. What is keeping me stressed and depressed and what can I do about it?

With the current state of the world, it has been hard to think positive about the future. It doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you are on. I have friends and family from all walks of life and I love them all no matter what. What I don’t like is the amount of hatred that is out there. I’ve decided that I am going to spread positivity. It is amazing how people react to an unexpected smile or a kind gesture from a stranger.

I’ve been dealing with family health issues on both my side and my husband’s side of the family. I find myself stressing. We are so far away from both sides of the family. Sadly, there is nothing I can do. So, I just pray. God must be up there thinking. “Oh no, not her again” LOL. Not really, He has been good to me.

I’ve also started to invest in my physical health. I looked into vitamin B12 shots and, after extensive research, started getting weekly shots. Well, it’s only been 2 shots so far, but it seems to have made a difference. Both my brain fog and severe exhaustion have lessened. If you ask my husband, he will say my energy has exploded. (I haven’t been caught singing and dancing in the passenger seat of the car in years. Today, I had a ball).

I’ve also been interested in how my body reacts to different foods and activity. I am awaiting my first CGM (continuous glucose monitor) delivery. They should be here on Monday. I plan to wear one for the next month and track how different foods affect my glucose. This will help me choose foods that are less likely to spike my blood sugar. More on that journey in a future blog.

I am feeling better and have more energy. I am hoping to share some insight and tips with anyone interested.

Please share any tips that have helped you.

Thanks for reading!

GOALS!!!!

Goals have been set.

Check off those goals

I met with the registered dietitian last night. I think it was a good session. We came up with three doable goals for the next two weeks.

Goal 1: Since my step totals have fallen off and I haven’t been hitting 5000 steps lately, we decided to set a goal for 5000 steps each day. I hit 5105 yesterday. Today, at 4:45 PM, I already have 5135 steps.

Goal 2: Since Physical Therapy is helping, my second goal is to continue with it AND to do my PT home exercises every day. So far, so good.

Goal 3: Continue tracking my food and posting pictures on the Nourish. Easy, peasy.

I’m feeling pretty good about those goals.

Thanks for reading!

I am ready for change!

I’ve been working on eating healthy and moving more. I am currently having physical therapy once a week to help with my lower back arthritis.

I have been so frustrated with my goal of getting healthier and moving better. I often feel like the rusty tin man. My joints don’t want to unlock. I’m tired of feeling this way and I am working on a plan for change.

Besides physical therapy, I have been getting massages again. Not the nice, relaxing massages. These massages have improved my flexibility so much. My therapist, Wendy, has found a way to unlock my knees. It hurts like hell while she is doing it and for two days after, but it is working.

I will be meeting with a nutritionist tomorrow after work to get some assistance. I will share what I learn and give updates on my progress.

Thanks for reading.