Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 39, September 28, 2020

 

Weekly Weigh In will go live every Monday, and it will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my thirty-ninth weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, September 28, 2020.

2. Weight: My weight went up about a pound and a half this week.  I am dealing with some bloating, so hopefully I will have a weight loss to report next week.

3. Health News: I averaged just over 7,900 steps per day last week.  I am hoping to get at least my 6,000 steps per day average this week, and will do so as long as I can be out and about.  I do best when I get in a daily walk or 2, so I am going to really push to do this even if the weather isn't 100%.

I am still waiting on my rheumatologist appointment and my mammogram appointment time.  I will let you know if/when those happens.  

I'm still dealing with insomnia and RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) at times, too.  Both seem to be worse if I don't get enough exercise, so I am really working on getting the exercise I need daily whenever possible.

Other than those things, I am doing well for the most part as long as I follow my dietary rules.  I am happy about that.  It's no fun to have to be so strict, but not having a racing heart rate or elevated BP is worth it! :)

4. Diet News:   I have noticed that if I don't get at least 3 proper meals a day that I also have issues with arrhythmia.  I can have high fiber/protein snacks or not, but not eating breakfast, lunch and dinner really mess with me.  I also do best if I have nothing after dinner (which I do best eating between like 5pm and 6pm) other than the almonds I take my Coreg with.  It is definitely interesting for sure.  

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For nearly a year now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue.  He had been doing very well, but now we seem to have taken several steps back recently.  It has been very frustrating for all of us.  We met with the general surgeon today and got a game plan in order which you can read about here.  If you'd like more of a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, same as it's been - crazy busy.  We've been averaging around 2 medical appointments per week lately, and that's been a bit insane.  We've already had one this week, and may have another 1 or 2 before the week is out.  We shall see!  Other than that and school, we have a few fun things planned for the weekend if at all possible.  Hopefully everything will pan out!

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Family Favorites - September 2020: German Potato Salad (Soy, Wheat, Nut, Fish, Egg and Milk-Free)

 

I decided to keep posting a family favorite recipe from the blog (with any adaptions that we use regularly, if applicable) on the fourth Friday or Saturday of every month this year.  {Sorry for the late post!  Life has been more than a little crazy lately!}  This recipe will be one that we make quite often and that we all enjoy greatly.  This post is the ninth Family Favorites recipe of 2020.

If you have a recipe on your blog that you consider a family favorite that you'd like to share, please comment below with a link to the recipe, and I'll make sure to pop on over and visit your site to check it out (and leave a comment), and hopefully some of my other readers will, too.

This month's Family Favorite recipe is German Potato Salad.  This is essentially just a reposting of my original recipe with a a few tips and tricks added in.

The same reasons that make this a family favorite are the same reasons that make this a great recipe for a get-together - it comes together quickly, it can make a little or a lot, it is top 8 free (if all your ingredients are), and it is warm and comforting.  The flavor profile is a bit like BBQ potato chips, so if you like that flavor, this recipe is for you!

German Potato Salad

3 Cups potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces

(We use red or Yukon gold potatoes, but you can also use russets.  If using russets, you'll want to peal the potatoes, but red or Yukon gold potatoes do not have to be peeled.)

1/2 lb. allergy-friendly ham or bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces

(We like to use Hormel Natural Choice bacon or ham for this.)

1/2 Cup green, red or white onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces

(Use whichever onion you prefer, but we tend to prefer either the green onions or white onion.)

2 Tablespoon water

1/4 Cup gluten-free vinegar

(We use apple cider vinegar, but you can use distilled white vinegar or a wine vinegar, but I would not recommend balsamic.)

3 Tablespoons white sugar

(We always us cane sugar for this.)

1 teaspoon salt

(We always use Pink Himalayan Sea Salt.)

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 Tablespoon parsley flakes

1. In a large stock pot, boil your potatoes until cooked to desired done-ness, drain and cool.  (Note: I like to cook my potatoes for about 20 minutes - that's from the time I turn the water on, NOT from the time the water boils.  Generally, 20 minutes gives me fork-tender, not mushy potatoes.  I would check them at 15 minutes, check them to see if they are done, and then - if they are not to your liking - every 3 to 5 minutes until they are to your liking.)
     
2. If using bacon, fry it in a large skillet until desired done-ness (you can also bake it in the oven), remove the bacon from the skillet/baking sheet, and reserve 1 to 2 Tablespoons of bacon fat, and set cooked bacon off to the side on a paper towel to drain - you won't need it again until step 5.  (Note: You can cook the bacon whole or already cut into bite-sized pieces - the choice is yours.  I find baking the bacon works better with it whole, and frying the bacon on the stove top works better if it is cut into pieces.)
     
3. In a very large skillet, use the 1 to 2 Tablespoons of bacon fat (if you are not using bacon or don't have bacon grease, use a fat that works for your allergen needs instead) to cook the onions until tender.  If you are using the ham, brown the ham with the onions in this step.   (Note: I have used each different type of onion - red, green or white - depending what I had on hand, and they all work beautifully.  You can use a mix of a few if needed, as well.)
     
4. Add the water, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper into the skillet with the onions (and ham, if using) and bring the mixture to a boil.  (Note: I have used distilled white vinegar and apple cider vinegar for this dish.  My favorite is by far the cider vinegar.)
      
5. Add the parsley and the potatoes (bacon, too, if using vs. ham) into the skillet mixture, stir well, and heat through.
     
6. Once everything is heated through, transfer to a serving dish or crock pot and serve warm.

Makes about 4 servings.

Variations (Please keep your specific dietary/allergen needs in mind when using variations!):

• Using Ham and Bacon: If you want to use both ham and bacon, you certainly could.  You could use 1/2 lb. of each or 1/2 lb. total - whatever you fancy.
     
• Bacon on Top: If you want your bacon to stay crispy, sprinkle it on top of the dish vs. mixing it in in step 5.  You can also mix half in and crumble the rest on top - the choice is yours.
    
• Fresh Parsley vs. Parsley Flakes: If you want to use fresh parsley, you may.  Just reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon vs. 1 Tablespoon.
     
• Alternative Sugars/Sweeteners: White sugar adds a very distinct taste to this dish, and I'm not sure brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, Stevia or any other sweetener will work right flavor-wise for this dish.  However, if you wish to try it, you may.  Just substitute according to the recommendations on this chart.
    
• Make Ahead/Less Prep: You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and use ready-to-serve bacon or precooked bacon for this recipe with success.  Just start assembling/cooking the potato salad from step 3.

I hope you will give this recipe a try soon and that it becomes a family favorite for you, too!

Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 38, September 21, 2020

 

Weekly Weigh In will go live every Monday, and it will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my thirty-eighth weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, September 21, 2020.

2. Weight: My weight went down just over half a pound this week.  I wish it were more, but I'm just glad it is a weight loss and not a weight gain.  Let's hope it continues!

3. Health News: I averaged just over 8,700 steps per day last week.  I am hoping to get at least my 6,000 steps per day average this week, and will do so as long as I can be out and about.  I do best when I get in a daily walk or 2, so I am going to really push to do this even if the weather isn't 100%.

I am still waiting on my rheumatologist appointment time.  I will let you know if/when that happens.  

My insomnia and restless leg issues are still bothering me off and on again, though I feel like the sleep I do get is good sleep, and my heartrate/BP is not waking me as much (I definitely feel like my heartrate/BP is doing much better at night overall).  Hopefully, I'll find something to help with the insomnia/RLS soon since I can no longer drink cherry juice to help with it.

I was supposed to have a mammogram today, but that did not happen due to not having my old films to compare to.  I will be getting the mammogram rescheduled as soon as they have my old films.  Hopefully that will be soon.

4. Diet News:  Nothing new to report here.  I feel like I am doing well, and I feel really good if I follow my dietary rules.  I hope this trend continues.

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For nearly a year now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue.  He had been doing very well, but now we seem to have taken several steps back recently.  It has been very frustrating for all of us.  If you'd like more of a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, we plan on getting out and enjoying the beautiful autumn weather as we can, but we definitely have a busy schedule this week.  Our middle kid has his EEG tomorrow (he can only have 4 hours of sleep, so it's going to be a long night), and the boys and my hubby may be helping my folks with a big project at the end of the week.  We'll see how it goes.  Never a dull moment!

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Recent Reflections - September 2020: The Upcoming Unknowns

 

This is the ninth Recent Reflections post of 2020.  Recent Reflections goes live the third Friday or Saturday of each month. {Sorry for the late post - it was a busy week!}  Each Recent Reflections post covers something that I'm reflecting on.  If you'd like to share a post with a similar theme, feel free to leave a comment with a link to your post, and I'll hop on over and leave a comment (and maybe some other readers will, too).

This month, I will be reflecting on the unknowns that are up and coming. 

2020 has been quite a year.

COVID-19 turned everything on its head, and it is still affecting so many things.  There are so many questions floating around right now.  Will we reach herd immunity on our own?  Are we already at herd immunity and don't know it?  Will there be a resurgence soon?  Will we have a vaccine?  Will said vaccine be safe?  Will we ever get back to normal?  There are thousands of unknowns surrounding COVID-19, but I know I can trust those to God, and just live my life responsibly to the best of my ability.  

We have an election coming up.  No one knows what will happen.  Will we wake up with the same president or a new one?  Will we even know who the president will be when we wake up?  Will there be riots?  Will there be protests?  Will there be more division?  Who's to say.  But God is still there, He is ultimately in control of all situations, and I will trust Him with this unknown, too.

My middle kid is coming up on a year of mysterious health issues.  He has his good days and bad days.  He is facing possibly having his gallbladder removed (we consult with the surgeon in a little over a week).  He is having an EEG to see if he's been having seizures in a few days.  He is facing more labs and possibly more tests and maybe even a specialist or 2.  We pray for his healing, but also trust God to do what is ultimately best, so we accept that God's best may not mean an easy road for our son nor healing.  God has a plan for our son and for us, and we will rest in that.  God will provide the answers that are needed...and no more.  That is a rough reality some days, but there is peace in seeing God giving His peace to Sean and that brings peace to our hearts as parents.  Sean trusts the Lord completely and isn't worried, so why should we be?  I know he gets scared - he is still human - but to see his faith strengthens mine.  God is always there in the darkest of hours, and He loves our son more than we do, too, so I know He can be trusted in all aspects of Sean's life.

I am still dealing with my own health issues.  God has given wisdom, and I have mostly good days, but it is a trial to keep it that way.  There have been so many dietary changes and rules.  I have a referral in to see 1 specialist, and I could end up seeing 2 or 3 more.  There are times I am downright scared.  There are times I cry with frustration.  In those moments, my God whispers to my heart, "I'm right here.  It's going to be ok."  Those moments bring such peace.  Oh, I know I may not be ok.  I may have a less than wonderful diagnosis awaiting me, but that is not for me to know today.  Today, I am to trust God.  Even if that day comes, I am still to trust God.  Somehow it will still be ok, even if it is not.  I can't explain that truth, I just know it is so.  It has always been ok, even when it hasn't been, because God is there with me.  He is truly all I need.

So many people I know right now are facing health issues of their own or of a close friend or family member.  They are struggling, and it breaks my heart.  I praise the Lord, though, that so many of these friends and family members love the Lord and lean on Him.  I have seen God's peace in their lives, and it is such a comfort to know that they feel that peace.  I pray for them all, and I ask mostly that God will send comfort and grace, and that they will know He is there.  It makes all the difference in the world.

I am struggling with keeping up with this blog lately due to all the things my family has been juggling lately, mostly due to health issues.  I am struggling to figure out new recipes because of all of my new dietary restrictions and to get my features posted on time (I do apologize for that, too, by the way).  It has been hard for me to balance life with blogging in general, and I'm coming to the realization that I may have to put some things with my blog on hold for awhile.  It is something I will be praying about, and I will let you all know my plans for the blog by year's end.  I have no intention to discontinue this blog for now, but I may have to come up with a new plan for it (features less often, namely).  We'll see.  I don't want to disappoint those who rely on some of this information (namely the allergy information and recipes), but I have to do what is best for me and mine, too.  I know God will give me wisdom in even this, and I will trust Him in this, too.

If you are facing an unknown situation, and you're a Christian, I encourage you to give it over to the Lord.  Let Him lead you.  He won't steer you wrong.  {If you're not a Christian and have no idea what I'm talking about, take a moment to read this.  If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to me, and I'll do my best to answer your questions.}

I truly hope this post has been a help to you, or at the least made you stop and think a little.

Maybe you want to share something in comments that God has done in your life recently to bless you as a means to be an encouragement to others during these trying and difficult times?  Feel free to do so.  Positivity and blessings are always welcome!  

What are you reflecting on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 37, September 14, 2020

  

Weekly Weigh In will go live every Monday, and it will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my thirty-seventh weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, September 14, 2020.

2. Weight: My weight went down one and a half pounds, putting me officially under 220 again (I'm just under 219 lbs. now).  I'm thrilled!  Here's hoping the weight loss keeps up.

3. Health News: I averaged just over 6,900 steps per day last week.  I am hoping to get at least my 6,000 steps per day average this week, and will do so as long as I can be out and about.  I do best when I get in a daily walk or 2, so I am going to really push to do this even if the weather isn't 100%.

I got the official report on my ultrasound.  I still have 2 small cysts (one per ovary), but that's much better than the 7 I had before.  I take this to mean that my cysts come and go.  As long as they don't get huge or cause me a lot of pain, I'll be just fine.  I'm not sure if I'll have to have an ultrasound again in future, but (from the sounds of it) I shouldn't have to unless I have more pain.  Here's hoping that doesn't happen!

I am still waiting on my rheumatologist appointment time.  I will let you know if/when that happens.  

I am still having some insomnia and restless leg issues off and on again, though I feel like the sleep I do get is good sleep, and my heartrate/BP is not waking me as much (I definitely feel like my heartrate/BP is doing much better at night overall).  Hopefully, I'll find something to help with the insomnia/RLS soon since I can no longer drink cherry juice to help with it.

4. Diet News:  I am doing better in this area.  I've made some purposeful choices to add dark, leafy greens were possible, and I'm really focusing on eating less sodium and no added sugar or fruit or junk/carbby foods (healthy carbby food like potatoes or rice or certain veggies are allowed, but only if I have a whole lot of protein to offset them) of any sort after 5pm.  I find that I have a lot less heart issues (racing heart or elevated BP) this way during the middle of the night, so I sleep more restfully when I am able to sleep.

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For 11 and a half months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue.  He had been doing very well, but now we seem to have taken several steps back recently.  It has been very frustrating for all of us.  If you'd like more of a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, a very busy one is planned, and not so much with "fun" things (I suspect a doctor's appointment or 2 will be added to the schedule, too).  At least we're to have some nice weather vs. all the rain we've had lately, so we hope to get out and enjoy the autumn-like temperatures at least a little bit while we can.

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 36, September 7, 2020

 

Weekly Weigh In will go live every Monday, and it will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my thirty-sixth weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, September 7, 2020.

2. Weight: My weight went down two and a half pounds.  I'm thrilled!  Here's hoping the weight loss keeps up.

3. Health News: I averaged just over 10,100 steps per day last week.  I am hoping to get at least my 6,000 steps per day average this week, and will do so as long as I can be out and about.  I do best when I get in a daily walk or 2, so I am going to really push to do this even if the weather isn't 100%.

My TeleHealth with the OBGYN was short and sweet.  He says that my issue seems to have resolved.  I am not exactly sure what that means, if the cysts are gone or not growing or what, so I'll will let you know when I get the official report.

I am still waiting on my rheumatologist appointment time.  I will let you know if/when that happens.  If by chance the referral does not go through and I don't get to see the rheumatologist, I will speak with my doctor about next steps.  I'm finding that if I don't stick very strictly to my dietary needs, I have issues with racing heart, and even some elevated blood pressure (and I've never had high blood pressure - it has always been great or almost borderline low).  Anyway, we'll see how things go with the referral, and I'll keep you posted.

I am also having some insomnia and restless leg issues off and on again.  It's not too bad, but it is definitely enough to frustrate a person!

4. Diet News:  I am still struggling for variety, and now I have to watch my salt intake as well as my carb/sugar intake.  It makes things interesting to say the least because there is a fine line between too much salt and too little salt, and even the time of day matters for the salt and anything carb (I pretty much can have nothing too salty after 3pm, and no form of sugar - including honey, fruit or grains - after 3pm, either).  I'll figure it out, but it's going to take time.  It definitely makes for some rough nights when I get it wrong, I tell ya!

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For 11 months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue.  He is having a few issues here and there, and we're waiting on some things yet, but otherwise he is pretty stable (as long as he takes his medication).  We'd like to be able to figure out what the source of the issue is so that he can go off the medication if at all possible, though.  If you'd like more of a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, it's back-to-{home}school week, so it's going to be a bit insane.  Hopefully, all will go smoothly.  We shall see!  Other than school, not too much is planned as of yet, but I have a feeling it won't stay that way.  At least we won't be bored! :D

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!