Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 43, October 26, 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 forty-third weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, October 26, 2020.

2. Weight: My weight went down just over a pound this week.  I wish it were more, but I'll take it! :)

3. Health News: I averaged just under 6,000 steps per day last week.  I'm disappointed I didn't reach my 6,000 steps per day average, but I hope to do so this week (if the weather behaves - we've had a LOT of rain).  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%.

Still no word on my rheumatologist appointment.  Since I'm feeling good as long as I follow my rules, I'm going to just wait and see what happens here.  If I suddenly start having more issues, I'll contact the doctor again and see if I should see a cardiologist for now and then keep trying for the rheumatologist appointment in future.  I'll keep you posted.

I would say that I'm doing pretty well overall.  I am still dealing with my quirks now and then, but other than that, I really can't complain.

4. Diet News:  Nothing new to report.  I'm finding that having some dark, leafy greens daily really helps me feel pretty good, though, so I highly recommend them!  If you find they are hard to eat on their own, definitely put them into a fruit smoothie.  I promise you cannot taste them!

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For over a year now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue that has been very frustrating to pin down (we're still trying to figure out exactly what's going on).  He is starting to have more daily issues, especially when it comes to the nausea and headaches.  His doctor goes on maternity leave soon, so most of the decision right now are on the general surgeon, and that general surgeon, along with changing up some meds, suggested a second opinion by another surgeon in his office before we go any further.  We will have that appointment next week.  If you'd like more of a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, it is going to be a bit busy, but next week will be way busier.  I'm just hoping the weather gets a bit nicer so I can go out and enjoy the fall colors while we still have them. :)  We'll see!

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 - October 2020: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pecan Muffins (Wheat, Fish and Milk-Free, Can Be Nut, Soy and Egg-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.  This recipe will be one that we make quite often and that we all enjoy greatly.  This post is the tenth 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 Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pecan Muffins (Wheat, Fish and Milk-Free, Can Be Nut, Soy and Egg-Free).  This is essentially a reposting of my original recipe with a few tips and tricks added in.

This recipe is a family favorite for a number of reasons.  I like it because the smell reminds me of Thanksgiving and family, it tastes a lot like pumpkin pie, and I am a huge fan of pecans.  My family likes it because they like the pumpkin and pecan combo.  Eating these is kind of like having dessert for breakfast, and that's always a bonus. :)  They are also wheat, fish and milk-free (if all your ingredients are), and can be nut, soy and egg-free (see variations).  If you are a fan of pumpkin and pecans, you'll definitely want to try this recipe!

Note: The gluten-free flour I recommend does not technically contain soy, but it does contain xantham gum (see "Soy-Free" under variations for more details) which can cause issues for people with soy sensitivities or allergies.  Also, not all gluten-free bread crumbs are soy-free.  For these reasons, I will not claim that this recipe is soy-free.  I will share a soy-free alternative in variations, though.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

4 Cups gluten-free gluten-free flour

(We normally use and highly recommend Namaste Gluten-Free Perfect Flour Blend.)

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt
(We normally use and highly recommend Himalayan Pink Salt.)

2 Tablespoons to 8 teaspoons gluten-free pumpkin pie spice
(We normally use and highly recommend McCormick brand.)

1 Cup chopped pecan pieces
(If you can get raw pecans, those are best, but unsalted and roasted pecans are ok, too.)

1 Cup extra virgin olive oil

1 Cup white sugar
(We always use and highly recommend white cane sugar.)

1 Cup brown sugar
(We always use and highly recommend brown cane sugar.)

1/2 Tablespoon to 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract

4 eggs

1 can (15 oz.) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

pecan halves for decorating (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 325^oF.
     
2. Line muffin tins (30 to 36 count) with liners.
     
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and pecan pieces and set aside.  (Note: Most spices are gluten-free by default, but you'll want to double check to make sure that your pumpkin pie spice is.  Also, the amount of pumpkin pie spice you use is based on personal preference.  We prefer the 8 teaspoons, but if you find that too much spice for your liking, use the 2 Tablespoons or even go down to 1 1/2 Tablespoons, if you wish.)
     
4. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, sugar and vanilla until well-blended.  (Note: The amount of vanilla you use is based on personal preference.  We prefer the 2 teaspoons.)
     
5. Add the eggs and pumpkin to the sugar mixture and mix until well-blended.
     
6. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and mix until well-blended. (Note: You do not want to over-mix this.  I generally mix it until all the flour is moistened, and then stop.  It is ok if there is some bits of flour visible, but you don't want large streaks of flour.)
     
7. Evenly distribute the batter between the lined muffin cups and then top each muffin with a pecan half, if desired.  (Note: I find that 30 muffins is perfect for this recipe, but if you want to make the muffins slightly smaller, you could definitely stretch this out to 36 muffins.  Also, if you want the muffins to have a smoother appearance, then smooth out the batter before baking.  I am ok with a more rustic look, so I didn't do that with mine, so it definitely is not necessary.)
     
8. Bake muffins for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick stuck into a center muffin comes out clean.
     
9. Cool muffins in pans on wire racks for 5 minutes before transferring the muffins directly to the wire racks to finish cooling.

Makes 30 to 36 muffins that can be enjoyed hot, warm or cold with equal deliciousness.

Variations (Please keep individual allergen and dietary needs in mind when using variations.  Thank you!):

• Soy-Free: Namaste Gluten-Free Perfect Flour Blend does not claim to contain soy, but it does contain xanthan gum, which can cause issues with people who have soy sensitivities and allergies.  For this reason, I will not claim that this recipe is soy-free.  You can use a soy-free flour (if you can have wheat/gluten) or soy-free, gluten-free cup-for-cup of your choice.  Keep in mind that if your gluten-free flour doesn't contain guar gum or xanthan gum, you may need to add between 1 to 4 teaspoons of ground flax seed, guar gum or xanthan gum to help with textural issues, too.  You'll have to make sure all your ingredients are soy-free, too.
    
• Other Nut or Nut-Free: You can sub walnuts or pumpkin seeds for the pecans or you can leave the pecans out entirely if you can't have nuts.
    
• Egg-Free: Use an egg replacer in place of the eggs.  For ideas on what to use in place of the eggs, check out my ingredient substitutions page.  The flax seed "egg", pumpkin or applesauce replacement would be a good fit with these muffins.
    
• Mix-In Ideas: If you like chocolate chips with pumpkin, you can add a Cup in (Enjoy Life is a great allergy-friendly chocolate).  If you like cranberry with pumpkin, you can add a Cup of dried cranberries (such as Craisins) in.  You could even add a Cup of bite-sized pieces of apple (I'd recommend a tart one like Granny Smith, and peeled or not is your choice).  You could use any or all of these, and even use them with one of the nut substitutions above.  Pick your fancy!
    
• Loaves vs. Muffins:  If you are more a fan of loaves vs. muffins, you can turn this recipe into loaves.  Just grease two 9x5 loaf pans, evenly distribute the batter between the two pans, top with pecan halves for decoration (like a line down the middle length-wise) if desired, and bake for 6o t0 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.  You will need to rest the bread loaves in the pans for 5 minutes before attempting to remove them from the pans, and then remove them from the pans and cool the loaves on wire racks before enjoying.

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

Recent Reflections - October 2020: Upcoming Changes

 

This is the tenth Recent Reflections post of 2020.  Recent Reflections goes live the third Friday or Saturday of each month. {Sorry for the late post - time got away from me!}  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 some upcoming changes.

First, let me apologize for the lateness of this post.  Time got away from me, and I was simply unable to get this done on time.  Hopefully, next month I will have it posted on time. :)

Secondly, and the main reason for this post, I wanted to let you know about my plans for this blog.  Don't worry - I don't plan on discontinuing it or deleting it.  However, I have the need to change focus a bit, and things in this space will be changing.

My plans, as of now, are to continue Weekly Weigh In, Recent Reflections, and Family Favorites until the end of the year.  After that, I am going to discontinue them.  I still want to do an update on my health journey for those family and friends who follow it, but it will be less often.  I still plan on sharing my thoughts on things that are near and dear to my heart, but it will be less often.  I will also still share recipes, but it will be less often.  Truth is, I may end up taking a bit of a hiatus before continuing again in 2021, but we'll see.  I may even decide to go with some completely new features with no set schedules - who knows.  I'll keep you posted. 

For those of you who have been following, you know my middle kid is dealing with some health issues.  You also know that I've been dealing with some health issues.  We've also had a host of other things crop up that, along with those other 2 things and homeschooling, have stretched me a bit thin.  I have to prioritize, and my family has to come first, and I do hope you understand.

I am not sure what the future holds for us, but it is looking increasingly more complicated health-wise which is why I have to put this space on the back burner.  I am hopeful that I will be able to carve out the time needed to pay at least a little attention to this space, but it definitely won't be what it was.  I have plans for updates, for new recipes, and so many other things, but they won't be done quickly or even soon.  As soon as I feel like I can do them and do them well, though, I will do them.  That I can promise. :)

I am sorry that I can't balance the blogging world with my life at present.  Maybe in time I will be able to get back to a bustling schedule here, but that will be in the distant future if it happens.  I do hope you understand, and I do hope that you will keep me and my family in your prayers as we navigate the unknowns of health issues right now.  Thank you!

If you have something that you wish to share or ask in comments, please feel free to do so.  You can also send me an email, and I will get back with you ASAP.

What are you reflecting on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 42, October 19, 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 forty-second weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, October 19, 2020.

2. Weight: My weight went up about a pound and a half this week.  I know it is in part from not being as active as I had been, and I am also dealing with some water retention.  I have every confidence that I will be back on the weight loss track again next week if I follow my rules.  Here's hoping anyway! :)

3. Health News: I averaged just under 7,000 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%.

Still no word on my rheumatologist appointment.  If the referral is denied, then I am planning about asking to see a regular cardiologist (the one I tried to see before only dealt with cardiac issues that required invasive procedures) for now and see if they have any recommendations as I am still dealing with some minor symptoms if my diet isn't 100% correct or I've dealt with any amount of stress outside of the norm (sometimes even within the norm).  We shall see, and I'll keep you posted.

I would say that I'm doing pretty well overall.  I am still dealing with my quirks now and then, but other than that, I really can't complain.

4. Diet News:  No complaints here.  I'm starting to get into a groove here, so that's good.  I just have to really watch that I don't overdo the salt (that's a fine balance) if I want my water retention to be under control and my heart to behave.  Most of the time, I do really well, though.

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For just over a year now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue that has been very frustrating to pin down (we're still trying to figure out exactly what's going on).  He is starting to have more daily issues, especially when it comes to the nausea and headaches.  We are waiting for the results of the HIDA scan, and then we will make a game plan.  If you'd like more of a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, our oldest has started his online courses, so that's adding another element to our weekly crazy.  So far, so good.  At least we have no appointments scheduled this week, but I know that could change.  We'll see how it goes.  Overall, though, this week should be more normal and less chaotic.  Let's hope so, anyway! :)

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 41, October 12, 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 forty-first weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, October 12, 2020.

2. Weight: My weight went down nearly 2 lbs. this week.  I am thrilled, and hope this trend continues.

3. Health News: I averaged just over 9,800 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, but hope to hear something about that soon.  If the referral is denied, then I am thinking about asking to see a regular cardiologist (the one I tried to see before only dealt with cardiac issues that required invasive procedures) for now and see if they have any recommendations as I am still dealing with some minor symptoms if my diet isn't 100% correct or I've dealt with any amount of stress outside of the norm (sometimes even within the norm).  We shall see, and I'll keep you posted.

My mammogram was normal, so that's a great thing!

My insomnia and RLS are still improving.  I'm thrilled about this!

I am still having some times where I feel like I'm dealing with silent migraines or issues with my legs not wanting to work properly (I don't know how else to explain it - it's like I have to concentrate on how to walk or I walk very stiffly/oddly.), but I honestly feel like I am doing rather well overall.  

I am definitely to the point where I've mostly gotten used to these oddities, though I have days I am more bothered by them.  I will talk to my doctor about them the next time I see her (which isn't any time soon right now, but I will schedule something if things become bothersome or if the rheumatologist appointment falls through), and we'll see what she thinks.

4. Diet News:  I am doing well on this front, and I am getting more used to all the quirks surrounding my diet.  I have noticed that I must get some form of greens daily, and I do best when I have fruit in the morning (smoothies are my friends!).  Those are good things to know, for sure.

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For just over a year now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue that has been very frustrating to pin down (we're still trying to figure out exactly what's going on).  He is starting to have more daily issues, especially when it comes to the nausea and headaches.  We are waiting for the results of the HIDA scan, and then we will make a game plan.  If you'd like more of a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, another busy week!  So far, we only have 1 doctor's appointment scheduled, but that could change - we normally have at least 2 per week as of late.  We have other things going on as well, so we definitely won't be bored!  Next week may be a little less intense, but we shall see!

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 40, October 5, 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 fortieth weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, October 5, 2020.

2. Weight: My weight went down about a pound this week.  I'm glad it is headed back in the right direction, and hopefully it will stay on this trend!

3. Health News: I averaged just over 6,700 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, but I was able to get my mammogram scheduled for later this week.  I'll keep you posted on both fronts.

My insomnia and RLS seem to be a bit better.  Hopefully, they will continue to improve.

Other than those things, I feel like I'm doing pretty well overall.  I have some times where I feel like I'm dealing with silent migraines or issues with my legs not wanting to work properly (I don't know how else to explain it - it's like I have to concentrate on how to walk or I walk very stiffly/oddly.), but I really can't complain.  I guess there's part of me that's gotten used to these oddities.  I will talk to my doctor about them the next time I see her, and we'll see what she thinks.

4. Diet News:   I am doing ok here, I believe.  Nothing new to report, really.  I guess that's a good thing! :D 

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For 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.  He is having more testing done this week, and then we'll make a game plan from there.  If you'd like more of a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, it's going to be crazy!  We already took a day trip as a family (a much needed time away!) today, and then the end of the week has a few appointments, not to mention school in between.  Gonna be busy, but 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!