WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday has been WONDERFUL.  In fact the week so far has been WONDERFUL.  I feel blessed to be getting much done after being unable to work for close to two years.  Feet issues then back issues. Thankful I am doing better.  I will continue to work at turning loose of more weight.  A vegetable and fruit day on Thursday maybe Friday as well due to a splurge today by eating Banana Ice Cream with pecans and walnuts mixed into it.  

Skipped the waffle cone, but I bet I ate 1500 calories from Cold Stone. Will check on that.  Gulp.  It may make me sick after I find out.

Sizes of cups at Cold Stone are Like It, Love It, Gotta Have it.

• Like It ^® - approximately 5 oz.
• Love It ^® - approximately 8 oz.
• Gotta Have It ^® - approximately 12 oz.

Because this was my SUMMER ICE-CREAM DATE with Hubby, I pigged out with a GOTTA HAVE IT at approximately 12 oz. of ice cream before walnuts and pecans were mixed in.  

OKAY BRACE YOURSELF...760 calories this afternoon at Cold Stone plus pecans and walnuts mixed in.  Pecans about 200 calories a handful and 195 calories for walnuts.  Gulp.  

760 + 200 + 195 = 1155 calories in one short swoop.  That's enormous.  Tomorrow for sure a low cal day full of vegetables and some fruit.  No dairy, meat, grain or fats.  I can do this. 

I will have to justify what I ate today and find something great about eating what I did.  I was reading about the benefit of walnuts.  Walnuts are primarily made up of protein and polyunsaturated fat. They contain a relatively high percentage of omega-3 fat, which has been linked to various health benefits.

Walnuts are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals. These include copper, folic acid, phosphorus, vitamin B6, manganese, and vitamin E.

• Copper. This mineral promotes heart health. It also helps maintain bone, nerve, and immune system function.
• Folic acid. Also known as folate or vitamin B9, folic acid has many important biological functions. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy may cause birth defects.
• Phosphorus. About 1% of your body is made up of phosphorus, a mineral that is mainly present in bones. It has numerous functions.
• Vitamin B6. This vitamin may strengthen your immune system and support nerve health. Vitamin B6 deficiency may cause anemia.
• Manganese. This trace mineral is found in the highest amounts in nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Vitamin E. Compared to other nuts, walnuts contain high levels of a special form of vitamin E called gamma-tocopherol.

Walnuts are one of the richest dietary sources of antioxidants. These include ellagic acid, ellagitannins, catechin, and melatonin.

• Ellagic acid. This antioxidant is found in high amounts in walnuts, along with other related compounds like ellagitannins. Ellagic acid may reduce your risk of heart disease and cancerTrusted Source.
• Catechin. Catechin is a flavonoid antioxidant that may have various health benefits, including promoting heart health.
• Melatonin. This neurohormone helps regulate your body clock. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that may reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Phytic acid. Phytic acid, or phytate, is a beneficial antioxidant, though it can reduce the absorption of iron and zinc from the same meal — an effect that’s only of concern for those following imbalanced diets.

In fact, many studies show that eating walnuts may combat risk factors for heart disease by:

• lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol 
• reducing inflammation 
• improving blood vessel function, thus cutting the risk of plaque buildup in your arteries 

Walnuts are a hearty nut that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can help with maintaining a healthy weight and healthy cholesterol levels. They are the nut highest in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid, which is great for your heart. 

THAT's saying quite a bit about WALNUTS.  I wonder what benefits there are in eating PECANS and bananas?

Pecans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help lower blood pressure. Most of the fat found in pecans is a healthy type called monounsaturated fat. Eating foods with monounsaturated fat instead of foods high in saturated fats (like potato chips) can help lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

Antioxidants are known to help protect the body against disease. The scientists said that all nuts have good nutritional qualities but walnuts are healthier than peanuts, almonds, pecans and pistachios.

Pecans contain dietary fiber, which is great for your digestion because fiber helps your body cleanse itself of toxins. They also contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Research shows antioxidants reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. 

Well....I shouldn't feel quilty about eating walnuts and pecans.  Bananas either.  If I only have Banana Ice Cream twice a SUMMER than I think I should be alright.

As for nuts...I believe I should eat small amounts every day for health benefits.  This is WONDERFUL to know.

On the HOME FRONT

TODAY I HUNG NEW CURTAIN PANELS in two of our bedrooms.  Yesterday when we were at Menard's, I spied faux silk curtain panels that were on CLEARANCE for a very low price of $7.99 plus tax for 2 panels in a pack.  WONDERFUL!!!  Needed 6 packs altogether.  BUDGET FRIENDLY.  $48.oo plus tax for two Bedroom window treatments.    

Grey panels for the Vintage Bedroom where the walls are grey with white trim and Sky Blue for the Master Bedroom where the room is white.  Nice colors that will work in the Bedrooms here that no longer have their pretty lace panels because I used them in the COTTAGE.  

Pleased to get the lace panels and the faux silk panels hung up.  Later I'll purchase decorative curtain rods for the COTTAGE to doll up the rooms.  Maybe at the end of the month.  The sooner the better. 

I have been a blowing and a going the past two and a half weeks.  Wishing I was already finished with clearing out the COTTAGE Bedroom.  Almost there.  A l m o s t.  Perhaps by the end of next week??? 

Tonight after looking at the new faux silk curtains upstairs in this house, I decided to shuffle the Master Bedroom's Dresser, the Tall Boy and a chair.  Was thinking about turning the four poster bed a different direction, but after thinking more about it, the bed will stay right where it's at. 

Going between the two houses has kept me busy.  No matter where I am, I have things to do.  Tomorrow...I will work on more laundry.  A have to.  The pile is growing by leaps and bounds.  

Finally I found some WOOLITE at TARGET.  Never have I had so much trouble finding WOOLITE!  I'll be washing baby clothing later in the month.  Lots and lots of baby clothing.  

I will continue to gather things around the house to donate to GOODWILL, Salvation Army, God's Storehouse or the Thrift Store.  AND away it goes.  It needs to go quickly so I have accomplished this decluttering.  Tadaaaah.  

THIS EVENING while driving through the Park, I saw a beautiful bird standing so still he was barely recognizable.  He was majestic.  A Great Blue Heron.  Didn't have a camera to snap his image.   One of God's beautiful creatures.   

Instead of being controlled by so much BAD news, I believe I need to focus on nature and health benefits of foods that God has made for us to enjoy.  Also making a our house a HOME to relax in and make into a HAVEN.

This was a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!

d👵