How Was Your Week? Buddha Belly and Fado

If we were having coffee, I’d confide this week I had three social engagements, which also involved food therefore adding a further strain on my already bulging waistline. Fortunately, I have only grown about 1kg since the 18th of December (checks mirror for growth of Pinnocio’s nose). Considering all the naughties I’ve consumed over the last six weeks, I’m counting my blessings that it’s only a kilo-ish, even if I do resemble a laughing Buddha.

Diet and Exercise—I’ve probably not piled on the pounds as I have maintained my exercise routine thanks to the FB Group ‘WLWA50 – DAILY EXERCISE CHALLENGE‘. Maintained my healthy eating regime as far as possible and have become more mindful of Ultra-Processed foods as and when I can. I’ve been discussing my food journey on my Foodie Friday posts.

Foodie Friday: Let’s Talk About Ultra-processed Foods

Have you got dodgy knees? Sue, in the Exercise Challenge FB group, reminded me of these exercises, which I will try in February to help strengthen the muscles around my knees. I have difficulty walking up and down stairs. I must overcome this.

Mindfulness …This week, I noticed an advert in our local area promoting Yoga for Seniors. Interesting, I thought, then immediately contacted them to book my space. And yes, I could participate without getting down on a mat or contorting my body into a pretzel. I could use a chair. ‘Great, book me in‘, I said, excitement oozing from every pore in my body. ‘Sorry, the classes haven’t started yet. You’re the first person to register. I’ll let you know if we have enough interest.” We will see. I never got a positive vibe from her tone. Sigh. I’m desperate to learn how to practice yoga to help me de-stress.

Four days later, much to my surprise, I received another call. ‘Mrs. Carole. The yoga starts on Tuesday.’

Health Goals for February:

I’m continuing with the goals I set back in January with the minor additions of keeping a food diary to monitor my bloating Buddha belly and drink more water

• Exercise – Keep exercising despite feeling about as enthusiastic as a slug slithering on salt
• Diet – maintain the 80/20 and continue to research and eat healthy foods. I will not set myself a weight loss goal, but I will speak to my doctor about my lack of sleep. Apparently, you lose weight while you sleep. Is that fact or wishful thinking?
• Food diary – After chatting with a health food fanatic, we touched on Buddha Bellies. When I told her my Buddha appeared and disappeared like the Gene from the lamp, she asked me if I had a food intolerance. Gluten made her bloat, and she suggested I keep a record to help identify potential triggers. Hmmm… methinks that is a good idea so I will keep a food diary during February. Something must cause the bloating.
• Drink more water. (Note to self: Wine does not count as water.)

52 NEW RECIPES – Are you in a recipe rut?

One of my NY resolutions was to broaden my food repertoire and try a new recipe every week. This week I’ve tried four!

Olive Bacon and Cheese Bread. – DISGUSTING!

We were SO disappointed. Even though I went to great lengths to source quality ingredients, we threw it away. Although the bread was moist, it tasted dry in the mouth. Strange

Stir Fried Cod with Mango – GOOD

This is an old recipe I’ve had in my recipe file for years. The only thing I would change is to leave the bacalhau (COD) pieces whole rather than cutting them into pieces as they disintegrated.

Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella DELICIOUS!

This dish was so simple to prepare and cook that it will definitely feature on our meal planner on a regular basis. Tip: ensure the cooked spinach is thoroughly drained within an inch of its life before using. It is so delicious that I would serve it for dinner guests once I’ve mastered the presentation. Unfortunately, the photos do not do the dish justice.

Chocolate, Banana and Walnut Oat Cake

I featured it here

Food On Friday – Is Baking With OATS a Healthier Option?

Absolutely delicious!

I’m also linking up with WellnessReimagined a monthly link-up focused on health and wellness in 2025.

FADO

I have started listening to Fado again as part of my drive to learn Portuguese. Last night, a fadista performed at our local bar/restaurant. Unfortunately, Fado is hard to sell to most of my friends, and Mr. Piglet said he would rather slit his throat. Luckily, a German and Irish friend were keen, and we had a great evening! I understood very little, but the fadista’s voice was so powerful, and she expressed the words with such emotion that words ceased to matter.

I once likened Fado to Marmite.

FADO – is like Marmite!

Is anyone else familiar with Fado? What are your thoughts?

That’s it for this week, folks.

For more #WeekendCoffeeshare blogs pop over to Natalies for link-up