5 a Day, Flowers and Dental Hygiene

Week one of our 4 week challenge is complete - 100 oz of water per day was consumed by me. I admit it was a little more difficult than I thought. I figured it would be a breeze since I drink water almost exclusively. The weekend was especially challenging. I imagine it was for the same reasons we all struggle with staying on track on the weekends. Our schedules are so much looser and of course, we want to treat ourselves. Without having that "drink so much before work" pressure by afternoon I was behind. I am proud to say I did complete the challenge and managed to lose .6 of a pound in the process. I plan to continue keeping track of my water, but not push myself quite as hard. I am aiming for between 70-100 oz. per day.

Our challenge group has moved on to Week 2 of our 4 week challenge. The goal for this week is to eat 5 servings of fruit/veggies each day. Personally, I am trying to eat more veggies than fruit because fruit is a super easy grab and go for me. Veggies take more planning.

I did not plan so well when I had this giant sandwich for lunch (actually,I brought half home for my husband). I was so stuffed and none of it counted toward my fruits and veggies.

I ended up having a salad for dinner to get in 3 cups of greens and more fruit. The lettuce and spinach were  from my garden. I have had two good pickings so far and have had enough to share with my sister and a friend. My husband took the opportunity to remind me that fruit has no place in salad. And although I vehemently disagree, this particular salad did have a little too much fruit (a cup each of cantaloupe and red grapes).

Sadly, I didn't have room for the mac n cheese my husband and niece were having because I was cramming for my fruits/veggies challenge. I know, I know, that is the point - fill up on good food. There is definitely something to be said for focusing on adding things to your diet ( diet meaning the food you eat) not what you are taking away. Perhaps, if you are eating good healthy foods you will just naturally have less room for the junk.

In the spirit of fruit/veggie week I found myself at the local Feed and Seed store to pick up some more plants for the garden. I love this Rainbow Chard. I had a few plants a couple of years ago and forgot about it until I saw the plants today - so pretty.

I bought purple and white eggplants. Someone forgot to tell me I don't like eggplant. One of these days I will like it. right? I do think it is one of the most beautiful veggies though with its smooth shiny skin..

I also bought a few pepper plants - sweet red and yellow bell, banana and a poblano.  The will join the jalapenos already planted.

This afternoon, I caught Millie behind the couch with a couple of "treasures" she snatched from the trash can. I swear the radish was mine and the M&Ms were my husband's! Nice to know we are teaching our pup balanced eating :)

I am loving iris season. When I bought my house almost 10 years ago it had a bunch of iris in the front yard. Those iris are still there and I have since added a few colors. One of these days I need to dig them up and redo the beds, but for now I am enjoying their bold colors!

It has been a rough week for our little Zommie. Last Thursday we noticed her face was very swollen. My husband took her to the vet and they found an abscessed tooth. They treated her with antibiotics, gave her pain medication and scheduled a dental visit. Here she is on the way to the vet with no idea what is in store. I felt so guilty.

During her dental visit they cleaned her teeth and removed 18 "bad" teeth. Yes, you read that right  - they removed 18 teeth. I didn't even know she had that many!  I feel terrible that she had that mess in her mouth. And that boys and girls is what happens when you don't brush for 14 years! The vet said she will heal quickly and be back to her normal food in about a week. I was pleasantly surprised how spunky she was when be brought her home. So much so, I felt extra mean keeping her in her crate to rest. I think Millie really missed Zommie today and isn't entirely happy that she is not available to play tonight.

Ironic little side note about our little Zommie. We always say if she were a person she would be dental hygienist. She sneaks up as close to your face as possible. Then when you open your mouth to tell her to move she quickly tries to lick your teeth.

Hope your week is off to a good start.