The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at the @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news and a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See the rules here.
This past week arrived with a smack in the face on Tuesday at my annual physical. My high blood pressure has gotten higher, my heart is having to work too hard to pump blood, and I have prediabetes. So my response is: “It’s been fun, carbs and sugar, but I’ve gotta let some of you go.” I’ve known people who have lost limbs and gone blind due to diabetes, and I am not going there. The doctor suggested a lower-carb diet (not keto or low carb). I’m supposed to keep carbs to 100 and below. So I have done that pretty much the past three days. Bread, cakes, and cookies will be the first to go. I’m in search of a low-carb bread now. I’ve ordered some lower carb cookies/bars to replace sweet snacks for now. My carbs will come in the form of vegetables and fruits. I can still have chocolate occasionally. I have no desire to do keto. Been there, done that. It resulted in temporary weight loss that I couldn’t sustain. A hundred carbs a day is something I can keep up forever. I’m approaching my exercise in moderation by starting out small: 15 minutes a day of walking, and going up from there. With the exception of YESTERDAY.
Yesterday I learned how truly out of shape I was. As I mentioned before, I had started some tomato and pepper seeds inside under a grow light, and my plants were finally ready to transfer to the garden. I started out saying I was going to do the planting by myself because Doug was busy working on the car. I found myself taking hours, as I had to rest in between each planting. Doug ended up finishing the car and coming to help me complete the garden. Never again will I let myself get so out of shape!
LAST WEEK ON BONNIE READS AND WRITES
Monday: I did a review of Prayers for Prodigals By James Banks
I also did a blog tour/review for Midas by Alan Meredith
Last and most important: I did a tribute to my Uncle, Wayne Jenkins, who died in Vietnam
Tuesday: I reviewed The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden
Saturday: For Self-Published Saturday, I reviewed Desperate Tides, Desperate Measures by Brett Salter.
NEXT WEEK ON BONNIE READS AND WRITES
MONDAY: I’m posting my review of Surviving the Wilderness by Maggie K. Black
On Friday I plan to review The Eleventh Commandment by Mary F. Burns
On Self-Published Saturday I will review an audiobook: The Scarlet Forest by A.E. Chandler
BOOKS I PICKED UP ON NETGALLEY LAST WEEK
Audiobook: The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver
Sweet Land of Liberty: A History of America in 11 Pies:
Little Red House by Liv Andersson
Bonnie Reads and Writes 
So sorry it was such a bad start to your week, and scary, but it sounds like lots of good will come from it!
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Yes, I am determined to avoid diabetes!
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I’m sorry the news wasn’t better from your Dr but at least you have a plan that you feel comfortable following. Great haul of books! Have a wonderful week ahead.
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Yes it’s working well so far. I have a hard time resisting books on Netgalley, no matter how huge my TBR might be.
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Thank you for the update, Bonnie. It’s good that your doctor was able to catch some warning signs early.
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She’s kinda been warning me for a while, but when she said “prediabetes,” she got my attention.
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Take care of yourself, Bonnie. You’re doing a great job, and I sure appreciate it. My best to you and yours. 🙂
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Thanks. I’m trying to head this off at the pass. Of course I procrastinated til the last minute.
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I started Paleo a few years ago and when I stick too it my weight is good and my blood pressure is good. When I start eating breads again everything goes up. I am also trying to get into a regular routine of walking and working out. Every time I am on track I either get sick or the schedule changes, but we will get it under control! Enjoy your book haul and have a great week!
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I found a great low carb bread. I’m controlling carbs and calories, and making sure I don’t eat between meals.
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Not the kind of drs appt any of us wants, but at least it has inspired you to make healthy choices. Hope you find some low carb bread that you like. I hope you have a good week!
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I did find some. Lewis’s brand, both regular and Hawaiian. Zero net carbs.
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I’ve had to cut back on carbs too. Diabetes runs in my family so I can relate. And bread is hard for me to give up. Good luck with your changes and I hope it goes well. Your Ashley Weaver book looks great, I really liked the book by her I read a few years ago.
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I found a bread from a company called Lewis’s that has zero net carbs. It’s really good.
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It’s nice that there are options like that out there now, makes it a bit easier. 🙂
Have a super week!
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Yes I gained weight during covid / back injury and I’m struggling with it now. I hate it. What can be shocking is how many carbs fruit has. I wish you the best. I really enjoyed A Rip Through Time.
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
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Thanks. I wish you the best as well. Since I used to do the 20 carbs a day, 100 sounds pretty good.
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You are off to a good start. Glad you found the healthy food choices you need. I know you are determined and you will turn this around.
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Thanks Louise!
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Good luck with your health issues. I’m going through some similar stuff too and I know it can be really hard.
I’m looking forward to reading your reviews. Your books look really good.
I hope you have a great week!
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Thanks Yvonne!
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Sorry you have to go on a low-carb diet. I did it for a year. It was hard at first, but it does get easier. And, there are a lot of got alternatives to eat now. 🙂
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Yes it really is hard but you are right, there are a lot of products out there to make it easier.
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Ugh. I’m sorry to hear about your health. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease and am trying to cut out gluten. I didn’t think it would be as hard as it is, but they put gluten in everything! I hope your journey gets easier and you see results at your next appointment.
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Good luck with your health and fitness plan. One hundred carbs a day sounds easier to stick with than low carb or keto. Hope you enjoy your new books!
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I’m so sorry about your news, but I know you can beat this! Sometimes we all need a kickstart to become a bit healthier. I love your new pink headers, they really stand out.
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Thanks Wendy! I wasn’t sure about that shade of pink.
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Good luck with your new regimen. Starting slow with walking is a good thing. Little by little you will feel addicted to it and will want to do more and every day. II hardly ever use sugar in cookies, but use cinnamon instead (which is also excellent for your blood sugar level) – put some on your coffee.
I found it hilarious that you have a book here with a pie on it, lol
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I think when we let things get past the point where we feel comfort we all have a Come-to-Jesus moment where we decide to change things and do things differently. I hope your new resolves work for you to accomplish your goals.
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Thanks Deb. Yes, I’m sorry I waited this long but that was definitely a Come-To-Jesus moment.
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So sorry about your health issues. I hope you can find a way through those. This year I myself finally gave up ALL grains as well as sugar and it was hard at first, but now I’ve gotten used to it. If you can get through a month or two I think it gets easier. I know that isn’t much consolation now!
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I’m sorry the news wasn’t great at your physical but I’m glad you’re making sustainable changes. My husband works in the heart cath lab and gets frustrated when he sees the same people coming in over and over again because they can’t or won’t make lifestyle changes. Their quality of life suffers for it.
Good for you for starting slow with your walking and planning to build up as you get stronger. I think that’s the best plan. One of my friends has decided to start working out again for the first time since covid. She’s trying to pick up right back where she left off 2 years ago and I see her struggling with motivation because her workouts are just too hard for where she is right now.
Good luck! You can do this!
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Thanks Jen! My doctor sad the same. Take small steps.
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Hi Bonnie! So sorry to hear about your high blood pressure. I know how terrible it can be! Good for you for taking a firm stand to take care of yourself. It will be worth your benefit. Luckily you have all those great books to read to help distract you!
Have a good week and thanks so much for stopping by earlier.
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Thanks! I appreciate all the encouragement.
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I’m so sorry to read about your bad start of the week. But it sounds like you’re doing very well in changing things around. Good luck and happy reading.
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Eat a lot of veggies and exercise regularly, moderately. That’s what I would recommend. Please delete my previous comment.
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Thanks Hien!
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