We all have different approaches which is totally fine. For me, my approach has been - like @au0rei - to research info (and have found similar results) and focussing on really nourishing stuff as a way to 'love' myself. I have less meat, and a lot more fruit & veg (saves $$ too).
It's not just about cancer, nor punishing myself with 'rabbit food'. I'm actually learning to cook a range of new, delicious fresh foods that are full of flavour. I don't feel like I'm missing out. I had a Magnum ice-cream yesterday, no drama - because most of the time I'm eating healthy stuff.
Not only have I had some of the yummiest smoothies I've ever had, but I'm actually feeling better and sleeping better than before the diagnosis! My hands and feet keep warmer (probably all the ginger & garlic - good for the circulation) and actually my appetite is just better. So I plan on staying with the changes - for all the other benefits.
In a surprise additional benefit - my daughter is starting to experiment with more healthy food - following my example I suppose - and is getting over her phobia of leafy greens!
It must be really hard with family members that don't want any changes though. I remember trying to eat less meat when I was still with my X - he reacted as though I was asking him to donate a testicle to science.
Hahaha so funny about your X!
Yes I totally am with you @CellyK. My main motivation is after hearing about so many recurrences around me. It made me question why. Anyway I am not saying diet is the guaranteed way to go. I believe there are so many factors involved. But diet is certainly a great way to head since I do believe we are what we eat. We would not pump diesel or water into a Lamborghini, a simple principle on how we should feed our body well. I totally agree that since my diagnosis, it has been a positive journey learning so many new healthy recipes. My body is really happier. My skin has never been so smooth my whole life, I actually cannot believe it. My bowels have never been so regular! I just feel healthier in general, aches and pains are so much manageable (I used to sit in my massage chair so frequently due to those!). I really am sure a large part of this is due to a big shift in my diet.
My kids have picked up on my diet. I am learning to be creative (not easy!) in giving them healthy yet delicious food. I know it's not guaranteed perfect health ever after but I feel it's worth a try. I have never knew how important our diet is. I thought I was eating a good diet when I ate mostly cooked veges, carbs and meat for the past 40 years. I was not a fruit person but now I eat a lot more fruit besides vege smoothies and raw salads. I still take my carbs (red rice, black rice, brown rice, quinoa, pasta etc homemade if possible). I am also enjoying my new diet. We have cut out almost all animal protein (I really do love meat esp seafood but I believe it is more that I love the taste of meat rather than needing it) and heading towards an organic plant based diet as much as we can. When we do eat out once a week, the kids do get eat some meat. Occasionally I take some fish or even enjoy a slice of passion fruit tart at the cafe. They are actually really happy about their decisions to cut out animal proteins and dairy. I make sure we fill the gap - taking Vegansafe B12 - taking almond milk or organic soy for them to get protein and calcium....etc. Hubby is certainly resistant and I would cook some organic chicken or pork for him. But as a family, we are certainly making positive changes, compared to bad diet we had for the past years.
My radiotherapy oncologist agrees that not enough emphasis is put into educating cancer patients about diet change.
I have actually typed a whole big reply but could not complete it and lost it even though I saved it as draft. I have retyped and here's some videos that I hope you can watch for yourself. Again, I am not trying to preach something here. But I want to share and if you can benefit, I would be so happy. If you don't agree, that is cool too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PkJ1MO-LNQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtnlwqEii2II read these books :
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cancer-After-How-Avoid-Recurrence/dp/149609736Xhttps://www.bookdepository.com/China-Study-T-Colin-Campbell/9781932100662I also make sure I get at least 8 hours of sleep daily nowadays. I hope to be able to maintain this lifestyle because I am truly happier. To be honest, going through cancer has made many positive changes in my life. And it also made me more aware. I actually notice many friends around me who look very tired most of the time. And I wish they can start adjust their life style in terms of diet and rest. Don't wait for a sickness such as cancer to strike! Many of us are tired due to the diet we eat, and the little rest we get. I must emphasize that I am not being judgemental here, but this is what I observe.
Exercise (for fitness and detox) is definitely very important. But I would think diet is even more important. There is no point exercising very well and eat junk food every other day lol. Another area I strongly feel needs to change is our mind (stress, unhappiness etc). Next would be helping our body to detox. I read that cancer is toxicity and deficiency. It definitely sounded like me. xxx
