Bretta
08-03-2005, 10:06 AM
Hi y'all. I have a friend who I'm not real close with but our husbands are good friends.
She has recently undergone breast cancer surgery (removal of one breast) at the age of 39. She has elected not to go through chemo or radiation as her lymph nodes were clear of cancer. So, the doctor told her to change her diet, but he didn't really give her any guidelines (kind of an "I'll get back to you on that" thing). She asked my husband who then threw the ball in my court. Now, this is a VERY country family, who cooks southern style. They eat junk constantly (their five year old is always walking around with Cokes and Little Debbies, any time of day or night!!! Yikes!). I know a radical change is what they need, but I'm not sure if it will stick if they don't just start simply. I have composed a letter to her, but wanted to get input here first. I know she needs to go PSYCHO with her health and juice and do lots of cleansing, but I just don't think she would go for that. They are also a lower income family, so any special equipment would be hard to swing (although I'd certainly be willing to share whatever I have, be it little!). Can y'all think of any other really vital info for her...keeping in mind I don't think she would stop cooking or eating meat altogether?
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Dear _____,
I’m glad you asked about nutrition. I’ve been on my own “journey” to eating healthy for the last six months and have learned so much (and lost 50 pounds to boot!). I’m attaching several things I’ve printed off the internet, but don’t let it overwhelm you. If I were you, I would just start with a few simple “rules” for yourself.
Eat lots of raw, fresh fruit and vegetables (especially lots of dark, leafy greens, like spinach, kale, collards, romaine lettuce, etc. – skip the usual iceberg head lettuce, it has no nutritional value!)
Eat very little meat – instead have nuts and seeds (sunflower, sesame, flax, etc.)
As much as possible, eat your veggies/fruit RAW– cooking destroys the very healthy and needed enzymes in our foods.
No sugar (this one is tough, but you can do it!!! If I can, anyone can – I haven’t had sugar for six months and I was a sugar ADDICT)
Avoid processed foods and stick with whole natural foods
No white flour products – eat only whole grains (be strict with yourself on this!)
Avoid white rice, use brown instead
God has given me the strength and grace to make these changes and more in my own life. He will help you do what needs to be done. Try to get your family to make some of these changes with you (mine haven’t gotten “there” yet, but they at least tolerate not having junk in the house). If you have Little Debbies, candy, chips, soft drinks in the house it will be harder for you. Your family will benefit from not having these things around too. Mine tend to get those things if they are out away from me and that’s okay, because I’m still doing what’s best for all of us at home. If you feel stuck and need some motivation or some new recipes to try, call me! I love trying new things so have lots of good raw recipes. I’m very excited about the changes in my life because I FEEL soooooo much better – I have more energy, never have headaches anymore, never have indigestion, sleep better, my skin is softer – just lots of great benefits, so I’m ready to talk about it whenever someone asks as well - just call!
Bretta
She has recently undergone breast cancer surgery (removal of one breast) at the age of 39. She has elected not to go through chemo or radiation as her lymph nodes were clear of cancer. So, the doctor told her to change her diet, but he didn't really give her any guidelines (kind of an "I'll get back to you on that" thing). She asked my husband who then threw the ball in my court. Now, this is a VERY country family, who cooks southern style. They eat junk constantly (their five year old is always walking around with Cokes and Little Debbies, any time of day or night!!! Yikes!). I know a radical change is what they need, but I'm not sure if it will stick if they don't just start simply. I have composed a letter to her, but wanted to get input here first. I know she needs to go PSYCHO with her health and juice and do lots of cleansing, but I just don't think she would go for that. They are also a lower income family, so any special equipment would be hard to swing (although I'd certainly be willing to share whatever I have, be it little!). Can y'all think of any other really vital info for her...keeping in mind I don't think she would stop cooking or eating meat altogether?
************************
Dear _____,
I’m glad you asked about nutrition. I’ve been on my own “journey” to eating healthy for the last six months and have learned so much (and lost 50 pounds to boot!). I’m attaching several things I’ve printed off the internet, but don’t let it overwhelm you. If I were you, I would just start with a few simple “rules” for yourself.
Eat lots of raw, fresh fruit and vegetables (especially lots of dark, leafy greens, like spinach, kale, collards, romaine lettuce, etc. – skip the usual iceberg head lettuce, it has no nutritional value!)
Eat very little meat – instead have nuts and seeds (sunflower, sesame, flax, etc.)
As much as possible, eat your veggies/fruit RAW– cooking destroys the very healthy and needed enzymes in our foods.
No sugar (this one is tough, but you can do it!!! If I can, anyone can – I haven’t had sugar for six months and I was a sugar ADDICT)
Avoid processed foods and stick with whole natural foods
No white flour products – eat only whole grains (be strict with yourself on this!)
Avoid white rice, use brown instead
God has given me the strength and grace to make these changes and more in my own life. He will help you do what needs to be done. Try to get your family to make some of these changes with you (mine haven’t gotten “there” yet, but they at least tolerate not having junk in the house). If you have Little Debbies, candy, chips, soft drinks in the house it will be harder for you. Your family will benefit from not having these things around too. Mine tend to get those things if they are out away from me and that’s okay, because I’m still doing what’s best for all of us at home. If you feel stuck and need some motivation or some new recipes to try, call me! I love trying new things so have lots of good raw recipes. I’m very excited about the changes in my life because I FEEL soooooo much better – I have more energy, never have headaches anymore, never have indigestion, sleep better, my skin is softer – just lots of great benefits, so I’m ready to talk about it whenever someone asks as well - just call!
Bretta