As a breast cancer survivor and a mom, I know how I look at food is important. It will determine how my child sees food as well. As such, I have to consider health in everything I do. Most especially I think of health in my view of food as a cancer survivor and mom.
There are so many factors that can possibly contribute to a cancer diagnosis (or any diagnosis for that matter). I’ve learned that diet is one thing you can control when it comes to health.
Therefore, it’s so important to me to determine how I am going to teach my daughter how to view food.
I’ve noticed there are two paths people tend to go with diet after a cancer diagnosis.
One path is to eat very clean and strict (my grandfather went this way, but that’s another story).
The other path is to eat whatever they want. They just enjoy life, because…well…we’re all going to die anyway.
I’ve learned that with most things in life, the middle road or balanced road is almost always the best choice (for me anyway).
The “Best” Diet Plan is…The One You Stick With
Vegan. Vegetarian (with or without eggs). Keto. Paleo. The Caveman Diet. The Gluten Free Diet. Atkins. The Mediterranean Diet. Macrobiotic.
The list goes on and on as to what the best “diet” is and there are countless to choose from.
The best answer I’ve heard to the question of “What’s the best diet?” is “The one you will stick with”.
In general, I try to avoid processed food as much as possible and incorporate vegetables and/or fruit with every meal.
I do eat meat but I don’t eat it everyday and with every meal (like how I was raised).
I limit the amount of red meat I eat to once or twice a month.
Organic is expensive and can be hard to find. But I will try to buy organic when possible.
Overall, I once asked a certified nutritionist what she thought was the best diet. She said it was about balance. Particularly, it’s important not to cut out a food group completely. And the more variety of food you eat, the more different kinds of nutrients you are getting. I can certainly dig this way of thinking.
I can’t Fully Block Sugar and “Bad” Carbs from my Baby
Sugar and starchy carbs are something I definitely monitor. It’s not just for health reasons such as blood sugar levels and weight gain, but also for tooth health.
However, I know that it is nearly impossible to completely cut out sugars from my daughter’s diet. For one thing, her father definitely does not look at food like I view food.
Basically, her father will indulge in everything and restricts nothing. So when she is with him, he will feed her whatever. Whether it’s from a drive through or an ice cream truck, nothing is off limits. Although he is aware of what I want, unfortunately, during his time with her, he will give her what he wants.
At a recent pediatrician visit, I was surprised when my child’s doctor gave her a lollipop at the end of her visit. Candy is often a treat many people will offer her, whether it’s family, friends or teachers.
It’s hard to take a lollipop from her hands when other kids are eating it in front of her. And let’s not forget about Halloween. Yes, sugar and sweets are and will be a constant temptation.
Dangers of Denial and Why I Choose Balance
When I was a kid, my younger brother was diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). At this time (in the eighties) there was research that showed that diet affected kids. There was a correlation with sugar in particular. My mother decided to restrict our diets by taking out all treats.
I can attest that being denied sweet treats made me want it more. Something about completely denying it must have created an even bigger craving. Which is why I am careful not to completely deny sweets.
I’m walking the balanced road.
I don’t deny my child (or myself for that matter) sweets but I do watch how much and how often. And when we do indulge, I make sure to remind her to SAVOR. That’s how I came up with the title for my blog.
Whenever I enjoy a special sweet treat with my daughter I tell her, “Eat it slowly. Smell it. Look at it. Feel it. Savor it.”
I hope you truly enjoy every meal you partake in. And I hope it also nourishes your body and soul. And as always, I hope you Remember 2 savor!
