Nutrition and Lifestyle
A number of you have reached out recently to check in since I haven’t posted anything new since the January appointment. I haven’t posted anything because there’s nothing new to share. And that’s a really good thing!
Surgery went so well last year, so it’s likely I’ll be in this period of waiting between 3-month appointments for some time. GCT tends to be a marathon, not a sprint.
And, ironically, I’m running the Wilmington Half Marathon tomorrow because, truly, I feel great!
It has now been over a year since my recurrence was diagnosed, and consistently I hear from people things like, “You look great” or “You seem to be doing so well.”
And it’s true. I am doing so well.
The conversation then often turns to questions related to what I am eating and what lifestyle changes I’ve made in the last 12 months.
It is my opinion that the subject of nutrition and lifestyle is a complicated one, and I believe what is best for one person’s body is not necessarily what’s best for another person. However, this is where I am currently. I’m all about consistency, so it’s easy for me to share with you my typical routine.
I still have one cup of regular coffee every morning. The one change I have made is that I now put just the tiniest splash of half and half in it - no creamers, not even all-natural creamer.
I have a heaping tablespoon of almond butter (no added sugar or salt) every morning as my first food. Always. I even found some great individual packets that I can slip into my computer bag while traveling.
I do 30 minutes of weights, stretches, and yoga.
Then I go for a walk/run for 60 minutes or more depending on what my training schedule has for the day.
I come home and eat a banana, a couple of teaspoons of plain yogurt with a tablespoon of Seven Sundays Rise and Shine Mix. I also drink a ginger shot from Trader Joe’s most mornings.
The rest of the food I consume regularly can be characterized by these “rules”:
No pork, beef or poultry
Lots of fruits and vegetables
Minimal gluten, dairy, sugar or processed foods
Though not food, supplements are a big part of my nutrition routine.
I have chosen to eat the way I eat and exercise the way I exercise because it’s a healthy lifestyle - whether or not one has cancer. I can tell you, though, it’s a lot easier to stick to the program knowing what I now know. A brownie isn’t really a temptation, and I don’t look for excuses for not exercising.
I go back to Duke April 22. Hopefully there really won’t be much to say after that appointment, either.
Until then I’ll continue to enjoy fresh produce that’s available year-round while eagerly anticipating fresh-picked strawberries and blueberries that are coming soon!
