Studies have shown that eating lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains while avoiding red meats can lower the chances of cancer coming back for individuals who were previously diagnosed. We have to do everything we can to live the healthiest and longest life possible.
A good typical breakfast includes whole grain cereal, berries, tea and vegetable juice. A good lunch would include a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, fresh fruit and vegetables and nuts. For dinner, perhaps a grilled or baked chicken, turkey, or fish and water to drink.
“Meatless Mondays” (going meat free one day per week) would also be beneficial for one’s health because it means taking in less saturated fat, less cholesterol and lowering your risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. There are so many meatless recipes online and even restaurants have items on the menu with good veggie options. Some of my favourite meat-free meals include fruit and granola, grilled vegetable pesto panini, tomato basil pasta salad and Asian sesame vegetable stir fry and rice. If you like to cook, enjoy using some new ingredients and combinations in the kitchen.
It’s not until we’re reminded of the fragility of life that we start grabbing onto it with both hands. The worst thing you can do with a life-threatening disease is sit around all day waiting for the next test. You need to go out there and try everything and live as healthy a life as possible. You cannot just sit around waiting for results to happen if you do not put in the work.
We continue to fight for cancer and we are always looking for volunteers to join the fight. It takes a simple reminder of the ones we have lost and the ones still fighting to know how important giving really is. We may not have a cure yet, but we are buying individuals more time.
Ivana Topic is a volunteer with Canadian Cancer Society, Quesnel branch.