First off, let’s get one thing straight. There are NO foods that prevent breast cancer or reverse a breast cancer diagnosis.
Period.
I don’t care what you read online.
I don’t care what your sister’s friend’s hairstylist’s massage therapist said.
I don’t care what you personally believe (that’s not entirely true, I DO care what your beliefs are and I respect them, but I’ll challenge the thinking that certain foods 100% prevent breast cancer).
Why don’t I care? Because regardless of what you come at me with, I will respond with science and facts showing we don’t yet have certainty about which foods prevent cancer with 100% accuracy.
Can science be wrong? Of course!
But based on what we know today in the breast cancer nutrition science world, there are very strong guidelines and recommendations on what to eat to support POTENTIAL recurrence risk reduction and improve survival.
There are no very strong guidelines and recommendations on what to eat to PREVENT breast cancer recurrence. While the American Institute for Cancer Research is committed to cancer prevention (for initial diagnoses of ALL cancers), and I am absolutely on board with that commitment, I’m not a fan of using language of such certainty in espousing that commitment.
Why You’re Second-Guessing Your Food
Due to all of this “uncertainty” and the way messages about what to eat are sensationalized, you’re likely to second-guess what you’re eating.
You thought you were eating healthy before your diagnosis. You probably weren’t exactly choosing foods that “prevent” breast cancer, but you ate salads (when you were dieting) and fruit, and when feeling especially committed, you threw in some meatless meals.
Now? You panic that eating one wrong bite will bring your cancer back.
So naturally, you course-correct by putting into place diet guardrails that feel protective; such as trying to eat the perfect estrogen-positive breast cancer diet
But guess what? That only ends up being restrictive.
Why Restrictive Breast Cancer Diets Backfire
Here’s how it shows up:
- You can’t imagine eating the way you’re eating “forever”
- It’s too hard and feels like your approach has to be different from your family and friends
- You feel like you can’t eat and drink like you did before your cancer
- Booze, fried food, junk food. . .you miss it
- You’re eating healthier only because of the cancer, not because you want to
- Admit it, you love potato chips and chocolate, ideally eaten at the same time
- You try following a certain diet that limits “bad” foods, but have trouble staying consistent
- One day you’re “good”, the next you’ve fallen off the wagon
- You feel sad, mourn your “old life” and miss the freedom to not worry about every food you put into your body
- Honestly, you’re just sick and tired of thinking about it.
What you really want is to eat without feeling deprived. You want the ability to make a food choice and feel good, not guilty about it.
What to Do Instead to Reduce Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk?
Use these ideas to get you started. . .if you need more help, let’s chat about how I can help.
Learn nutrition and food facts
Understanding how nutrition helps you thrive while supporting your breast and overall health allows you to make food choices with confidence. It also teaches you there’s room for eating occasional treats without feeling awful about it.
Gain strategies for optimizing your diet in a way you can maintain for life
Having a go-to repertoire of recipes, stocking your pantry with “feel good” foods, learning how to socialize and dine out without it being stressful are just a few of the strategies that can help you eat with peace for life.
Final Thoughts on Reducing Risk of Breast Cancer
Stressing about and second-guessing your food doesn’t have to happen. If that’s how you approach your meals, snacks and anything else you eat, leave me a comment, or get in touch (contact info below).
You deserve to eat with peace, not panic, and enjoy your food again, and I’m here to help you!
____________________________________________________________
Thanks for reading my blog post! Inspired and/or enlightened by what you read? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new post.
Subscribe by CLICKING HERE to get your FREE copy of The Five Foods Survivors Should Eat
CLICK THIS LINK and watch my 2-minute Peaceful Plate program video!
Follow me on Instagram @hormone.breastcancer.dietitian
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your dietitian or doctor for guidance specific to your needs.
_______________________________________________