Blog & Food Journal

    What a weekend. I had planned for this weekend to be pretty stressful and jam packed with events. My in-laws and  my husband's cousin with his wife and three kids were coming to visit, our Japanese exchange student was moving in, and I had an annual follow up appointment at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for my BRCA gene.

     Friday was my appointment with Huntsman. I am part of a study of people who carry the BRCA gene. I go in annually for a blood test, check up, and to meet with a genetic counselor. This time was going to be different for me because I have lost the fear that I have carried for years. I have learned so much about nutrition and its power over disease. This time I wanted to go in there and ask all the questions. I was frustrated and wanted to give them an ear full. Luckily for me, I don't have the guts to do that. These people are very nice. I sat down and started chatting about the latest news on the gene and was told about a new drug I could take that could give me some peace of mind.... That's when I got the guts (or at least a little bit of courage). I started talking about nutrition and the peace of mind I have by eating a whole food plant based diet. I told her that I am not worried when I go to bed every night that I may wake up and find a lump. She listened and smiled. I thought for sure all her years in western medicine would have her judging me and patting me on the head a with "good for you, BUT" comment. I was so shocked when I brought up "The China Study, not only had she heard of it but she had started reading. I was more shocked when she told me that an oncologist friend of hers is the one whoe recommended it to her. Ummm WHAT? and YIPEE!  She was so open and honest with me. I am not sure she is completely sold on the idea of the diet, but I am very hopeful.

       We ended up talking for an hour and half, making her late for a meeting. She proceeded to tell me that three of her oncologist friends and a couple of nurses have read "The China Study" and no longer eat animal protein. By the end of our conversation, she had talked to me about being a national advocate. (I am not sure what exactly that means, but I am thrilled at he idea of making even a small difference) I will jump at the chance to help even one other BRCA carrier have peace of mind!

WOW!

         I got home just before the arrival of my husband's cousins... the meat eating, cattle farmers... HOW in the world am I going to feed them our vegan-like diet for the whole weekend? Lucky for me it was cold and stormy out, so a pot of so simple black bean soup didn't seem so far fetched. We ate and I heard no complaints. In fact, I was surprised when my husband's cousin's wife started to tell how they are eating healthier. I was happy for them, but knew it wasn't the time to spill my guts (I have learned that people don't like to be told that they are wrong....). After putting all the kids to bed we settled in to chat for the evening. As we got talking, more questions about nutrition came up. There was a lot of asking and answering questions. The only one who was a little skeptical was the husband. I was surprised at how agreeable his wife was with our diet. So I couldn't resist myself, I had to suggest they read "The China Study". I was shocked when his wife looked at me and said, oh I've read that! OK WHAT?

       Two people in separates areas of my life in one day have confessed to reading "The China Study"? Talk about a jaw dropper. I didn't have to worry about what I was cooking. She was actually worried that I would be cooking bad food for them, ha! I just can't explain the excitement and joy this day has brought me, the future is looking bright!

DOUBLE WOW!!!!!

       People are starting to question our typical western diet. They are looking for change. Diseases are being linked to diet in more common studies. Oncologists are changing their diets and suggesting others do the same. I can't help but be thrilled at the success of this day!