Lifestyle changes

My typical kind of breakfast nowadays

I believe that chemotherapy alone will not be able to treat cancer. There's also a need for a change in mindset, and with that, a change in lifestyle — especially in terms of diet. I think it is essential to feed your body the right way so that it remains strong and well-equipped enough to fight these nasty cells. Plus, it doesn't help that chemotherapy kills BOTH good and bad cells. So the more it is important for the body to get as much nutrients and anti-oxidants as possible to cope with the battle!

My parents and I have been reading quite a fair bit online. Cancer cells feed on certain sugars... so I've been staying away from artificially sweet food. It's a big change for me because I have a mega sweet tooth and I love my desserts! Thank god for natural sweeteners like honey and fruits which keep these sugar pangs at bay haha but of course, everything in moderation.

I've also learnt about the importance of organic food! Especially since my immune system is lower than normal, and with chemotherapy, I feel that I should limit the unnecessary chemicals going into my body as much as possible. I used to personally think that there was little need for organic food because we have been eating normal food our whole lives and our bodies should have adapted right? Plus it's so expensive here in Singapore! 

But after everything now... imagining the amount of chemicals and pesticides that go into our everyday food — it just isn't natural for our bodies to take in so much nasty stuff!

Realistically I don't think there is a need to have a 100% organic lifestyle. For me, I just believe that if you're eating something raw/juicing, it'll be good that the fruits and vegetables are organic so that you know that your body is absorbing all the wonderful nutrients without any compromise. 

And it doesn't stop at organic food! I've also switched to organic skincare — using Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr now. Pricey, but I think super worth it! My skin remains less shiny throughout the day and I haven't had pimples in the last 2 months! I read on the Kora Organics blog that an average woman puts at least 200 chemicals on her face everyday?! I think this is pretty accurate because I was looking at my other products and true enough... I did not recognize any ingredient (all chemical names) except for "aqua/water". 

Ok I sound like an organic maniac haha but for my case now I really don't want any more unwanted and unnecessary chemicals to be in my body. Also, chemotherapy has caused my skin to be extra sensitive and dry. Decided to try Kora Organics because y'know... look good to feel good! Hehe

Anyway I've been really blessed to have my dad and his friends flying to organic paradises like USA and Australia to buy organic produce for me. Because it's locally produced it's so much cheaper and easily available! LOOK AT THESE BEAUTIFUL CARROTS AND BEETROOT FROM AUSTRALIA!!!! The carrots look exactly like the kind that Bugs Bunny eats. Like WHUT?! Honestly I haven't seen carrots and beetroots being sold like this with their leaves in Singapore... ever. Felt like a citygal noob when my dad showed them to me. 

There are a couple of organic stores in Singapore that my parents have gone to as well. As an alternative to dairy milk, I've been drinking unsweetened almond milk (prefer it to soy milk). One carton costs $8?! Madness. But my mom bought 4 for me to try anyway. So glad to have found it on iHerb.com at half the price!! I have another 4 cartons on the way to Singapore now. Just bought another bunch of stuff as well — organic pasta, organic granola... It's a great site to buy healthier products. 

They seriously stock everything organic/gluten-free/vegan, and products range from groceries to household items! And the best part — shipping is only SGD4 for max 6kg worth of stuff! Plus there's $10 off for your first order, and an extra 10% if your order's >$40! You may use my referral code BJS904. Good things must share! (Thanks Clare for recommending this site to me!!)

Wow that was a lengthy post — but just thought I'd share on how things have changed for me. There are soooo many articles on how people have changed their lives drastically (e.g. no meat diet, juice-only diet) to cure cancer. So much information and perspectives it was quite overwhelming. But I strongly believe that every individual copes differently. It's good to have all these information on hand, and from there, adjust accordingly to make it work for yourself.