Your diet is your bank account. Good food choices are good investments.
-Bethenny Frankel
The moment those words, "You have stage 4 breast cancer," reached my ears, a wave of fear washed over me. The fear of missing out on the privilege of witnessing the lives of future grandchildren. Every individual who goes on a journey of transformation has their own motivation.
My quest to ensure I lived life over cancer has me addressing things I can control. Among these is changing some of my dietary habits. According to Dr. Jennifer Simmons, it is important to include a significant portion of whole plant foods in your diet. These types of foods can reduce both blood sugar levels and glycerol levels. By incorporating whole foods, vegetables, and fruits into your meals, not only will you decrease blood sugar levels, but you will also benefit from a diet rich in fibre and vibrant colours.
We aim to decrease sugar consumption due to its contribution to a diet that raises glycemic levels. Elevated blood sugar can result in bodily inflammation, which has the potential to develop into chronic illness. The sugar found in fruits is acceptable, and the greater variety of colours, the better. Vegetables contain fibre that supplies essential nutrients to our gut. The gut, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, performs vital roles. It supports the breaking down of our food, ensures proper absorption of nutrients, and helps to eliminate unnecessary waste.
According to Dr. Simmons, individuals who consume nourishing meals and maintain a well-balanced diet do not experience hunger. I can personally vouch for this observation. If you have used my recipes, you will notice the absence of calorie counts. This is because I do not adhere to any specific diet regimen. Rather, I have embraced a shift in my eating habits, resulting in feeling nourished and healthy.
In my role as a teacher, I offered students visual aids and diagrams to help them grasp complex ideas. One of my personal favourites, which I often employ during trips to the grocery store, is a quote by Michael Pollan: "If it comes from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don't."
It's important to remember that everyone's relationship with food and their body is personal. Rather than imposing expectations, I simply aim to share what has proven successful on my journey. I am delighted to report that the Maple Banana muffin recipe I tried with almond flour was a success! These delectable treats are both moist and flavourful, using ingredients derived from plant-based sources.
Enjoy!
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