Not many people know about this, but about a year ago, I had the nice treat to get tested for breast cancer. I found a lump, had a mini-freak out, and after a very God-blessed moment, got tested and had the results back within 4 days. There's nothing more frightening than not knowing. Nothing more nerve-wracking than kissing your child at bedtime and not knowing what would happen.
Thankfully, the results came back benign. But what I do have is called a Fibroadenoma. And it likes to linger around...apparently this annoying "benign tumor" feels it's ok to just stay with me. I check everyday for changes, but I still worry. The chances of it turning into anything bad is pretty slim, but, if you know me, you know I usually go worst case scenario. :)
However, I've been doing some research, trying to figure out some natural ways to get this thing to either go away or get smaller. Removal is an option, but it's not a guarantee that another one won't form. My nurse said her daughter was about to have her 3rd surgery to remove a fibroadenoma, and quite frankly, I'm not a big enough fan of hospitals and knives to go through that unless I have to. That core biopsy was enough, thank you very much.
One thing I have found is a change in diet. That means a BIG cutdown on caffeine and chocolate (I type this as I just finished a Reese's Peanut Butter cup and have been sipping a Dr. Pepper.) But, currently I can guzzle down about 4 Dr. Peppers a day (yikes), so even just one is cutting back alot. :) Another key diet factor is MORE fiber, MORE fruits and veggies, and LESS meat. So, after having a serious talk with Dear Sweet Hubby yesterday, we are going to dramatically cut back on the meat we consume in our home...1 night of red meat, 1 night of chicken. And the rest? Vegetarian. (With a few fish nights thrown in.)
This means I have to change my whole way of food thinking. I hate veggies. I only like apples. And, to make the diet even more interesting, we have to keep everything g-free for LBB. :) So, this is a whole new journey into cooking and nutrition. I have to rethink everything I know cooking wise.
But.
I know I have to. I know why it's important. And I know that, while it is a big change, it will be a good change.
So, all that being said, if you have a GREAT vegetarian recipe, please share it in the comments section!!!! I can use all the help I can get!
Get ready to have your world rocked with quinoa!It's gluten free and packed with protein, which is especially good since you are cutting down on meat. There are so many things you can do with it (here are links to recipes):
ReplyDeletehttp://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/basic-quinoa.php
More Information:
http://www.celiac.com/articles/21825/1/Quinoa-the-Amazing-Gluten-Free-Grain/Page1.html
I've been through that same scare myself about a decade ago. I am so glad it was not anything more serious. Let me do some organizing and I will pass along some good vegetarian recipes for you (I eat meat about once a month, if that).
Another quick and easy meal that I love:
ReplyDeleteBrown rice mixed with peas, corn, lima beans and edamame beans/soy beans (another excellent source of protein). I just get the Steam Fresh brown rice, but you can also buy it in a regular box, which is cheaper.
I usually just add a bit of pepper and garlic salt and mix it together. For about $5 I get three meals out of it!
Heather, you rock. :) Thanks for the tips!!!!! I'm going to go check them out!
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