Topic: What am I supposed to eat???

I agree. It can really be confusing about what we should eat and what we should avoid. I am trying my best to eat healthy foods, avoiding anything that causes me anxiety based on the info out there and whether or not it makes sense to me. The most important food for me to avoid is anything high in fat.

I still eat red meat once or twice a week and chicken more often than that. I have stopped drinking milk (which I love) but still have yogurt and some cheese. I read somewhere that dairy that has been formented actually attacks breast cancer cells. I have salmon and tuna several times a week too.

I also love fruits and probably eat too many. For a treat I have mini wheats to munch on dry. They have the carbs to give me long lasting (?) energy and just a bit of sugar to get me going. Beta carotene is suppose to be good so I always have carrots on hand. V8 juice (low sodium) is also a favorite.

I have chosen to stay away from any soy supplements because it is already in a lot of foods we eat. I really think it is a matter of moderation no matter what it is.

For me, I think the exercise and activity is as important as food. I try to keep busy and treadmill at least 1.5 miles every night. I am actually enjoying that.

Following a diet is hard, I have slowly made changes over the years since my treatment.  It can be overwhelming if you try to do it all at once.  I try to eat "super foods" every day, berries, nuts, high fiber, very colourful vegs.  Avoid red meat and even pork.  Do not go out of your way to eat more soy, but what shows up in a regular diet should be fine.

I now rarely eat from a box, everything is freshly prepare, truly from scratch.  You have now control otherwise.  Also avoid "diet, lowfat foods, they are usually full of chemicals.

When I saw this category I was so excited.  I am appalled at how little info I can find on what to eat!!!  I mean, consistent, agreed upon, factual info! 

KP, you are not alone about being confused. 

Nancy, you are right about the sticker shock experienced when you start reading what ingredients are in everyday food.  Soy is EVERYWHERE! 

Shiny, I'm going to get that book.

kitkat, you speak truth.

I have lost 41 lbs since Nov by eating alot of home prepared fresh vegetables and beans, cold water fish, nuts, berries, olive oil, whole grains and green tea.  No alcohol, No caffiene, low fat, low sugar.  I also exercise a minimum of 20 minutes everyday.  I speak truthfully, treat others with love and acknowledge small moments. 

One day a week I allow myself to eat whatever I want guilt free.  (chocolate cake and bread pudding, watch out) and I can't seem to let go of the decaf nonfat lattes.  But that is the only milk I drink and I try to limit them to 4 a week.

I have been very lucky, sailed through chemo and rads are going smoothing too.  I attribute every bit of it to diet, exercise, attitude and loving support from family and friends.

Good luck all and if you find any new food tips = write on!

I agree that it's confusing to figure out what, if anything, is safe to eat. Or to drink. A recent study says that as little as half a glass of wine (or half a shot of alcohol) two or three times a week is still too much for ER+ women. Apparently it activates the aromatase that drugs like Femara are trying to inhibit.

Regarding soy, Nancy was talking about how soy is in so many foods, which is true. BUT, as I understand it, not all soy products are bad for us ER+ women--I believe that both soy lecithin and soy bean oil do not contain the part of the soy that is a plant estrogen, so are okay. Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable than me will come along to clarify, but I've been told it's fine to eat foods with those soy products.

As for fruit, I still eat plenty of it. I've given up my nightly dish of Haagen Daz ice cream so I figure that some natural fruit sugar is a huge improvement.

Barbara