A Cancer Survivor's Diet for health and preventing recurrence

[@nmelgar74]

I’m glad to see a cancer survivor cooking healthy meals that are doable on a daily basis. Upon reading up on what to eat as a cancer pt or survivor, I see so many people saying that once you have cancer or have had it you need to make drastic changes such as avoiding sugar and carbs altogether cuz it feeds cancer. Then some say eat keto diet but that includes lots of meat which I have also read has carcinogens. Then there are the extreme people that urge you to fast for 40 days to starve cancer cells till they are good and dead. Then there are the ones that swear by the 100% plant based diet. There’s like no way to get around carbs and sugar for me. I can’t be happy on an only plant based diet and though I have cut down on meat significantly, I still like my burger or a taco from time to time. Being Latina makes giving up tortillas practically impossible. We eat them with almost everything lol. I have opted to do what you do. Eat in moderation those things we crave but aren’t as good for us. And stick in there as many healthy, cancer fighting foods as we can. I’m glad to see you don’t go extreme in any direction. It makes sense and the food looks yummy. Also does the plant based protein powder taste good? I bought one but it tastes so bad I couldn’t have it twice 😢

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Thank you so much! There is so many ways to eat or “diets” out there! It’s overwhelming. I feel balanced is right for me. I try to minimize the sweet stuff and processed foods. Anytime your food can be made it home it’s almost always better than fast food. Tacos and burgers especially which I love! I’m a fan of Truvani protein powder and Arbonne protein powder which are both vegan.

[@MunchkinStorytime]

Hey Marina! Ooops! I’m commenting from my business channel…but my name is Renee and I too am going through a breast cancer journey. Was diagnosed on June 13th 2023 with Stage I Intraductal Carcinoma. I am finished with Chemo and no cancer was found during my last ultrasound. THANK YOU JESUS!!! I am scheduled for a lumpectomy THIS morning so fingers crossed 🤞🏾that all goes well. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us with such courage and grace. Your strength gives me strength. #KeepShining #KeepFighting #KeepSharing 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💕🌸

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi Renee! That is the best news! I pray your surgery goes well today. May you keep healing. 🙏🏼❤️👏🏼

[@bobs1356]

I am not a pop drinker but I drink plain sparkling water and put lime or lemon in it sometimes. But it really quenches my thirst in the summer.

[@MarinaBlackford]

That sounds wonderful! I do the same. Sometimes I add mint leaves too.

[@lynneward8845]

Hi Marina - great healthy choice ideas, love it! I am an endometrial cancer survivor and since cancer treatment ended, I definitely work to eat loads of fruits and veggies and avoid ultra processed food for sure. But when I was receiving pelvic radiation treatment, I was told to avoid fruits and vegetables and any foods with fiber as the treatment caused diarrhea and these foods would make it worse. I was absolutely miserable. Not sure what could have been done, but I'm so glad that is over!

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Thank you for sharing! Yes, I know patients sometimes get this advice during their treatment. I’d say modify for your situation. That does sound miserable though. I wonder if a green powder would’ve been OK? I’m glad you’re through it though.

[@lulawright8604]

Greetings Marina. I'm a cancer survivor. Thank God. I need some help eating right. It's hard for me. I right back at the bad foods, mot good!!!

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Thank God indeed! Start small. Start to include more vegetables and fruit. Then start to reduce sugar and processed carbohydrates. Mediate to relieve stress.

[@valoriecarson1476]

You have such a beautiful family, you're so blessed ❤. Thank you for sharing your journey.💕

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@lisajukes7645]

I’ve had a lumpectomy and the removal of all of my right lymph nodes. I was diagnosed with third stage breast cancer, grade 3. Sadly I’ve recently found out that I carry a genetic mutation the PAL B2 . Now it’s recommended for me to have a double mastectomy to reduce my chances by quite a lot of the cancer returning. I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy, so before I gave the radiation treatment I’ll talk to my surgeon about the mastectomy. I absolutely hate frozen or processed foods. I lived in Greece for thirty years and ate extremely well and healthy. The cancer diagnosis shocked me but then again it’s not all about what we eat, it’s also about how much trauma we go through and let it happen. Do my journey will hopefully waken me to stop being a door mat.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! I’m sorry to hear you need a double mastectomy. That’s a big surgery. Ask all your questions before so you feel more comfortable moving forward. Diet is a big influence for most cancers. You can support your body during treatment with a good diet now. You’re so right about other factors. Manage your stress and release some old traumas. 🙏🏼❤️

[@lisampeeler8294]

Thank you. This video is a refreshing answer to the questions i had asked on one of your previous videos.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulaarnold3381]

Absolutly brilliant thankyou so much

[@stevebetker829]

Thank you for sharing. I’m glad you’re doing better. I would include onions, peppers tomatoes and string beans. Not a fan at all of kale. Something about the taste that says no way.. Lord bless you.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Great idea! 🙏🏼

[@Irohsteashop92]

So helpful! I went to a nutritionist recently.. stocking up on cruciferous veggies

[@MarinaBlackford]

Yes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage…so good for you!

[@eher7675]

Thanks again Marina for a wonderful helpful video. God bless you and your family.❤

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you so much!

[@lasurfette7830]

I am doing a clean keto, but choosing healthy vegetable fats like avocado and nuts over animal fat. You and I use a lot of the same products!

[@MarinaBlackford]

Oh I like it!

[@MarinaBlackford]

Yum! Love it.

[@terrybartick1754]

This is very very different than what I am understanding and being told…NO processed food…No dairy….plant based low low fat……and low oils ( liquid fat ) eat olives, blend olives and make a dressing. Oh well. I feel best eating this way as well.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! Great points. Yes, minimizing processed food, dairy, and red meat have all been shown to reduce your risk for cancer. I only use olive oil and avocado oil for cooking. If I’m using a butter, it’s high-quality grass fed and same for my meat ideally. I do have some processed food in this video. I went with what I was eating the day of filming because I want to be real, but mostly inspire that health is attainable.

[@aleunameh]

That's what i'm trying to stick to as well since i got the ovarian cancer diagnosis. It's hard sometimes, but I feel very good, I take on treatment very well and I see the effort paying off.

[@bobs1356]

Shirley here, I eat steamed vegtables and fresh fruit that high in anti oxidants. But a lot of the food you show or make people won't eat. I know so many people just eat regular food and are in good health and haven't had cancer in their 50's 60' and 70's .I guess if u have had cancer it does scare u to eat healthier.

[@MarinaBlackford]

Isn’t it true? So many people that can live without getting cancer and not doing an extreme diet. I hope to inspire and not make anyone feel bad with their choices. My grandma is 98 years old and never ate organic. She eats a variety, loves fruit and coffee with sugar. She prays daily and knows herself and what she wants. I think her outlook on life keeps her going. So may we all find balance. 🙏🏼❤️

[@bobs1356]

@@MarinaBlackford I think that as long as we stay away from fast foods and prepared foods we are good. I know my Dr as me if I eat a lot of prepared stuff and once in awhile I like I forgot the brand Mac& cheese stuffed peppers.

[@AparajeetaGuha]

Hi, I had ovarian cancer, which is estrogen positive, so i am just wondering whether flex seeds is good for me or not?

[@MarinaBlackford]

Flax seed is fine for ovarian cancer. It can reduce estrogen which lowers cancer risk. Add it to your diet slowly and ground flax seed absorbs better. An article from my cancer center: www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/3-nutrients-cancer-survivors-should-know-flaxseed-omega-3s-iron.h00-159305412.html

[@lisatorigian837]

Can you make a list of some of the foods that you showed in this video Including the waffle, protein powder sausage links and anything else would be very helpful

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi Lisa! Yes, Leafy greens Blueberries Ground flax seed Fruit or veggie with every meal Nuts like walnuts Plain yogurt for less sugar Local honey or organic pure maple syrup for sweetener instead of cane sugar Himalayan or sea salt Fresh ground pepper Garlic Lemon Dates Turkey sausage-Applegate brand Waffles are Kroger’s “Simple Truth” Protein waffles. I like the Van’s brand too.

[@lisatorigian837]

Thank you Marina ❤

[@bettytaylor9521]

Hi I had triple Negative breast cancer 7 months ago was declared cancer free. Last week had a biopsy done due to finding a lump on chest wall near mastectomy area. What different can I do with this reoccurrence? Thank you

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! So it’s a confirmed tumor? If it is another tumor you can possibly expect chemotherapy, sometimes a different one, more surgery to remove it, and possibly more radiation. They will test pathology to evaluate for any immunotherapy or positive hormone receptors and meds as needed.

[@fariyakiran1955]

Benifits of alkaline water?

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi! It could help with lower acidity in the body. There is mixed research on this. I personally like the taste.

[@kimmcwoo]

I am nearing the end of chemo. I have been having a hard time during my journey avoiding sugar/added sugar. Any advice on sugar? I can’t seem totally and completely avoid it. Is red meat an absolute no no?

[@lf7065]

I'm in the middle of chemo right now. I only get sugar from fresh fruit, like apples, bananas and berries. I avoid all other sugars, period. I also consume 100% pastured lean ground beef and liver because my red blood cell count, B12 and Folate is low due to chemo. I do stay away from any processed meats though. Only fresh foods, nothing processed. 🙂

[@annetterios8789]

Grass Fed Grass finished beef is what I eat. I also have a difficult time avoiding sugar. But I've decreased it little by little. One step( even if it's small ones) at a time.

[@terrybartick1754]

I have been told by numerous drs…red meat, processed (ie sausage -( ) cheese ( as it is processed is a NO. All are main drivers to cancer. Proceed with caution…loose the food addiction. Drink a lot of fresh juice…celery alone, carrots, ginger and turmeric…sprout broccoli and radishes on your counter with a jar. Listen to Dr Funk…she is amazing. Listen to chef AJ. Listen to Dr Fuhrman…

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you! That’s a tough one for a lot of people I’m sure. It starts with being aware of how much added sugars are in products. When I chose to use natural sweeteners this helped me knowing I could use a pure honey as needed with a snack. I feel like once you start to reduce the sugar, then eliminate it you will notice you don’t crave it as much. I don’t crave it at all. Fruit is a good placement option. Small changes make big differences. ❤️

[@MarinaBlackford]

Good point. I do have some chicken or turkey sausage but pretty limited. I used to be addicted to cheese! Totally! I’ve reduced it so much! Parmesan is a better cheese option since it’s lactose free. Thanks for the input!

[@bobs1356]

Shirley here, I know u feed your family healthy but do u feed your husband and kids the same as you eat?

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi Shirley! I buy a lot of organic fruit for everybody. My kids eat mac & cheese like most kids, but it’s organic Annie’s brand with grass fed butter and organic milk. I offer a fruit or veggie with every meal for them. Something that every parent should do. But they definitely love ice cream and cookies and get donuts from time to time. I don’t believe in abstaining. I believe in educating about making sure we get healthy stuff in there too. I also try to make a lot of stuff from scratch like muffins.

[@bobs1356]

Shirley again, I seen that that jenny apple was vegan and still got cancer. Isn't vegan as healthy as what you eat? I know ow there is no type of animal fat in vegan. What is the difference with your diet or vegan to keep us healthy?

[@MarinaBlackford]

Hi Shirley! Personally I couldn’t do vegan. I love the idea of more plant based though. Research shows high animal fat is linked to cancer. I choose to limit my animal fat but still have organic chicken or grass fed beef. What causes cancer is the body’s inability to eliminate cancer cells fast enough. Hormones, stress and diet affect our immune system’s ability to do this. All should be considered when trying to stay cancer free.

[@hakimmmm710]

It's because cancer is a weird disease. You can develop lung cancer without touching a cigar or drinking alcohol, yes lung cancer! Now i am convinced that life causes cancer. Being alive is enough for all of us to be subjected to cancer. We just need an easy cure. Anyone can develop cancer and it does not matter what you been eating, what diet you on. But if there's something we know cancer preventable then we must be on it. I mean it is the little we can do but nothing guarantees your full protection against cancer.

[@ashimamohapatra8242]

Mam pTNM staging -pT2N1aMx what stage it is?

[@MarinaBlackford]

I don’t know about this.