Eat the Ice Cream- A Cancer Thriver's sprinkles of wisdom
As a health practitioner and detox coach, I've spent years advocating for a Holistic lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of removing toxins from our lives and choosing whole or minimally processed foods. However, my journey took a surprising turn. For 15 years, I lived an organic, health-focused lifestyle, making my children’s food, exercising daily, drinking smoothies, and cleansing my body. Yet, at 40, I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
My health struggles began long before that diagnosis. By the age of 24, I started to shift away from the Standard American Diet (often referred to as the SAD diet) due to unexplainable gut issues that left me confused and frustrated with my experiences in the medical system. A friend, who was a holistic nutrition coach—a rare find in the 90s—introduced me to the world of pure foods. With no Google at my fingertips, I dove into health food stores, reading every book I could find. People thought I was crazy, but I noticed that my inflammation improved, albeit not completely.
I learned which foods triggered my gut issues and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle even while traveling or attending social events. I committed to this journey, so you can imagine my shock when I received my cancer diagnosis. There was no family history, and I was left with feelings of shame, questioning what I had missed or done wrong. I worried about how others would perceive me, especially since I had been educating them about health.
Fortunately, I underwent traditional chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and I believe that my healthy lifestyle played a significant role in my recovery. Now, ten years into my cancer thriver journey, I’ve gleaned a few essential lessons.
1. Embrace the Ice Cream Moments
When my kids were younger, we often visited ice cream shops. Because I was aware that gluten and dairy triggered my gut issues, I typically refrained from indulging. Occasionally, I would take a tiny bite of their cones, feeling like I was missing out on something enjoyable that others around me savored. After healing my gut from SIBO in 2019, I finally tasted the ice cream again—and I survived! My boys are older now, and I wish I had indulged more during those moments. Life is too short to deny ourselves the simple joys.
2. Balance Discipline with Flexibility
Throughout my journey, I became obsessed with perfection, striving to ensure my actions matched my words as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. While I occasionally enjoyed pizza or dessert, I often felt guilt afterward, which diminished my enjoyment of those moments. Some say moderation is key, and while I might not fully agree, I understand the importance of celebrating life. Enjoy the cake, have the ice cream—life is fleeting, and those moments are precious.
3. Dismiss the Sprinkles of Others’ Opinions
In my younger years, I stressed about what others thought of me and whether I was worthy of their time. This stress only increased cortisol levels and clouded my soul. It’s crucial to shake off the sprinkles of others’ opinions; they don’t belong on your plate.
4. Understand that Healing is Multifaceted
Healing isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, spiritual, and mental. Work on breaking the cycle of habits that no longer serve you. Feed your mind with positivity. I offer resources like the Break the Step-Start Cycle guide to help clients navigate this journey.
5. Get to the Root Causes of Health Issues
After cancer, I felt the need to restart my approach to health continuously. I developed a five-month program called the Art of the Restart Academy to help others detox from both physical toxins and the mental barriers that hold them back. As a health practitioner and detox coach, I strive to provide the tools and mindset necessary for thriving in life. Schedule a Clarity Call to learn more.
And remember, unless you have a lactose intolerance, eat the ice cream! Life is short, and it’s the little moments that often bring us the greatest joy.