Seamus and I have been hard at work revising our diet and exercise routines to better fight these annoying, pesky cancer cells that keep coming to visit us. (If you are new to the blog–Seamus is my beagle.) Just over 6 years ago was Seamus’s first diagnosis of cancer (mast cell tumor); three years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer (triple negative); three years after that, Seamus was again diagnosed with cancer (an eye melanoma). I’m thinking I shouldn’t be waiting around for what happens in another 3 years. So I’ve been looking into anything “cancer-fighting” for me and Seamus both. I’ve added some supplements to Seamus’s diet and gotten rid of any treats that aren’t organic/natural/ good ingredients. I’m looking at switching to a raw diet (or one I cook), but I’m having trouble balancing one aspect of that….which is that I switched to vegan 16 days ago. And I love it! In the last month I’ve lost 10 pounds (7 of it in the two weeks since the vegan switch), I have so much more energy, I’m sleeping better and my skin already looks so much better. Who knew? Well, lots of people, I suppose, but I just didn’t know it would be this easy.

She's Talking to Me!

 Here’s what happened. Because of the above cancer-reasoning, I’ve started to look into anything cancer-fighting and I’m trying to keep an open mind. I started with just trying to eat better in general and getting Seamus and I both out for more walks. Then, I went to a women’s symposium put on by San Antonio Community Hospital and wandered over to a session on Plant-Based diets. I figured it couldn’t hurt to listen, since nearly everything I’ve read about cancer-fighting says “green, leafy vegetables and cruciforous vegetables”.  I arrived a bit early so I went over to the table where a book, “The Idiot’s Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition” was on display and of course I picked it up because that’s so totally me–an idiot about this stuff. And then this glowing, radiant, healthy smiling woman with the thickest head of healthy hair I’ve ever seen (seriously, she’d give Chris a run for his money on that) walked up and I knew right away she was the speaker/ author. She was/is. Her name is Julieanna Hever (or, if you’re on Twitter @PlantDietitian). You may have caught her on Dr. Oz the other day. At any rate, she was such a, well, glowing example, that I was instantly inspired to give it a shot. And the way she explained things made so much sense…plus, I’m lazy busy, so it’s helpful to only have to think “Does this come from a plant?” If the answer is yes, I can eat it. If it came from a factory or an animal the answer is no. [I will admit, I was stumped by honey. I'd been using a honey mustard salad dressing and then realized....ooops, honey comes from an animal. Apparently though, this is an ethical issue, not a health issue. I have a hard time seeing even the ethical issue--bees aren't harmed in the making of honey, are they?]  I’ve read most of her book, tried out one of her smoothie recipe, stocked my kitchen according to her list, picked up some other cancer-fighting recipes (extra thanks to CancerHawk) and basically have just dived in. Luckily, wine is plant based.   It’s really working for me.

But…I cannot turn my dog vegan. From what I’ve read of cancer fighting for him, it’s a matter of getting rid of all the processed stuff and going to more natural, or raw foods. I can’t see me preparing chicken and what not for him, while I’m whipping up kale blueberry smoothies for me. Something doesn’t gel. I’m also worried about switching to any food (even the “natural” ones) but what he’s been on (Canidae high protein; the giant bag I have was not part of the recall) with all the recalls going on these days.  So, I guess at this point for him I haven’t found what I think makes sense. He needs a high protein, low carb diet (carbs feed tumors). I’ve definitely changed out his snacks (he loves carrots and kale now!) and he has the supplements and fish oil added to his meals, and occasionally plain greek yogurt. But I’m  still open to suggestions. Does anyone feed their dog a “natural” not processed food that isn’t prepared by you at home?Also open to finding more vegan recipes for me if anybody has any they love.

By the way, Chris has not gone vegan with me. Tonight he had a New York Steak, a giant hunk of bread and a salad with bleu cheese dressing. I had my kale, cabbage, orange, red pepper salad, in a sunflower seed, balsamic, mustard dressing.  Seamus got some of my kale and one tiny bit of steak, along with his normal meal. Everybody was happy.