HELP... starting my grocery list.

Mom_of_boys

Okay, I've decided to join you wonderful and intelligent gals.  After about 6-8 weeks on Femara, I've decided NO MORE.  My cholesterol went up, my liver enzymes went up, my aches went up, and my energy went down during my few short weeks.  Have already seen a nurse practitioner who has ordered blood testing and is evaluating my supplement inventory.

I'm starting my grocery list of must-haves:

walnuts

watermelon (when I can get it)

other suggestions???????????

~Jan~

althea

You might want to get a hard copy of your test results for your own records and review.  Particularly in regard to thyroid testing, many people are told results are normal, but if you're a 2.9 and the range tops out at 3.0, being told you're normal isn't helpful. 

As for making food choices, that's a big topic.  Avoiding processed foods seems to be the one thing everyone can agree on.  One thing I've changed in the last year is buying more organic produce.  Things like carrots and celery are just a little bit more.  Get familiar with the 'dirty dozen.'  Some produce receives and retains more residuals from chemical treatments than others -- green peppers, celery, strawberries, to mention a few.  

Mom_of_boys

Thank you so very much althea for taking the time to respond.  May I ask what the "dirty dozen" is?  And, when you say "big topic" do you mean lots of topics OR is it a controversial topic?

I feel that everyone on this thread is light years ahead of me in terms of their knowledge on the subject... I need a direction.  Am getting Suzanne Somers' (sp?) book Breakthrough this weekend.  I feel more would probably post on this thread if we had an Alternative Treatment 101 course.

~Jan~

EDIT:  In fact, I am soooo overwhelmed by the wealth of information that I'm actually considering going back on Femara.  <I'm in tears at this thought.>

althea

I'm so sorry I wasn't more helpful.  I tend to get longwinded and wasn't sure where to start.  Perhaps you could give us an idea of what you're eating now?  Is your family willing to participate in your plans to change? 

Food covers a big range of information, and there's also a lot of disagreements amongst experts.  Some say plant-based only, some say animal sources are necessary.  Then a lot of information out there is just plain propaganda from food industry purposely designed to deceive.  There's a new labelling program with a green checkmark supposedly to help people make better food choices, and then they gave Fruit Loops cereal permission to use that label on their box!  gimme a break. 

You are absolutely right momofboys, it is overwhelming.  It's confusing.  It makes your head spin.  It's hard to know who has honest information and who is bought and paid for to say certain things. Please decide to be determined instead of discouraged.  If you learn a little bit every day, you'll know a lot in just one year.  

I change just a little at a time.  I started with ditching high fructose corn syrup.  I was so thirsty all time through chemo and rads.  I finally started scrutinizing the labels of my beverages (arizona tea drinks and lots of crangrape).  I gave up soda (mostly) decades ago because of all the sugar, never realizing that my other choices had every bit as much sugar.  Just that will keep you busy.  You can get your kids to help read the labels.  

The dirty dozen list refers to produce which retains the highest levels of pesticide residue:
Peach
Apple
Bell pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (imported)
Carrot
Pear

Lowest levels of pesticide residue (lowest first)
Onion
Avocado
Sweet corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet potato

These lists can help you decide when to spring extra bucks on organic.  

 

Mom_of_boys

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I had NO idea there was even such a thing as retention of pesticides.  Thank you also for the reassurance that I can just start little by little and for the reassurance that others find this part of the journey overwhelming!

~Jan~

Mom_of_boys

Meg, such a sweet AND helpful response.  Thank you... this is helping me oh so very much!