ER+ ladies, what do you eat?

Hi Lacey!

Thanks for pointing me towards the "food for breast cancer" website.    While the "foods for breast cancer" website is helpful, I think sesame seeds are one of those question marks. After reading the "foods for breast cancer" site on sesame seeds, I googled "sesame seeds" and "breast cancer".  I found sources saying they were preventative; sources saying they were neutral; in addition to your site. This is what drives me nuts about trying to work out a healthy diet...no one knows and there is contradictory information everywhere.  I don't eat enough sesame seeds for me to do a major research on this and  I thank you for your time in showing me the "food for breast cancer" site.

Mandy

Just noticed he has a free ebook (cookbook) you can download:

http://www.cookingwithcancer.org/cookbook.asp 

Merilee: I think you are right about the cause of the confusion with the "estrogenic" foods. 

Momine- I am obsessed with inflammation too. I was trying to reduce high levels of it just prior to being diagnosed. It is the root of a lot of problems. I have been working with a naturopathic dr and nutritionist for a couple of years to try and get it under control. For me it started as inflammation of the gut and when I take anti- inflammatories ( like advil and motrin)it gets worse so all these pain meds after 4 surgeries are not helping. I also have LE. I would love to hear anything you learn about inflammation along the way...

I want to point out that you can nuke regular rolled oats and have oatmeal in 2 minutes.  I got the extra thick organic ones from the bulk foods section, and just delish.

I worry about everyone here getting enough protein.  When you cut out dairy and meat, you really have to work to get enough, as soy also isn't an option.

I don't get granola.  Why would you add a ton of fat and sugar to muesli???  Most of it is way too sweet.

Here is a wonderful Muesli recipe from Delia Smith.  I have made it, but I substituted hazelnuts for peanuts which I am not that fond of.

1/2 lb of each of these: wholewheat flakes, rye flakes, whole oat flakes (coarse oatmeal), barley flakes.

1/2 lb toasted hazelnuts

1 1/2 lb mixed dark and yellow raisins (she calls for "raisins" and "sultanas")

You can substitute other dried fruits such as apples or chopped dried apricots, and add in some bran, if desired.  You can use other nuts.

I have made this, and it is absolutely delicious.  You just need to go to a place that has a lot of bulk grains. It is not that expensive to make, and you end up with a huge amount.

Hey all...I'm wondering if any of you use a protein supplement at all?  I will say I know nothing about them...except for some are made from soy, and I want to avoid that.  Anybody have a brand they like and would recommend as being safe for ER+ gals?  I'm trying to increase my protein especially while getting radiation, and I'm just not into eating meat too much anymore.   I'm getting freaked out the more I learn about hormone supplements, etc., etc. and gosh organic meats are super duper expensive.   (And one can only eat so many beans!!!) 

Thanks kadia - so no ER+ issues with the rice-based protein?  Just double checking b/c it seems like every time I think of a new food that might be good, turns out it conflicts with the ER status or has some other health issue...LOL...it feels like there is nothing left to eat except veggies (which thankfully, I love, LOL!)  

Thanks so much Kadia!!!!   gonna look for it at my local health food store.

dancetrancer: i'm a gastric bypass patient-protein powder was my best friend for a long time- i use Any Whey -it's found at walmart-Body Fortress-- Designer Whey

any protien that is Whey based is more healthy i think as i am leary of soy --read about it's effects on prostate cancer etc for hubby ...

Kaara, I read that book, and it has some great information in it.  I don't agree with the section on soy, though.  Since there is so much controversy about it, I'd rather not take the risk.  

lumpynme,  thanks for the protein powder tip.  Hey I also was eating a soy protein bar every day for breakfast for the past 4 or 5 years.  I gave those up darn quick once diagnosed, but I miss them...they were tasty! 

I became a vegan a few months ago so don't eat any dairy products. And the only thing I miss is cheese.  I am a jogger and really crave carbs so don't limit those at all.  Use olive oil instead of butter or margarine. Eat lots of rice, beans, potatoes, all kinds of vegetables, bread, pasta, etc. Of course, no meat or fish or poultry (don't miss it) I eat peanut butter and have a protein drink every day. I also juice: apple, celery, bell pepper, broccoli, lemon, cabbage, etc.

Unfortunately since being on Aromasin I have terrible sugar cravings so do eat cereal and a couple of cookies (oatmeal) every day.

I was cancer free for 28 years (and ate a lot of carbs during that time so don't really believe cancer is caused by carbs.

There i also a grain called quinoa that is gluton free and high in protein,.

If you Google it you can find a description.  I just learned about this recently and have had it only a couple of times.  It is tasty.

Vickie

KADIA

Thanks for the added information.  I am still learning a lot about alternative foods.  50 yrs ago, we were lacto-ovo vegetarians, but choices of foods have improved a lot over the years...

Vickie

Technically to have optimal chance of no recurrence, we should be on a plant based diet which means vegan.  No meat or dairy...just veggies fruits grains nuts and seeds.  That is hard for me to accomplish, so I eat a diet of whole foods, limit carbs and sugar, and rarely eat meat.  When I do it must be grass fed.  My poultry must be cage free with no hormones or steroids added.  I feel a lot more energy on this diet, and when I cheat I can tell immediately.