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2004, age 34 — this is my story
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Eat Eggs to Boost Health

Posted on 10/12/2010 By

3 Comments

You say the egg has been demonized over the years? Explain.
The egg has been demonized because of two reasons: One, its cholesterol content, and two, its saturated fat content. Both are nothing to worry about. It’s now well known and established that DIETARY cholesterol has virtually no effect on serum (blood) cholesterol, and many health professionals (such as myself) doubt whether blood cholesterol is even as big a health issue as the mainstream health organizations believe it is. In any case, cholesterol in the egg does not raise your blood cholesterol. And most of the fat in egg yolk is monounsaturated — plus the saturated fat from whole foods (like eggs) is rarely, if ever, a problem anyway.
Eggs whites only — healthier or not necessary?
Completely not necessary — see above. In addition, there are wonderful nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin (for the eyes) and choline (for the brain) that are in the yolk!
Name a few good qualities of the egg?
One of the most bioavailable sources of protein on the planet. Cage-free eggs also contain omega-3 fats, and the yolks are the source of a number of very important nutrients (see above).
How often should we be eating eggs? Is there such thing as too many eggs in a diet?
There’s no “right” answer to this. Eggs should be in “heavy rotation” along with foods like berries, wild salmon, and nuts. Eat as often as you like.
Name a few simple ways to incorporate eggs into a diet.
Hard boiled, sliced over a spinach salad, hard boiled as a snack (with fruit or cheese), scrambled, omlettes, even raw in a protein drink a la Rocky!

www.egglandsbest.com

I received a comment on one of my posts the other day from a guy stating that he treats cancer naturally — no surgery, chemo, or radiation necessary. His focus is on food, and here’s one tip he offered: ”please stop eating eggs, even if they are from veg fed chicken.”

I guess he’s been reading my egg-inspired posts and wanted to weigh in.

Well, is he right? Should I stop eating eggs? Should you stop eating eggs?

According to Jonny Bowden, renowned author and America’s top nutrition, anti-aging, and weight loss expert, the answer is a big, fat NO. Bowden believes there is a definite place for eggs in a healthy diet, and he told me all about it.

Me: You say the egg has been demonized over the years? Explain.

Jonny: The egg has been demonized because of two reasons: One, its cholesterol content, and two, its saturated fat content. Both are nothing to worry about. It’s now well known and established that DIETARY cholesterol has virtually no effect on serum (blood) cholesterol, and many health professionals (such as myself) doubt whether blood cholesterol is even as big a health issue as the mainstream health organizations believe it is. In any case, cholesterol in the egg does not raise your blood cholesterol. And most of the fat in egg yolk is monounsaturated — plus the saturated fat from whole foods (like eggs) is rarely, if ever, a problem anyway.

Me: Eggs whites only — healthier or not necessary?

Jonny: Completely not necessary — see above. In addition, there are wonderful nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin (for the eyes) and choline (for the brain) that are in the yolk!

Me: Name a few good qualities of the egg?

Jonny: One of the most bioavailable sources of protein on the planet. Cage-free eggs also contain omega-3 fats, and the yolks are the source of a number of very important nutrients (see above).

Me: How often should we be eating eggs? Is there such thing as too many eggs in a diet?

Jonny: There’s no “right” answer to this. Eggs should be in “heavy rotation” along with foods like berries, wild salmon, and nuts. Eat as often as you like.

Me: Name a few simple ways to incorporate eggs into a diet.

Jonny: Hard boiled sliced over a spinach salad, hard boiled as a snack (with fruit or cheese), scrambled, omelettes, even raw in a protein drink a la Rocky!

Thank you, Jonny!

OK, so if you’re an egg eater, or you’re thinking of becoming one, consider Eggland’s Best for your next purchase. They’ve always been tops when it comes to nutrition, but now, EB eggs are more nutritious than ever. Buy them this month, and you’ll be in on the pink partnership — EB is donating $50,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and each individual egg is stamped with the pink ribbon logo to prove it.

pink-dozen-logo-100jd092910

This post is sponsored by Eggland’s Best. I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

Time Heals My Wounds

Posted on 5/27/2010 By

4 Comments

flower-200jd052710

Photo: tanakawho, Flickr

Time may not heal all wounds, but in my case, it definitely blurs them. Let’s talk chemo, that horrible thing from which most of my breast cancer wounds developed.

For each of my four dose-dense infusions of adriamycin and cytoxan, my sister delivered lunch to the pink pretend-leather recliner I called home for hours at a time. There was a yummy gyro, a delish tuna sandwich, a great turkey sub, and I can’t remember the fourth one — which is exactly my point: I can’t remember. Time has erased my memory of the food that so repulsed me I couldn’t eat it for years. Years!

It’s been five years since my chemotherapy ended. And just now have I realized that the thought of these foods does not make me want to vomit. They actually sound pretty appetizing.

All it took was time. The same time that has allowed my hair to grow back, my surgery and port scars to fade, and my fear of recurrence to morph into something almost unrecognizable.

Yes, my wounds have healed — not completely and entirely, but mostly.

I love that.

Chocolate: The New Chemotherapy?

Posted on 2/11/2010 By

5 Comments

Photo: rosevita, morgueFile

Photo: rosevita, morgueFile

If research says it, it must be true, right? I’m not so sure about that. I mean, some science says as little as one drink per day can up your breast cancer risk, and extra weight by way of stuff like chocolate can do the same. Yet new research presented just yesterday reveals that Cabernet and chocolate are cancer killers.

Yes, food matters. And Angiogenesis Foundation head William Li, who has been rating foods based on their cancer-fighting qualities, says: “What we eat is really our chemotherapy three times a day.” I get that — when it comes to blueberries, garlic, tea and a whole bunch of other healthy goods. But alcohol and candy? It’s all so confusing.

It might help to know that it’s actually red grapes and dark chocolate that apparently choke off blood supplies to tumors, starving them to death. Yes, red grapes are used to make red wine, but can’t we just eat the grapes? (Any smart nutritionists want to weigh in?). And the chocolate, well, the dark version is much better than all others, so if you want to enjoy, then, by all means, do! Just keep in mind that a portion size is something like 1 ounce.

So, even though headlines might have you all giddy about the permission you’re getting to indulge, you might want to think twice or at least commit to some careful moderation. Well, on Monday, anyway — you know, after Valentine’s Day.