Cyd Notter

Author and Nutrition Educator, Founder of The "Plan A" Diet™

Can Weight Loss Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

By 2 Comments

In light of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I’d like to share some very interesting facts that Dr. Kristi Funk presented on a recent YouTube interview hosted by Chef AJ.

Dr. Funk is a breast cancer surgeon who happens to be extremely energetic and passionate about what she does!

Here are a few things she covered:

  • Red flags for the BRCA gene mutation; when to be tested, and what it means it you have it
  • Being overweight is the highest preventable risk factor. Think of your weight at age 18, and then consider these statistics according to your current weight: Those who gain under 8 pounds stay at normal risk; a weight gain of between 8-14 pounds increases breast cancer risk 25%; a weight gain of 14-29 pounds = a 60% risk increase; over 29 lbs = a 90% increased risk.
  • That’s because fat cells contain/lead to increased estrogen levels.
  • BUT, anyone that loses weight can reverse the trend.
  • Which foods are so anti-estrogen that they block cancer? Whole SOY foods, because of the genistein content. She recommends daily consumption (and shares all the soy stats).
  • Ground flax seed are also super cancer fighters, because of their LIGNAN content; lignans are anti-estrogen.
  • Broccoli (raw or lightly steamed) – the sulforaphane is another powerful cancer fighter.
  • Cacao powder – at least 70% cacao – a breast cancer superfood.
  • Alcohol should be reduced or eliminated – even moderate drinking raises cancer risk.

I highly recommend watching the entire video!

She shares the weight gain statistics “not to PANIC anyone, but to incentivize them.”

At the time of this writing, there are three seats left in my “Intro to Safe, Permanent Weight Loss” being offered through Joliet Junior College (online using Zoom). The class will be held November 16 from 6:30 – 8:00 CST. Read more about it here and consider joining us!

PS: Be sure to check out this FREE class, too: 3 Reasons Dieters Regain the Weight

 

 

Cholesterol and Breast Cancer – is there a connection?

By Leave a Comment

Another October has rolled around, and it’s time once again for all things PINK.

October is commonly known as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” a campaign that was founded over 30 years ago as a team effort between the American Cancer Society and a pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca.

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and their second leading cause of cancer death (only lung cancer kills more women each year).

It’s my personal opinion – and one that I express every October – that the campaign’s focus of “awareness” is sadly misplaced. Instead of mainly focusing on early detection and subsequent treatment, let’s bring more awareness to the area of prevention since breast cancer is largely a lifestyle-related disease.

To do otherwise is like constantly mopping up the water under the sink while neglecting to turn off the faucet.

A woman’s lifestyle choices matter more to her health than toxins, environmental chemicals, and genetics…

…which brings us to the question initially posed. Cholesterol and breast cancer – is there a connection?

There absolutely is. Oxidized cholesterol (concentrated in products containing eggs, processed meat, and parmesan cheese) has cancer-fueling estrogenic effects on human breast cancer. Read more about it here.

The good news is that there is MUCH you can do to tremendously reduce your risk of breast cancer. This previous blog post provides more dietary tips that all women should consider.

 

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. 

(Romans 12:2, MSG)

 

 

4 Things Necessary for a Successful, Healthy Diet

By Leave a Comment

Diets don’t work long-term, that much we know. Less than 3% of dieters keep the weight off long-term.

That’s because typical diets based on calorie restriction or smaller portions of the same unhealthy foods are not the answer for long-term weight loss OR improved health.

So what do we need to do?

Lifelong weight control and good health require permanent lifestyle changes, not a short-term, restrictive diet.

Perhaps you’re concerned because your weight is creeping up and you’ve just been diagnosed with hypertension/high cholesterol/pre-diabetes. You recognize that it’s time for a course correction and the time to make changes is now. If so, here are four factors to consider before choosing another, typical “diet” plan:

Continue reading here…..

Just in time for grilling! BBQ’d Seitan Ribz (Easy!)

By Leave a Comment

Oh my, these “ribz” by Susan Voisin at the Fat Free Vegan Kitchen are perfect for summer grilling (or baking in the oven).

Very easy, too!

The main ingredient is Vital Wheat Gluten, which you can buy in the Bob’s Red Mill Section at Fresh Thyme, Whole Foods, some Jewel stores, or you can order it online. Health food stores in your area might carry it, too.

Vital Wheat Gluten (also known as “wheat meat” because of its texture) is a versatile meat substitute which can also be used to make such dishes as Holiday Roasts and Italian Sausage.

Note: As explained in the recipe notes, the longer you ‘knead’ this mixture, the chewier it gets. I only knead mine for about 20 seconds because I prefer a more tender texture.

Serve with corn on the cob and smashed potatoes with Golden Gravy and you’re in business!

I’d love to know if you give this recipe a try 🙂

 

Live Cooking Demo on Chef AJ’s channel – One week from today :)

By Leave a Comment

Hey everyone, in case you missed the June newsletter, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be doing a LIVE cooking demo on Chef AJ’s YouTube channel on Thursday, June 11, at 1:00 CST. Mark your calendar and please tune in!

The recipes will include: Tasty Tater Soup, Homestyle Squash & Pinto Beans, and Orange Dreamsicle Delight!

All the recipes are very easy (because that’s what you ask for :))

The replay will be on Chef AJ’s channel, plus I’ll share the link as well.

Wish me luck!