My Cancer Food

Angela Inspires
Sep 11, 2024
7 min read

Tell the world who you are!

My name is Lindsay, I am from Montreal, and on January 30, 2017, I was diagnosed

with Hodgkin Lymphoma. It was actually the worst day of my life. Although my journey was not much different than many of the Cancer patients I’ve met and spoken to along the way, I can tell you that this changed my life. I learned not to sweat the small stuff. I learned the trivial things we all worry about, don’t matter; it’s the connections, friendships (and how we treat each other and ourselves) that make us happy- truly happy. I learned to enjoy it ALL, to stop stressing about the BS because it really doesn’t matter. I learned to take care of myself, cut out the bad foods and enjoy the healthy ones. I learned to meditate and do yoga, and I learned how calming that could be. I learned to listen to my body. I learned hair grows back. I learned that everyone goes through sh*t in their life and its my turn, just deal and I’ll get through it. But I didn’t get through it alone. I had a great support team by my side the entire time. I am beyond grateful for my family, my husband, small group of friends and the Instagram community I’ve built on @MYCANCERFOOD who cared for me, cooked for me, made me laugh, and sent positive vibes my way. They are forever my A-team, and I owe them this new life. Cancer has made me tougher and even more resilient. I’ve learned to live your life and do what makes you happy, because everything could change on a Monday.

#forevergrateful #nobaddays.

What does health mean to you?

Health means a few things to me. It means an overall sense of wellness, taking care of mind and body, and fueling your body with good nutrients, and positive thoughts.

What triggered your passion for healthy living?

I’ve always had a passion for healthy eating, even at a young age. I’ve always been

passionate and curious about nutrition and how different foods can have healing properties. I was also never a poor eater. Only a picky one- a very picky one. My food regime always consisted of veggies, salads, fish and meat. Nothing was ever fried in my house. It’s always been simple clean eating. I’m lucky in that sense because even as a kid my parents never took us to fast food restaurants. Of course I ate candy and ice cream and all that fun stuff, but it was never in excess.

It was not until after my cancer diagnosis that I went on a full plant based diet. Cut out all sugar, bread, dairy products, alcohol, coffee and any processed foods. I increased my fresh press juices and vegetable intake. I added more foods to the repertoire that I might not have eaten before. Since my diagnosis I have been extremely cautious about what I eat. Taking into account the beneficial properties of the all food I’m eating, and the nutritional value. I know the lifestyle I am following now is extreme, and I doubt it will continue forever, but eating healthy has always been a part of my lifestyle from an early age. I really believe that anything in moderation is healthy. Food should be mostly vegetables, fruits herbs etc because we know they are healthy. While adding some meat, alcohol, carbs etc in moderation is also something very acceptable.

Through your personal experience with healthy living, what have you learned?

I’ve learned that there is not just one magic solution. Not everything works for everyone in the same way it could work for you. I’ve learned to take things slow, a

huge change does not happen overnight. And I’ve learned to listen to my body. Feel connected to it and look for the signs. It will tell you what it needs. It will also show you when something is not working or when something is working.

I’ve learned moderation is key. Some people choose to cut out meat completely (myself included) but if it is something that you enjoy in your diet, it should be a ‘side dish’ and not the main. Vegetables should always take precedence while other foods are good in moderation.

Healthy living does not just mean healthy eating. It’s a package. Your mental health and physical health are all included in your lifestyle. Who you surround yourself with, where you go each day (your job), how you talk to yourself and what you feed your body. If you constantly abuse your body and put yourself down, don’t exercise and don’t eat right well that can become a recipe for a bigger problem.

What is your favorite dish/recipe?

I’m a pasta girl through and through. Cutting out bread was really tough, so I am always on the hunt for healthier alternatives. I’ve discovered all kinds of pasta noodles made from chickpea flour, lentil flour to green pea flour! Usually when I make my pasta, I make a “Green Garden Pasta” The base is olive oil, garlic and onions, and

then I load it with all kinds of veggies- pretty much whatever I have in the fridge that day. I make it extra spicy with cayenne pepper and hot peppers too!

My absolute favorite snack is guacamole. It was so weird how often I craved it while undergoing treatment. I would make a huge bowl almost every night, and there would be nothing left to share! I’ve mastered the guacamole recipe, and I still look forward to Guac O’Clock!

On treatment day, soup was my go to meal. The vegetable soups we made were loaded with immune boosting properties and healthy nutrients that would help build my body up when chemo knocked it down. The base of the soup was by my go to- @RebeccaKatzYum and then I followed the Thug Kitchen cookbook, Chickpea Noodle Soup recipe. It really saved me, as the days that followed treatments were my worst, and I ate/ drank very little. Find the pasta and guacamole recipes below.

What would be your message to those struggling to pursue a healthy lifestyle?

Start slow. Changing your lifestyle is one of the hardest things to do. We are creatures of habit and newness takes time. Food is also comfort and happiness. Start by adding a few new foods to your repertoire. Cut out the junk & processed foods slowly. Eat out less and cook more, this way you have full control of what goes into your food.

Find a workout that you actually enjoy. There are so many workout classes available, you are bound to find something you can look forward to. Keep your body moving, you will feel better about yourself.

Find a friend, or family member to make these changes with you. Its always easier to start something new with someone by your side (you know misery loves company… kidding!! You won’t be miserable...). When my husband decided to go vegetarian a few years ago I said I was totally on board (I did cheat a few times here and there though!!)

Try to stop looking at food as a reward. Don’t say, look what I’ve accomplished today I deserve this chocolate bar, or these French fries (or whatever your cheat is, mine is bread or pasta). But rather say to yourself, it’s been so long since I’ve had ice cream, I think today would be a good day for that.

Try and eat less sugar. It really is addictive. There are no health benefits to sugar (besides natural sugars found in fruits) and it’s really an ingredient that is found in too many foods. We don’t need so much. Try and be mindful about your intake.

I have honestly gone the complete extreme, and cut sugar out of my diet completely (since diagnosis). I never realized how much sugar is in the foods we eat. Now that I don’t eat it at all (including honey, maple syrup, agave etc..) Now that it’s been removed from my food I find that I don’t even crave sweetness.

I have my own cheat days, even during treatment! I needed Annie’s Homegrown to help kick chemo nausea. On my cheat days I allow myself to enjoy white pasta, pizza, or some bread without making myself feel guilty. It’s all about moderation.

Feeling good about yourself, and what you’re putting into your body is the most important.

XX Lindsay from

@MyCancerFood

Green Garden Pasta

What you need:

5-6 pieces of garlic

1 onion

5 tablespoons olive oil

1 tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp ground black pepper

½ broccoli head

½ cauliflower head

1 handful asparagus (about 14 pieces)

1 green pepper

½ cup fresh basil

½ tsp cayenne pepper (add more if you like it spicy)

What to do:

Chop all your veggies nice and small- bite size.

Crush your garlic.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain

In a large sauce pan on the stove, on medium heat, add your garlic, onions and olive oil. Let cook until onions are nice and brown. Add turmeric and cayenne pepper. Add in your broccoli, cauliflower, and let cook until soft. Add in pepper, asparagus, and pepper. Tope with fresh basil.

Add hot chili pepper based on taste. I like mine super spicy!

Serve & enjoy!

My Cancer Food Guac O’Clock Guacamole

What you need:

4 ripe avocados