Life is Mainly Gray, Not Black & White
That's one of the biggest lessons that cancer taught me. When I was first diagnosed my diet (prescribed by a doctor) was very extreme, I couldn't eat meat, nuts, beans, diary, eggs, sugar, bread, pasta and a bunch of other stuff that I can't remember now.
My diet was super healthy but I realized that it came at a cost. We stopped having family meals, because we couldn't share a meal anymore. I didn't really want to go out to dinner because I couldn't eat anything that was served. Holiday get togethers I brought my own food to eat, while everyone else excitedly ate their turkey dinners.
I felt alone and more and more isolated. I was depressed and sad.
What I learned is I don't want to stay alive just to have a miserable existence. What's the point?
I learned that finding a level of happiness and contentment is an important element of overall health. I learned that emotional health is as important as physical health.
So I don't believe in the black and white anymore, I'm not smart enough to make that determination. I live in the gray area now, I believe many refer to it as moderation.
So now I'll have that glass of wine, I'll have a meal out with friends and at the same time I'm be mindful, yet happy.
I believe your health is determined not by singular, or occasional events it is more the collective climate of your life. It's not what you do once in a while, it's what you do everyday that you need to pay attention to.
This goes for my dogs too. They get special treats once in a while and I'm ok with that.
So don't stress out and try to be all one way or another, go with the flow and it'll be the fastest way to find your happy healthy place.
Read the book about Stella and enjoyed it greatly. I had lung cancer and was out walking and a little orange kitten found me. He is still with me and love him. I’m cancer free. Animals are great for healing the soul.