Cancer doesn’t just pick its enemy to strike and kill. I believe cancer is formed from an imbalance. But what is the imbalance from? It’s got to be different for every kind of cancer. Hormones, acidity, environmental, lack of oxygen… we’ve heard this from “the experts.” But how do we heal such an impossible disease to thousands of people? I don’t claim to have any answers, but here’s what I’ve learned as I healed from cancer. I’m not against chemo, I did chemo. Modern medicine has saved so many lives, but I personally like an integrative approach. I healed so quickly from my cancer by implementing both. During my cancer healing journey, I intentionally focused on foods rich in: 🥬 Chlorophyll 🥦 Sulforaphane ☀️ Vitamins D, C & E 🫁 Oxygen 🍅 Lycopene 🥕 Beta-carotene 🫐 Polyphenols These nutrients and plant compounds are found in many of the whole foods God created. My goal wasn’t perfection. It was to consistently give my body the building blocks it needed while I walked through treatment and recovery. I still eat this way today because I don’t just want to survive. I want to live a long, healthy life. By the way, I’m convinced stress and the environmental toxins I lived around (commercial agriculture) caused my cancer. 💪 Comment FOOD for the list of foods I strive to eat everyday! *FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

As someone who’s walked through cancer, this verse hits differently. “Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12 (and it’s mentioned 2 other times in Scripture) Scripture reminds us that God designed nature with healing in mind. Healing isn’t just medical. It’s spiritual, intentional, and deeply rooted in God‘s wisdom. Ever since I learned of this concept, I have been implementing it into my daily routine. I drink fruit leaf tea every day, and it’s so easy to do. Fruit leaves are much higher in antioxidants, supporting our bodies to bring us back into balance! Comment FRUIT for my recipe and links to the tea I drink. This recipe is also used when someone in our home feels sick. My kids drink it too! *FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE #naturalhealthtips #cancerhealing #homemakeronabudget

It’s no longer acceptable to keep anything toxic in my kitchen just because it smells nice. And honestly… some of these might make people uncomfortable. Comment SWAPS for a free guide to a non-toxic home. But after walking through cancer, I stopped asking “what’s convenient?” and started asking “what am I exposing my family to every single day?” Here are 7 things you will not find in my kitchen anymore: • Seed oils hiding in everyday foods (only extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and butter) • Plastic storage touching warm meals (I only use glass storage containers now) • Nonstick cookware coated with PFAS and forever chemicals (stainless steel and @caraway_home only) • Silicone muffin pans and bakeware heated over and over again (only use stainless steel with unbleached parchment liners) • Artificial fragrances drifting around our food and air (@fontanacandlecompany has the best non-toxic candles) • Artificial food dyes pretending to be real ingredients (this is an absolute no in my house) • Aluminum foil as a default cooking surface (my focus is glass and stainless steel for baking) This isn’t about fear or perfection. I was scared when I got cancer. But I decided to focus on what I could control and leave the rest to God. So I reset my home and I’m much more confident now. *FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE #nontoxicliving #homemakeronabudget #momlife

Red lentils is a staple food I eat as a cancer survivor. They’re packed with protein, fiber, rich in polyphenols, iron, folate, minerals, and I prefer their texture over beans. I eat red lentils in a variety of ways, but my salsa red lentils are my favorite! Mix the lentils with sautéed vegetables, ladle on toast and you have a complete meal! Comment LENTILS for my super easy salsa red lentils recipe! I love using this lentil mixture as a filling for enchiladas as well! Yes, as a meat eater we can enjoy lentils too!

Cancer changes what you obsess over. I still believe protein matters. In fact, every meal I eat includes a quality source of protein. But after hearing the words, “You have cancer,” I stopped asking only, “Did I hit my protein goal today?” Now I ask… ✔️ Did I eat enough colorful plants? ✔️ Did I get enough fiber? ✔️ Did I include healthy fats? ✔️ Did I nourish my gut? ✔️ Did I move my body? ✔️ Did I get outside? ✔️ Did I prioritize sleep? ✔️ Did I slow down and thank God for another day? My goal isn’t to chase the latest nutrition trend. My goal is to build habits that support my health for the rest of my life, one meal at a time. 👉🏼 Comment FOOD and I’ll send you the daily foods I eat as a cancer survivor to support my long-term health. *FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

Fall is coming - which is when we all love lighting a candle! Be ready! Comment LIGHT for a link to my favorite brand candle! Bonus: they’re offering 25% off right now! We spend so much time thinking about the food we eat, but what about the air we breathe? Many scented candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air when burned. That’s why I’ve become much more intentional about the candles I bring into our home. Who wants to breathe in carcinogens?!? My favorite non-toxic brand is Fontana Candles because I trust their ingredients and transparency. Your home should be a place that supports your health, not works against it. 🤍🕯️ @fontanacandlecompany *FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

Don’t get me wrong, I love my protein 😂 but my food list for the day is built around the best polyphenols as a cancer survivor! Top 10 foods rich in polyphenols: 1. Matcha (green tea powder) 🍵 One of the highest known sources of polyphenols, especially EGCG, which is heavily studied for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. You consume the whole leaf, not just a steep. 2. Dark Berries 🫐 Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries Packed with anthocyanins that protect DNA, reduce oxidative stress, and support gut bacteria. 3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 Rich in oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, both linked to reduced cancer risk and inflammation. This is why Mediterranean diets shine. 4. Dark Chocolate / Raw Cacao (85–100%) 🍫 High in flavanols that protect cells and improve blood flow. The darker and less processed, the better. 5. Fruit Leaf Tea 🌿 Fig leaf, mulberry leaf, guava leaf, citrus leaf Often higher in polyphenols than the fruit itself. Leaves exist to protect the plant, and they pass that protection on. 6. Cloves (and strong spices) 🌰 Cloves are one of the highest polyphenol foods per gram on earth. Cinnamon, oregano, and turmeric follow closely. 7. Walnuts 🌰 Contain unique ellagitannins, which convert in the gut to compounds linked with cancer-protective effects. 8. Pomegranate ❤️ (I buy frozen) Loaded with punicalagins, extremely potent polyphenols that support cellular repair and detox pathways. 9. Legumes 🫘 Lentils, soy, and black beans High in phenolic acids and fiber. 10. Fresh Herbs 🌱 Oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage Small amounts, huge impact. Herbs are concentrated plant defense compounds. Polyphenols have been shown to: •Protect DNA from oxidative damage •Help damaged cells self-destruct instead of mutating •Reduce chronic inflammation (a major driver of cancer) This is why foods like berries, matcha, olive oil, herbs, and fruit leaf teas keep showing up in research. Want to know more? Comment SUPER for my affordable superfoods list to add to your next grocery run. #homemakeronabudget #cancersurvivor #healthylifestyle

Comment SALMON for the recipe! Let’s get honest, I have thrown away too many thawed, nasty pieces of salmon because I left them in the refrigerator to thaw and forgot about it. Frozen salmon straight from the freezer and into the oven has been one of the easiest habits and honestly much more affordable! I love this technique because it is effortless with my busy schedule. There’s no excuse, we can all eat healthy. Purchase wild, sockeye salmon always! Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart sell it year-round. #salmonrecipe #healthyfood #homemakeronabudget

I loved the idea of shopping at farmer’s markets or making my own food before cancer, but I let convenience take control of my wallet. Now most of our groceries I purchase outside the stores and I’ve never felt healthier! 🥩 Bone Broth I make my own from grass-fed beef bones or pasture-raised chicken instead of buying boxed broth. BUT I will splurge and buy @just.ingredients.shop chocolate bone broth! 🍞 Bread We ONLY eat homemade bread now. Sourdough is life! 🥣 Granola (ALL CEREALS) I make my own with simple ingredients instead of buying ultra-processed cereal. 🥪 Lunch Meat Instead: I cook a whole chicken (bought from the farmers market - pasture-raised), debone the chicken and use that as lunch meat. 🥚 Eggs I choose pasture-raised eggs from my local farmers market instead of grocery store eggs. Way more fresh, and more nutritious! 🥕 Carrots Once you taste a farmers market carrot, you’ll understand why I never went back. 🍅 Canned Tomatoes I buy fresh tomatoes from local farms and freeze them myself each summer. Canned tomatoes are terribly acidic. The list could be even longer! My goal is to buy very little from the grocery stores. ❤️ Real Food Lunchbox Cookbook is ON SALE, just in time for back-to-school season. You’re going to love these easy budget-friendly real food recipes. Comment LUNCH for the link and grab a copy for your kitchen today! *FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.