???? A 10-minute read
By guest editor Ian Boyd
Introduction: If I Could Go Back Five Years
If I could go back five years to the day I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of advanced metastatic prostate cancer, there are many things I would tell myself to do differently.
To be clear, I have no regrets or complaints regarding my medical treatment. I fully entrusted my care to trained professionals, and I genuinely believe my team gave me the best possible treatment, especially under the shadow of COVID-19’s early disruption. But treatment is only one half of the bigger picture.
What I Would Do Differently
The Other Side of Treatment: Lifestyle
With the benefit of hindsight, the changes I’d make all fall outside the realm of traditional medicine. They are the things that were within my control — and potentially, the very choices that may have helped prevent the cancer from becoming so advanced in the first place. Of course, there’s no guarantee. Cancer doesn’t deal in guarantees. But it does deal in wake-up calls.
When I learned I had tumours setting up shop in my body, I came to realise I had to do more than fight. I had to learn how to coexist with cancer. That learning curve is still unfolding.
Lifestyle Changes That Mattered Most
Obvious First Steps
From day one, I made immediate lifestyle changes:
- Prioritising rest and quality sleep
- Reducing stress where I could
- Cutting alcohol down to one occasional glass of wine
- Ending toxic relationships
- Starting a regular, realistic exercise regimen
But the most powerful change of all? Reforming my eating habits — day to day, bite by bite.
Real Food: My Nutrition Foundation
“If It Has a Barcode, Don’t Eat It.”
That quote came from my urologist, and it stuck. At first, like many cancer patients, I reacted with extremes. Cutting out all sugar and all carbohydrates. It felt like the right move. After all, I was unknowingly drinking the equivalent of six teaspoons of sugar each morning in my pre-packaged iced coffee. And that didn’t even count the finger bun I was washing down!
But I quickly learned that zero carbs and sugar wasn’t sustainable, or smart. My body, especially my brain, needed some sugar and carbs. Just not the processed kind.
Finding Balance: Real Food vs. Processed Food
The goal became clear:
Choose real food. Avoid poisons.
I shifted to whole, nutrient-dense foods that broke down slowly:
- Fresh fruits and berries
- Seasonal vegetables
- Whole grains
- Ingredients free from preservatives, colourants, and additives
Real food is not about magic. It’s about supporting the systems your body already has, the ones that have evolved over millions of years to protect, repair, and fuel you.
The Thermomix Advantage (and Michelle’s Role)
A Real Food Ally
This is where my wife Michelle and her Thermomix entered the picture in a big way. She used her professional cooking experience to help adapt regular recipes to suit my new nutrition goals.
We made snacks, meals, even granola from scratch. Suddenly, real food wasn’t difficult anymore. It was achievable, practical, and delicious. The Thermomix made it possible for even a novice like me to be in control of my health in the kitchen.
Lessons in Nutrition That Changed My Thinking
It’s Not About Quick Fixes
Cancer nutrition, and health more broadly, isn’t about attacking the disease like it’s a common cold. It’s about long-term restoration and nurturing the internal ecosystems that keep us alive.
Some of the once “woo-woo” concepts I’ve grown to value deeply include:
- Gut health
- Inflammation
- Glycemic index awareness
- Mindful eating
If I could go back and tell myself where to start, I’d say:
Start there.
Not with fear, not with life expectancy stats but with real information, grounded choices, and a willingness to listen to your body.
Final Thoughts: Living With Cancer, Not Against It
Even now, I’m not following a guaranteed path. Neither medicine nor food can promise that. But both can work together to give me the best chance at living well. My evolving relationship with real food has given me energy, clarity, hope, and a sense of ownership over my health.
And in the face of something as unpredictable as cancer, that’s a powerful place to be.
If you liked this post, why not read this one about resilience: https://realfoodcook.com.au/resilience-is-my-superpower/
For cancer support including cancer nutrition: https://www.cancersa.org.au/
To discover more about Ian’s new book click here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891113855
What People Say
Nicki King
August 21, 2024
Michelle Boyd catered for our wedding ceremony, and the food was absolutely incredible! We had a few guests with dietary needs, and Michelle made sure every dish was not only delicious but also met everyone’s requirements. I’ve been lucky enough to taste Michelle’s food on several occasions, and I always look forward to seeing what amazing dishes she creates. My husband and I also bought a Thermomix from Michelle, and she came to our home for a demonstration. We use the Thermomix all the time now, and the recipes she shared with us are regulars in our meals. We’re so excited to learn more from Michelle and can’t wait to attend one of her dinner events soon!
Jane-Marie Pfeiffer
May 26, 2024
Last week I attended Michelle’s Real Food Dinner -Gut health edition. Michelle informed us with very valuable information about gut health and how we can look after our gut by eating food with a higher fibre content. She prepared some beautiful tasty dishes show casing some great gut health foods. I highly recommended attending these nights when they come available. It was a fun night of information, chats and yummy food. Thank you Michelle. Can’t wait to see what you will be presenting next.
Sandy Andrews
May 26, 2024
YumHugs catered for my 70th birthday tea at a local hall. Michelle and Ian came and plated up the delicious finger food and served it too, so I didn't have so much to organise and could spend time with my guests. The food was amazing and their calming presence made the event so much better! They even packed up the left overs. Yum Hugs is great and Michelle and Ian are wonderful!
Lee-anne Voigt
May 26, 2024
Thank you Michelle and Ian for welcoming us to your dining room table for a Real Food Gut Health evening. LOVED the food you prepared, together with learning more about gut health and enjoying animated round the table conversation. I’ll be signing up for another event 😀😀
Kelly Hody
May 24, 2024
I have ordered Yum Hugs products several times now and cannot speak highly enough of the quality of the food and exceptional customer service. I took a large sweet treat grazing box to an event today and everyone absolutely loved it! There's something to please everyone in these boxes and I will definitely be ordering time and time again. I also attended Yum Hugs 'Real Food Dinner - Gut Health Edition' and this was an amazing experience. I loved being able to try new foods in a social setting, and learn about ingredients and simple ways to improve my nutrition. Michelle has a real knack for creating delicious food combinations that are also easy to recreate at home.
Wendy Stanton
April 26, 2024
I attended Michelle’s first Real Food Dinner - Gut Health Edition as I wanted to learn more about gut health and options for switching up my diet. I received all that and more! Not only was Michelle very knowledgeable about the subject but she also cooked a variety of high fibre, and very delicious dishes for us to try. I had a great evening and can highly recommend the experience to anyone with an interest in food and talking about food! Michelle also produces some amazing sweet treats and my favourite - the energy seed bars. Thankyou Michelle!
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