Breast Cancer Will Never Define Me
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And while the month is widely observed by many countries across the world that are working to increase attention and support for early detection and treatment, there is still so much that we don’t understand about this disease. Currently, there are nearly 4 million women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States alone. In fact, one-in-eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Paige Stables is one of those women. Before being diagnosed, she was living in New York City as an up-and-coming star in the magazine industry. As a beauty editor, Stables (who is currently the beauty editor for Allure) was covering the latest trends (trying every new bronzer, dry shampoo and serum that came to market), traveling the world, and attending exclusive parties in the city. She was doing everything you might imagine someone in their mid-20s in Manhattan would be doing. She was living her own Carrie Bradshaw life. As she puts it, “Humbly speaking, life was really good.” Stables was a healthy, 26-year-old vegetarian who worked out regularly and took care of her body. She never felt sick or showed any symptoms of breast cancer; but, after giving herself a self-breast exam, she discovered a lump (one that was missed by her routine exam just four days earlier). “When I saw my doctor, her first words were… ‘You’re very young,’ as if I had nothing to be concerned about,” Stables told Nutritious Life. “But, everything escalated quickly.” Stables gives us a glimpse into her experience, and shares why breast cancer will never define her. Paige, you shared that you were healthy, feeling great, and mentioned that doctors didn’t diagnose you right away. Can you share a little about that? At the beginning of every year, I schedule my annual physical exam. Everything checked out, including the routine breast exam. But, four days later, the first of the month when I do my self-breast exams (something I was taught to do monthly), it was then that I felt a lump in my right breast. When I contacted my doctor (the same one I had been to four days prior), they were dismissive, emphasizing that I had just been in several days ago. A week passed by, and I knew things didn’t feel right. I didn’t know exactly what, but in my heart, I knew it was something. The next morning, I called the doctor and said, “I’m coming in today. Let me know when you can see me.” I received the response, “Can you be here in 15 minutes?” (You can’t get to most places in 15 minutes in New York during rush hour—or ever.) I managed to get there in time and when I saw my doctor, her first words were, “You’re very young,” as if I had nothing to be concerned about…but everything escalated quickly. What was your diagnosis and treatment plan? Four weeks and three days after that appointment with my OBGYN, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and was diagnosed with stage two Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). Initially, I expected to have chemotherapy; however, around the same time I was going to begin treatment, the findings of the TAIKORx Breast Cancer Trial were released which showed I wouldn’t gain substantial benefit from chemotherapy. Timing is everything. Since then, I’ve been doing endocrine therapy. Wow, that is a lot happening in a very short time. It must have been scary. How was your support network? I was blessed with the absolute best support network—and, I don’t take this for granted. No one should ever have to go through breast cancer, especially alone. In an instant, your entire world changes, and you are faced with every unknown. Being surrounded by the love and strength of family is invaluable. My fiancé, my parents, my younger brother, and my brother’s girlfriend made countless sacrifices for me, and because of them, I was able to make my health my priority. And, I was also incredibly lucky to have loving friends and caring colleagues who cheered me on every step of my journey and continued to be more supportive than I could have ever asked for. Throughout all the ups and downs, it wasn’t uncommon for someone to tell me, “You don’t look sick” or “I would have never known.” While I’m grateful it wasn’t apparent, my appearance certainly didn’t determine the magnitude of my diagnosis and experience. For me, it’s a significant reminder to treat everyone the same; never assume anything about anyone; don’t judge others. You never know what’s going on in someone’s life. Thinking about our self-confidence and the idea of identity—were you nervous this experience would change you? My body changed. My life changed. Everything changed. But, I’m still me. Breast cancer will never define me. I would say, I grew rather than changed. Post diagnosis, what was your experience like? I felt like time stopped with the heartache of my diagnosis; but at the same time, life sped up from the moment I heard the news until my mastectomy. When you are told, “You have breast cancer,” there is no guide that comes along with it. So, I found myself navigating all of these changes, trying to determine the best plan of action, and all the while making major life-changing decisions. I met with three different oncology surgeons—at three different hospitals—and every single one had a different approach. I’m so grateful I had a window of time to find the team I trusted wholeheartedly, and I am forever grateful for my doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. What was it like to go back to work? I was excited to go back to work and return to my routine. Not only am I passionate about what I do and love the creativity of it, being away from the office made me miss my colleagues and the happiness of our team dynamic. To me, there is no better community than the beauty industry. I have
Jillian Michaels Finds Meaning and Motivation in Challenging Times
When it comes to our own personal fitness journeys, it’s easy for us to get overwhelmed with advice. Celebrity trainer and New York Times bestselling author Jillian Michaels wants us to stop getting caught up in all that noise. As one of the world’s leading fitness experts, Michaels has helped millions of people achieve their wellness goals. While many know her for her tough-as-nails approach on The Biggest Loser, now Jillian wants to help us all find our drive. “It’s all about your why,” she explains to Nutritious Life. “Why do you want to be motivated in the first place?” Michaels created the Jillian Michaels Fitness App to help people get moving, no matter your level of fitness. And working out helps more than just your muscles. ““When we feel strong physically, we feel strong in all facets of our lives,” she adds. Michaels opens up to Nutritious Life about setting goals, how to find motivation (especially now), and her “common sense” diet. How have things changed for you since COVID-19 hit? What has been your biggest challenge, and how have you worked to overcome it? Well, I have been far more fortunate than most. I am lucky enough to be working and have my home. The challenge for me personally has been having the kids out of school, camp, and other activities they used to engage in. It’s been really hard on them not having their friends or regular routine; and it’s been extremely hard for me to maintain my work and self-care schedules trying to tend to them each day. That said, we adapt and innovate. So whether we all get active together, or we just don’t get things done as “perfectly” as we did before- we are getting by and I am grateful for that. What are some of your tips to stay focused? Especially now. I believe that we should transmute any hardship into an opportunity for growth. Is this a wake up call to get healthy? Is it an opportunity to innovate your business? Is it a time to get closer with family? Or, maybe it’s a message to slow down and streamline? Look to bring a meaning to this and in that you will find focus because there is a purpose. Do you prefer to workout in the morning or evening? I workout whenever I have a moment. And there is no right or wrong time. The most important thing is fitting it in and if you have the luxury of choosing when that might be, then listen to your body. If you have more energy in the morning, do it then. If exercise at night keeps you up, make sure to fit it in earlier in the day. How often do you exercise, and what’s your workout of choice? I workout four to five times a week for about 30 minutes straight. Sometimes a little longer. I mix everything up. I hike, kickbox, ride my road bike, do HIIT training, calisthenics and yoga. Keeping variety in your regimen keeps the body constantly progressing and it helps to keep you from getting bored. How do you motivate yourself (and your clients!) to workout? It’s all about your why. Why do you want to be motivated in the first place? Think of the detailed ways your quality of life will improve. Keep some very specific goals in mind that you are passionate about. Is it wearing a two-piece instead of a one-piece? Feeling more comfortable naked? Walking your daughter down the aisle? Or maybe getting ready for your own wedding? It doesn’t matter how profound or superficial your reason for getting fit is, as long as it matters to you. For me personally—it’s my livelihood. So, I have a built-in motivation to keep it together. Plus, I want to be a role model for my kids. And, personally, I want to feel good in my skin. Strong. Healthy. Powerful. Fitness makes me feel that way. If you had to name your healthy diet, what would you call it? The common sense diet. Eat a variety of foods in their most whole, unprocessed form. Don’t eat things that aren’t food like fake fats, fake colors, fake flavors and sweeteners, pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. Don’t overeat. Common sense. Has it been hard to stay on track with your nutrition while in quarantine? No, because I am motivated to take this time and take on fitness challenges I’ve never achieved, like becoming proficient at jump rope or performing a 10-second handstand. And my diet is the same always. It’s not too strict to stick to. What’s your go-to breakfast? I mix it up, but lately I’ve been really into understanding more about the role our microbiome plays in our overall health. So, I’ve been having organic Greek yogurt with banana, berries, pecans, and walnuts. This gives me the probiotics and prebiotics, all three macros, and a host of micronutrients and antioxidants. Your go-to workday lunch? A salad with protein, like a grilled salmon salad. What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? Lucky Jack organic nitro cold brew coffee. Is that a food? Your favorite food indulgence? Wine! Other than water, what do you sip regularly? Tea and coffee, but organic only. What causes you stress? Work is hugely stressful as it is, nevermind during a pandemic! Practicing my self-care routine helps immensely. I get my sleep, meditate, and take some time to do things I love like surfing and horseback riding. I also play with my kids and see the friends that are in my quarantine circle. How do you express and spread love? This comes down to common sense kindness. Remember that book All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten? Use your manners. Say hello. Wave. Practice small acts of kindness that don’t put you out, but go a long way for another person, like allowing them to merge in traffic. Don’t hurt people to get ahead. Try to put
Why Self-Discipline Is a Muscle You Should Start Flexing
By Patricia Moreno When I was growing up, I thought the word discipline meant punishment. I didn’t like to be reprimanded, be told what to do, or follow rules. When I was in my 30s, I finally realized that line of thinking wasn’t doing me any good and that I needed to develop the muscle of self-discipline. After reading The Yoga of Discipline by Gurumayi, I basically put myself into self-discipline boot camp. I had a life coach at the time and the rules were strict. If I didn’t follow through on what I said I was going to do, I would have to pay a fine, give up drinking coffee the next day, or even do something more drastic. Why did I want to put myself through this? I wanted to develop the ability to follow through on the things I said I wanted to do. I wanted to stop overindulging frequently and eat more healthfully. I wanted to stop regretting my choices and feeling hopeless in the attainment of my dreams. I wanted my weight to stop fluctuating constantly and to stop using unsustainable means to manage it. I knew that my bad attitude needed an overhaul, and I wanted a change. I was tired of letting myself down, and I finally realized that letting myself off the hook wasn’t always the answer. Sometimes, I needed to simply follow through on things whether I felt like it or not. I needed to keep my word and delay instant gratification. In other words, I needed to flex my self-discipline muscle much more. The Power of Self-Discipline It sure wasn’t easy, but it was a great investment I made in myself. It radically improved my life and how I felt about myself and opened my mind up to more possibilities than I had envisioned before. Take a second to think about it. What is holding you back from achieving your goals? As we move into the new year—a time of reflection and new beginnings—it is a great opportunity to become more self-aware. Ask yourself, “What would my life be like if I had a little more self-discipline? What would more self-discipline open up the door to for me to accomplish?” This year, instead of simply thinking of goals you want to achieve like losing 20 pounds or making an extra 100k, I invite you to instead focus on your character. Decide to use your goals as opportunities to develop self-discipline, integrity, self-acceptance, confidence, or appreciation. The goals are a way to keep yourself in the game of becoming a total badass, inside and out, but when you set them, don’t think about the goal as the prize. Instead, focus on who you need to become in order to experience more personal fulfillment. When you focus on developing yourself instead of simply achieving a goal, a whole new world of opportunities will open up for you. Exercise your power to choose. About Patricia: Patricia Moreno—a Guest Expert for The Nutrition School—is all about helping people awaken their inner bad-ass by combining practices that exercise mental, physical, and spiritual muscle so they can live a life of Thinner Peace. Her secret recipe is the integration of mind, body, and spirit and the deliberate development of self-love and self-mastery. She is the creator of the intenSati method and The Practice which will be released January 2017.
