Giving up processed foods for cancer

I’m doing it for cancer!

I’m challenging myself to not eat processed or ultra processed foods according to the NOVA food classification to support Cancer Council in their mission for a cancer free future. The Nova food classification is a system of classifying food processing, and is used in nutrition and public health worldwide to aid policy and research, and in this case I'll be using it as a guide to the challenge. It breaks down foods into four categories, unpossessed foods, processed ingredients, Processed foods and ultra-processed foods. During the next three months I am challenging myself to only eat foods that are unprocessed or are processed culinary ingredients. 

I am doing this in the memory of my two grandfathers who both died of different cancers. My Grandpa died when I was two years of age from a glioblastoma. This is the most common and most aggressive form of brain cancer. I remember few things about my Grandpa, and the only way I have been able to connect with my Grandpa today has been a letter which he had wrote to me before his passing. My first memory was one with him, holding his hand while I played in puddles while walking through his property. My Grandad I remember more of, and as I get older I realize how tough this man was. He passed of Non-small cell carcinoma, a lung cancer more than likely caused by his smoking habit, but not after toughing it through two strokes. I treasure my memories with him, and the joy he gave me during my childhood. If cancer council is successful in their goal of a cancer free world, we can save others from having to go through the same things. Because 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, I’m raising funds to show my support.

All donations are appreciated, (especially with how much it costs just to be alive nowadays) but even if it's just support it is more than enough. Additionally, My partner Ella is also fundraising for lifeline at the same time as this, and will be giving up chocolate for the next 6 months, or until the end of the year! There is a link here (https://fundraise.lifeline.org.au/fundraisers/ellabutner) but please do not feel pressured to donate to both, as all donations are appreciated and we love both causes. 

Thank you for having the patients to read this admittedly long message! I will be keeping up with ongoing posts to social media to record the progress of the entire journey. 

Thank you for your generous donations! and thank you for all of the support in advance!