Laura’s giving up ALL junk food for cancer research

This July I’m giving up ALL junk food for a great cause.

Earlier this year, my mum was diagnosed with Stage 3+ Non Hodgkin Lymphoma so I’m doing my bit to help cancer research, support my mum and challenge myself.

Leukemia and Blood Cancer NZ supports people with blood cancers, like non hodgkin lymphoma. They provide support services for patients and their families, provide information, support and fund research into better treatments and finding a cure.

Healthy eating is one of the best preventative measures for cancer. I usually eat fairly healthy during the week - except for eating dessert most nights, but come 4pm on Friday, I ‘celebrate’ with pizza, chocolate, cookies and ginger beer. During the weekend I also enjoy baking, hanging in cafes and having sweet scones with tonnes of butter and marmalade for breakfast.

Giving these up will be really difficult for me, but it’s worth it.

I’m anticipating that throughout July, I can raise funds, challenge myself and I can also support my mum like she has supported me. Her last chemo session is on the 29th June, she’s a bloody legend and I’m super proud of her.

My list includes (but is not limited to)

Not allowed: chocolate (eeek!) * ice cream (double eeeek!)* sweeties/ lollies * white bread * fast food (including pizza and chinese food) * hot chips * crisps * biscuits, slices and cakes * pies * savouries and sausage rolls * muesli bars * hot chocolate * desserts * dairy yoghurt * greek yoghurt with yummy stuff - like the Puhoi one * Milkshakes/ thickshakes & fizzy drinks

Allowed: Coffee & tea (Im not a saint!), sparkling water, fruit, fruit yoghurt (Frozen ok), Plain yoghurt (greek & coconut ok) * rice crackers * low sugar protein bars * grainy or wholemeal bread * fresh plant based or protein smoothies (like from TANK), savoury muffins and no sugar healthy bliss balls (only home made)