We all love for our family to see us achieve things, but what about our lowest moments?
In an interview with Mediacorp’s MasterChef Singapore Season Four contestant Mandy Kee, she shared with theAsianparent how she juggles parenting, being a contestant in a competitive cooking show, and her experience as a cervical cancer survivor.
In MasterChef Singapore Season 4 Episode 4, this 41-year-old business manager shocked everyone, especially the judges of the show when she served an empty plate. Her fish fillets were uncooked, making her the first-ever contestant in the history of MasterChef Singapore to do so.
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When asked how the experience affected her, Mandy answered: “The experience was heartbreaking as I considered the impact on my children, who might see it on national TV and potentially feel embarrassed about their mom, especially if they come across hurtful comments online.”
Mandy Kee is a mother of three children, aged 21, 19, and 11, which often surprises people when they hear because of her youthful appearance.
“However, I made the decision to face it with a smile, be brave, learn from my mistake and move forward. Life is filled with highs and lows, and I have already hit rock bottom, nothing will deter me now”, she added.
Despite the setback, Mandy has emerged as one of the top four (4) contestants in Episode 8, where the MasterChef title is almost in sight!
Mandy Kee on Battling Cervical Cancer and Being a Parent: How Is This Possible?
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From the start of the show, Mandy Kee shared that she is a cervical cancer survivor, which proves how strong of a woman she is!
We all know how hard it can be to parent a child. So, what more if you are also battling one of the deadliest diseases among women?
Mandy shared: “Balancing the responsibilities of being a parent with the physical and emotional toll of battling cancer presented unique difficulties such as physical limitations like fatigue, and pain, and even simple tasks became more challenging. The toughest for me was maintaining a sense of normalcy for my eldest son amidst the chaos of cancer.”
Aside from rigorous medical treatment, the emotional support from her family and friends was what helped Mandy survive cancer. She also shared that she has been adopting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a balanced diet.
When asked what advice can she give to women, especially mothers, who are battling cervical cancer, she said:
“Stay positive, I can’t emphasise this enough but maintaining a positive mindset can make a significant difference in your journey. Take it one day at a time, cervical cancer is a journey, be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grieve, heal, adjust. Celebrate each milestone no matter how small.”
Making Meals for Her Family
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With her experience battling cervical cancer, Mandy has become meticulous about herself and her family’s diet. Now, she focuses on making meals that are rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources as well as making jams, spreads, and sauces herself.
When asked if she would only cook one dish for her family, she answered vegetable stir fry with firm tofu. For Mandy, this dish has the perfect balance of nutrition, versatility, exquisite, and convenience.
“Although I haven’t extensively studied organic food, I strongly believe in maintaining a balanced diet, consuming fresh produce, and promoting sustainability. When I cook at home, I prioritise properly washing and cleaning ingredients to minimise pesticide residue as much as possible”, Mandy added.
Budget-Friendly and Easy Recipes for Busy Parents
Mandy also shared a few easy recipes for busy parents:
- Homemade pizzas (a top choice) — it is fun to prepare and allow you to have control over the ingredients used.
- Burgers with homemade buns — they are free from additives and preservatives.
- Quesadillas — are also a great option. They can be filled with nutritious ingredients, such as chopped vegetables, tomatoes, chicken breast, and cheese. You can just grill them on a skillet until crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole… and voila!
- Soy milk hotpot — it is a great way to clear up the fridge and use up bits of leftover ingredients consolidated over the week.
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Episode 9 of MasterChef Singapore Season Four will air on 8 Oct at 10 pm, while its finale will air at 9.30 pm on 15 October. All episodes will be available on-demand, on the same night via mewatch and the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel.
For more information, please visit mediacorp.sg/MasterChefSG.
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