Healthy Living

General Information | Dont' Smoke | Eat Right | Exercise | Avoid Alcohol | Practice Sun Safety

Eat Right
Eating a balanced diet is a key part of your healthy lifestyle. You should ask your doctor about any specific nutritional needs that you might have, especially before beginning a special diet. Although developing cancer in childhood is not linked to diet or any other behaviors, some adult cancers are linked to diet. The National Cancer Institute has found that 35 percent of adult cancers are diet-related. The National Cancer Institute, the Diet and Cancer Project and the American Cancer Society recommend the following guidelines. These guidelines are just suggestions for nutritional health; your individual creativity and food preferences will allow you to maintain variety in your diet.

What you eat has a direct impact on your health. It is important to eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans. Limit the intake of red meat and processed foods that are high in sugar, low in fiber or high in fat. Restrict the amount of salty foods and processed foods with salt. Pay particular attention to the portions of the food you eat, paying attention to what your portions are and how they correlate to standard servings. Make sure 2/3 of your diet consist of plant based foods and 1/3 or less is from animal foods such as meat and cheese. Consume cured meats such as bacon and

Healthy Eating Tips:

  • Limit your salt intake. Try using other herbs and spices (paprika, garlic powder, thyme and oregano) to flavor food. In some individuals, high salt intake appears linked to high blood pressure and other conditions.
  • Only 20 to 25 percent of your total calories per day should come from fat.
  • Less than a third of the calories from fat should come from an animal source.
  • Fast food can add excess of calories, fat and sodium to your diet.
  • Try switching from whole milk to skim milk.
  • Use only low-fat varieties of dairy products.
  • Eat cheese in very moderate amounts.
  • Use olive or canola oil when cooking instead of butter or shortening.
  • Eat plenty of protein. By reducing the amount of meat you eat, you may be eliminating some protein from your diet. Soy products and beans have high levels of protein and will help you maintain a balanced diet.
  • Tell your doctor about any changes in weight or appetite or problems with digestion. Ask if there are specific nutritional needs related to your diagnosis or treatment. A healthy diet can help to protect against cancer and aid in fighting the disease.
  • Restaurants and food labels usually use portions much larger than needed. Try to reduce portion size and take leftovers home. Another way to reduce portion size is to use smaller bowls and plates.