Fighting Cancer with Food!

Did you know that on any given day in the United States, 1.8 billion calories are consumed­­­­­­—one-half million more than are needed? Overweight and obesity may account for 14 percent of all cancer deaths in men and 20 percent of all cancer deaths in women.

Maintaining a healthy weight throughout your life, adopting a physically active lifestyle, consuming a healthy diet with an emphasis of plant sources and limiting alcoholic beverages are all ways to limit your risk to cancer, says Colleen Doyle, American Cancer Society’s nutrition expert.

Several bodies of research have shown that becoming overweight increases the likelihood of developing six different types of cancer.

Eating right becomes increasingly challenging for many people during the holiday season. However, Doyle says those holiday meals don’t have to be filled with many extra calories. She suggests good planning with choice ingredients can help skinny down holiday meals without compromising taste.

“Sweet potatoes, cranberries, pumpkin, acorn squash are must-have fruits and vegetables at many a family feast, and they just happen to be loaded with cancer-fighting beta carotene, phytochemicals and fiber,” says Doyle.

Maintaining your optimum weight reduces your risk for cancer. For great pointers how to stock your grocery cart cancer-fighting food, check out Colleen Doyle’s fun and healthy tips video.

Want to get started now? Here are some healthy recipes to try. Learn to eat right with ACS Virtual Dietitian.