Living Well with Jody: Eating for Health

It is the start of a new year and a perfect time to make a healthy change. How about changing your diet to make it healthier and anti-carcinogenic?  According to WebMD, “Mounting evidence shows that the foods we eat weigh heavily in the war against cancer.”

What are carcinogens?

According to Melissa Breyer, the author of True Food, some of the top foods and drinks, which may increase your risk of cancer, include:

• Charred or burnt foods
• Well-done meats
• Sugar
• Soda
• Trans-fats
• Artificial sweeteners
• Alcohol in excess

One easy first step is to pick one or two items from this list to cut back on. Once that becomes natural, cut back on another. Small steps are more effective than taking on too much at once.

What are anticarcinogens?

Now that you know what to avoid, here are some of the top anti-carcinogenic foods that can help fight cancer.

• Berries
• Tomatoes
• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower and brussel sprouts
• Turmeric
• Walnuts
• Green tea

Focus on swapping some of the first list for some of the second. Healthy foods may not be a cure for cancer, but they certainly aid in boosting your immunity and give your body a natural defense to disease.

Written by Jody Feil, NBCF Wellness Specialist
*The views expressed in “Living Well with Jody” are Jody’s personal opinions based on her passion for healthy nutrition and fitness.