By Jeannie Versagli, RDN, CN
Research shows your chances of developing cancer are affected by the lifestyle choices you make. In fact, new research suggests that one-third of all cancer deaths are linked to diet and physical activity. The most important things you can do to help reduce your risk of cancer is eat right, be physically active, and maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
Here are some general, easy-to-follow guidelines to help you reduce your risk of developing cancer just by eating right.
Consume fewer foods that are high in calories, fat, and low in nutrients.
Help yourself by not helping yourself to the foods we all know we shouldn’t be eating regularly. Pizza, nachos, you name it — limit them to limit your cancer risk.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Aim to fill half of your lunch or dinner plate with fruits and veggies, and look to include beans in your everyday diet. For a great summer side dish featuring zucchini, mushrooms, and pinto beans, try Real Simple’s Pan-Roasted Vegetables and Beans.
Limit alcohol.
Evidence suggests all types of alcoholic drinks may increase one’s risk for breast, pancreatic, and other forms of cancer. If you do drink, limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one drink daily for women and two for men.
