Written by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist
I’m seeing pink everywhere I go. Last night I even drove behind a pink cement truck! Well it’s for a good reason; October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, breast cancer has touched the lives of almost every one of us. It may be your mother, sister, close friend, or perhaps it’s your own health that has been afflicted. Whatever the case, it is an equally sad and devastating diagnosis. We are all searching for a cure and some clear-cut prevention guidelines.
Many researchers have looked at what and how much we eat to see if there is a causative relationship between diet and breast cancer. Unfortunately, no clear association has been established. There are no super foods that will prevent cancer nor are there specific foods to avoid. The National Cancer Institute says “There is no direct link between eating certain foods and breast cancer.”
However, that doesn’t mean that diet isn’t important. Two known risk factors for breast cancer, obesity and alcohol consumption, are related to dietary intake. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women limit alcohol to one drink per day as well as achieving and maintaining a normal weight-for-height for cancer prevention.
Therefore, the best-known way to prevent cancer is a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise and an all- around healthy diet. I’m sure you’ve heard this before. A healthy diet is one that meets (not exceeds) your caloric needs and is based on whole-grains, plenty of fruits & vegetables, lean protein such as poultry, fish, lean cuts of red meats, beans & legumes and lean dairy foods. Check out the new chooseMyPlate.gov website for ways to upgrade your plate.
Learn how YOU can be part of finding the cure. Visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness website and remember to treat yourself right by making half your plate fruits and vegetables!
Quick Ideas for Making Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables
Recipe Ideas using this week’s Sale items
Shredded Turkey & Pinto Bean Burritos
Boneless Pork Loin with Herb Pepper Rub with Roasted Red Potatoes
Grilled Vegetable and Chicken Salad Rigatoni
Baked Haddock with Cracker Crumb Crust served with Butternut Squash Pilaf
Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon-Marshmallow Topping
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