A Fresh Start!

One way to work on a fresh start for your health this New Year is to choose nutritious foods.

They not only will better your health but also will help decrease your cancer risk. Here are a few nutrition tips provided by the American Cancer Society that can help you make healthy food choices:

· Add more fiber to your daily diet. Many high fiber foods are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that aid in cancer prevention. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has a “Foods that Fight Cancer” food list that you can refer to. Be sure to include a wide variety of foods that are high in fiber in your diet such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and beans.

· Limit excess sugar and fat in your diet. Sugar and fat add extra calories to your diet and can lead to unwanted weight gain. Look for ways to substitute sugar and fat when cooking and baking to save on those extra calories.

· Watch your portion sizes. Try to avoid eating oversized portions which will add extra calories to your diet.

Be sure to begin this year with a new you and a healthy diet that aids in the fight against cancer.

Kristin Waldron, RD, is a registered dietitian at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey