Good Health Habits

There is so much mixed information about what foods to eat and what foods to avoid.  When I start to get overwhelmed I just try to remember…food should be food.  If there is a list of ingredients on the package that you cannot pronounce and that your grandmother would not recognize...it's probably not real food. 
Here are some rules I try to follow to maintain good health:

1. Don’t eat too much fat:  I think for the most part we know what foods are high in fat.  Anything fried…no good!  Foods loaded with heavy sauces, creams, and butter should be avoided.  A salad is great for lunch until it is loaded with bacon, cheese and high fat dressing.  A cup of coffee is fine until it is topped with chocolate, whipped cream, and sugar. 

2.  Limit your animal fats: I try to have several days a week where I do not consume any meat.  I still may enjoy low-fat dairy products but I opt for a salad for lunch and pasta with vegetables and marinara sauce for dinner.


3. Avoid foods with hydrogenated oils (margarine, and vegetable shortenings):  Hydrogenated oils hide in many unsuspecting foods such as flour tortillas, and boxed muffin mixes.  Take the time to read the ingredients to make sure you know what you are getting.

4. Limit Alcohol: Even a modest amount of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

5.  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables:  I keep grapes washed and ready to eat, carrots sticks readily available in the refrigerator, clementines in a bowl on the counter, etc. I do this so that when I feel like a snack I have lots of healthy choices around me so I am not tempted to make a not so healthy choice.

Preventing Breast Cancer - Foods to Avoid

I like to read articles that are quick and to the point.  With all the information about what foods to eat and what to avoid it can get overwhelming to know what to do.  Remember food should be food.  If there is a list of ingredients on the package that you cannot pronounce and that your grandmother would not recognize...it's probably not real food.

Here are some dietary habits to avoid, as they may increase the risk of breast cancer(from dr.weil.com):

1. Eating too much fat. Keep your dietary fat content low - below 25 percent of your daily calories is ideal.
2. Consuming animal fats, polyunsaturated fats (including many vegetable oils), and hydrogenated oils (margarine, and vegetable shortenings) can all increase cancer risks. Minimize consumption of all.
3. Drinking alcohol. Even in modest amounts, alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
4. A daily intake of conventionally raised meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Replace with organic, hormone-free versions and use sparingly.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03644/Preventing-Breast-Cancer-Foods-to-Avoid.html

Does Grape Julice Have the Same Benefits as Red Wine?

I hope not or I will have to make up a new reason for my 1 glass of red wine per night!

I have read several articles that state that red wine actually has more flavonoids, (naturally occurring plant compounds) that protect the heart, than red grapes alone. The alcohol in wine may provide additional heart healthy benefits such as raising the HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the blood and also to help thin your blood.

Other studies suggest that red wine may help reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and slow the progression of neurological degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Not to put a damper on the good news but we also have to consider that women should only drink one 5oz glass of red wine per night and some studies even suggest that alcohol can increase a women's change of developing breast cancer.

So, my suggestion, if you don't drink, don't start. If you do, make a healthy choice like one small glass of red wine per night.

And always...everything in moderation.