Think Your Drink! We've talked about sugar, and we've talked about artificial sweeteners. Regular sodas, juice, Kool-Aid and here in the south, sweet tea, can contribute a significant amount of calories. Take this example: Scenario 1: 16 oz. latte with whole milk (they use whole milk unless you ask for something else) 20 oz. soda with lunch … [Read more...]
Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer: Does Crystal Light or Diet Soda Cause Cancer?
Splenda. Saccharin. Asparatame. Acesulfame K. Stevia. Sugar alcohols. When it comes to cancer, there is a lot of controversy over artificial sweeteners. In the last two posts (part I and part II), I talked about sugar and cancer. A large portion of sugar intake in America is from our fluids. In response to this, many people have chosen to take in fluids that are calorie free, but have sweet flavor from artificial sweeteners. What's Wrong With Drinking Something … [Read more...]
Does Sugar Feed Cancer? Part II
I can't believe how often I hear the statement that sugar feeds cancer! Just today, I heard it again. For more explanation on why this is a misleading statement, check out Part I. Here we are at Part II. This post should answer some questions such as, how much sugar is too much? And, what types should we be having? What Foods Have Sugar? There are many different types of sugar. I'm sure you've heard the term "simple sugar" and "complex carbohydrates". Both simple … [Read more...]
Does Sugar Feed Cancer? Part I
Many people have heard the statement that "sugar feeds cancer". I have had patients whose friends, family or other source told them to completely avoid sugar. This series of posts will hopefully set the record straight regarding what we know about sugar and cancer! The Facts About Sugar and Cancer Our bodies need sugar, specifically glucose, for energy. Every cell of our body, especially the brain, needs sugar to live. The sugar that we need comes from 2 places. One is from … [Read more...]
Smoothies: A Cancer Fighting Combination
What Makes a Smoothie? Smoothies can be a great way to get in a dairy and fruit serving or two. They're good for breakfast, a snack, or as dessert in the evening. Most importantly, they can provide you yet another opportunity to get some healthy phytochemicals in your diet! Smoothies seem to come in and out of popularity. And, there doesn't seem to be any particular definition of what exactly makes a smoothie. I've seen "smoothies" that are really just glorified milkshakes. If … [Read more...]
Meals to Fight Cancer: Breakfast
Get Your Day Started Right! You have all heard it before. I'm sure Kellogg's started it. But really, the most important meal of the day? Let's not discriminate; I think ALL meals are important. No one meal is more important than any other. They're just, how should I say it ... 'different'. Yes, I'm talking about breakfast! The first meal of your day can be a starting point for getting in cancer 'phyters' (phytochemicals). Breakfast is also important in maintaining a healthy … [Read more...]
Anti-Cancer Spices: Cooking With Curry
Using Spices Fight Cancer In my past blogs I have emphasized the importance of phytochemicals (which come from plant foods) in reducing risk for cancer. Spices are another great source of phytochemicals. All different types are beneficial: cinnamon, oregano, basil, curry, rosemary, ginger, etc. Spices are plant foods and have concentrated levels of phytochemicals. That's why you get a good benefit without having to use a large volume. For those of you that are not used to cooking … [Read more...]
Healthy Snacks: Getting Nutrients Between Meals
Should I Snack?I get the question a lot: Is it better to have 3 meals and no snacks, or 6 small meals a day? As you may guess, there really isn't a simple answer. Here's what we know. When it comes to weight control, the bottom line is calories-in vs. calories-out. If you eat more calories than you burn, then you will gain weight. You could do that with 3 large meals or with 6 small meals. For general health and wellness as well as disease prevention, I think a regular … [Read more...]
Meal Planning Part II: The Grocery Store
Behind the CartLast time I emphasized the importance of planning. Today's post is about implementing your meal plan at the grocery store. For the best use of your time, it's best to plan out your meals and THEN make the grocery list. I'll confess though. Sometimes I just go to the grocery store, buy some things on sale and then plan my meals after I get home. That often requires an extra trip to the grocery store on my way home from work another evening to get the extra … [Read more...]
Meal Planning: Your Index to Fighting Cancer
Hopefully you have taken the challenge to cook more meals at home. Maybe you've even decided to experiment with some new foods or cooking techniques. Cooking works great when you have the time and energy to put into it. Most of us know that an abundance of time and energy is not reality. For the most part, lack of planning (not lack of time or energy!) is the biggest barrier to people eating healthy. There are many days when I get home from work and the last thing I want to do … [Read more...]
