Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Nutritional Tip -- Get your greens!

One of the keys to living a healthy, vibrant life is providing your body with all the nutrients it needs to function at its best. In observation of breast cancer research month, it's important to recognize that current research shows that eating certain foods can decrease your risk of breast and all other cancers. There are a few simple things you can do to optimize the cancer-fighting potential of your plate.

First, try to increase the amount of organic, raw, whole fruits and vegetables in your diet. Second, be sure you are eating a wide variety of these fruits and vegetables. Eat from the rainbow! You'll know you are getting a diverse selection of phytonutrients and antioxidants when your plate is filled with a selection of colors.

Easier said then done, you say?

Here are two simple ways to increase the amount of health-boosting fruits and veggies in your daily eating plan:

Make fruit be the first thing you eat every day and make a smoothie that is filled with fruit to enjoy throughout the morning. Smoothies are great because you can take them on-the-go. Try to vary the fruits you use, including strawberries, blueberries, goji berries, mangos, papaya and anything else you love. One caveat: if you eat melon, try not to mix it with other fruits because it does not digest well when combined.

To increase the amount of veggies you eat daily, be certain to eat a large colorful salad every day. There are so many greens to choose from to keep things interesting, such as arugala, watercress, cilantro and romaine. Pile on the sprouts: clover, alfalfa, and broccoli. Add in chopped raw veggies like red pepper, carrots, cucumbers and shredded beets. Sprinkle on some sea vegetables such as kelp, nori or dulse for a mineral boost. Add some good fats such as avocado or olives and make a simple dressing of hemp oil or flax oil with lemon juice and herbs of your choice. Et voila! A nutrient-dense meal that puts you well on your way to getting your 5+ servings of vegetables a day.

By making these two simple changes in your daily eating schedule, you can help prevent a variety of health issues and keep your body and mind functioning at their best. Keep things simple and your body and mind will thank you.

Be Well, Kelly