Food for Thought : Has your life been touched by cancer?

 Controlling diet may help reduce  cancer  risk .
Chances are you, a friend, a parent or another loved one has been diagnosed with cancer at some point. Although cancer can make us feel helpless and out of control, there are a few things you can do to help prevent the disease.

One of the most important factors you can control is your diet. Here are a few tips for healthful eating that may help you reduce your risk of cancer:

1 .  Make sure you maintain a healthy weight. This is a key factor in reducing your risk of cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Being overweight or obese is likely to increase your risk for developing certain types of cancer. Obesity also can affect the inflammation response in your body, which can negatively affect the immune system, some hormones and the way cells grow.

2 .  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

3 .  Limit your consumption of alcohol. Some studies suggest that drinking alcoholic beverages may increase your risk of certain cancers. If you drink alcohol, limit drinks to no more than one drink per day for women or two per day for men.

What to avoid:
Foods containing preservatives.
Hydrogenated oils which equal trans fat.
High fructose corn syrup.
Excess sodium.
Sugar and sugar substitutes.
Alcohol and juice — both are loaded with sugar.
Artificial foods.
Anti-foods, which are foods that are full of calories but no nutrition (potato chips, cookies, cakes, crackers, baked goods).
 Excitotoxins (MSG, aspartame, hydrolyzed protein, soy protein isolates, carrageenan).
If you can't read it (ingredient list) don't eat it.

The three S'   to  enjoy :
1 .  Salads: Green, leafy vegetables are important and should the basis of your salads. Kale, romaine, spinach and dark greens are the best choices. Add in beans for protein and pile on the veggies. Remember to choose organic produce when possible and make your own dressings using flavorful herbs and healthy vinegars and oils.

2 . Smoothies: Fruit and veggie smoothies can start with fresh or frozen produce. Blending is a great way to optimize absorption of nutrients.

3 .  Soups: Bean-based soups are nutrient dense and keep your hunger satisfied.

Words of  Wisdom :

In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.

If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.

Knowledge is proud that it knows so much; wisdom is humble that it knows no more.

A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship.

Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts.

A proud  grand-poppa      G.