Experts tell us that when it comes to setting goals or changing behaviors, a fundamental requirement is that you believe in yourself, that you have faith in your ability. When you make the decision to eat healthier, exercise more, lose excess body fat, get your cholesterol or blood sugar down to a safer level, it’s important that tell yourself “You can do it”. (I can do it) It’s important that you tell yourself that “you have the ability to succeed”. Even if you have tried and failed before, it doesn’t matter. Look within yourself for a new-found strength and resolve to get it done and to stick with it this time. At a certain point, you have to ask yourself, “How do I plan to take care of myself for the rest of my life”. That’s the real question. And the best answer is that “I plan to eat foods each day that will help reduce my risk of cancer and heart disease, as well diabetes, and to get regular exercise and achieve and maintain a healthy weight”.And while we are on the subject, what are the foods that reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes? Wel,l let me introduce you to 2 renowned cancer researchers, who routinely test newly developed chemotherapy drugs to assess their ability to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth.

Drs. Beliveau and Gingra are two Ph.D researchers who do this kind of work day in and day out. They teamed up to write a book – Foods That Fight Cancer: Preventing cancer through diet. In their book, they explain that many of foods they test in their cancer lab show the same cancer-killing and cancer inhibiting properties as the chemotherapy drugs they test. They also highlight the evidence showing that people who eat these cancer-fighting foods on a regular basis show a significantly lower risk of developing many cancers compared to those who don’t eat these foods regularly. So, which foods have they shown contain the most potent cancer-fighting properties?

• Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips
• Soybeans and soy-based products
• Garlic and onions
• Tomatoes
• Green Tea
• Omega-3 fats (fish twice per week)
• Curcumin from the spice turmeric
• Citrus Fruits
• Berries
• Grapes
• Ground flaxseed

Other studies show that peas and beans also have impressive anti-cancer properties, and they help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.  Foods that increase cancer include high-fat animal products, trans-fats, deep-fried foods, sugary treats and drinks, and processed meats treated with nitrites like bacon, sausage, and many deli meats. Certainly, chicken breast, turkey breast, Cornish hen, egg whites and whey protein are examples of better protein choices.

If you go about the business of seeking out and focusing on foods that prevent cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, there will be no or little room left in your life for the foods that cause these diseases. What you focus on will become your reality. All you have to do is to believe you can do it and go about the business of living an anti-cancer, anti-heart disease, anti-diabetes lifestyle. Simply, focus your attention in the right direction and believe in your ability to follow through as each new day presents itself. In time, it just becomes second nature.

 In the end, it’s really that simple. Focus your attention in the right direction and believe in yourself.  You can do it.

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great

Dr. James Meschino
DC,MS, ROHP