Healthy Eating

What is a "Healthy Diet?"

A balanced diet is important for everyone, but when you’re a cancer survivor, eating healthy and getting the nutrients your body needs to fight cancer and other diseases is critical. The cornerstones of a healthy diet are…

  • Eat at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruit each day. Ounce for ounce, these foods pack a punch with more cancer-fighting nutrients and other helpful components than all other foods.
  • Choose whole wheat products over refined grains and cereals. Whole grains are loaded with B-vitamins, magnesium, and fiber.
  • Limit the amount of red and processed meats you eat. These foods are linked with much higher rates of colorectal cancer. This is one of the more common cancers, and as a cancer survivor you are at higher risk of developing it.
  • Limit the amount of sweets, fat, alcohol and other high calorie foods that do little to nourish your body.

Healthy eating recommendations in SurvivorSHINE are based on information from the DASH Eating Plan (see the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute), the American Diabetes Association, and the American Institute for Cancer Research.

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Miranda's Story

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I made up my mind that I was going to beat this disease. People were counting on me to get better, and I wasn’t going to let them down. I saw the cancer as my own personal battle and knew there were things that I COULD DO to fight it. Three years later, I’m still fighting by taking care of my health. I eat healthy low-fat foods like vegetables and fruits. I feel great. My health and my family are something worth fighting for. The fight has not been easy, but I’m on my way!

* The individual pictured above is not the individual described in the story. The name and photo have been changed to protect privacy.