Breast Cancer awareness month

I got this information from a flyer yesterday at the new Sunflower Farmers Market that opened in town. Love the store! The thing I like best is that the majority of the floor space is taken up by fresh produce! What a novel concept :)

Some tips I thought were good to consider:

1. Eat right! Fresh fruits and veggies - it's easy to enjoy them. They contain all the inclusive vitamins and minerals with the cofactors and enzymes necessary for proper digestion. They are versatile, portable and disease preventing!

2. Screen. Simply be aware of your risk factors and your protective factors, those that put you at risk or decrease your risk, such as genes, diet, age and physical activity level. Conduct regular self-examinations.

3. Think positive. Maintain a healthy attitude. Good health is not just how much we weigh or what we eat, but your mental outlook. Do something every day that makes your feel good.

And some DO and DO NOTs to consider:

DO eat whole wheat, for energy and fiber, whole wheat or whole grain can keep you regular and feeling good. Be wary of refined flours, avoid "bleached" and "enriched" flours, as they are only imposters.

DON'T consume transfats, rancid fats or hydrogenated fats. Olive oil, flax seed oil, salmon, almonds and avocados are all good fats to try to incorporate into your diet. They can help joints, make the heart healthy and balance hormone levels.

DO drink lots of water. It's an essential nutrient for your cells. Avoid sugary sodas.

DON'T consume large amounts of white sugar. Eat and cook with natural sugars such a cane, honey, and agave nectar. White sugar is overly processed, containing little to no vitamins and minerals, wreaking havoc on your body.

DO take one day at a time. Stress not only takes a toll on your mind, but also on your body.

DO tale nutritional supplements and DO talk to your Doctor before beginning a supplment regine.

DO include broccoli and alfalfa sprouts in your diet. They contain phytochemicals found to reduce the risk of some cancers, not to mention, contain B vitamins and large amounts of A and C. The tiny alfalfa seed produces a root that can reach 100 feet into the earth, accessing minerals and trace elements untouched by other plants. They are a great source of protein and easily digestible because the sprouting process converts the starch to simple sugars. They pack a big nutrition punch in a small amount of food with very few calories.

DON'T each excessive amounts of processed, or packaged food. Don't make your body work harder to digest unhealthy foods.

DO get plenty of exercise. Women with higher BMI (body mass index) are at high risk for breast cancer. Not only can exercise maintain the waistline, but it can also boost your mood. No need to wear yourself out - it's the regularity, not the intensity, that makes a difference.

DO include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Even add extra yellow or orange fruits and veggies, as recent studies suggest the carotenoid, beta-carotene may help improve health conditions. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, include several servings at each and every meal you consume.