- Choose an eating pattern that works with your likes/dislikes and that fits into your lifestyle. For example: if you like meat…going vegan is probably not realistic or if your job requires you to dine out frequently, a severely restrictive diet might not work. Instead, look at your current diet and find 1-2 habits that you could change. Drinks tend to really add on the calories, so review the calorie content of some of your beverages. Swap out your typical snacks for a fruit or vegetable. Check out myplate.gov or aicr.org (new American plate) for accurate and reliable nutrition plans.
- Much like eating, exercise should also be an activity that you enjoy and have time for. If you are looking for encouragement…a group exercise class might be best for you. Time is often a restraint on exercise, so look at pockets of your day where you can add 10-20 minutes of activity.
- Celebrate small achievements to keep yourself motivated. Put a star on your calendar every time you choose a healthy food or activity over a non-healthy choice. Small victories result in reaching larger goals!
- Lean on those that are most supportive of your healthy lifestyle changes. Tell close friends and family what your goals are and how you plan to achieve them. Subconsciously, you will be more likely to make better choices when you know others are supporting and counting on you.
Here’s to all the best in health, happiness and love in the new year, Cheers!
If you are a patient and have questions about your diet, please ask your oncologist at your next appointment about receiving a complimentary nutritional session with Melanie Mitchell, Cancer Partners’ Registered Dietitian.