Stand Up To Cancer

Here's a confession: I love to eat. I love steak and I love tofu; I love a hot dog with relish and I love a falafel sandwich with tahini; I love a piece of chocolate cake and I also love an even bigger piece of chocolate cake.

That's why I was heartbroken when I read that recent studies have linked unhealthy diets to an increased risk of cancer. To hell with alcohol and cigarettes; I'm happy to work out every day; but please don't take away my food.

The research is just so disheartening. Eating red meat ups your chance of developing colon cancer. Cooking food on the grill can lace it with smoke-related carcinogens. Processed meats are, unsurprisingly, bad - so bye-bye, hot dogs. Sugar can indirectly increase cancer risk by upping calorie intake without adding any nutrients or vitamins. Oh, and anything that makes you gain weight is bad for you. Obesity ups your risk of developing several different kinds of cancer. See ya later, chocolate cake.

Obviously what you eat matters. But you might be surprised at what you can (and should!) eat to stave off cancer. I used to think it was all quinoa and celery sticks, and the prospect of facing a life without my favorite foods in the name of good health was just too depressing to bear. Fortunately I did a little research before losing hope.

My very favorite website is Chef MD. This week's featured recipe is "Smoky & Hot Four Chili Tostadas with Cool Queso Fresco," which frankly sounds a lot better than the reheated Trader Joe's quiche I had for dinner last night. And forget about the dark chocolate and raspberry breakfast shake. Anyone who tells me to have chocolate for breakfast - in the name of good health - has my undying allegiance.

But of course there are a zillion resources available for the health-conscious gourmand. Below, just a few favorites:

The American Cancer Society offers a shopping list for a healthy kitchen
Health Castle breaks down its dietary recommendations by specific cancer - handy for patients who are currently in the fight
The American Institute for Cancer Research has a "recipe corner" that includes desserts like apple crisp and pumpkin pie

It was through sites like these that I found out that my dirty little habit of ordering yellow curry from the Thai restaurant down the street at least two times a week isn't so dirty after all. Turmeric, a key ingredient in curry, is a serious cancer fighter. Who knew?

So instead of descending into a nadir of despair over everything you shouldn't eat, focus on the things you should. And bon app�tit!

--Cat Vasko, associate editor of SU2C Mag